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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>
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    <item>
      <title>Impact Study on Increasing Truck Permit Weight Limits: Infrastructure &amp; Economic Considerations</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2724819</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Oregon’s current weight restrictions (105,500 lbs.) for divisible loads are less than neighboring states like Idaho and Nevada, which permit up to 129,900 lbs. In response to industry requests for alignment with these states, Oregon Department of Transportation
(ODOT) needs a comprehensive impact assessment of what raising the weight limits will mean in terms of sustaining the current operational infrastructure its charged with maintaining. This study will evaluate infrastructure effects, highway safety, and maintenance costs, along with the implications for adaptation and community impacts. With neighboring states already designating heavier freight routes, increasing Oregon’s truck permit weight limits may support freight fleet electrification and promote regional integration of the shipping network while assessing the costs to maintain and manage this increased infrastructural burden that’s on ODOT’s horizon. This feasibility and impact study will assess selective extended weight designations in Oregon and survey existing programs nationwide while evaluating potential risks to structural integrity (pavement and bridges), traffic safety impacts, as well as community and environmental considerations. The findings will provide ODOT with data-driven insights to guide policy decisions. This study will also examine vehicle configurations and length factors necessary to maintain legal axle weights in Weight Tables 1 and 2 at a gross weight of 129,900 and determine if those lengths are consistent with the lengths allowed by the LCV (Longer Combination Vehicle) freeze in federal law.

(1) A comprehensive report containing recommendations to support an informed evaluation of increasing weight limits for divisible loads, including an infrastructure impact assessment detailing the effects of heavier loads on bridges, pavements, and highway safety, with a focus on high-frequency freight routes in Oregon. (2) An economic impact assessment will quantify the contributions of oversized freight to Oregon’s economy, balancing potential economic gains from increased freight capacity with the costs of infrastructure maintenance and safety considerations. (3) A strategic implementation plan will outline a phased approach to applying these findings, allowing ODOT to prioritize investments to engage communities and the public effectively.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2026 13:35:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2724819</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Customizing Transportation Services and Technologies Based on Rural Patient Healthcare Needs</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2667211</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The purpose of this project is to build on previous research to better understand the various linkages between specific comorbidities, lifestyle habits and targeted public transportation-related services and technologies. In addition, the project will demonstrate how these services and technologies can be adapted specifically for rural populations to secure better health outcomes. The primary research methods for this project will be as follows: 1) obtain literature about risk factors for specific comorbidities and lifestyle habits and how they interact with healthcare system access ; 2) use data from the University of Kentucky’s Healthcare’s Center for Clinical and Translational Studies and other Southeastern health systems to create a panel analysis of health outcomes based on University of Kentucky’s patient surveys, lifestyle habits, known comorbidities and diagnoses, and patient histories; 3) review materials as needed to determine best practices and synthesize findings for transportation-based support for specific medical conditions for rural residents; and 4) work with technology transfer programs and other stakeholders to develop a tool and/or outreach materials based on project findings for technology transfer professionals to improve transportation efficiency, technology and system innovation in trainings for transit and healthcare providers. The goal is to help both health and transportation providers to implement customizable healthcare mobility strategies based on their logistical capacity and patient needs.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 14:19:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2667211</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Including Latent benefits in CDOT Bustang ROI Calculation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2643442</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will develop a data-driven methodology to calculate the benefits of the Bustang service to Colorado, taking into account factors beyond a farebox calculation of financial return. It will calculate the monetary equivalent of latent (non-monetary) benefits and therefore allow the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to make informed choices based on the true return on investment (ROI) of Bustang, a state-run interregional express bus service.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 14:05:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2643442</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Freeway Corridor Economic Impact</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2606590</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The aim of this research is to provide a framework to better estimate the impacts of freeway corridor alternative projects by also considering mode, scale, land uses, community engagement practices and environmental impacts.

