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    <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright>
    <docs>http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss</docs>
    <managingEditor>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</managingEditor>
    <webMaster>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</webMaster>
    <image>
      <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
      <url>https://rip.trb.org/Images/PageHeader-wTitle-RIP.jpg</url>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/</link>
    </image>
    <item>
      <title>From Region to Relationships: Toolkit for Developing Multimodal Corridor Systems</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2709251</link>
      <description><![CDATA[State departments of transportation (DOTs) and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) utilize extensive resources and time to develop robust long-range transportation plans and asset management plans that are very policy based. In addition, they develop their very location-specific programs and program projects. However, apart from an area that may require National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis, there is an overall lack of tools to tie the statewide/regional/local policy plans to specific projects in (state) transportation improvement programs.

Corridor plans at either a statewide or regional level can provide states and MPOs with a tool to bridge this gap (especially among local jurisdictions) and to allow for a corridor-specific vision and plan. This corridor plan and vision will take the statewide/regional vision and goals, tailor them to the corridor, and then provide guidance and a framework when state and local agencies develop projects along that corridor. The primary function of these corridors (activity, multimodal, main street, freeways, arterials, etc.), their connections between surrounding land uses, and safety, mobility, and accessibility needs should be factored in.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to identify strategies for state DOTs to encourage local agencies to proactively generate multimodal master plans based on the long-term vision for the corridor and its surrounding land uses.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2026 11:29:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2709251</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Research for the AASHTO Standing Committee on Planning. Task 66. Improved Methods for Assessing Social, Cultural, and Economic Effects of Transportation Projects
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2706280</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of this project is to review practices in state Departments of Transportation and Metropolitan Planning Organizations that are using information about the human environment earlier in the transportation planning process and synthesize effective approaches.  In addition, identify existing or emerging community and social impact assessment practices to develop indicators of quality of life (QOL) to be employed in the CIA process.  These cross-cutting indicators should include information about the human environment such as community cohesion, impacts to housing and employment, cultural resources, aesthetic values and the availability or access to public facilities and services.  These components of QOL will be translated into a measurement tool using a variety of data sources that will serve to develop a baseline assessment of a community from which projections of effects can be made.

The report includes a description of current state DOT and MPO practices in assessing transportation impacts on the human environment; examples of indicators or criteria that contribute or detract from QOL; a baseline set of QOL measures that can be derived from typical data sources; and a description of the uses of QOL indicators in assessing transportation impacts on communities.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2026 14:55:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2706280</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Pavement Condition Rating Method and Use for Local Agencies 
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2618201</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) collects pavement condition ratings (PCR) on the state network annually and a subset of the local network that is federal aid eligible on a biennial basis. This data is made available to local public agencies (LPAs) through the TIMS system. Many LPAs also collect their own set of pavement condition ratings on all pavements within their jurisdiction to identify roads for resurfacing, repair, and other planning purposes. The data sets collected by LPAs may differ significantly from ODOT's PCR and in most cases the detailed level of distress information collected in ODOT PCR may not be necessary for their purposes. In addition, the collection methods, schedules, and data types differ from locality to locality statewide.

Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO's) use ODOT's PCR ratings to help compare the condition of various areas and for grant applications. While ODOT PCR may be helpful to MPOs, the feedback ODOT has received from LPAs who are responsible for maintaining the local roads is that ODOT's PCR data may not be helpful in many cases. In addition, LPAs would prefer to have data on the whole local network as opposed to a subset. Since ODOT collects and reports pavement data on federal aid eligible roads, identifying a pavement rating methodology that would be useful for all parties (LPAs and MPOs) is desired.
 
