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State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) conduct project-level air quality analyses for the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) and to meet the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) transportation conformity
Is there a negative perception of DOTs if the mowing schedule leaves taller vegetation throughout more of the year and later into the growing season? Does education about the reasoning
Interseeding (also known as overseeding) can increase flowering plant diversity in grass-dominated stands of vegetation but has rarely been used on roadsides. Research is needed to better understand how to
Computer Vision is a subfield of Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) that uses image recognition to identify wildlife species. The technology has multiple applications for transportation projects including protected species
Assess the use of eDNA for detecting the presence/absence of protected species on transportation projects. If the application shows potential for accurate results that would be acceptable to natural resource
The idea of meaningful public engagement has evolved of the years and environmental professionals are continual challenged to do more thorough engagement during all phases of the project delivery process.
Operational improvements such as auxiliary lanes and intelligent transportation system treatments are designed to reduce congestion. Even these minor congestion improvement strategies and investments intended to optimize existing roadway system
This proposal seeks identification of effective tools to meet consultation requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act on compressed timeframes specified under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
Background DOTs routinely receive requests to add new products and materials to their lists of approved products, including culvert repair products and materials used for road and bridge repair. Many
Comparisons of alternative build and no-build scenarios in project-level air quality analyses for NEPA and conformity typically focus on comparisons of emissions and/or ambient concentrations of pollutants, namely greenhouse gases
Transportation-related infrastructure affects wildlife in a variety of ways by altering the physical environment. These alterations often negatively impact wildlife through displacement, barriers to movement, and increased mortality. They can
There is significant traffic congestion on freeways during peak hours in metropolitan areas across the country that lead to increased emissions and other impacts. Both recurring bottlenecks and nonrecurring events
Transportation agencies conduct a significant portion of archaeological investigations in the US and in many developed countries around the world. Once a transportation project is built, however, there remains the
Background Roadway lighting has been shown to measurably reduce nighttime fatal and other crashes. However, roadway lighting can negatively impact insects and animals through attraction and disorientation or by disrupting
FY2022 NCHRP PROBLEM STATEMENT OUTLINE 1. Problem Title Concrete Curing pH Level Impacts for Minimization of Harm to Aquatic Species 2. Background Construction and maintenance actions regularly require state Department
During project development and construction, DOT agencies must assess the liability of real property acquisitions of contaminated property as well as contaminated waste management generated by disturbing these areas during
Recent research findings identified 6PPD-quinone as the major agent responsible for exceptionally high levels of rapid mortality of adult Coho salmon in some urban streams. Lethal effects occurred in Coho
As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s preferred air dispersion model for refined transportation project analyses, AERMOD is used to model roadway “link” source using AREA, VOLUME, LINE, RLINE, or
The Section 4(f) Net Benefit Programmatic Evaluation was created in 2005. It provides a streamlined opportunity for Section 4(f) compliance when compared to completing an Individual Section 4(f) Evaluation. The
Background Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of manmade fluorinated chemicals that have been manufactured and used in a variety of industries since the 1940’s. They are persistent
Commitments resulting from the environmental clearance document are intended to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts to environmental resources. These commitments vary in scope and may be derived from federal environmental
Field test and model 12-15 low berms along different roadways and document the results. Compare the measured to the modeled results. Compare the results to typical structural noise barrier results.
.1 To minimize the capital costs of an open caste mine by direct method of project appraisal techniques against the target levels of production (MT/annum) and Manpower (000’s). For e.g.,
Emission factors versus speed curves generated using the MOVES3 model exhibit very anomalous behavior at higher road grades that are within the range encountered in project-level air quality analyses for
Regulatory requirements for conducting quantitative project-level analyses for particulate matter (PM) were introduced by EPA with the release of the MOVES model in 2010. This proposed study would prepare a
The recently completed NCHRP study (20-05 Topic 51-18 Practices for Project-Level Analyses for Air Quality) included a recommendation for the development of a template guidance document for the preparation of
Synthesis on standard and nonstandard mitigation in Section 106 agreements. Survey of cultural resource mitigation in Programmatic Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding. What works/what doesn’t work and why. (Developed in
A nationwide survey of how transportation agencies from all levels are successfully defining Areas of Potential Effect (APEs) for projects across the country. APEs are defined as part of the
The ability to easily access and share digital archeological data during the Section 106 review process has become an issue of increasing concern for State Departments of Transportations (State DOTs)
A nationwide survey of how transportation agencies from all levels are successfully communicating with both internal and external project partners throughout the Section 106 process. The survey would focus on
Working to complete will update
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Subcommittee on Cultural Resources. Today, transportation agencies use public involvement programs to incorporate public input into more and more
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Subcommittee on Cultural Resources. Transportation agencies (federal and state DOTs) conduct more cultural resource studies and expend more funds
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Environmental Process Subcommittee. There is growing frustration with the results of current state, regional, and local transportation and community
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Subcommittee on Cultural Resources. The research should be conducted in two phases. The first will identify innovative approaches for
Transportation agencies spend substantial funds to identify cultural resources that are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and thus subject to environmental regulations. Despite the fact that the
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Note recommended at present time by 2009 Environmental Process Subcommittee. In the current state of the practice there are no tools and best practices available that
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Funded as “Finding the Carrot Instead of the Stick – Incentive-based Approaches for Environmental Compliance” (NCHRP 25-25: Task 50). Planning, construction, and operations of transportation projects
This research will identify promising analytical techniques that enable four-step planning models, used to produce region-wide estimates of vehicle activity data, to interface with modal emission rate models. The research
Many users of EPA’s MOBILE model are developing regional or local fleet characterization data to more accurately predict mobile source emissions. Vehicle identification number (VIN) decoder software is often used
TERI Administrator Note (February 2009): Project cross-referenced in TRB Research Needs Database. Not recommended at present time by 2009 Air Quality Subcommittee. The first goal of this project is to
Energy intensities (energy use per unit of activity) are basic information for forecasting, policy analysis, planning, and monitoring progress toward national energy and environmental goals. The most recent comprehensive study
TERI Administrator Note (May 2013). Completed in 2011 as NCHRP Report 686 Road Pricing: Public Perceptions and Program Development The proposed research would be conducted in several steps: 1. Identify
TERI Administrator Note (Feb 2009) – This idea has been addressed via Biofuels in the U.S. Transportation Sector; US Energy Information Administration, 2007 The contribution that biofuels can make to
TERI Administrator Note (Feb 2009) – Energy Information Administration, Alternatives to Traditional Transportation Fuels 2006 (Part II – User and Fuel Data); May 2008; Contains detailed data on the use
The ultimate fate of some treated transportation stormwater runoff from BMPs is groundwater. Groundwater is a precious resource. If groundwater quality has become degraded from transportation BMP stormwater runoff, the
Those conducting the proposed research will 1. Identify opportunities for a change in regulatory system approach at the national, state, and local levels. 2. Develop a set of model regulations/ordinances,
TERI Administrator Note (2007): Funded as NCHRP Project 25-31 Hydraulic Modifications to Existing Drainage Infrastructure in Ultra-Urban Areas to Achieve Watershed Total Maximum Daily Loads The transportation community is faced
TERI Administrator Note (June 2007): Research Need Met FHWA, Assessing the Effects of Freight Movement on Air Quality at the National and Regional Level, Final Report, April 2007 http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TD/FREIGHT/docs/publications/federal/FHWAFrtAirQualRep1.pdf Given
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Note recommended at present time by 2009 Environmental Process Subcommittee. There is growing interest in using recycled materials, industrial byproduct materials and reclaimed soil in highway
Ideas for sustainable design generally pertain to manufacturing operations and office and residential building design. Although the basic principles of sustainable design are the same, the specific needs of transportation
TERI Administrator Note (May 2013): Completed July 2012 as NCHRP 10-76 Methodologies for Evaluating Pavement Strategies and Barriers for Noise Mitigation Although efforts to reduce transportation-related noise are costly , the
TERI Administrator Note (Feb 2009) – Research Complete – Related research: The FHWA Roadway Construction Noise Model (FHWA RCNM) Version 1.0 is a Windows-based program that is available without cost
Major and visible effects-such as shoreline alteration, reduced connection to adjacent upland, sediment filling-in, eutrophication, reduced oxygen levels, and altered fish populations-are attributable to roads altering coastal, lake, reservoir, pond,
Algal blooms and excessive plant growth commonly plague lacustrine systems due to the buildup of phosphorus. While phosphorus is not a principal component in highway runoff, there may be areas
In order to make the best choices regarding the planning and development of highway capacity, transportation decision-makers need a wide range of data. To conduct impact assessment, for example, agencies
A new decision making process is needed to underpin the system planning and project development process, one that is equipped to consider multi-modal and operations solutions that minimize adverse environmental
TERI Administrator Note (June 2007): Funded as NCHRP Project 25-25, Task 39, “Improving Project Environmental Cost Estimates.” Project completion date: October 2008. http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1657 Improvement of cost estimating practices and the
Because hydrologic conditions around corridors are the result of transportation-system design processes, the major patterns of road hydrology are well documented. It is generally clear, for example, how highway hydrology
This research project will build on research grounded in environmental science to identify and evaluate approaches for improving water quality and watershed performance and to reduce habitat fragmentation and its
TERI Administrator Note (Feb 2009) Pending project: NCHRP 8-36 (86) Corridor Approaches to Integrating Land Transportation and Land Use Several states and metropolitan regions have implemented programs that combine land
The environmental and community consequences of changes in freight movement patterns in the US may be significant, but are currently unknown. Strategies are needed in response to emerging freight movement
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Air Quality Subcommittee. The secondary effects of highway capacity expansion on development and land use patterns are often used
TERI Administrator Note (June 2007): Funded as NCHRP Project 25-25, Task 37. Completion date 10/31/08. http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1655 The research will focus on reviewing transportation agencies for strategies and tools that assist
This research would have two elements: (a) dissemination of existing information technology and (b) foundational work to develop customized information technology tools for specific environmental stewardship and streamlining applications. Information
TERI Administrator Note (January 2009): Funded as NCHRP Project 25-25, Task 38, “Guide to Use of Tier I Environmental Impact Statements for Transportation Projects.” Completion date October 2008. http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1656 The
TERI Administrator Note (January 2009): Related Research SHRP2 Project C01: Improving collaborative decision making and the process for selecting solutions to capacity problems. Projected completion date 2/27/09. http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2161 Most transportation/environmental
Project development depends on good communication among the public, planners, and project development teams. Technical design drawings and maps have limited value when a project requries communication with non-engineers and
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Subcommittee on Cultural Resources. Transportation investments produce different benefits for different members of the public. Decision makers often need
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Subcommittee on Cultural Resources. Phase 1 Share successful efforts by public agencies to inform the public of the results
Development resulting from transportation investment has significant impacts on cultural and historic resources. In addition, indirect and cumulative effects on cultural resources are not well defined or understood and are
Develop decision-making guidance on preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of historic bridges.
TERI Database Administrator Notes. Not recommended at present time by 2009 Natural Systems Subcommittee. This project will facilitate state DOT peer exchanges using the current volume of The Compendium
This project focuses on identifying and developing approaches to more meaningfully involve the public in transportation decision making and to maintain this connection through the development and construction phases. It
A succinct definition of context needs to be developed within the community in terms of its aesthetic character, visual quality, cultural diversity, and how these elements translate into the existing
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Subcommittee on Cultural Resources. Research is needed to identify and document how current investment policies affect different groups and
TERI Administrator Note (January 2009): Project has been funded as NCHRP 25-25: Task 62 for 2009, “Improving the Effectiveness of Outreach to Traditional and Non-Traditional Groups by Integrating the Expertise
TERI Administrator Note – NCHRP 08-72 [Pending] Practical Approaches for Involving Traditionally Under-served Populations in Transportation Decision Making Showcase the success stories, best practices, and model community initiatives, which incorporate
TERI Administrator Note (January 2009): Funded as NCHRP Project 25-25, Task 43, “Guidance on legal sufficiency criteria for adequate cumulative and secondary impacts analysis in EIS documents.” Report submitted September
Document the current regulatory and policy environment on this topic and its implications for state DOTs. Review states’ experiences in mitigating for cumulative impacts. Identify best practices and lessons learned.
TERI Administrator Note (Feb 2009): Related Research: Highway Construction Noise Handbook (Volpe Center, 2006) Develop a comprehensive, multi-modal transportation noise prediction methodology, in cooperation with other transportation modes.