A planning-level evaluation tool will be developed to objectively estimate the economic impacts of alternatives considered for a freeway redesign. The tool will operationalize findings from the preceding research in terms of the three key elements of economic value: mobility benefits, developable land opportunity, and environmental impacts.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 03 Oct 2025 15:21:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2606590</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluating isolated areas, alternative routing, and economic impact for resilient transportation in North Carolina</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2604572</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Natural disasters, such as flooding, landslides, storm surge, and wildfire can cause severe impacts to the social, environmental, economic, and transportation systems of North Carolina. At the same time, transportation infrastructure plays a critical role in natural disaster response and recovery efforts during these natural disaster events. Unfortunately, extreme hazard events such as these are occurring with greater frequency and intensity. These events can negatively impact road functionality and lead to the loss of essential services. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), weather-related disasters have cost over $1.875 trillion since 1980. The built environment isn’t designed to handle many of the impacts that are happening due to extreme hazard events. For example, stormwater systems, culverts, and tidal pumps were all designed for past events— not current and future conditions. The failure of these systems will impact  communities to a level where they may not be able to return to normal for months or years.

Transportation planners and engineers from North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), as well as other federal, state, and local agencies across the state, and in close collaboration with emergency managers, are increasingly looking for better ways to address these issues and become more resilient, while simultaneously planning for a more reliable transportation network. Planning for extreme events is about finding ways for systems to bounce back to normal as quickly as possible after the negative impacts of an event. One particular issue that NCDOT faces is the rerouting of traffic during and immediately after natural disaster events. Typical considerations include traffic volumes, current conditions, roadway capacities, and overall safety. However, there are other considerations such as the overall economic impact, including issues like commerce, commute times for individuals traveling between work and home, access to essential services, and disruption to local businesses, that should also be taken into account. These impacts can be further compounded in areas where entire networks of roads, such as a neighborhood or community, become cut-off due and thus isolated. This isolation can be due to such factors as a damaged bridge or road washout. Worse yet, these impacts can often last for days or even months. By identifying these areas ahead of time, and better understanding the potential economic impacts, NCDOT and other agencies can be better equipped when planning for a more resilient and sustainable transportation infrastructure system.

The joint proposal team, consisting of researchers from the University of North Carolina at Asheville’s National Environmental Mapping and Applications Center (NEMAC) and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, proposes a comprehensive and innovative approach to helping NCDOT better understand the forces behind transportation route and commute pattern disruptions, and their effects on local economies, in the face of an increase in extreme hazard events. Through comprehensive user research and discovery, data analysis, and the development of decision-making workflows, the project team seeks to provide NCDOT with actionable insights to better plan and respond to disruptions related to extreme hazard events, ultimately improving infrastructure reliability and community access.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Sep 2025 11:13:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2604572</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>IL-Pave: Development of an Integrated Tool to Optimize Pavement Energy and Cost</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2589089</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Illinois ranks third in total lane miles as well as freight activity, according to the Federal Highway Administration, making it critical to build and maintain its roadways effectively and sustainably. One solution is to account for energy use and expenses throughout the entire life cycle of pavement, from selecting materials to end of life, using life cycle assessment and life cycle cost analysis, respectively. Researchers will develop a tool for Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) that will allow users to see energy and economic impacts for pavement projects in Illinois and to compare different pavement options side by side. Successful implementation of the tool will allow IDOT to choose pavement designs and maintenance options that balance performance with costs and energy impact.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2025 09:48:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2589089</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Guide to Analyzing Economic Impact of Changes in Air Service Connectivity</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2588337</link>
      <description><![CDATA[No abstract provided.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 12 Aug 2025 09:53:38 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2588337</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Express Lanes Benefitting Freight Mobility: Can Express Lane Systems and its Benefits to General-purpose Lanes Improve Freight Mobility?</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2553996</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objectives of the research project include the following: (1) assess the impact of Express Lanes on freight movement efficiency; (2) evaluate changed in travel time and improve safety; (3) analyze the impact on freight delivery reliability and efficiency, examine the economic impacts of Express Lanes associated with freight movements; (4) quantify cost changes for truck drivers and truck companies; (5) assess potential economic benefits to the region, evaluate the environmental impacts of Express Lanes associated with freight movements; (6) estimate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions; and (7) estimate savings in fuel consumption.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 May 2025 07:20:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2553996</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Supply Chain Outreach and Rail Economic Impact Study</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2505753</link>
      <description><![CDATA[North Carolina's supply chain is vital to the state's economy, driving job creation, supporting key industries, and facilitating efficient trade and commerce, which collectively enhance the state's competitiveness and economic resilience. Intricately linked to the productivity of North Carolina’s supply chain is North Carolina’s rail system, which serves as a critical network for shipping many raw materials, manufactured goods, and over-sized cargo around the state and across the country. Freight rail provides an important means to export North Carolina products to market and supplies vital manufacturing and agricultural inputs that support the North Carolina economy through business revenue and jobs. The economic benefits of rail are dispersed throughout the state, with recognized benefits occurring corridors with direct access to Class I and short line railroads as well as intermodal and transload facilities.