The goal of this research is to recommend pavement rating methods that would be useful to cities, counties, townships, and MPOs. Findings from this research will help ODOT to focus current efforts to collect local pavement condition ratings to be useful to the agencies responsible for the routes the data represents. Identifying and implementing a pavement rating methodology that would be useful for all parties (LPAs and MPOs) would help reduce duplication of effort and enhance data integrity and utilization. A more unified approach to pavement data collection can ultimately improve pavement management for local agencies.
                 ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 04 Nov 2025 15:32:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2618201</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Utilizing Performance Measures for Metropolitan Planning Organizations</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2593921</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) work closely with state transportation agencies to set and monitor performance targets for transportation. The goal of the project is to identify best practices for Illinois MPOs to use and develop performance measures. Researchers will develop a guide for MPOs by identifying challenges and potential solutions through reviewing documents from transportation and planning agencies as well as conducting workshops and surveys. Developing a guide will help enhance Illinois Department of Transportation's (IDOT's) collaboration with MPOs as well as track performance more effectively and consistently.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2025 09:58:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2593921</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>MPO Board Member Training on Congestion Reduction</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2589112</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Governing Board members are responsible for establishing a long-range transportation vision for their metropolitan area and for making a variety of other significant transportation planning and programming decisions. These decisions have noteworthy and long-lasting impacts on the character of their communities, including the impact on system-wide and corridor level congestion. Yet, the vast majority of MPO Governing Board members come to their position without any background in transportation system development and even less on the nature of congestion. This training program, created under the guidance of the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO), the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC), and the Florida MPO Advisory Council (MPOAC), will educate MPO Governing Board members on their role in managing and reducing congestion in their metropolitan area. The modular podcast-style video training program (which will be available for free download on several websites, including the AMPO, NARC, and MPOAC websites) will cover a number of topics including the definition of transportation congestion, the root causes of congestion, the advantages and disadvantages of congestion, and the techniques for managing and reducing congestion where appropriate. It will also include a description of the basic process and product requirements for MPOs and the role played by MPO Governing Board members. Upon completion of the training, MPO Governing Board members will better understand their role in defining the future of congestion on their regional transportation system, resulting in a more robust planning and programming approach to congestion reduction nationwide.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 16 Aug 2025 23:45:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2589112</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Reconnecting in Housing Coordination Opportunity</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2521602</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research effort will create a series of practitioner-oriented tools and materials to help metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) develop housing coordination plans, recently enabled under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). This project also helps MPOs use this new tool to better integrate transportation planning into other federally required planning processes required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Economic Development Administration (EDA). As a result of this research, MPOs and their partner organizations will be able to utilize housing coordination plans to reconnect housing and jobs within communities, reduce spatial mismatch and segregation, and lower the combined cost of housing and transportation. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Mar 2025 13:37:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2521602</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>TAMPs, TPM, and PBPP:  How State DOTs and MPOs are Prioritizing
NHS Pavement and Bridge Condition and Performance in the Development of STIPs and TIPs
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2441452</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The purpose of this task order is to research and synthesize how State departments of transportation (State DOTs) and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) are prioritizing NHS pavement and bridge condition and performance in the processes, activities, and decisions that lead to the development of their STIPs and TIPs. The technical objectives are to: (1) develop and implement a research methodology to review and analyze STIPs, TIPs, TAMPs, published literature, and any other relevant supporting documentation; (2) coordinate conversations with practitioners and subject matter experts (SMEs); (3) document the state of the practice in a synthesis report, including challenges and opportunities,
lessons learned, noteworthy examples, and case studies; and (4) share the results with internal and external stakeholders.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 Oct 2024 12:10:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2441452</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Noteworthy Practices Performing MPO Administrative Functions</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2313953</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project seeks to identify the various methods and systems used by Florida’s 27 metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to carry out various administrative functions including progress reporting and federal reimbursement, services and tangible goods procurement, grant and contract management, office and facilities management, and personnel management. The research objectives include: (1) Documenting current federal and state requirements for MPO administrative functions through a review of relevant regulatory and guidance documents. (2) Documenting current national MPO administrative practices through a targeted review of available literature using publicly available national databases. (3) Documenting Florida MPO administrative practices and processes. (4) Documenting noteworthy practices for MPO administrative practices within Florida, practices that are efficient and effective and achieve desired outcomes and which could serve as examples for MPOs across Florida. (5) Developing clear suggestions for improved MPO administrative practices and processes across the state, focusing on those practices that will give Florida MPOs a framework for efficiently and effectively managing their administrative and workforce-related tasks.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Jun 2024 15:03:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2313953</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>NCHRP Implementation Support Program. Helping MPOs and State DOTs Implement Innovative Strategies from NCHRP Research Report 1002</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2367953</link>
      <description><![CDATA[NCHRP Research Report 1002: Metropolitan Planning Organizations: Strategies for Future Success is a practical resource for state departments of transportation (DOTs) and their metropolitan planning organization (MPO) partners to help address their evolving roles and face many of the challenges of the 21st century. It provides effective strategies for adaptation and improvement in a wide range of MPOs, varying in size, structure, resources, and regional context.

NCHRP Research Report 1002 also offers important guidance for MPOs on addressing issues in the post-COVID era. The topics and solutions discussed in Chapter 3, "Toolkit for the 21st Century," suggest successful approaches to emerging practices that can enhance the performance of MPOs across the United States. 