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Environmental Process Subcommittee. Develop and distribute a brochure or otehr publication that describes improved, more cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Air Quality Subcommittee. PART5 calculates exhaust emission factors for primary emitted particulates, brake and tire wear emissions, and re-entrained
State and local transportation and air quality agencies have limited knowledge of the full range of options to reduce PM2.5 from transportation sources. PM10 nonattainment areas around the country have
TERI Administrator Note (January 2009): Project funded as NCHRP 25-25-59 in 2009 The effect of control strategies on both PM and ozone is important because many areas of the country
TERI Administrator Note: Based on a February 2008 review by Center staff, the write up for this idea needs additional review, clarification, or rewriting. Throughout the country, many departments and
TERI Administrator Note (2/18/08): Funded as NCHRP Project 25-25 (55) “Design, Organize and Implement a Training Program for Mainstreaming Environmental Stewardship and Enhancement Activities into Planning and Project Development“ Design
Since the release of the FHWA Traffic Noise Model (TNM), users have identified additional factors that affect highway traffic noise prediction. Improvement of the model’s acoustical capabilities will allow a
Develop improvements to the FHWA TNM and traffic noise-analysis techniques to address the following: 1) Effects of Irregular Terrain – Highway sites may include terrain with undulations of varying size,
With current reductions in funding for State DOTs and agencies, environmental teams have to find new and cost effective ways to better training and educate a shrinking workforce. This effort
Identify an assessment method to determine regional cumulative impacts. Identify what are cumulative impacts in both spatial (region) and timeframe (horizon- year) terms. Develop sample matrix or other tools to
Identify and describe effective approaches for outreach to non-traditional groups. TERI Administrator Note (January 2009): Project has been funded as NCHRP 25-25: Task 62 for 2009, “Improving the Effectiveness of
Background In February 2010 the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) released draft guidance for NEPA Mitigation and Monitoring. The memorandum proposes: “To provide guidance for departments and agencies of the
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Funded as NCHRP 25-25 48 “Compendium of Environmental Fieldwork Technologies” Maintain an ongoing compendium of environmental fieldwork technologies TERI Administrator Note (January 2009) Project funded under
Develop case studies of successful approaches for combining NEPA and MPO planning. TERI Administrator Note (Feb 2009) – Related research: Highways and Environment: Transportation Agencies Are Acting to Involve Others
Assessment of DOTs’ environmental commitment tracking systems TERI Administrator Note (June 2007): Research Completed AASHTO Practitioner Guide: Tracking Compliance with Environmental Commitments/Use of Environmental Monitors (2006) https://environment.transportation.org/center/products_programs/practitioners_handbooks.aspx#tracking This handbook provides
Identify and analyze methods for retrofitting highways with measures to reduce impacts to wildlife. TERI Administrator Note (June 2007): Research Completed (See Below) NCHRP – Evaluation of the Use and
Develop native plant restoration techniques specific to roadside use, especially following weed control projects and other rehabilitation efforts.
Roadsides in the United States cover an area equal to 100,000 football fields for every state (TRB 1997) and are often refuges for rare native plants. These areas represent an
Although crashing into a large animal with a motorized vehicle may involve damage, human injury, or death (Conover et al. 1995; Romin and Bissonette 1996), roadkills overall appear to be
Habitat loss and fragmentation are the two leading causes of wildlife loss and extirpation. Degraded watersheds and fragmented wildlife habitats have a lower capability to sustain wildlife populations and important
Over the last decade, natural resource agencies and transportation agencies have become increasingly aware of the effects that highway and railroad systems have on wildlife. Habitat loss and fragmentation are
Research should evaluate existing wildlife crossing systems to determine their effectiveness. Various system types should be compared with respect to wildlife. In evaluating system effectiveness, consideration needs to be given
Highways create a multitude of impacts on wildlife movement across the landscape. Some of the highway impacts result from the structure of the roadway, location of the roadway, traffic volume,
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Natural Systems Subcommittee. Highway crossings can have a negative impact on ecosystems by creating barriers that inhibit the movement
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Natural Systems Subcommittee. Subcommittee recommended funding ID#86, which addresses similar issues. The proposed research will use existing data (e.g., aerial
The goal of the proposed research is to develop an Ecologically Sensitive Right of Way Management Guidance Manual that provides for protection and enhancement of ecological resources and reduces maintenance
In a selection of states, and across a gradient of ecological and transportation factors, this experimental research would test for correlations among areas of known deer abundance and established rates
TERI Administrator Note (Jan 2009) – Completed. See http://www.contextsensitivesolutions.org/content/case_studies/ Develop and disseminate case studies that demonstrate how transportation projects have been planned, designed, and constructed to: be neighborhood friendly; avoid,
The scope of the research will include a comprehensive survey of the various types of solar and wind power systems available, their ability to provide sufficient or excess power for
Monitor different crossing structures to determine which kinds work best. TERI Administrator Note (June 2007): Research Completed (See Below) NCHRP – Evaluation of the Use and Effectiveness of Wildlife Crossings,
TERI Administrator Note (Feb 2009) – Relevant Research: Financing Transportation Through the Capture of Land Value Gains: Practical Integration and Stakeholder Involvement, Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota (Scheduled
TERI Administrator Note (June 2007): Funded as NCHRP Project 25-25, Task 42 http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1660. TERI Administrator Note (January 2009): Task reported completed Nov. 2008. The US EPA emission factor document called
TERI Administrator Note (Feb 2009) – International Association of Ports and Harbors – TOOL BOX FOR PORT CLEAN AIR PROGRAMS; HOW TO CONDUCT AN EMISSIONS INVENTORY, December 2007 http://www.iaphworldports.org Research
Background: Federal guidance[1] requires detailed emission modeling for mobile source air toxic emissions (MSATs) for transportation projects that meet certain traffic and other criteria. As the development of the requisite
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Funded as NCHRP Project 25-25, Task 44 http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1662 “Development and Implementation of a Transportation and Climate Change Clearinghouse” Background: Greenhouse gas emissions and the related subject of
TERI Administrator Note (January 2009): Idea selected for implementation with NCHRP 25-25 (Task 58) funding in 2009; completed August 2010 Background: Greenhouse gas emissions and the related subject of
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Funded as NCHRP Project 25-25, Task 45 (http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1663) “Transportation Program Responses to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Initiatives and Energy Reduction Programs” Background: The prospect of
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Funded under NCHRP 25-25 (51) Problem Statement State departments of transportation have constructed many environmental mitigation projects in conjunction with transportation projects that have been
Background NEPA environmental documents for projects reflect substantial time and money analyzing and predicting environmental impacts. Decisions on those projects are made based on that information. There is limited or no information
TERI Administrator Note (January 2009): Funded as NCHRP Project 25-25, Task 40. Completed January 2008. http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1658 Background: The cost and total quantity of noise barriers as an environmental abatement
Issue: Tests have shown that aquatic organisms have different tolerance thresholds to snow and ice control materials that are applied to roads, highways, and bridges. A major factor in terms of selecting
Issue Environmental agencies in the Pacific Northwest are concerned about dissolved copper in stormwater. Extremely low concentrations of dissolved copper (1 to 5 parts per billion) have been shown to
TERI Administrator Note (Feb 2009) – Related Research – Linking Environmental Resource and Transportation Planning–The Current State of Practice (NCHRP 25-25: Task 32) FHWA’s Vital Few Environmental Goal, in part,
Background/Need for this Research: "Green" or "Low Impact Development" design features and management practices, such as rain gardens, vegetated swales, and permeable paving systems, can be important elements of
Since the passage of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) in 2005, the Federal Highway Administration has continued to encourage a more integrated
This research would identify best practices for early identification of environmental mitigation requirements and the cost of implementing such mitigation. TERI Administrator Note (Feb 2009) – Research Completed under NCHRP
TERI Administrator Note (June 2007): Funded as NCHRP Project 25-25, Task 36 http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1654 Completed October 2009. Completed study can be found at: http://www.trb.org/NotesDocs/25-25(36)_FR.pdf Survey the state transportation agencies and FHWA
TERI Administrator Note (June 2007): Funded as NCHRP Project 25-25, Task 41 http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1659 Project completion date: November 2008 Using the 2002/2003 FHWA domestic scan on environmental commitments and AASHTO’s subsequent
Problem Statement: Many DOTs are being required to conduct surveys for bat as a part of ecological impact studies or biological assessments for endangered species. Positive identification of some endangered
TERI Administrator Note (March 2008) Research Completed: HIGHWAY MEDIAN IMPACTS ON WILDLIFE MOVEMENT AND MORTALITY – State of the Practice Survey and Gap Analysis, CalTrans, 2006 http://www.dot.ca.gov/newtech/researchreports/reports/2006/median_barrier_final_report.pdf Problem Statement: Along
Problem Statement: In transportation programs, there is a need to address situations that may affect salmon and their habitats under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Culverts can block upstream passage
Problem: Animal vehicle collisions are a challenge from the safety and ecological standpoint. Many current solutions are expensive (large crossing structures), potentially ineffective (static warning signs), or potentially ecologically damaging
Problem Statement: Over the last decade natural resource agencies and transportation agencies have become increasingly aware of the effects that highway and railroad systems have on wildlife and fisheries. The
Problem Statement: To maintain the highway infrastructure, right-of-way and their functions, many operations including snow and ice control, paving/patching, surface sealing, traffic marking and vegetation management may use chemical
Problem Statement: Many facilities required in transportation operations and maintenance have evolved to the present by expansion, modification, and adaptation of design and materials common to several years ago. At
Problem Statement: Currently there is no basic methodology to predict soil loss or recommend erosion and sediment control measures specifically for highway projects. Lack of a methodology impairs the ability
Problem Statement: When a gravel or native-surfaced road is paved, we do not know the effects of increased offsite soil erosion due to increase surface runoff. Proposed Research: It
TERI Database Administrator Notes. Not recommended at present time by 2009 Natural Systems Subcommittee. Problem Statement: State DOTs are increasingly involved in making decisions regarding the reuse of wastes and
The design of local roads, including issues of width and the question of planting trees in medians, is often made based on a widely held, but not always proven, belief
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Subcommittee on Cultural Resources.
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Subcommittee on Cultural Resources. Posted by TERI Administrator 6/12/07: Comment: The concept of examining the integration of Value Engineering
TERI Administrator Note (January 2009): Research is Underway Context Sensitive Solutions: Quantification of the Benefits in Transportation (NCHRP 15-32) http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=412 Project is due to be completed 5/31/09. As more organizations
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Subcommittee on Cultural Resources.
TERI Administrator Note (June 2007): Related Research Performance Measures for Context Sensitive Solutions – A Guidebook for State DOTs, Web Document 69 http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_w69.pdf
TERI Administrator Note (May 2013): Completed Sept 2010 as NCHRP 25-25/Task 60 Increased Use of Environmentally Preferable, Non-Toxic Products to Reduce Costs, Liabilities, and Pollution at DOT Offices, Maintenance Facilities
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act prohibits work on bridges and CBCs when active swallow nests are present. Controls to prevent nesting swallows on bridges and concrete box culverts not only
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Environmental Process Subcommittee. The environmental process is complex. Practitioners lack easy access to guidance information needed to conduct transportation
Since the mid 1990s, the concept of watershed evaluation and assessment has come to the forefront of land use planning and related decision making. Faced by these issues, the DOTs
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Environmental Process Subcommittee. Funded as NCHRP 25-25 54 “Evaluate Colorado’s Area-wide Cumulative Effects Assessment (ACEA) Methodology as a Mechanism
Treat sections of those roadways with a limited set of commercially viable dust pallatives and/or surfacing materials.
TERI Administrator Note (May 2013). Completed in 2011 as NCHRP Report 686 Road Pricing: Public Perceptions and Program Development Currently, vehicle insurance, registration fees and taxes are not directly
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Related research – AASHTO Practitioner’s Handbook 09: Using the SAFETEA-LU Environmental Review Process (23 U.S.C. Section 139) (2008). SAFETEA-LU places an expanded emphasis on public and
TERI Adminstrator Note (January 2009): Project has been funded as NCHRP 25-25: Task 61 for 2009. Many state transportation agencies have successfully integrated GIS into their cultural resource work, using
2. Review "smart growth" literature and intitiatives in ten (10) case studies across America. 4. Predict and discuss what could happen to places that have little state of planning and
There is a need prepare a white paper to identify practical strategies and methods for stopping/reversing the extension of invasive weeds along roadsides.
At least one seed mixture would be created for each vegetative zone. In addition, best practices for establishment and maintenance of these seed mixtures would be established.
TERI Administrator Note (Feb 2009) – Research completed: Parking Management: Strategies for More Efficient Use of Parking Resource, Litman, Todd; (2008) Current transportation and land use planning practices result in
The research would solicit, compile, analyze, screen, sort, present, and then distribute effective figures, tables, graphics, visual simulations, video, and other visualization examples for nationwide use and adaptation by practitioners.
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Note recommended at present time by 2009 Environmental Process Subcommittee. Transportation projects may have great potentials of consuming a considerable portion of scrap tires if economic
The study would evaluate the effectiveness of current practices in road design, construction, maintenance and closure.