The purpose of this research project is to shine a spotlight on the economic importance of North Carolina’s supply chain and rail system through three primary aims. First, this
research aims to bring widespread awareness of the economic importance of North
Carolina’s supply chain by disseminating key findings of the Economic Contribution of
North Carolina's Supply Chain (RP2023-09) via meetings, webinars, and conferences to a variety of audiences, including transportation professionals, city and regional planners,
economic development agencies, and manufacturing organizations, among other key
stakeholders. Second, this research project aims to develop an online, interactive Storymap of the results from RP2023-09. Using online visualization as a value add to findings in a report enhances the accessibility and comprehension of complex data, allowing stakeholders to interact with and explore information dynamically, identify trends and patterns more easily, and make more informed decisions based on real-time insights. Third, this research aims to demonstrate the economic importance of passenger rail in Western NC based on the methods and techniques developed in the Economic Contribution of Rail in North Carolina (RP2022-19) and a study titled “Western North Carolina Passenger Rail Feasibility Study” completed by WGI, Inc.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 04 Feb 2025 16:40:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2505753</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Inland Ports: Case Study 2 – Economic Characteristics and Stakeholder Involvement </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2480355</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The literature and investigation of information and data for US Inland Ports is lacking. Economic Strength and Global Competitiveness cannot be assessed, measured or increased without extensive foundational information and data about the functioning of US Inland Ports. The objective of this research project is to capture and report publicly available data to evaluate the sustainability and economic strength of inland ports. Because these ports transport goods from international origins and are often linked with a deep-water port, inland ports may be in a position to increase global competitiveness. 
The proposed case study of Inland Ports in Cycle 2 is structured to add depth to the findings of the Cycle 1 project by specifically focusing on the economic contributions of the Inland Ports to the geographic locations where they are housed and ancillary benefits to the larger community. This Cycle 2 project will also describe and delineate stakeholders and community involvement in the functioning of the Inland Port. The stakeholder/community element will include an examination of the workforce required for operation at the Inland Ports. The work will define relevant economic data points for collection of the Case Study Ports. It is anticipated that economic effects will be assessed by proximity to the port location and for a peripheral site in the larger community. The economic contribution to the locale in an aggregate way will also be examined. Further, the Cycle 2 project will seek to determine the extent and role of stakeholders with interest in port operation. The number and traits of employees will be compiled as part of this study element. The case study ports from Cycle 1 will constitute this deeper investigation into the economic and stakeholder contributions to the success/competitiveness of the inland ports. The Advisory Group established during Cycle 1 will continue to give guidance to the research data and information drawn. 