However, because the descriptions in the toolkit focus on general principles and concepts, it is important to operationalize these solutions within real MPO initiatives to demonstrate how the findings are replicable in a practical MPO setting. Therefore, an initial implementation effort is necessary to provide a strong foundation for incorporating NCHRP Research Report 1002 and to help state DOT and MPO staff understand and consider the most effective strategies for their jurisdiction or situation.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this project is to develop innovative activities and resources to achieve greater adoption of the research results of NCHRP Research Report 1002 by state DOTs and MPOs. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2024 16:43:31 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2367953</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Metropolitan Planning Organizations' Long-range Transportation Plans: Best Practices in Sustainability, Equity, and Climate Change</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2359162</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The long-range transportation (LRT) planning process seeks to align an agency’s transportation investment priorities over the next 20 years with the region’s vision and goals which increasingly includes sustainable transportation, climate change and equity targets. Metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) are regional transportation agencies responsible for the integrated LRT of multiple independent governmental jurisdictions. This research seeks to compile from progressive MPOs lessons learned in implementing sustainable modes of transportation in their LRT that account for climate change and equity in transportation. Twenty MPOs will be chosen. Ten smaller MPOs with populations more than 50,000, but less than 200,000 and 10 MPOs with populations larger than 200,000. Two authors of each of the 20 LRT plans will be interviewed for a total of 40 interviews, and content analysis will be used to develop key themes around best practices in implementing sustainable transportation, climate change and equity targets; implementation challenges; and overall lessons learned.

In reaction to the Biden Administration’s recent executive orders on equity, fairness and justice, this research will identify best practices and inform policy development and implementation of sustainable and equitable transportation planning that is responsive to climate change at the state, regional, and local levels.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 25 Mar 2024 19:33:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2359162</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Strategies and Actions for Collaboration: A Guide for DOTs, MPOs, and Partners</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2188135</link>
      <description><![CDATA[State departments of transportation (DOTs) and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) have been working in partnership for over 60 years under the concept of “3C planning,” in which their transportation planning activities are continuing, comprehensive, and cooperative. Since the 1960s, the scope and requirements of transportation planning have evolved for state DOTs and MPOs through federal aid provided with each successive transportation authorization bill. New and multidisciplinary planning activities have been authorized or required, shifting the paradigm from complying with the legally required minimum of cooperative approaches to collaborative approaches with a broader set of partners.

In 2016, the U.S. DOT published the Regional Models of Cooperation Handbook to promote notable examples of regional cooperation for various topic areas. In the 7 years since its publication, transportation planning has continued to evolve with a growing list of multidimensional outcomes and shared objectives that state DOTs and MPOs strive to achieve, directly or indirectly, through partnerships with other agencies, local governments, and others. As transportation agencies shift toward more community-centered outcomes, opportunities and challenges for collaboration are impacted by many contextual factors. 

These factors may include different-sized state DOTs and MPOs; state legislation; skill, capacity, and resource variances among agencies; and competing priorities. Additionally, emerging technology, freight, e-commerce, public health, housing, and land use drive the need to work with an additional set of partners. Research is needed to provide state DOTs and MPOs with actionable models of collaboration beyond the traditional cooperative approaches with specific recommendations for implementation.

The objective of this research is to develop a guide to provide state DOTs and MPOs with (1) implementable collaboration models for existing or emerging issues areas and (2) aspirational models where practices do not yet exist to strengthen state DOTs and MPOs relationships, external partnerships, and capacity to achieve community-centered outcomes.

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 May 2023 19:38:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2188135</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Update Model Plans Desk Reference </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2100900</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will update a 10 year old Desk Reference that illustrates how Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) could be reflected in Long Range MPO plans. The updated reference would leverage work on Transportation Performance Management (TPM), travel time reliability, connected and autonomous vehicles (CAV), etc.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2023 11:17:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2100900</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Consistent Documentation of Transportation Performance Management (TPM) and Performance Based Planning and Programming (PBPP)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2085736</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research involves working with key stakeholders, States, and metropolitan planning 
organizations (MPOs) to establish consistent documentation of performance measures, targets in the decision-making processes.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Dec 2022 14:15:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2085736</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Notable Practices in Project Prioritization</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2085734</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research will work with States and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to identify notable multimodal practices to identify and prioritize projects for transportation improvement program consideration.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Dec 2022 14:15:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2085734</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) List of Project Priorities (LOPP) Development Practices in Florida</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2059043</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project seeks to identify the various practices and methodologies used by Florida’s 27 metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to develop their list of project priorities (LOPP) and what characteristics of those LOPPs are most effective for clearly communicating MPO priorities to FDOT District Offices.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 09 Nov 2022 08:58:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2059043</guid>
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