TERI Administrator Note (Feb 2009) – Related Research: Investigation of Water Runoff and Leaching Impacts from Dust Suppressants, Fred Hall, US Environmental Protection Agency, 2008 The majority of research on
TERI Administrator Note (Added December 2008) – Project sponsored by Ohio DOT is underway (see details below) Develop a turn-key, wireless, low cost sensor system for autonomous monitoring, measuring, and
Recent study findings where tire shreds were used for lightweight fill in road base construction in a wetland suggest that wrapping the tire shreds with a geotextile fabric could trap
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Air Quality Subcommittee. Background: Highway and rail projects inevitably affect property values. Increased accessibility will increase the number of
Problem Statement: Naturally occurring wetlands are characterized by a broad diversity of species. When replacement wetlands need to be created to offset transportation project impacts they often fail to achieve
I. Research Problem Statement Due to automobile braking, roadside sediments in heavily trafficked regions have high levels of copper and zinc compared to sediment quality. Recent use of bio-retention filters
TERI Administrator Note (January 2009): Funded under NCHRP 25-25 (53). Background: The New Hampshire Department of Transportation has recently been issued a number of Water Quality Certifications by the NH
TERI Administrator Note (January 2009): Funded as NCHRP Project 25-25 (52). Background: Under the Clean Water Act, the Corps is delegated the authority to permit the discharge of dredged or
Background: The U. S. Congress enacted the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) in 1918 to implement several international treaties. The treaties were entered into because of concerns about the decline
Roadway access management has been shown to be highly effective in terms of improving both traffic safety and traffic flow. Crash rate reductions of between 40 and 50 percent are
TERI Administrator Note (Feb 2009) Related Research: Diesel Retrofit Technology – An Analysis of the Cost-Effectiveness of Reducing Particulate Matter and Nitrogen Oxides Emissions from Heavy-Duty Nonroad Diesel Engines Through
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Air Quality Subcommittee. Background: Millions of dollars are spent annually on air quality (mobile source-related) public education programs Objectives
TERI Administrator Note (Feb 2009): Related Research: Impacts of Magnesium Chloride-Based Deicers on Roadside Vegetation; Transportation Research E-Circular Number E-C126 June 2008 – Surface Transportation Weather and Snow Removal and
I. Research Problem Statement For years non-selective, residual herbicides were used to keep the roadsides at the edge of the pavement free of vegetation. These areas, sometime referred to as
Environmental regulations require Departments of Transportation (DOTs) to stabilize exposed earth along roadsides and encourage the establishment of grasses to help filter pollutants out of runoff. To comply with these regulations,
Recent federal legislation, rules and other initiatives (SAFETEA-LU, executive orders, Eco-Logical, Green Infrastructure, etc.) encourage and in some cases require state Departments of Transportation to increase their levels of collaboration
Problem The recovery of information from significant archaeological sites affected by transportation projects is a widespread and generally accepted practice throughout the United States. Archaeological data recovery, however, is very
TERI Administrator Note (Added April 2008) – Related Research: NCHRP 25-25/Task 21: Assessment of Geophysical Remote Sensing Opportunities at State Departments of Transportation for Incorporation into Archaeological Investigations (Completed 2006)
Problem Statement A potentially major barrier to sharing data in environmental and related management systems is intellectual property rights, including copyrights, licensing, and terms of use. Although state Departments of
Problem Statement The current practice for mitigating environmental impacts of transportation projects is to mitigate only specific impacts on specific resources without consideration of which produces the best environmental result.
I. Research Problem Statement – Concerns about pavement noise continue to be expressed in many urban areas in the United States. Comprehensive studies have been completed in Europe resulting in
I. Research Problem Statement: Erosion (runoff) and sedimentation of and from low-volume roads can adversely impact the environment. Many low-volume roads are soil or aggregate surfaced, have steeper grades than
I. Problem Statement: There is increasing evidence that nutrients are major constituents in highway runoff. This varies with the area of ROW as well as the vegetation types and adjacent
Right-of-way vegetation management is a major responsibility of the State DOTs. Traditionally, roadside vegetation was managed for a variety of purposes important to the public, such as safety, roadway integrity,
TERI Administrator Note (January 2009): Idea selected for implementation with NHCRP 25-25 (Task 56) funding in 2009. The cost of complying with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) continues
To look at how alternative energy sources such as solar or fuel cell can link with transportation movement systems in providing symbiotic alternative power for our building and movement needs.
In the near future, transit will have to play a key role in solutions to metropolitan traffic congestion and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. To fulfill
Review FHWA’s current activities in both programs, and identify opportunities to harmonize efforts.
TERI Database Administrator Notes: – Related research: Using LiDAR to detect cultural resources in a forested environment: an example from Isle Royale National Park, Michigan, USA; Julie M. Gallagher 1,
Background: In July 2003, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Bureau of Environment prepared a synthesis report on Construction Vibration and Historic Buildings. The URL for accessing this report
Purpose of research is to determine the potential effect to buried archaeological deposits from the construction and subsequent operation of transportation facilities. Because the typical method of archaeological mitigation (data
By law, Departments of Transportation are required to control noxious weeds along highway rights-of-way (ROWs). Beginning 2000, District 4 (D4) of Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) adopted a survey design
The management of invasive species is ineffective when the means of dissemination are unknown. Construction vehicles are likely vectors for the spread of invasive plant species. The use of construction
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Environmental Process Subcommittee. A similar project was advanced through NCHRP 25-25, but was dropped because the issue is no longer of
Storm water, or constructed, wetlands represent one of several best managements practices commonly used to treat runoff water. They may have a strong impact on the quality of receiving waters,
Integrate low impact development and other transportation related BMPs into the Interantional Stormwater BMP Database (www.bmpdatabase.org). The major subcategories of this task are itemized below. a. Working with a panel
Selected for NCHRP 25-25 funding as Task 75. May 2013 Update: Completed August 2012. Background To satisfy regulatory requirements of no net loss of wetlands, state transportation agencies develop mitigation
Use Laser ablation/mass spectrometry (LA/MS) to detect historic metal and PAH pollution incorporated in calcareous skeleton of Coral & Mollusks with a precision of days to months. Coral samples from
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Natural Systems Subcommittee. The copperbelly water snake (Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta), which is federally listed as threatened, occurs in the
Bats are an indispensable natural resource. Notably, they consume enormous quantities of farm and forest insect pests, saving the agricultural industry millions in lost products. Unfortunately, more than half of
Using a modification of the methods used by J.C. Rochaa et al. J. Braz. Chem. Soc. Water Samples from 5-10 NW Salmon Streams will be taken and the fulvic acid
Background: State DOTs are implementing actions and programs that were developed to provide mobility, cost savings or other benefits. By their nature, many of the actions and programs have greenhouse
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Funded as NCHRP Project 25-25 (46) “Compendium of Best Practices for Environmental Compliance and Stewardship at Transportation Maintenance Facilities” Background: All transportation agencies are involved with
Research Objective: Develop a compendium of the best and innovative methods and tools for transportation planning and project development analyses. Task 1: Develop criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of the
TERI Database Administrator Notes:: Funded under NCHRP 25-25 (47) “Compendium of Best Practices for Incorporating Environmental Commitments into Transportation Project Construction Contract Documents” Background: During the planning and design phases
Many local rural roads were designed to provide land access, with little thought given to high traffic or heavy loadings. In some areas this includes higher classified “farm to market”
Organisms pick up some heavy metals in proportion to their exposure in aquatic systems, they then deposit these elements along with calcium into their calcareous shells or skeleton. Many of
Copper toxicity to salmonids is currently referenced to a series of Laboratory tests that were conducted using well water and copper that was deliberately kept ionic, uncomplexed. Toxicity in these
TERI Database Administrator Notes. Not recommended at present time by 2009 Natural Systems Subcommittee. Storm water BMP’s are alternatives options to the traditional gutter/culvert approach to treat runoff water. BMP’s
Install Compost berms, Compost Wattles in several traffic corridors and test their filtering capacities. At the end of six month intervals, analyze the compost filters/berms for concentrations of heavy metals.
Traditionally, state and local governments install the smallest structure necessary to pass a certain measurable flow as required by local, state and federal rules. Structures that are sized to bankfull-width
Aquatic insects such as dragonflies, damselflies, and mayflies use horizontally polarized light as a cue to detect water where they lay their eggs. It is crucial that these insects lay
Widespread contamination of freshwater habitats and groundwater sources from road salt deposition is well documented. The negative effects of road salt on freshwater habitats include changes in density gradients, increased
TERI Database Administrator Notes. Not recommended at present time by 2009 Natural Systems Subcommittee. Subcommitee recommended funding ID#456, which addresses similar issues. This would be a follow-up to research on the
Train-wildlife collisions are devastating to wildlife populations, and disproportionately so, to species such as moose, grizzly bear, wolverine, and wide-ranging carnivores in general, which have low reproductive rates. Habitat fragmentation
TERI Administrator Update (Jan 2009) – Research Underway – The Effectiveness of Vertebrate Passage and Prevention Structures: a Study of Boeckman Road in Wilsonville (completion date: Sept. 2009) Wildlife collisions
Confocal Microscopy coupled with vital stains, can be used to characterize and profile disease states in coral. We wish to compare the appearance of various reef forming coral and algal
Development and implementation of multi-state plans/strategies for relocation of endangered freshwater mussels from thriving source populations to rivers within the historical range of these species for the purposes of augmentation
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Air Quality Subcommittee. With so many new areas likely to be designated nonattainment under EPA’s revised 8-hour ozone standard,
The environmental performance of public transportation services plays a key role in improving air quality in urban areas. Replacing vehicles’ current engines with innovative propulsive systems may be an effective
Investigate the potential benefits of converting traditional cross intersections to modern roundbouts.
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Air Quality Subcommittee. The current focus of GHG reductions from the transportation has relied on increased fuel efficiency of
About half of all trips taken in the US are 3 miles or less. Walking and bicycling could be an adequate alternative to driving for many of these trips. The
One of the procedures used to reduce the disposal of asphalt and concrete pavement is to perform small pavement cuts and utilize the excavated pavement sections during the restoration process.
Research would involve review of previous applications of context sensitive solutions and where these ideas have succeeded versus failed. Beyond CSS, we have right-sizing principles which have not always been
Description of the Need –The United States is currently seeing unprecedented levels of interest in alternative fuels, including ethanol (corn and cellulose), biodiesel, methanol, butanol, hydrogen, coal to liquid fuels,
Brief background of issue and its importance: Development projects, conflicts, and disasters can cause displacements of persons or communities. It is anticipated that with global climate change the number of
TERI Administrator Note – Selected as NCHRP 25-39 (FY12 Program) RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT Transportation performance management is a well established and effective practice for establishing accountability and driving results
TERI Administrator Note (February 2009): The concept for this research information need was first developed as a suggested demonstration project in TRB Special Report 283, Cooperative Research for Hazardous Materials
Transit system capital efficiency is often criticized due to low ridership and high capital costs, combining to limit competitive economic application of this transportation mode. The relatively low volume of
Problem: An emerging public policy issue that will likely have significant and potentially far-reaching impacts is the growing interest in and use of renewable and bio-fuels. The goal of reducing U.S.
The size of DNL 65 dB noise contours around the nation’s airports has diminished steadily for the past three decades; and now most noise complaints come from persons residing outside
Using data from one state, conduct a statistical analysis to show the degree to which vehicle miles traveled and 1) accident rates and 2) cost of accidents correlate. Auto insurance
Background Truck freight operations are a major source of air pollutants, including criteria pollutants, toxic air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. Although the 2008-2010 recession has led to recent reductions
With the growing interest in mitigating climate change impacts from transportation facilities and other projects, a need exists to more fully examine potential impacts. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
We propose an on-road study of vehicular non-carbon dioxide (CO2) greenhouse gas emissions.
Petroleum Bulk Storage (PBS) is a necessary component of every State DOT’s operations. DOTs maintain large fleets of vehicles and equipment that must be fueled and maintained. However, the regulatory
The design and installation of road stream crossings to accommodate fish and aquatic live passage is becoming a priority for state and federal regulatory agencies. State and municipal project designers
PennDOT has developed material specifications on Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCA) in an effort to expand the use of recycled materials in highway and maintenance applications. The specifications were developed from
The Illinois Department of Transportation is currently working with the University of Illinois to study the feasibility of off-setting or displacing electrical power grid demands through the use of wind
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Air Quality Subcommittee. The purpose of this project is to integrate and demonstrate several innovative technologies that have been
There is presently no contemporary instructional media available to state DOT’s on herbicide application.
