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    <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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    <atom:link href="https://rip.trb.org/Record/RSS?s=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" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
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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>
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      <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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    <item>
      <title>Administration of Highway and Transportation Agencies. Support for Development of AASHTO'S 2027-2032 Strategic Plan</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2692291</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and its state department of transportation (DOT) members look to the AASHTO Strategic Plan to guide the organization over a multiyear period to achieve its highest priorities. AASHTO's 2020–2026 Strategic Plan has successfully articulated AASHTO’s vision, mission, values, goals, and objectives, and consistently guided the work of each AASHTO council and committee through their annual action plans. The next Strategic Plan presents an opportunity to build on this success while strengthening its resonance with AASHTO’s full range of constituents, ultimately enhancing service to its members and the public.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to provide planning and analytical support for the development of the AASHTO 2027-2032 Strategic Plan, including reviewing current vision, mission, values, goals, and objectives to determine what remains relevant and what should be updated or revised. 

This work will engage AASHTO members, staff, and external partners to gather input on potential updates and changes to the Strategic Plan. The project will help establish a clear and shared strategic direction for the work of AASHTO, including alignment with AASHTO council and committee work plans, while supporting staff in advancing AASHTO’s priorities. The research will consider opportunities to strengthen and sustain AASHTO’s member-volunteer model, which remains foundational to advancing state DOT priorities. In addition, the project will develop communication and performance-tracking tools to support implementation of the Strategic Plan.

The selected subcontractor will be expected to work closely with the AASHTO deputy director–chief policy officer, deputy director–chief of staff, and Strategic Plan Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee will be composed of AASHTO’s elected officials and other state DOT chief executive officers (CEOs), non‑CEO state DOT leaders from AASHTO councils and committees, and AASHTO staff representatives.

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:41:46 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2692291</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Automating the Lateral Strength Assessment of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Standard and Substandard Concrete Barriers</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2655577</link>
      <description><![CDATA[One of the important outcomes of the KTRAN: KSU-21-6 project that concluded in May 2023 is the development of a closed form procedure to assess the ultimate lateral strength of sub-standard concrete barriers using a rigorous yield line analysis beyond the prediction capabilities of the current American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) procedure. This method was confirmed by a truss analogy approach and finite element analysis. The closed form equations developed in that project were tedious to carry out by hand or Excel and the establishment of a computer software is deemed to be the most efficient and useful tool to add to the Kansas Department of Transportation (KsDOT)’s assessment capabilities. The findings of the earlier study revealed the fact that the lateral ultimate strength of sub-standard barriers exceed the current strength classification of AASHTO standard barriers leaving the geometrical height of the sub-standard barrier as the only deficiency to overcome in order to make such barriers as good as the standard barriers in mitigating truck crashes. Accordingly, the PI’s are proposing to develop a software package that implements a rigorous yield line analysis procedure incorporating the material-specific properties (steel and concrete) in determining the lateral ultimate strength of barriers. The software will be equally applicable to standard and sub-standard barrier assessments. It is expected to yield a powerful tool that can optimize the strength design of any concrete barrier. This is expected to lead to improvements in both the geometry, concrete and reinforcement properties in realizing an optimum target design. It will also allow examining various types of barrier designs to make the best educated engineering decisions on implementing one type over the other as well as coming up with new designs. 

The specific three main research tasks include: 1) Developing the lateral ultimate strength assessment software for standard and sub-standard barriers; 2) Generalizing the input parameters to explore new barrier geometries; 3) Writing and submitting the final project report and the developed comprehensive software.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:25:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2655577</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Enhancing Site Response Analysis for Bridge Infrastructure in the Southern Plains Region: Issues, Pitfalls, and Pathways to Improvement </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646962</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Bridges in the Southern Plains Region are essential to the continuity and resilience of the regional transportation network. Although traditionally considered a region of moderate seismic hazard, past seismic events and updated hazard characterizations along with escalating bridge costs have highlighted the need for the additional use of site response analysis in seismic bridge design. This project aims to investigate and resolve key technical limitations in current site response analysis practices as applied to bridge infrastructure within the Southern Plains Region. These include discrepancies in design acceleration estimation between American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) general procedure and site-specific site response analyses, the influence of bedrock shear wave velocity on seismic hazard and amplification, the sensitivity of site response outcomes to input motion depth, and the comparative accuracy of equivalent-linear and nonlinear modeling approaches under varying site conditions. The project will utilize detailed geotechnical and seismic data from existing Southern Plains Transportation Center (SPTC), Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT), and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) efforts to assess representative bridge sites, ultimately producing evidence-based recommendations and tools for more reliable seismic design and evaluation of bridge systems throughout the Southern Plains Region.  