	Several tasks are planned to complete the work as follows. Task 1: Develop economic impact assessment template to provide insights into revenue generated by the Inland Port from the freight and logistics perspective and to the region overall.  The boundaries will include the areas proximate to the port and the local economic impact on the region. Included in the economic assessment will be a component about the workforce and worker incomes. Task 2: Differentiate between direct and indirect effects. The study will seek to designate those economic components, such as employment wages constituting a direct effect compared to how generated employment wages are spent resulting in an indirect response. Also, the link to the closest feeder port and impact on intraregional goods distribution will be considered. Task 3: Seek an economic model most appropriate to calculate outcomes from the data points. There are several economic models available. This work will review options and identify which seems most appropriate for the outcomes described in Task 2. Task 4: Collect data and information to complete the economic template and model. Task 5: Synthesize data from Task 4 above with an eye to reflect on the impact of the inland port on the economy. Task 6: Compile report and information documents. Task 7: Implement Technology Transfer activities and distribute findings.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:22:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2480355</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Investigation of the Economic Effects of U5809 on Yadkinville - Phase I</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2452915</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The primary objective of this study is to effectively document the economic conditions in the before period (prior to construction of STIP Project U5809 which has an expected let date in June 2024).  This data collection effort will facilitate future analyses to compare changes in economic conditions from the before period to the after period (construction is expected to last for two to three years) [this will be accomplished during Phase 2 of the project].  The potential data elements for this effort may include (the feasibility of use for each data element will have to be confirmed during the project based on data availability and update cycles): property values, parcels/buildings data, public and private investments, building/inspection reports/activity, business activity, traffic data, and visitor information.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 15 Nov 2024 15:42:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2452915</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Best Practices for Oversized/Overweight Vehicles</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2420004</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Local transportation agencies are experiencing a surge in permit requests for Oversize/Overweight (OSOW) vehicles weighing up to 104,000 pounds due to changes in urban waste collection practices, mining activities, industrial operations, and more. Pavements are not designed to withstand this recurring weight, which can lead to reduced pavement lifespan, damage, and road failures. The objective of this study is to develop an easy-to-use mechanistic-empirical tool for evaluating the cost/benefit analysis of permitting OSOW vehicles, identifying the cost to the agency (and ultimately the taxpayer) versus the benefit to a hauler. The tool will address the economic impacts of the permit (to the agency and the taxpayer) and can be used to determine and illustrate what axle spacing requirements currently meet pavement design standards for 10-ton loads. Knowing this spacing would help local agencies review permit requests. The study will also develop information to aid communication with elected officials and road users.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Aug 2024 09:37:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2420004</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Roundabouts, J-Turn, etc. - Understanding their Economic Impacts</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2414044</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research aims to investigate the economic impact and benefits of J-Turn intersections and roundabout treatments on Minnesota roads. While these treatments are increasingly preferred for their operational and safety advantages, they often face resistance from community residents and nearby businesses. The study's primary focus is to demonstrate the economic benefits of J-Turns and roundabouts to the public, local businesses, and the community as a whole. The research will employ a multi-stage approach to comprehensively assess these benefits. In the initial stage, interviews with business owners will be conducted to gauge their sentiments regarding roundabouts and their effects on business performance. Subsequently, the study will analyze traffic counts (AADT) on roads leading to roundabouts and J-Turn treatments before and after installation to determine any changes in traffic flow. Finally, an economic impact assessment will be conducted by analyzing sales tax data for census tracts near these treatments. Perceived economic benefits will also be calculated by examining reductions in fatal and injury crashes due to the treatments.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Aug 2024 17:23:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2414044</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Optimizing Complete Streets through Best Practices and Simulation Analysis </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2397864</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This report, presents a comprehensive analysis on the optimization of Complete Streets through best practices. The concept of Complete Streets, which includes the design and operation of streets to safely accommodate all users, has fundamentally reshaped urban and suburban landscapes. The quarterly report probes the evolution and legislative integration of Complete Streets in the United States, noting significant progressions in policy, design, and community engagement. It highlights the shift from vehicle-centric to multimodal, people-centric urban planning, supported by rising urbanization, environmental concerns, and changing public attitudes towards active mobility. The report also examines best practices with emphasis on pioneering cities that have successfully implemented Complete Streets principles. These include traffic calming measures, protected bike lanes, enhanced pedestrian crossings, and other elements that contribute to safer urban environments. The report also discusses the economic, environmental, and technological impacts of Complete Streets, such as increased property values, improved public health, and the use of simulation tools to analyze and predict traffic patterns and user behaviors. This document can assist planners and policymakers in designing more effective and competent transportation systems that cater to the needs of the commuters.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Jun 2024 11:21:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2397864</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A Synthesis Study of Electric Vehicles' Costs, Economic Impacts, and Infrastructure Implications</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2384873</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The purpose of this research is to objectively evaluate the true costs and impacts of electric vehicles from both vehicle owner and infrastructure provider perspectives.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Jun 2024 11:49:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2384873</guid>
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