The research will examines the links between where people live and how that affects their access to employment, transport and a range of services; and considers the implications of housing
States are increasingly facing the spectre of funding transportation projects with little or no federal transportation capital. NEPA compliance is required when federal funds are utilized, or when a permit,
Background Throughout the US, state DOTs are striving to develop more comprehensive transportation programs that provide infrastructure and services with less impact on the surrounding environment. Great efforts have been
I. Research Problem Statement Today, now more than ever, the environment plays a key role in everyday activities. Some cities have smog warnings, some have water pollution warnings, and
Problem Statement: The National Park System includes 391 sites covering more than 84 million acres. These sites receive some 300 million annual visitors. Transportation has always been an integral part
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Environmental Process Subcommittee. Over the past 35-40 years, Travel Demand Management (TDM) strategies have been implemented to address a
Background: Many people have speculated on the impact of transportation on visitor experience on public lands, but rigorous research has not yet addressed the question. Ridership surveys at individual national
Problem Statement – There are many definitions of the term “equity.” The way equity is defined influences the distributive goals of an action. Cost-benefit analysis, for example, usually employs the
Problem Statement – Transportation decision makers and stakeholders have touted the economic development benefit of improvements to our transportation infrastructure. It is important to understand transportation environmental justice and equity,
Problem Statement – Transportation investments produce different benefits for different members of the public. Decision makers often need to know how these benefits may be distributed, especially on traditionally underserved
Problem Statement – The most widely accepted and used source of information on income levels for environmental justice analysis is the U.S. Census Bureau. However, such analysis based on income
Research problem statement – The extent to which state DOTs consider and implement maintenance programs to reduce pesticide and herbicide applications, and cause disturbance of roadside vegetation, as well as
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Note recommended at present time by 2009 Environmental Process Subcommittee. Problem Statement Several high-speed rail projects in the U.S. were proposed, analyzed, assessed, but were not built,
Research problem statement – Not every species or ecosystem process is impacted by existing or planned highways. In each region of the country, different species are impacted by highways. Several
Background The concurrent introduction in the past year of models (MOVES2010 and AERMOD) and guidance new to project-level “hot-spot” analyses poses significant challenges for state DOTs and other agencies with
TERI Administrator Note – Selected as FY12 NCHRP Project 25-38 RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT In the March 2, 2010 Federal Register (FR), EPA approved and announced the availability of the Motor
The proposed research would be conducted in several steps: 1. Identify external costs of highway transportation that are sensitive to changes in the level of vehicle-miles traveled and select the
This research would focus on defining sustainable transport including understanding how to evaluate transportation options across all issues of sustainability including economic, environmental and equity. A synthesis of current practice
The goal of this study is to make a solid case for public support for fuel cell vehicles and the needed fueling infrastructure. The objective is to develop a collective
Phase I: Information Collection and Needs Analysis – Based on the literature review and assessment of other information collection activities, the Phase I report will summarize what is known about
This research should address the numerous technology and market opportunities and barriers for the use of specialized vehicle markets as introductory markets and “launching pads” for alternative fuel and advanced
The purpose of this research is to follow up on the NRC committee work on CAFE and provide analyses of different alternatives to CAFE. An evaluation of different alternative CAFE
Use the NC Conservation Planning Tool to identify and prioritize potential impacts of road construction projects on fragmentation of wildlife habitats and ecological systems. Use this system to target priorities
TERI Database Administrator Notes. Not recommended at present time by 2009 Natural Systems Subcommittee. Transportation noise has the potential to negatively impact animal populations. In recent years several studies have
TERI Database Administrator Notes. Not recommended at present time by 2009 Natural Systems Subcommittee. Subcommitee sees this topic as consistent with ID#86. A state of the practice survey and gap
Noise associated with highway vehicular traffic has long been recognized as contributing to wildlife avoidance zones adjacent to highways, where traffic may become a “moving fence” that creates an impermeable
TERI Database Administrator Notes. Not recommended at present time by 2009 Natural Systems Subcommittee. The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) is in the process of developing an innovative,
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) is engaged in an innovative, collaborative effort with the Massachusetts Highway Department (MassHighway) to understand and lessen the effects of existing and
The United States Congress in 1991 designated certain highway corridors of national significance to be included in the National Highway System under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA). Corridor
The safety and maintainece of Idaho’s road and highway bridges is essential and their regular inspection, rennovation, and replacement is an important responsibility of the Transportation Department. Incidently and unintentionally,
TERI Database Administrator Notes. Not recommended at present time by 2009 Natural Systems Subcommittee. Along Route 20 from Ashton to the Montana border in eastern Idaho motorists are threatened by
Idaho has mapped approximately 315 wildlife linkages associated with its road and highway system using expert opinion workshops and a rapid assessment protocol. Of these, 37 have been identified as
Idaho’s topography requires that its roads and highways system cross a large number of waters. Each of these crossings represents not only a design challenge in terms of road and
TERI Database Administrator Notes. Not recommended at present time by 2009 Natural Systems Subcommittee. FHWA is currently establishing a 100 acre native grassland planting along I-35. We do not have
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) owns thousands of bridges throughout California, many of which provide habitat for bats. Bats seek out bridges for thermal regulation during reproduction, food digestion,
There are newly construced wildlife crossing structures on US 93 through the Flathead Indian Reservation. Digital remote sensing cameras would be purchased and installed in these crossing structures to monitor
Considering the temporary nesting patterns of both migratory and resident birds such as a nesting Eagle or local bat populations, the net effect to a construction project in the immediate
Problem: Public agencies often utilize deicing chemicals to help achieve safe winter driving conditions. Beyond solid chemicals, these include liquids applied directly to the road or used to pre-wet solid
I. RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT There is a renewed interest nationally and internationally in vehicular emissions, particularly as it relates to the formation of greenhouse gases. To date, there has been
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Air Quality Subcommittee. While much effort is being expended on the impacts of climate change on critical state and
Research problem statement – Cured in place (CIP) pipe replacement can have severe environmental effects on workers as well as aquatic resources because of the use of the toxic styrene.
Alternative power lighting shows great potential for reducing energy consumption. At this time, there is little to no analysis available from actual implementation of such systems for highway lighting. Viability
Refine and develop technology for converting woody biomass to ehtanol. Evaluate and develop potential for substitution of ethanol for petroleum fuels. Study and develop sustainable supplies of woody biomass from
Environmental conflicts encountered in transportation related projects are too often discovered well into the planning process when funds are identified and committed and preliminary engineering work is underway. At this
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Environmental Process Subcommittee. State departments of transportation, as well as regional transportation agencies and organizations, (herein after ‘transportation agencies’)
To test, and disseminate to the highway community in the arid West, a method of erosion control used in mine reclamation. Rill & gully erosion is a pervasive problem on
Northeast-Midwest Institute (NEMW) would partner with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Sierra Club to carry out this study. NEMW, in a recent study funded by the Abell
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Subcommittee on Cultural Resources. Conduct research to determine the subsurface disturbance resulting from the placement of fill (temporary and
In evaluating bridges, road corridors and buildings for National Register significance, a frequent problem arises regarding the concept of local significance. In the early days of the historic preservation movement,
While archaeological sites are relatively prevelent in Oregon, they are an important and non-renewable resource vital to our knowledge of the past. Destructive impacts to archaeological sites can occur from
Establish a Travelers Information Stations (TIS) at up to nine existing Highway Advisory Radios (HAR) along US101 in Oregon (Figure 1). A typical TIS utilizes ODOT’s HAR to provide the
Historic Right-of-Way (ROW) maps provide invaluable information on buildings, structures, and other features that were within or along ODOT ROW. Today, some of these features may have been destroyed for
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Subcommittee on Cultural Resources. The scope of this research would be to develop methodology for the calculation of the
TERI Database Administrator Notes. Not recommended at present time by 2009 Natural Systems Subcommittee. Transportation corridors are a potential vector for the spread of invasive plant species throughout New Hampshire.
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Environmental Process Subcommittee. Vehicles striking rumble strips can elevate wayside noise levels and generate noise complaints in noise sensitive
Perform a rapid and targeted global online communication technology assessment focused on emerging tools and “gadgets” that could be adapted, combined or customized to meet specific public involvement and participatory
Idea 1. ARRA projects are being delivered in substantially lesser time frames than traditionally funded projects. How and what was done to make this happen? Capturing these activities will assist
Conventional structural systems do not meet the objectives of environmental stewardship including full use of recycled materials, minimizing labor costs, expedited construction, and a fully recycled system at the end
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Subcommittee on Cultural Resources. Develop a three-day course that would cover the basics of Tribal Consultation, including a step-by-step
Document hydrologic and hydraulic impacts of existing highway systems on nearby streams. Using 10 impacted streams in geographically diverse ecosystems, evaluate the runoff generated from a highway system and the
The Permeable Friction Course (PFC also known as Open Graded Friction Course)is a two inch thick overlay applied to existing pavement to reduce splash and spray behind vehicles, and to
What are the sustainability indicators for systems architecture, to measure ecology, economy, efficiency, equity? What are the baselines and how can we improve performance measures?
Wildlife / vehicle collision reduction is a primary goal for providing a safe transportation infrastructure on America’s highways. At the same time, the landscape level impacts on wildlife habitats adjacent
Problem Statement – Land adjacent to airports, highways, and rail transit lines needs to be developed so that noise sensitive uses are prohibited and community development is planned, designed, and
Problem Statement – Studies by several research groups have shown that the atmospheric refraction and scattering effects that occur on the sound wave propagating from a highway traffic source is
Its proponents promise that pricing can deliver smarter use of existing capacity that reduce congestion and avoid costly expansion needs while expanding the menu of options for raising money
Background In the United States, the majority of the highway system is already built. The ways in which transportation agencies maintain the current system have a major impact on environmental
The Pagosa skyrocket (Ipomopsis polyantha) is a rare plant, endemic to Mancos shale soils, and found only in and around Pagosa Springs in Archuleta County, Colorado. Plants are between 1
TERI Administrator Note: Selected as NCHRP 25-25 (70) Screening level procedures for quantitative mobile source air toxics (MSATs) analyses for transportation projects are needed to provide state and other transportation agencies
Traffic flow has many adverse effects on its surroundings. Efforts to improve traffic operations traditionally focus on some of these factors, such as trip time and stop delay, and try
As mentioned in the 2009 call for research ideas, the transportation sector is currently responsible for approximately one-quarter of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States and is expected to
In recent years, northern New England has experienced several unusually large storm events, such as the Mother’s Day storm of 2006 and the Patriot’s Day storm of 2007. These events
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Air Quality Subcommittee. Vehicle technology and trip reduction have emerged as the primary strategies for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG)
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Air Quality Subcommittee. Improve fuel economy using reduced rolling resistance pavements. Develop a methodology to accurately measure the rolling
Identify methodologies and systems that can be utilized to determine a state/city department of transportation’s green house gas (GHG)emissions and carbon footprint. The methodologies or systems should include the entire
Recalculate contours for 10, 25, 50, 100 year storms for 24 hour rainfall amounts across the US based on down scaled global climate model output data. Engineers and infrastructure planners
Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) typically have project selection criteria that prioritize MPO spending of federal transportation funds. These criteria differ greatly among MPOs. It would be helpful to have a
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Air Quality Subcommittee. This goal of the research would be to uncover potential benefits of addressing climate change (green-house
Departments of Transportation (DOTs) throughout the United States are responsible for keeping state and federally owned/operated transportation corridors safe and operational during winter months when snow and ice can accumulate
Run cars and trucks containing crash dummies off simulated highways into tall native herbaceous vegetation within the clear zone, masses of native shrubs within the clear zone and into low
Design, development and testing of an adaptive highway lighting system in response to maximum real time roadway safety condition and minimum energy consumption of the street ligting system. The project
a) Extend what is known about masking effectiveness of traffic noise on the vocalizations of birds by conducting behavioral tests with a wider range of individual and species. It should
Local and state agencies are required to study traffic impacts of all new highway projects. Historically traffic models have done a poor job of integrating transit information into the analysis
Creating analysis tools for measuring the performance of park and ride lots and assessing how they impact the rest of the transportation system is needed and requires a national perspective.
Porous asphalt installations will be monitored and the hydrologic aspects monitored over a 2-year period to study the effects of water moving through pavement and sublayer systems as well as
Identify relevant sites. Measure traffic loads and aging characteristics. Document maintenance activities.
Porous pavements can provide the same level of service with much less salt/de-icing. Project will identify study sites and nearby control sites, then study the sites over 2 winter seasons.
Research Objective: To develop a set of best practices for transportation practitioners to assess genetic connectivity § Do a synthesis of the literature on conservation genetics, contact conservation geneticists, and
Traditional culvert designs may create fish and wildlife passage barriers. Project budgets are based on early scoping and preliminary estimates. Cost differences between standard culvert and bank-spanning or other alternate
How are (or will) strategies for climate change take into account cultural considerations, especially with respect to environmental justice populations and historic values/historic preservation, on transportation projects?
How can models and methodologies be improved with respect to sensitivity to mitigation strategies such as land use and pricing; greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; how to quantify GHGs/carbon, and approaches
How can we facilitate wildlife movement vis-a-vis transportation networks and transportation planning in the face of climate change?
How will we address uncertainty related to climate change impacts (esp cumulative impacts) in environmental impact analysis, planning, policy, etc.?
How can energy and environmental modeling be linked to support decisionmaking aimed at energy efficiency for different scales, state plans, MPO plans, and project alternative analysis?
What strategies including incentives and reducing VMT could be explored to build local economies (goods/services) to reduce VMT, increase livability measures and minimize energy use?
What messages on climate change and energy are most effective with what audiences: decision-makers, transportation practitioners, system users? How can we communicate effects, provide options/incentives, policies (i.e., pricing)?
How can we address livability in NEPA and other cross-cutting legislation?