There are four objectives of this project. The first is to quantify discrepancies in fundamental period and design spectrum estimates between the AASHTO general procedure and site-specific site response analysis across varying geologic conditions. The second is to evaluate the sensitivity of site response predictions and Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis results to different bedrock shear wave velocity assumptions, including stiff soil and rock layers. The third is to assess the influence of varying ground motion input depths—from shallow to deep—on spectral amplification and response characteristics for deep basin sites. The last is to compare equivalent-linear and fully nonlinear site response analyses to establish practical modeling guidelines based on site condition, shaking intensity, and data availability. Project tasks include (1) literature review, (2) site selection and data complication, (3) baseline site response analysis, (4) comparative and sensitivity analysis, (5) guideline development, (6) reporting, and (7) dissemination. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 17:14:23 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646962</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Support for AASHTO Committees and Councils. AASHTO Committee on Bridges and Structures Research Roadmap
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2590571</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In 2020, the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Committee on Bridges and Structures (COBS) initiated NCHRP Project 20-123(10), “AASHTO Committee on Bridges and Structures Strategic Plan, Operating Guidelines, and Research Roadmap Development.” Based on the findings of NCHRP 20-123(10), AASHTO COBS has updated the strategic plan, charter, and operating guidelines to implement a reorganized committee structure. Further development is needed to fully implement the research recommendations.
Research is needed to help AASHTO COBS focus its efforts in areas of greatest need and to foster, support, monitor, disseminate, and implement research in a manner that benefits state departments of transportation (DOTs).
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this project is to develop an AASHTO COBS research roadmap that identifies, supports, disseminates, and implements research to help state DOTs address pressing needs in bridges and structures and reflect AASHTO COBS priorities and advancements in the industry.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 18 Aug 2025 19:29:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2590571</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Develop Standardized LRFD Design Methods for Ancillary Highway Structures</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2420079</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT's) current standards for design of ancillary highway structure foundations are based on allowable stress design (ASD) framework and need to be updated to the load and resistance factor design (LRFD) framework to be compliant with American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) policy. The goal of this project is to develop standardized LRFD design methods for foundations of various ancillary traffic structures that are compliant with AASHTO requirements while maintaining an efficient design and the ease-of-use of a standard. The research team will (a) perform literature review and summarize the state of the practice and key findings of standards and design criteria for traffic structure foundations of TxDOT and other DOTs, (b) identify soil parameters and associated testing methods that can be used in updated standards, (c) evaluate TxDOT's current traffic structure standards for foundation design by comparing design outcomes from TxDOT's standards and those from other DOTs for various soil and loading conditions, (d) develop new LRFD design criteria for updates to the applicable standards, and (e) prepare design examples using the new LRFD design criteria.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Aug 2024 17:10:40 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2420079</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Modern and Proven Approaches to Planning, Design, and Operation of Pedestrian Facilities



</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2381700</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Guide for the Planning, Design, and Operation of Pedestrian Facilities, 2nd edition, published by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) in 2021, is a foundational resource for planning, designing, and operating sidewalks, crosswalks, shared-use paths, etc. But pedestrian infrastructure planning and design practices are rapidly evolving as practitioners gain a deeper understanding of user needs and the transportation industry focuses more closely on the safety of vulnerable road users with support from many recently updated national and local policies. This trend necessitates continuous updates to the current guide to ensure information remains current, effective, and reflective of best practices.