How can we integrate and strengthen the relationship between land use and transportation planning?
How do we define livability and what are the best metrics for measuring it? Are there different implications for land use and transportation planning at the local level and what
Do we need to change old assumptions in our travel forecast models to account for rising gas prices (VMTs), economic variability, generational perspectives, and personal behaviors?
How can transportation sustainability be balanced with affordability?
Porous pavements have been identified as a potential strategy for minimizing the use of deicing chemicals for winter maintenance. The use of porous pavements for parking lots is on the
TERI Administrator Note: Selected for FY12 NCHRP funding as NCHRP 25-37 RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT This problem statement was identified by the Natural Systems and Ecological Communities Subcommittee of AASHTO’s Standing
Subsurface gravel wetlands(SGW) have proven successful as a nitrogen control strategies however costly to construct. SGW have been shown to remove >95% of NO3-N and >55% removal of TP and
Background On December 1, 2009, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released their final rule on the effluent limitation guidelines for stormwater discharges from construction sites. Effluent guidelines
Cost of this vs. ditch and basin treatments, maintenance.
Select several of these small bridges that are being let and re-design, install and monitor the discharge from the standard skimmer basin (x2) vs. a solid dam with a weir
Research should include an analysis of current sodium chloride concentrations existing in reservoirs which support a water supply for the general public. Impact of runoff to these reservoirs and the
More than 25 amphibians and reptiles are listed as threatened or endangered in California. Highways pose movement barriers for many these species. As California’s human population increases and climate changes
Ultrafine particles (UFP) can be defined as having at least one dimension that is less than 100 nanometers. Because of their dimensions, they exhibit unique properties that affect atmospheric transport
Freight transportation is a major contributor of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants in the U.S. Much of these emissions are due to truck operations, which have relatively higher emissions
The impact of climate change on highway drainage design and associated stormwater management systems and could be one of the important and critical challenges faced by future drainage engineers and
Biochar would be specifically produced as an amendment to soil in an attempt to manage carbon concentrations in the atmosphere and create better soil conditions. Specifically, we will assess the
This research idea was developed as part of NCHRP Project 24-27(03) “Evaluation of Bridge-Scour Research: Geomorphic Processes and Predictions,” and addresses three Focus Areas (Climate Change, Land use, Indirect Effects/Cumulative
In NJ, the NJDOT Office of Maritime Resources is funding, modeling and investigating opportunities where we can use low-flow/riverine tidal turbine technology to power not only marine transportation facilities, but
Development of a biofuels industry to meet the Federal mandates for 36 billion gallons of biofuels by the year 2022 will translate into greater harvest of biomass for energy purposes
This research idea was developed as part of NCHRP Project 24-27(03) “Evaluation of Bridge-Scour Research: Geomorphic Processes and Predictions,” and addresses three Focus Areas (Environmental Considerations in Planning, Project Delivery/Streamlining,
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia will cooperate with the Georgia Department of Transportation to evaluate and trial eight regionally significant native species that will be incorporated into wildflower seed
The ability to manage parking has substantially changed in recent years. Parking can now be charged using credit/debit cards, cell phones as other pre-paid options. This allows for employers to
Stabilization of roadsides after construction is critical to protecting water quality, public safety and the longevity of the project. Unfortunately, current erosion control seed mixes include invasive exotic species. The
Analyze the accuracy of traffic forecasting over time, data that was used in environmental analysis/studies. For example, a 1980 traffic study for a particular project looked at the traffic numbers
Problem Statement Residents on the opposite side of a highway from a reflective noise barrier often complain that construction of the barrier has increased noise levels in their area. The
Problem Statement Current transportation noise policies in the United States rely heavily on scientific dose-response relationships between noise-exposure levels and various community responses, predominantly “community annoyance.” This is also the
What would be the more effective landscape-scale water quality solution given limited financial resources; a relatively small aerial coverage with high efficiency BMPs (e.g. large ponds and sand filters) or
The compost blanket is a low impact development (LID) approach to flow control. Compost blankets could be used for stormwater hydraulic detention Best Management Practices (BMPs) to reduce the size requirements
Heavy on-road vehicle freight transportation is a significant contributor of green house gas and other pollutant emissions. Much work has been done to reduce emissions through mandated changes in vehicle
For small projects (paving projects), or even highway.
This would build on the existing work at SECREF and expand to include the full array of turbidity control systems (passive, infiltration, active). New systems, which are being developed and
Sensitivity models that will allow for cost effective scoping and identification efforts that also reduce the potential for costly late discovery of archaeological sites To date sensitivity modeling for buried
RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT The transportation industry is experiencing a paradigm shift toward livability and sustainability, as evidenced by federal-level policy, new grant programs and keen interest in research connecting
RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT Paying a contractor based on the quality of pavement construction is not new. In fact, nearly all specifications accomplish this, be it through means & methods, end-result,
PROBLEM STATEMENT: It has been the experience of a number of state transportation departments, that there is a strong potential for residents on the opposite side of a highway from
Tire-pavement noise has become an important consideration for highway agencies, as the public increasingly demands that highway traffic noise be mitigated. Title 23, Part 772 of the Code of Federal
Develop a comprehensive certification program consisting of online and in class sessions. The program will utilize current research, sustainability tools and case study examples to enable transportation professionals to apply
The transportation industry is experiencing a paradigm shift to more livability centric goals, as evidenced by new policy directions at the federal level and the strong interest in livability-enhancing projects
While many agencies use indicators to track performance in areas such as natural environment mitigation, congestion management, or safety, there is a critical and timely need for indicators that support
Background There are several web sites, reports, studies, and guidance on the tribal consultation process associated with historic preservation compliance and transportation project delivery. The following is a sample
The extraordinary number of people and automobiles in metropolitan Los Angeles presents unique opportunities to assess anthropogenic contaminant loadings to the near-shore. Platinum group elements (PGEs: platinum, palladium, and rhodium)
Porous pavement usage and design has improved dramatically since 2002 (Kandhal and Mallick, 2002) with published guidelines on mix designs (NAPA 2003) with continued refinements (UNHSC 2009) and others. The
TERI Administrator Note (May 2011): Similar research under SHRP C09 project has addressed this issue. (http://144.171.11.40/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2348) Problem Numerous organizations at the federal, state, and local level have a stake in
Problem The transportation sector is vital to the economy of the United States. It provides the critical links between industries and to their customers and it is the network for
SUMMARY Major cities contain critical multi-modal infrastructure for both the movement of people and goods including some of the oldest systems still operated in the U.S. Climate change impacts such as
Recent studies are showing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) is one of the greatest problems faced today. To reduce GHG is extremely complex and difficult since its production is so broad and intrinsic.
Problem Common roadway construction practices impact our environment. Impacts to streams and rivers have been monitored and are considered in the design and construction process. Efforts have been made to reduce other
RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT Inappropriate speed is one of the primary safety hazards facing highway users. Most road agencies attempt to achieve the right operating speed among drivers by imposing speed
Problem There would be value in discerning a realistic auto operating context/profile to use in comparison with transit travel. We tend to compare mean characteristics of the modes when it
Problem Hydrogen has been proposed as a feasible alternative fuel for vehicles. However, the ramifications of such an approach to transportation have not been fully assessed. These include: the emissions due to
Problem Statement Energy intensity values (energy use per unit of activity) are basic data for forecasting, policy analysis, planning, and monitoring progress toward energy and environmental goals. They are essential
Problem Statement The life cycle analysis (LCA) of transportation fuels is a critical step when comparing the energy and environmental attributes of conventional and alternative fuels. LCA accounts for the
Problem Statement Regulatory and market pressures are mounting that would encourage a transition of the ground transportation system toward advanced fuels and vehicles. In the US, EPA and NHTSA have
Problem Transportation Research Board’s Special Report 298: Driving and the Built Environment: The Effects of Compact Development on Motorized Travel, Energy Use, and CO2 Emissions recommended specific research on the effects
Problem Statement Among the many types of on-road vehicles traveling the American highway system, heavy trucks are the loudest frequently-heard noise sources. Comments from residents near highways at project public
Problem Statement More than 100 automated people-movers (APMs) of various kinds and sizes now operate around the world. Urban planners, engineers, and architects often consider using APMs to link activity
Problem Statement Transfer mobility measurements are used to help predict vibration and ground-borne noise impacts from transit and rail systems and also to evaluate the effectiveness of vibration mitigation techniques.
Problem Statement The operation of steel-wheeled transit vehicles on steel rails may develop short-pitch corrugation of the rails. The interaction of the wheels rolling over the corrugated rails generates noise
Problem Statement The specific noise issue in the vicinity of at-grade rail crossings is locomotive warning horn and crossing bell sounds, which cause significant noise impacts. The acoustic signatures of
Problem Statement Vibration propagation through the ground is physically very similar to the propagation of noise through the air. Vibration and noise are similar in other respects as well; however,
Problem Statement On a national scale, increased emphasis is being placed on expansion and refurbishment of fixed-guideway transit systems, especially steel rail-steel wheel formats. This has exacerbated the need for
Problem Statement Transit vehicular warning horns are relatively omni-directional and can be a source of annoyance in areas of the community adjacent to rail lines. For example, train horns sounded
Problem Currently, transportation goods and services are marketed, promoted, and sold with very little information related to their carbon footprint or other possible impacts to the climate. For example, the
Per the Moving Cooler report, “eco-driving strategies can achieve cumulative greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions by changing the efficiency of individual driving behavior, if widely embraced and practiced.” The Moving Cooler
Induced demand – also referred to as latent demand or the “rebound effect” – is the phenomenon that after supply increases, more of a good is consumed. In economic terms,
Problem Induced demand – also referred to as latent demand – is the phenomenon that after supply increases, more of a good is consumed. In economic terms, the demand for
TERI Administrator Note (May 2011): FHWA has a project underway that is addressing these issues. (John Davies is FHWA contract point.) Problem One of the approaches for reducing transportation-related greenhouse
Problem It is anticipated that future changes in climate will bring with it rising temperatures, increased precipitation events, permafrost, increasing sea levels, etc. Transportation infrastructure is likely to be affected adversely
Problem States and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) are developing and evaluating transportation plans and programs on an ongoing basis. There is increasing awareness that future climate conditions may affect the resilience
Problem States and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) are developing and evaluating transportation plans and programs on an ongoing basis. At the same time, many of them are also developing climate action
TERI Administrator Note – Similar research topic funded as SHRP C09 – Incorporating Greenhouse Gas Emissions Into the Collaborative Decision-Making Process (Completed Feb 2011) RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT State departments of
Problem Current surface transportation systems depend on century-old internal-combustion technology that produces millions of tons of GHG’s and other emissions annually. Highway vehicles produce emissions while idling in traffic and in
Problem Statement A low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) sets a target to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity of transportation fuels. Fuel providers must reduce the GHG intensity of their
Problem Statement An ever-growing interest in the promise of high efficiency/low greenhouse gas-emittingvehicles has led to a variety of efforts to accelerate their commercial introduction. All the major original equipment
Problem Statement Advanced (2nd and 3rd generation) biofuels include a range of renewable liquid or gaseous fuels produced from non-food sources such as woody grasses, agricultural residues and organic waste.
Problem Statement Policy interest in low carbon fuel standards (LCFS) as a means of reducing GHG emissions is growing rapidly. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed an executive order on January
Problem In some locations, particularly the U.S. Gulf, transportation infrastructure will remain at risk due to persistent weaknesses in natural systems, such as sea-level rise coupled with shoreline subsidence and
Problem Different agencies will continue to develop policies related to climate change and to transportation infrastructure protection. While these two topics, and thus their related policies, often affect each other, policies
Problem Among both the public and many elected leaders there is an insufficient understanding of climate change as well as a lack of understanding of the relationship between climate change
Problem The regulation of greenhouse gases is in its infancy in the United States, with piecemeal programs promulgated by the states and nascent regulations proposed and finalized by the United
Problem Current climate change legislation before the US Congress includes provisions for a cap and trade program, where the government guarantees emissions reductions by setting a mandatory cap on aggregate
Problem How would pursuing transportation sector specific policies in conjunction with a cap and trade system change the price of allowances, alter the share of emissions reductions from transportation, and
Need for the Research Stormwater runoff from transportation Rights-of-Way (ROW) may contain nutrients (particularly phosphorus and nitrogen) and may contain pathogens (though it is unclear if DOTs are a source that would
This project would look at the use of permeable pavements along shoulders. It would primarily look at the suitability of such pavements from a design, constructability, maintenance, and longevity standpoint. However, it would
New construction and replaced impervious surfaces will trigger the new LID standard in the future. In implementing the new LID standard, DOTs need a factual basis to assess the feasibility of applying
Need for the Research Highways can contribute to hydrologic changes with subsequent degradation of streams. Permits and regulations are beginning to require management of stormwater to minimize adverse hydromodification. Traditional methods of stormwater
Need for the Research Highways can contribute to hydrologic changes with subsequent degradation of streams. Permits and regulations are beginning to require management of stormwater to minimize adverse hydromodification, but there are no
TERI Administrator Note: Selected as FY12 NCHRP Project 25-40; estimated completion is April 2014 Background As the surface transportation systems of the nation expand and transportation agencies continue to meet the
Given that many states are moving forward with climate adaption plans or state regulations that require transportation plans to include climate change strategies a look at conformity/air quality implications from
The project would generally involve a panel of state DOTs and EPA with a mandate to develop sample project-level studies (modeling and documentation) for particulate (and carbon monoxide and NO2
NESHAP applies to demolition and “renovation” (modification); requires prior inspection for presence of asbestos and remediation prior to demolition/renovation if possible; what’s the best way and time/place to do that? Is it necessary
EPA’s 1-hour NO2 standard is low enough to potentially cause problems, and they require near-road monitoring to determine attainment. What are the best methods for modeling roadway and rail (non-electric) NO2 microscale impacts?
If a project has known lead-contaminated soils, what are the best management practices for construction and maintenance activities in those areas for purposes of both worker safety and protection of nearby areas?
Problem Evidence suggests that there are synergies between transit, land use, and pricing strategies that enhance the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction effect of each when implemented together. However, more detailed
Problem Most studies to date have relied on annual percent increases from baseline transit ridership in order to project the greenhouse gas emission reduction potential of transit investments. This study would
Problem Early federal transit-related greenhouse gas (GHG) efforts such as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s (ARRA) Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) grants enable transit agencies
Problem There are several steps in the freight processing system, from warehousing, manufacture, and distribution that generate trips, usually by truck, between these stages. Often import material is in a disaggregated
Problem The climate change literature projects that weather conditions and weather patterns could change significantly enough to trigger shifts in land use, economic activity and trade, which would lead to
Problem Supply chains are designed for the processing, staging, and carriage of goods to market. Design choices are determined by sourcing decisions, production and competitive requirements, logistical economies, product characteristics, land
Problem An increase in allowable freight tonnage on U.S. highways has been proposed. Such an increase in truck weight could affect greenhouse gases (GHG’s) and other emissions, and the mix of
Problem Freight movement accounts for approximately 20% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation and is expected to increase in its share. The logistical challenges of freight transportation which involves multiple
We propose to perform comprehensive investigation of wind resources generated from vehicle wakes onUS highways via physical collection of vehicle-generated wind data using state of the art wind measuring instrumentation,
Planners and developers need a user-friendly approach or tool to measure supply and demand for transportation-efficient development. Consumers may prefer more transportation-efficient development than currently exists. Knowing that would be
Highway stormwater runoff is a source of copper to receiving streams. Trace levels of copper have been shown to have detrimental effects on threatened and endangered salmonid species. However, little is known
With the use of FaceBook and Twitter, and the internet in general, the public has the ability to organize, share information (both accurate and inaccurate) quickly and with an incredibly
Tolling has been identified as having a potentially disproportionate impact on low income populations. This research would consist of a state of the issue literature search on how different NEPA, or
In light of the requirement for state DOT’s to update their noise poicies, it would be beneficial to compare the policies for regional and nationwide trends.
There are several examples of metropolitan areas choosing not to build major transportation infrastructure for single-occupancy vehicles (SOVs) – Vancouver, B.C.; San Francisco, CA etc. This study would be a comparative
Nationally we have raised awareness and action to address ecological impacts of roads upon wildlife, particularly means to avoid and reduce wildlife-vehicular collisions. This is done by identifying and protecting/avoiding intact
Plug-in and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (EVs) reduce oil imports. However, the current transportation infrastructure is not optimized for EVs. Without new technology and infrastructure, capital and operational barriers will harm the “Plug-In”
Currently, to implement Eco-Logical, it is critical to either implement or adopt a Regional Ecosystem Framework (REF) or a Watershed Plan for the transportation/conservation planning area. Currently there are many
Generalizations have been made as to (re) using shingles in HMA and WMA pavements. The engineering opimization of RAS has only been touched upon as to setting limits of RAS replacement. Grade
Porous pavement usage and design has improved dramatically since 2003 when the National Asphalt Paving Association published guidelines on mix designs with continued refinements by the UNHSC and others. The use
Subsurface gravel wetlands have proven successful as a nitrogen control strategies however costly to construct. Studies show that these systems show a unique ability to remove bioavailable nitrogen in excess
Many wildlife underpasses are noisy and frighten animals away. Research needs to be done to find a way to make thes structures (bridges, box culvers, steel arch culverts, conspan arches,
Problem Statement: Climate change, energy security and air quality concerns are at the forefront of contemporary challenges in the transportation sector. High quality travel behavior data provides an important input
Scope: Quality preservation and maintenance of historic roadside structures within highway right of way is a challenge within the established low bid requirements of state agencies. As historic preservation generally
Background There is a wealth of research on climate change and transportation that has been completed or is currently underway. In order to properly identify research gaps and needs, there
Background There are several completed and ongoing research efforts that have analyzed the potential of various strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the transportation sector. Some have
Background As the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) applies to federal actions in all 50 states, most state DOT’s have partnered with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to develop and
The focus of the project is laying out a vision for sustainable energy for passenger vehicles. The project will: Identify the role of government policies on energy transitions in addressing
Transportation professionals, including planners and engineers, desire to avoid conflicts and reduce mitigation costs, thereby increasing the reliability and predictability of transportation design processes. Further, SAFETEA-LU requires involvement of participating agencies
The objective of this research is to develop approaches for evaluating long-term regional strategies for the use of alternative vehicle power sources. The vision is that the approaches developed may
Equity is on the agenda of a growing number of MPOs and state DOTs, following Title VI requirements and subsequent federal guidelines. At the same time, there is little practical
While many EJ issues are legitimate, many are also unsuited for legal action. Moving forward, the goal of our EJ work is to address this dilemma by conducting empirical research
Urban catchments in rainy climates commonly are exposed to flood threats. Urban flooding may cause material losses in the form of public and private property damage. Furthermore, street flooding may
Research and report on the intersection of sustainability and historic preservation, focusing on identifying the benefits of reinvesting in older, historic transportation infrastructure and in maintaining existing facilities in America’s
TERI Administrator Note (May 2011): AASHTO/CEE Programmatic Library covers this research idea. Compile case studies of transportation projects for which Programmatic Agreements are used for compliance with Section 106 of
With the use of electronic media becoming prevalent in communication how effective are virtual NEPA public meetings. Some states have done research in public meeting options but at this point
Perform a sustainability evaluation of 3 to 5 recent NPDES stormwater permits in the State of California Develop metrics and a simple method to rank permits from a sutainability
Construction, operation, and maintenance of infrastructure changes land surface permeability and runoff rates. Roadside ditches carry invisible chemicals such as zinc and cadmium, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, herbicides, and road salt.
Recent toxicity data obtained through studies conducted by the State of Iowa and EPA Region 5 in 2009 showed that chloride was less toxic to aquatic organisms when accounting for
The requirements outlined in TMDL reports and drafts are applied broadly to a number of land uses and are often based on assumptions. Quite often, the impacts related to transportation
We propose to test existing live cell and whole organisms using physiological techniques, in particular fluorescent tags combined with confocal microscopy to image changes in physiology, growth and development caused
The threats to human safety posed by high rates of large mammal road-kill are well reported in the literature, as well as the adverse effects of road-kill on mammal populations;
An overall assessment of fish passage conditions from headwaters to estuaries requires the analysis of the entire channel network connecting those habitats. Such an analysis should not be performed in
There are several types of models used in analyzing highway emission impacts to air quality for both regional analysis and project or hotspot analysis. These models include traffic operations, transportation
Observations and modeling of ground water flow underneath and through road embankments will lead to a better understanding of permafrost stability. Thermal models of road embankments have been a useful
Examine performance indicators that measure timely human access more directly. How can transportation systems be easily evaluated in terms of measures of human quality of life – community livability, increasing commerce
In concert with UC Davis, take samples from the calcareous skeletons/shells of invertebrates, cross section them through annual growth rings, burn samples from within the growth ring, analyze the vaporized
When applying MOVES (MOtor Vehicle Emission Simulator) in project-level PM (particulate matter) conformity analysis, link-based traffic characteristics are required at local on-road level so as to ensure realistically representation of
Scope: Determine which utility/transportation projects are compatible from a construction and maintenance standpoint. Develop planning, design, and construction techniques to facilitate the joint projects
Scope: Research Objectives: The Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and National Forest Management Act require that stream-road crossings are designed such that viable populations of native aquatic species are
Scope: (1) Objectives. The objective of our proposed scope of research is to research and develop professional activities aimed at incorporating wildlife mitigation into standardized federal and state highway planning and
The southeastern United States is the center of biodiversity for freshwater fishes and mussels in North America. Many of these species are imperiled and one of the leading causes of imperilment
Water is a precious finite resource in the United States and throughout the world. Water resource limitations are currently and expected to be one of the main environmental challenges facing
This project proposes to screen, develop and apply Coral live cell imaging techniques to evaluate the effects of road runoff, increased water temperature, and storm water management practices on Coral
The purpose of the project is to develop a better understanding of sustainable transportation efforts in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, with particular reference to performance measures. The workshop will
Zinc is an important targeted constituent for Departments of Transportation (DOTs). The average concentration in highway runoff exceeds water quality objectives. For individual storms, the measured concentrations of total zinc in highway discharge
Lead tire weights used to balance wheels may be a substantial source of lead in the highway environment. These weights are sometimes released from wheels and then abraded by traffic,releasing lead into
The objective of this study is to determine the optimum timing and application rates of various deicing materials. A variety of standard tests can be conducted to determine the effectiveness of various chemicals, including:
EPA has reported recently that the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution entering our waters has escalated dramatically over the last 50 years, and that this trend will continue with US population
The goal of the proposal is the development of a raster-based GIS model of the potential for the presence of prehistoric archaeological sites in the state of Indiana. The model
The way one drives has an impact on the instantaneous and total emissions produced for a given trip. Driving style has an impact on microscopic (second by second) vehicle activities
An efficient and robust surface highway transportation system is essential for continued economic growth of the US. Conversely, vehicle emission has increasingly resulted in adverse impact on air quality and environmental
Introduction – The medium and heavy duty trucking industry sector could be responsible for 300-400 million metric tons of CO2 by 2030 (World Resource Institute). The same sector currently accounts for
With the rapid development of new energy passenger vehicles and high speed rail, heavy duty trucks will likely become the major greenhouse gas (GHG) emission contributor in transportation sector. In
The recent concurrent introduction of models (MOVES2010, CAL3QHCR and AERMOD) and associated guidance new to federally-required project-level “hot-spot” analyses poses significant challenges for state DOTs and other agencies with responsibilities in project implementation.
The United States Forest Service (USFS) has recognized the snowshoe hare is an indicator species for habitat management. Occupying the southern tip of its range, the snowshoe hare is located in
Oregon Department of Transportation has been developing (in cooperation with other state and local agencies) a comprehensive GIS data management system. This system includes environmental, safety and asset resource information, but
Scope: This project will enhance current methods and modeling tools to quantify the benefits of a diversified transportation fuel mix. Benefits to be evaluated include the value of reduced fluctuation in
Scope: South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) promotes expedited implementation of advanced zero and low emission transportation technologies in Southern California to achieve air quality standards. In case of high
Scope: Zero and near-zero emission transportation technologies such as electric and hybrid electric vehicles are critical element in California’s strategy in achieving energy security and in reducing emissions of greenhouse
Scope: Background: Efforts to develop and deploy clean energy, and transportation technologies that use clean energy (e.g., electric power), are impacted by fluctuating fossil fuel prices. Incentives to deploy clean energy that
Scope: (1) The objective would be to develop potential regulatory and incentive mechanisms to accelerate deployment of IMO Tier 3 marine vessels to U.S. ports. (2) Key tasks would be
Scope: Background concentrations representative of a project area are the most critical information needed for transportation projects subject to the new guidance for quantitative hot-spot analyses of particulate matter (PM). The
Scope: Transitioning to use of cleaner energy in transportation has the potential to address multiple needs including energy security, energy cost certainty, local air quality, and climate. Many of these benefits
Scope: Information from the Every Day Counts (EDC) project indicates that there is currently not enough information about re-cycles asphalt to determine how it fits into the program long term. A
Scope: The State of North Carolina is seriously considering allowing natural gas exploration and development. Potential gas resources are of the kind that will be exploited using hydraulic fracturing drilling methods
PROBLEM STATEMENT It is well established that structures associated with road crossings may have negative impacts on stream fish assemblages. The two primary mechanisms through which road crossings may impact
Scope: To maintain the safe and efficient mobility of an aging population, this research proposal seeks to improve the understanding of urban and rural transportation needs that would inform and
Scope: With continual technological advances in tools like GIS, remote sensing, and computer software, the transportation industry has at its disposal increasingly more capable tools to perform transportation planning and
Scope: Across the nation, streams and drainage channels have been severely degraded to provide drainage for land development and transportation projects. Federal and state regulations require mitigation for impacts to channels
Scope: 1. Objective General observations indicate a significant disparity in bicycle usage between the City of Cambridge and the neighborhood of Mattapan/Dorchester section of Boston where bicycle lanes were recently installed. The
The proposed research need is a decision tool for rail transit executives to use when considering rail transit safety enhancements. This would most likely require a cost/benefit and risk analysis which
Problem Mitigation for the adverse effects to historic properties under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act often entails an “economic” exercise of trying to estimate the value of the historic property
Scope: A regional transit parking plan is needed in the Puget Sound region to better integrate current and planned parking facilities to the regional transit system. A survey of best
CAN RUMBLE STRIP NOISE BE MITIGATED WITH A NOISE WALL? DO CONCRETE PARAPET WALLS REDUCE TIRE PAVEMENT NOISE IN THE FIELD? DO CLEAR WALLS PROVIDE AN ADDED ACOUSTIC BENEFIT IN
This research would take steps toward the ultimate goal of developing a nationally accepted manual on transportation demand management (TDM) effectiveness in line with the Highway Capacity Manual. This could
Scope: Develop an integrated asset management plan for utilities and right of way. Develop guidelines for concurrent construction and maintenance activities; develop guidelines for cost sharing of degradation of pavement life;
Bridges built in previous decades often incorporated expansion joints that provided optimal roosting habitat for bats. This is due to the combination of favorable gap size, open canopy in road
Section 106 Historic Property identifications in advance of federally funded transportation projects are typically very costly and time consuming. This process is less effective and efficient than it should be.