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) initiatives such as Safe System Approach, Complete Streets, and Vision Zero emphasize creating inclusive and safe environments for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders. Although the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted over 30 years ago, efforts to accommodate pedestrians of all ages and abilities are ongoing. Recent research and technological advancements have improved our understanding of how to make pedestrian facilities more hospitable, comfortable, and usable.

Additionally, several federal regulations, including the Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) and the 11th edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) impact pedestrian facility design and operation substantially. Information from these sources needs to be incorporated and aligned with other AASHTO guides such as the Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities and A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets. This alignment will ensure consistency across national guidelines and support the development of pedestrian facilities that are safe, accessible, and meet the evolving needs of all users in accordance with current trends and regulatory changes.

Research is needed to identify and document new content from recent studies and proven approaches in a single document to support practitioners from state departments of transportation (DOTs) and other agencies, as well as transportation professionals from industry and academia, to incorporate these updates into pedestrian facility planning, design, and operational practices.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to investigate and promote modern, proven approaches and provide implementable guidelines for planning, designing, and operating pedestrian facilities. 

The research will focus on enhancing pedestrian safety, accessibility, and mobility in various contexts. Ultimately, this research seeks to develop a comprehensive resource document that will support practitioners in creating pedestrian-friendly spaces for people of all ages and abilities.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2024 20:59:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2381700</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Support for AASHTO Committees and Councils. Roadmap for the Transformation to Computer Simulation-Based Assessment of Bridge Railings</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2350716</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) 2nd edition is the latest in a series of documents that provide guidance on testing and evaluating roadside safety features. Implementing MASH has been a challenging mission for departments of transportation (DOTs). Implementing uniform guidelines has cost the nation tens of millions of dollars. DOTs and other transportation agencies need a roadmap to accommodate future transformations, such as the introduction of electrical vehicles and changes in MASH requirements, in a timely and more cost-effective manner. One of the most expensive and time-consuming pieces of the current process is building full-scale test sections and performing the actual crash tests. Often, multiple crash tests are required for a particular solution. Computer simulations are currently used in association with full-scale crash testing. There was a need for a safe and cost-effective tool for compliance assessment of bridge rails and bridge rail transitions.

The objectives of this research were to (1) evaluate the capability of existing numerical simulations tools in capturing the performance of bridge rails and rail transition systems and (2) develop a roadmap to implement using computer simulations for the compliance assessment of bridge rails and rail transition systems.

The roadmap is to address, discuss, or identify (1) the current state-of-the-art practices in computer crash-testing simulations and the knowledge gaps, (2) quality assurance (QA)/quality control (QC) procedures for validating the computer simulation models, (3) the limitations of crash simulations, (4) the types and magnitudes of changes that trigger model updates, (5) the concept of using notional vehicles, and (6) research that will need to be pursued to implement the roadmap.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2024 10:10:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2350716</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Enhancing Pavement Management Guidance</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2342017</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Since its publication in 2012, the AASHTO Pavement Management Guide, Second Edition, has served as a national guide on the different aspects of pavement management. During this period, advances in technology and processes have taken place and substantial research on the different aspects of pavement management has been performed. This research and experience gained from pavement management applications has produced many relevant findings and lessons learned. However, additional research is needed to address the gaps in available pavement management guidance and identify the updates needed to incorporate the findings into a new edition of the pavement management guide.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to develop recommendations on all aspects of pavement management to support state departments of transportation and other organizations with pavement management decision making. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Feb 2024 19:55:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2342017</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Western Transportation Research Consortium</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2288966</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Research Advisory Committee (RAC) Region IV  presents this transportation pool funded initiative to conduct strategic research and foster collaboration among member states.  

Its purpose is to pool the financial, professional, and academic resources of the region to develop improved methods of dealing with common problems in the planning, design, construction, maintenance, management and operation of transportation systems.  

The consortium will gather state departments of transportation (DOT) research and innovation professionals, virtually or in-person, to prioritize transportation needs and allocate resources.  It will also address high priority transportation research topics of common interest to RAC IV states.  The lead state will manage contracted services and adhere to the consortium charter.