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 ( 16 USC 470(f)) requires that Federal agencies take into account the effects of their undertakings on properties eligible for
Federal law requires state departments of transportation (DOTs) to make available for donation to non-DOT parties any historic bridge that is programmed for demolition or replacement (23 USC 144(o)(4)). This
Scope: Many states are currently investigating the feasibility of hyraulic fracturing. IN addition to the untold environmental impacts, states are experiencing major road damage due to the size, weight and
With the advent of the Marine Protection Act, new construction methods are necessary to reduce the underwater noise impacts to mammals. This research would examine alternative construction practices to reduce noise.
RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT In recent years, coal-fired power plants are more frequently utilizing air pollution control technologies that result in fly ash with elevated concentrations of ammonia (referred to herein
The objective is to idenity opportunities for energy development at properties currently used for Rest Areas. A guidance document on basic requirement would allow for sites to be assessed for future
The object is to characterize the health impacts from decisions on transportation–from planning to projects. This relationship is thought to influence public health issues and transportation agencies need more information about
Road salt runoff is a seasonal phenomenon, largely confined to the late-winter to spring months. For most northern biota, this is a lag period of growth when they are least
The objective of this research is to develop a common framework for reporing the cultural resources that are suspected or confirmed during project development/construction.
Testing of a noise reduction panel that has a .95 NRC (noise reduction coifficient) for a lower decibel rating. Mounting panels on existing walls and taking decible readings from different locations.
Objective would be to investigate various methods of mitigating noise from joints on overpasses. Look for practical methods that are both cost effective and easy to install/maintain. These methods can
Develop a method to use less water when curing concrete cylinders in a moisture room and develop a procedure to recylce water from the moisture room. Several times Metro-Atlanta has experienced
Standard practice in the U.S. within hydrology is to assume a Log-Pearson III probability distribution for predicting flood flows. This practice came about due to the computational resources that were
The objective would be to identify new BMP that would adjust water quality of acid precipitation conveyed along dirt and gravel roads for use by transprotation practioners.
The objective of this research is to develop a PDA that obtains the matrices identified for structures, habitats and species so that field personnel will have a tool for assessing
Objective- To show that in most cases that the IPAC system is greatly flawed and the most states have far more accurate data in their own GIS Systems.The best available
Problem Statement: Large animal-vehicle collisions are a growing problem nationwide and results in fatalities, personal injuries, and property damage. While “road-kill” data is collected, the nation needs to quantify the extent
Scope: The AASHTO Air Quality Community of Practice May 2012 draft report “Establishing and Coordinating Motor Vehicle Emissions Budgets State-of-the-Practice” recommended an NCHRP study to: “advance the state-of-the-practice for establishing
The objective of the proposed project would be to evaluate the required attributes of highways rest areas for renewable energy generation, storage and utilization.
The objective of the project would be to develop example contracting parameters for state DOTs seeking to work with third-party renewable energy developers and/or utilities to construct and manage renewable
The FWS’s Landscape Energy Action Plan in Wyoming piloted a landscape level approach to assessment of impacts to multiple species to assist wind and transmission corridor development, an approach applicable
This project will develop innovative anti-icing/deicing formulations for snow and ice control on highways, using beet sugar refining by-products and other additives for freezing-point suppression, performance enhancement, and corrosion inhibition.
Most countries collect various transportation-related data, such as roadway facility supply, vehicle ownership and use, transit service, traffic crashes, fuel consumption, and pollution emissions, but there is a lack of
This research project will evaluate the feasibility, cost-effectiveness and benefits of using multi-scale modified asphalt binder and locally available low-cost materials and waste materials (e.g., recycled plastics, reclaimed asphalt pavement
This research project will evaluate the feasibility, cost-effectiveness and benefits of using ultrahigh volume fly ash concrete (UHVFAC) for the construction and maintenance of highway structures and pavements. The environmentally
Efficient and effective water-quality monitoring is key to understanding and setting water-quality objectives and meeting local, state, and federal stormwater regulations. Inaccurate representation of contaminants in urban runoff can lead
As a major source of non-point source pollution, highway runoff has adverse effects on the adjacent aquatic resources if no measures are taken to remove the excessive contaminants accumulated from
The proposed research provides an innovative multi-disciplinary approach to cost-effective management of storm water. DOTs needs effective tools to meet recently enacted federal (EPA) regulations for reducing the amount of
This project will develop, install and field test the effectiveness of new structural BMPs specifically designed to manage runoff near one or two highway bridge decks, e.g., filters and biofiltration
This study would examine the response of pollinator movement and subsequent gene flow and reproductive fitness between and within rare endemic plant populations that are fragmented by roads by road
Climate change may affect human health via interactions with air pollutants such as ozone and PM2.5. These air pollutants are linked to climate because they can be both affected by
Identify and test technologies promising “dust-free” environments. Suggested technologies include water-blasting and abrasive blasting with sponge/grit.
Develop analytical tools and prepare recommendations for highway and rail infrastructure investments that will alleviate bottlenecks and produce environmental, energy and public health benefits. Our proposed collaborative Green Corridor
Assess management efforts to prevent or slow the spread of exotic plants into and away from roadsides. Research should stratify sites based upon ecosystem, soil fertility and time of disturbance.
The proposed research will identify potential highway safety, environmental and operation and maintenance (O&M) impacts of emerging solar and wind energy production and storage installations along highway Right-of-Way (ROW), with
The objective of the proposed international scan would be to collect lessons learned and success stories from the earliest adopters of the novel approach to power generation.
Key tasks: *Literature review *Interview states with similar initiatives (e.g., NJ, Maine) *Recommend best practices This idea came to mind today during National Trails Training Partnership discussion of publication:
Background: Many Departments of Transportation (DOTs) are being required to retrofit existing highways to comply with Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) to improve the quality of runoff discharged from highways.
As evidenced by the recent January 2013 EPA Webinar entitled “Road Salt Pollution Prevention” in which over 1000 people participated, the concern for road salt, or rock salt, and water
Background: DOTs routinely complete BMP effectiveness studies as a part of their research to improve their stormwater program. Many of the effectiveness studies duplicate research in other parts of the
Background: Many NPDES Permits require DOTs to identify constituents of concern from highway and support facilities. Constituent of concern are known or emerging potential pollutants that are generated within the
Some years, pine siskins, red crossbills, evening grosbeaks, American goldfinches and other finches are attracted to roads treated with salt. Observers often report lethargy and a lack of wariness as
Washington State has been replacing culverts with new larger culverts, or bridges, using an algorythm called “Stream simulation” for over a decade. These larger passages provide dry banks under highways during
Effective December 20, 2012, a new era in air quality analyses for transportation projects began as federal transportation conformity rule requirements and associated guidance issued by the US EPA for
According to the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Office of Asset Management, a Transportation Asset Management Plan (TAMP) can “act as a focal point for information” about state DOT assets, their
Climate change is making it more difficult to maintain some infrastructure, particularly in coastal areas subject to sea level rise. In some areas, DOTs are already foreseeing that the department
Policies are needed to fund transportation infrastructure upgrades to avoid catastrophic costs and risks. However, while transportation experts see these costs and risks as significant, members of the general public
Automated on-site data collection, GPS/AVL on maintenance vehicles to collect time and material information on maintaining individual BMPs, and national higher resolution datasets coming online are all trends that may
Michigan DOT is currently running a pilot testing LiDAR as an efficient way to add data on engineered structures to the state’s asset management system. Meanwhile, the Missouri Resource Assessment
The research regarding the reduction of the adverse environmental impact through highway design is still in its infancy. Furthermore, highway design manuals/guidebooks do not provide any information on environmentally-friendly designs.
In the USA’s 374 metropolitan areas of 50,000 population and above, there is a significant variation in the rate of road-based passengership (being a passenger in a car, van, or
Over the past decade, carsharing has evolved from an early-adopter stage to become a new mode of transportation in urban areas across the country. While significant work has been done
State DOTs have measurably increased their participation in the climate change, transportation asset, and environmental planning linkage. There is currently a national policy movement to address these linkages and how
This research project will apply a transport equation to predict noise distributions in long spaces/enclosures when multiple sources are present. Potential applications are transportation infrastructures such as tunnels, subway stations,
We propose a novel, flexible, cost-effective, laptop-based, in-situ measurement system that will be capable of gathering all necessary data in a practical way while also enabling the testing of a
State DOTs, like many other agencies during this economic downturn, have struggled to provide basic services. At the same time, the housing market has imploded and the number of returning
This project will preliminarily develop a Snow and Ice Control Asset Management System (SICAMS) for cold-climate DOTs, in order to promote sustainability in winter maintenance operations. While a phased approach
The proposed study would develop a practical guide for (or compendium of) mitigation measures for air quality for typical highway and transit projects that, ultimately, may serve as the basis
Successful research efforts require identifying all of the conditions and unknowns surrounding the area of interest and then defining them. This requires developing a plan for conducting research which identifies
Background: Construction activities can produce fugitive dust and exhaust emissions of criteria pollutants from heavy duty construction equipment. The AASHTO Air Quality Community of Practice issued State of the Practice
DOTs are not able to afford to make all desirable changes to adapt to impending climate change, but at least they can provide good basic guidance to local governments on
Background (Problem): Climate change is altering the physical environment that we are living in. Future changes in climate will bring with it rising temperatures, increased precipitation events, rising sea levels,
Given the tight budget times, DOTs are often not in a position to make further investments in environmental areas, but some environmental practices generate other efficiencies for DOTs. These co-benefits
More and more DOTs are developing pilot “showcase” projects on LEED certification of rest areas and oather facilities. Illinois DOT invested in research on the most efficient, cost-effective ways to
Utilizing the results of NCHRP 25-25, Task 23 – Guidelines for Environmental Performance Measurements Final Report, investigate using positive performance measures to obtain reductions in criteria pollutants and greenhouse gas
Highway agencies place Winter Weight Premiums (WWP) and Spring Load Restrictions (SLR) during the winter and spring seasons when the performance of pavement structure changes due to winter freeze and
Snow avalanches can have catastrophic effects on highway travel by blocking roadways entirely as well as the potential for both property damage and loss-of-life consequences. There are also severe economic
This study will assess how advances in non-market economic valuation methods of ecoservices from natural systems can be incorporated into current approaches to EIS analysis and Benefit-Cost Analysis of proposed
Park-and-ride programs have been expanding for several years. For example, in Virginia they continue to gain popularity among commuters in both major metropolitan areas and even in rural areas.
FHWA and legal advisors have often insisted on the prominent display of disclaimers in conjunction with social media, which practitioners fear discourages public involvement. Such disclaimers often indicate that limited
Background: Sea-level rise, increased precipitation events, and increased storm severity resulting from a changing climate will increase the vulnerability of transportation assets to flooding and other physical stressors. Recent extreme
Environmental noise pollution relates to ambient sound levels beyond comfort levels; as caused by traffic, construction, industrial, as well as some recreational activities. It could aggravate serious direct as well
TRB Special Report 235 was published in 1991 to evaluate the potential for widespread use of non-chloride deicers. The focus was on Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) due to its recent
To identify the optimal placement of electric vehicle charging stations for the traveling public in order to reduce range anxiety for electric vehicle travelers along major travel corridors in Illinois.