Benefits of the partnership include: Regional collaboration on common problems will allow participants to more effectively use its resources; Collaboration will provide an effective way to focus resources on the Region’s transportation research priorities; The program will provide an additional way to leverage research and technology transfer funding of the state DOTs; The program will provide a means to define, support and share technology of mutual interest.
    The program will provide a method for Peer Exchange support. The partnership will develop a longer-range plan of collaboration (strategic plan).
    A focused program will help promote interest in transportation related fields by researchers and students within the research institutions in the region.

The program is intended to supplement, not to replace, ongoing state, federal, and university research activities and other national programs such as the National Cooperative Highway Research Program. It is intended to reduce duplication of research and provide means for better communication of on-going research activities in the state research programs.

OBJECTIVES: Address high priority transportation research topics of common interest and for which expertise exists in these states.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Nov 2023 20:31:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2288966</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Transportation Asset Risk and Resilience</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1957068</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Departments of transportation (DOTs) and other transportation agencies are responsible for the transportation system and the delivery of a range of services and functions through the management of that system. There are inherent risks involved with transportation system management, besides aging infrastructure and limited funding. Many agencies are moving toward performance-based resource allocation while simultaneously recognizing risks that may constrain their strategic goals. As these risks affect every component of a transportation system to a greater or lesser extent, there are no analysis strategies to accurately account for and address these risks within a transportation agency’s enterprise-wide risk management program.

Investing in risk and resilience strategies and recovery planning to reduce or eliminate the impact of external events is paramount to ensuring a thriving and viable transportation system. Risk management requires (1) identifying and assessing potential threats and hazards, (2) identifying asset vulnerabilities from applicable threats, (3) evaluating potential mitigation actions to reduce risk, (4) a clear and easy implementation process to prioritize mitigation activities, and (5) investments that align with agency strategic and performance goals. Although many research efforts have been conducted on asset and performance management, information on analytical methods to support risk-based asset management throughout the life cycle of the system, from inception to operation, is lagging. In addition, an understanding of the relationship between risks and system resilience is lacking.  

Research is needed to develop a go-to resource for assessing risk to agency assets and the traveling public from extreme weather, climate change, and other threats/hazards. The resource is needed to create consistency across projects and agencies, and to ensure the adoption of robust quantitative assessment to support benefit-cost analysis and decision-making. A framework and research roadmap for this resource was developed in NCHRP Project 23-09, “Scoping Study to Develop the Basis for a Highway Standard to Conduct an All-Hazards Risk and Resilience Analysis.”

The objective of this research is to provide a science-based technical resource to assess risk and resilience in transportation planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance decisions.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 27 May 2022 12:48:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1957068</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Cost Estimating Practices for Highway Projects</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1957112</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Cost estimating for highway projects assess the anticipated costs required to complete a project according to the construction plans and specifications. To assemble a complete estimate, an estimator must combine the knowledge of construction methods and techniques into a methodical process, which requires assembling, organizing, and calculating large amounts of data and information such as materials, labor, and equipment. The importance of timely and accurate estimates are essential for management decision-making at state department of transportations (DOTs) and other agencies.

In 2013, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) published the Practical Guide to Cost Estimating (PGCE) to provide state DOTs and other agencies with practical guidelines on how to develop realistic estimates of project costs. Since then, innovative means and methods of estimating have been identified within the industry to assist with the development of consistent and reliable cost estimates. The technological advancements of various software, tools, and resources have modernized the estimating process with digital two-dimensional (2D) drawings and three-dimensional (3D) modeling. However, state DOTs and other agencies need more guidance on resources available for more current and accurate cost estimating materials and resources.

Research is needed to: (1) identify recent and trending advancements in cost estimating practices for state DOTs and other agencies, and (2) update and develop practical materials and resources to successfully manage their estimating programs.

The objective of this research is to develop state-of-the-art material and resources relating to cost estimating practices.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 May 2022 10:30:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1957112</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Strategic Plan and Research Roadmap for the AASHTO Committee on Planning</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1909940</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In 2017, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Committee on Planning (the Committee) developed a strategic plan and a 2-year action plan (found here: https://www.transportation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Planning-Strategic-Plan-2018-Approved.pdf), which identified specific tasks the Committee and its subcommittees would undertake to support the strategic plan. Since that time, the leadership of the Committee has changed and transportation planning at the state, regional, and local levels has evolved into a more inclusive and equitable multidisciplinary and multimodal process geared toward outcomes and system users, and using new methods, tools, and data.    In addition, transportation planners are simultaneously confronting inequities in transportation history and major changes, or “megatrends” that are poised to impact transportation planning in the future. The European Foresight Platform defines megatrends as the “great forces in societal development that will likely affect the future in all areas over the next 10-15 years.” In light of the changes experienced by the Committee, reflections on transportation planning history, and changes that may be experienced on the horizon, it is important that members of AASHTO, transportation planning practitioners, and planning stakeholders be convened for a strategic planning session where specific actions and strategies can be identified and prioritized. This also means a new research roadmap with gaps and priorities should be developed.   
The objectives of this research are to  develop (1) a strategic plan and (2) a research roadmap for the AASHTO Committee on Planning.    
The Committee will use the results of this research to focus efforts to (1) engage on emerging issues and activities, including but not limited to policies, processes, research, or regulations in transportation planning; and (2) foster, support, monitor, disseminate, and implement research on transportation planning. The strategic plan will guide the Committee’s activities with specific and implementable actions and enhance coordination with other AASHTO’s committees and partners (TRB, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Conference on Minority Transportation Officials, National Association of City Transportation Officials, etc.). The research roadmap will identify research gaps and prioritize research needs, and communication strategies and mechanisms to highlight research gaps identified and to enhance the dissemination of completed research. This project will guide future Committee activities and research in a coordinated fashion for the Committee to support state departments of transportation (DOTs).   ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 08 Feb 2022 10:19:17 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1909940</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Completion of the new AASHTO A Practical Guide to Estimating, Part 2</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1877207</link>
      <description><![CDATA[NCHRP Proejct 20-07/Task 278 has been expanded in scope and budget to include this project.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Sep 2021 16:51:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1877207</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Research for AASHTO Standing Committee on Highways. Task 421. Review and Update of AASHTO Standard Methods of Test T27 and T30</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1877233</link>
      <description><![CDATA[No abstract provided.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 06 Sep 2021 21:52:06 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1877233</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Guidelines for Solid-State Roadway Lighting</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1864201</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The lighting industry has changed dramatically over the past decade. The optics of legacy high intensity discharge (HID), full-cutoff luminaires were restricted to the lamp and reflector design; these lamps emit light in almost every direction, which must then be reflected to the roadway. Roadway luminaires have moved beyond this design through the vast possibilities presented by solid-state lighting (SSL)—at present, in the form of light emitting diodes (LED)--which also boasts lower energy usage, reduced maintenance, and improved color. AASHTO target light levels are calculated over a grid limited to the traveled roadway. Any light that lands outside of the calculation grid is not quantified in the average and uniformity results, but is still present with roadway luminaires and may provide a safety benefit. With the greater ability to control the distribution and the sharp cutoff at the edges with SSL luminaires, light levels beyond the calculation grid may be dramatically reduced, but a design may still meet the AASHTO criteria. Therefore, research is needed to investigate the application of AASHTO criteria to SSL roadway lighting and, if the results dictate, provide guidance for light level criteria for areas immediately adjacent to the traveled roadway when using SSL luminaires. Additional research is also needed to explore the benefits and challenges of adaptive lighting and provide further guidelines for its use, as well as the environmental and health effects of roadway lighting.
 
The objectives of this project were to develop more comprehensive guidelines in AASHTO standard format for the application of roadway lighting related to the widespread adoption of SSL, and to identify gaps in knowledge where possible future research will enhance these guidelines. The research shall complement and supplement the ongoing efforts of the AASHTO Roadway Lighting Committee on the usage of SSL lighting.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jul 2021 17:42:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1864201</guid>
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