The study would evaluate the Illinois Department of Transportation’s sustainability initiatives from a geographic perspective and identify gaps, statewide gaps in sustainability. The study would work in tandem with the
Reducing runoff volumes using infiltration of stormwater has drawn increasing interest in recent years, given its ability to reduce stormwater volume, increase groundwater recharge, reduce peak flows, and lessen the
Section 1113 of MAP-21 addresses the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program and provides for “optional programmatic eligibility” as follows: (1) IN GENERAL.—At the discretion of a metropolitan
PROBLEM Historic roads are an intrinsic part of the nation’s heritage, representing different periods and trends in engineering design from the wagon roads that survive in rural areas to early
A comprehensive study of the geophysical investigations of cemeteries using case studies (n=50) and interviews with experience practitioners to determine best practices for maximizing the effectiveness of these investigations. Analysis
A study of past road projects that had added capacity and an analysis of induced growth caused by these projects. Determining which projects that added capacity actually induced growth and
In NEPA analysis that goes on for numerous years for transportation projects, the traffic data is updated with analytical consequences periodically throughout the process. But how often do these expensive
The development of standard reference cases for modeling various project types and pollutants would benefit state DOTs that are transitioning to the new federal models and guidance for project-level air
DOTs and other agencies working on transportation-related air quality issues are under increasing financial and environmental constraints. Several of these agencies put forward research ideas and fund research projects in
Extreme weather impacts on driver safety and the development of next generation analytical tools to improve hazard analysis and causal factor traceability of those impacts is an important next step
Objective: Analyze environmental and energy benefits of increased efficiency in the Northeast Corridor as a result of improved freight operations. Background: A great deal of effort and attention is being
From USC forecast model, take high priority watersheds and create watershed management plans. The management plans will assess watershed condition, threats and opportunities. Develop improvements, restorations, and protections for water
Statement of Work (Objective) This research proposal is to support work on an often overlooked naturally occurring ecosystem fuel, organic soils and/or deep duffs. These fuels have posed a threat
Currently field offices in the US Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) use a variety of methods to determine if species suitable habitat is in a project area. Recently the New
South Carolina DOT would like to research how its Traffic Noise Abatement Policy compares to other states in the southeast, as well as the nation. Comparison of such items as:
Research is necessary to investigate the effects of roads and passages on threatened Mojave desert tortoise genetics, demography, and population connectivity. It will also be helpful to conduct additional research
In 2012, the EPA MOVES model became a requirement for air emissions modeling on transportation projects. In addition to MOVES, EPA regulations require dispersion modeling using one of two allowable
November 2012 Proposal: Effective December 20, 2012, a new era in air quality analyses for transportation projects begins as regulatory requirements issued by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
Current US DOT guidance specifies 140 to 150 thousand in average daily traffic (ADT) volume as the effective threshold, applicable across the nation, for conducting quantitative assessments of mobile source
In 2012, a template for NEPA/conformity documentation for project-level air quality analyses was completed as NCHRP 25-25 (Task 71), (See “Templates for Project Level Analysis Using MOVES, CAL3QHC/R and AERMOD”,
Templates for modeling of various typical transportation project types would be developed in this proposed study. The modeling would be conducted using the latest updates to US EPA models and
Background: State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) are being named as Designated Management Agencies in Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) management plans. This designation often brings with it the obligation for
Background: Many NPDES Permits require DOTs to monitor receiving waters to characterize runoff from DOT facilities, assess the effectiveness of BMPs, and for compliance with TMDLs. Monitoring programs require considerable
The use of porous asphalt pavement (PAP) can purify stormwater runoff and recharge the groundwater. PAP is one of the acceptable structural Best Management Practices (BMPs) that can be used
The benefits of bats to humans and the environment are well known. Some are principal pollinators and others consume large quantities of insects detrimental to agricultural crops and human health.
The Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) is a federally listed endangered species and the Northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) is a species proposed for Federal listing under the Endangered Species Act
Even in remote areas of California, roads are challenging for wildlife-they lead to car strikes, changes in microhabitat characteristics along road boundaries, and large-scale habitat fragmentation. We all suspect that
Within the Colorado desert area of southern California, the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP) spans 1.1 million acres across the Coachella Valley. Bordered by Joshua Tree National
Project Description: With culverts installed in numerous locations throughout southern California to allow for hydrological flow under roadways, they also provide the secondary function of vagile species connectivity to habitat
Background and Objectives Roads of different sizes, substrates, and traffic volumes have been shown to inhibit the movement of large mammals, small mammals, herpetofauna, and invertebrates (Brehme et al. 2013).
In 1998, the Peninsular bighorn sheep (PBS) was federally listed as endangered throughout its distribution in the Peninsular Ranges of California. As identified by the PBS Recovery Plan (USFWS 2000),
Migratory birds establish nests on bridge structures and within roadway r-o-w’s. Restricted activity periods due to nesting restrict construction, maintenance and rehabilitation of roads and bridges leading to increased costs.
Very little information is available on the Northern Long Eared bat’s likely use of vegetation flanking highway corridors. The objective of this research is to review existing data on the
Survey of DOTs, MPOs, LPAs and NGOs regarding bat management strategies, mitigation on and off structures, effectiveness, and general cost benefit analysis including maintenance implications and costs.
Traditionally, state and local governments install the smallest structure necessary to pass a certain measurable flow as required by local, state and federal rules. Structures that are sized to bankfull-width
Survey of DOTs, MPOs, LPAs and NGOs regarding designs for promoting sensitive reptile and amphibian crossings of roadway corridors, effectiveness, and general cost benefit analysis including maintenance implications and costs.
Survey and compilation of information on erosion control products that are safe for sensitive reptiles and amphibians (netting-free) and erosion control treatments (alternatives to rip rap) that do not block
Survey of DOTs on use of on-line species databases and available GIS data. Which databases are most useful and what are the characteristics that make them useful (resolution and accuracy
A survey of DOTs, FHWA offices, USFWS and federal land managing agencies for practices adopted to manage project review given the uncertainty associated with increasing listing of new species under
There has been a great deal of interest in building airport stations on rail public transportation (heavy and light rail as well as intercity passenger rail). This study would look
Regulatory-mandated air quality analysis, such as SIP analysis, transportation conformity determinations, and project level evaluations typically require the use of multiple models (model chain) to analyze a complex chain of land use
Transportation agencies worldwide are increasingly seeking ways to cost-effectively improve the sustainability of their various activities, particularly by reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. The PVNB is one technology that highway
Research Idea Scope Background: Current municipal and transportation-related stormwater permits in western Washington require the use of low impact development (LID) as the preferred and commonly used approach to managing
Background: Natural and engineered dispersion are best management practices (BMPs) designed to receive highway runoff from sheet flow for the purposes of water quality treatment and flow control. These BMPs
Background: This research proposal seeks to study Portland Cement Pervious Concrete’s (PCPC) ability to remove pollutants, particularly heavy metals, and reduce surface volume flows from highway runoff. This study will
To identify the likelihood of suitable roost tree occupancy for both the Indiana and Northern Long-eared bat as the distance from cleared ROW increases. This would require a multi-year habitat
The study would determine if Monarchs are attracted to vegetation within highway rights-of-way, if this attraction is due to milkweed species being present, and would estimate roadside mortality. Tasks required
Roads inhibit the movement of many terrestrial species, including mammals and reptiles, by increasing mortality or through avoidance by wildlife (Trombulak and Frissell 2000). In many cases, evidence for use
The proposed study would incorporate No Adverse Impact floodplain management and mitigation into future planned transportation projects. The objective is to evaluate potential flood risk for transportation projects early in
Develop a set of resources for comprehensive and multi-modal evaluation of transportation projects, similar to the following: DfT (2006), Transport Analysis Guidance, Integrated Transport Economics and Appraisal, Department for Transport
Federal and state objectives for streamlining project development may be supported in general by the development and implementation of programmatic agreements (PAs) and, where federal requirements for transportation conformity apply,
Wetlands are among the world’s most ecologically productive and economically important environments, but they are also one of the world’s most endangered environments. Approximately 53% of wetlands in the lower
With the 2012 listing of the Atlantic Shortnose Sturgeon to the threatened and endangered species list the Virginia Department of Transportation has had to produce two noise analyses for a
The recently completed NCHRP 08-83 study (see excerpt below) on “Analytical Travel Forecasting Approaches for Project-Level Planning and Design” addressed project-level transportation modeling in detail but only addressed air quality
While there are a number of published studies that provide information to state and local agencies about the potential emission reduction benefits of control strategies that are designed to reduce
There is a need for invasive species control performance standards. NCHRP Synthesis 363 identified that there are few studies that quantify benefits of invasive secies control, thus highway departments often commit
When applying MOVES (MOtor Vehicle Emission Simulator) in project-level PM (particulate matter) conformity analysis, link-based traffic characteristics are required at local roadway level so as to ensure realistically representation of
There are many air pollution emission components associated with motor vehicles, which historically have been subjected to stricter and stricter environmental controls, including running exhaust, crankcase running exhaust, cold start,
The use of mobile source emissions models is inescapable for many regulatory, planning, and research applications in the air quality and transportation field. Although the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s MOVES
The purpose of this research is to evaluate modeling techniques and ambient measurements to comprehensively understand and explain vehicle emissions contributions to local air quality. The research will consist of
Runoff associated with highways and roads has been identified as a major source of fine sediment entering water bodies. Sediment removal methods include sediment traps, hydrodynamic and filtration devices, sediment
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (54 USC §306108) requires that Federal agencies take into account the effects of their undertakings on properties eligible for listing
Note: This research idea was short-listed at the 2015 TRB meeting of the Project-Level Subcommittee of the Transportation and Air Quality Committee (ADC20). The broader research problem to be addressed
The NCHRP 25-25 Task 78 study (2015) successfully developed templates for programmatic agreement (PA) and associated technical documentation that are designed to be implemented by state DOTs to streamline project-level
Most recently, NCHRP 25-25 Task 78, developed templates for a PA for CO hot-spot analysis and identified needed research areas to develop PAs for PM hot spot analyses and MSAT
In 2007, the National Research Council (NRC) issued the landmark report “Models in Environmental Regulatory Decision Making” (http://www.nap.edu/catalog/11972/models-in-environmental-regulatory-decision-making). It assessed EPA’s use of computer models in developing regulations and recommended
Synthesize publicly-available data to create a computer model that calculates carbon footprint for DOT-centric development. Inputs are needed for embodied carbon, carbon burned during construction and maintenance, and carbon sequestered
Wherever there is the motion there is the possibility of producing kinetic energy. The heavier and more consistent the motion – the more energy is produced. This concept can be
The problems of food deserts, access to healthy foods, and food system sustainability are usually framed as land use, economic development, environmental, and/or food policy problems, not as transportation problems.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has built a number of structures to facilitate Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) over the last decade, several of which have been designed in accordance
Transportation projects are often constructed and maintained in the presence of soil and ground water contaminated with petroleum, solvents, and other toxic and hazardous substances. Subsurface utilities and drainage structures
State transportation agencies face an increasing number of federally listed species that need to be incorporated into planning processes, while needing to do so within a constrained budget. Each transportation
Development of a “manual” of standard practice for restoring historic bridges would be of great help to the practicing engineer. Civil Engineering curriculum typically doesn’t teach in detail regarding wrought
To better understand the microhabitat preferred by roosting bats on bridges; I propose a nationwide (random selection) of bridges across the US. A comprehensive, multi-year analysis would need to be
allow the UN to lead our website and developments, fighting terror, anti green associations and protecting markets.
Summary Statement: Research is needed in fusing together public and private commodity flow and operational datasets describing the light and heavy truck shipments between supplies and buyers. The data fusion
The designation and classification of areas as nonattainment areas has significant impact on that area. It requires developing both policy and technical approaches to bring the area back into attainment.
Every year a tremendous amount of work goes into public involvement for complex or controversial transportation projects. Creative and effective public involvement strategies have been developed for Section 106 consulting
Under 23 USC 144, any State that proposes to demolish a historic bridge for a replacement project…shall first make the historic bridge available for donation. Truss bridges are logical choices
This research will provide information on the sensitivity of ambient air quality to project-level traffic and other key inputs in the traffic, emission and dispersion modeling chain including meteorological inputs.
BACKGROUND: Public-private partnerships (P3s) are contractual agreements formed between a public agency and a private sector entity that allow for greater private sector participation in the delivery and financing of
BACKGROUND: Beginning in in the early 1990s, some State Department of Transportations (State DOTs) began to fund additional staff positions at resource agencies to expedite project delivery. After the passage
Description: It is generally recognized that not all historic truss bridges can be rehabilitated in place or relocated because of structural condition, financial costs, or public interest in preservation in-place.
The rehabilitation of historic bridges often must accommodate upgrading certain components to modern engineering and safety standards. Railing systems are among the most visually prominent of such components, either through
Road features have both positive and negative effects on their surroundings. While roads provide transportation for people and goods, there are a significant number of negative ecological impacts that can
Summary Objective: The objective of this research is to provide guidelines and best practices for practitioners for developing spatial and temporally detailed vehicle fleet and activity estimates for input to
Cost benefit analysis of culvert and bridge maintenance often omit aspects of ecological integrity. Over the lifetime of a stream crossing, the structure type will impact biological communities such as