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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>Developing Data-Based Recommendations for Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHBs) and Midblock Pedestrian Signals (MPSs) Deployment in Nevada</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2677562</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Current Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) and Midblock Pedestrian Signal (MPS) deployment decisions often lack state-specific data-driven criteria, resulting in inconsistent implementation, potential safety risks, and operational inefficiencies.  Moreover, land use considerations—including proximity to school zones, commercial areas, and transit stops—play a crucial role in determining the most effective crossing treatment. Without comprehensive, localized guidelines, agencies struggle to deploy PHBs and MPSs optimally, leading to variability in effectiveness across different contexts.

The primary objective of this research is to develop robust, data-driven guidelines for the deployment of PHBs and MPSs in Nevada, thereby improving pedestrian safety and mobility statewide. These guidelines will provide a structured approach to identifying optimal locations, ensuring compliance, reducing delays, and enhancing safety and mobility at midblock crossings.

The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) research team will complete this project in multiple phases: (1) Literature review including information from peer-reviewed studies, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) guidance, state/ local reports, and stakeholder interviews. (2) The research team will partner with local agencies to deploy UNR’s LiDAR and fisheye-camera data collection units to collect in-field data at each location. (3) The research team will process and analyze all collected data to conduct a comprehensive safety and compliance study alongside evaluations of operational efficiencies. (4) The research team will develop implementation recommendations for PHBs and MPSs in Nevada.

The development of implementation recommendations will identify the most effective PHB and MPS treatments based on compliance, operational considerations, and local context. This task will also address barriers to adoption, such as regulatory gaps or policy misalignment. Second, the research team will create a detailed implementation plan tailored to Nevada Department of Transportation's (NDOT’s) operational structure. This plan will include step-by-step guidance for integrating recommendations into NDOT’s planning and design workflows, a roadmap for updating internal policies and procedures, and a strategy for stakeholder engagement and training.

Following the development of recommendations, the final report and stakeholder workshop will consolidate all findings and present them to NDOT leadership and regional partners. This workshop will facilitate feedback, promote adoption, and ensure that the implementation plan is aligned with agency needs and priorities. Potential barriers to implementation include institutional challenges, such as the absence of existing NDOT guidelines for MPSs, which may delay formal adoption of recommendations.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 14:48:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2677562</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Research and Assessment of Needs for Sign Maintenance</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2593930</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District offices need to verify in-house sign/signal installation and maintenance crews are prepared to implement criteria set forth in the new Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). This requires a thorough assessment of each District’s sign and signal crews to identify needs. This evaluation must review crew staffing levels, equipment and material needs, and training schedules. Based on findings of this assessment, KYTC’s sign installation handbook can be updated with best practices for assembling and managing effective sign and signal crews as well as for conducting effective and safe sign maintenance.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2025 11:32:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2593930</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-5023: Understanding and Shaping Driver Behavior and Public Perception at Reduced Conflict Intersections (RCls)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2577104</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project addresses public acceptance and driver safety at Reduced Conflict Intersections (RCIs). Through statewide driver surveys and field observations, the research identifies specific driver challenges and perceptions at RCIs. Utilizing Purdue’s portable driving simulator, the project evaluates design interventions and signage improvements to clarify driver navigation. Final deliverables include behavioral insights, validated simulation scenarios for RCIs, and educational outreach tools. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Jul 2025 16:00:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2577104</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Attack-Resistant Trust Management for Securing Connected Traffic Infrastructures</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2547996</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research presents a sophisticated, simulation-based cybersecurity framework designed to detect and mitigate cyberattacks targeting urban traffic management infrastructures and interconnected vehicular networks. Utilizing a realistic, high-fidelity
simulation of Daytona Beach, Florida, the methodology integrates Raspberry Pi virtual machines as traffic controllers, OPNSense firewalls for network vulnerability simulation, SUMO for detailed vehicular mobility modeling, and Metasploit for penetration testing.
Among various statistical and deep learning approaches evaluated, Random Forest and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) demonstrated the highest accuracy and robustness in detecting anomalies from traffic-flow data. Employing Explainable AI (XAI)
techniques, including Occlusion Sensitivity, LIME, and SHAP, the research team identified critical indicators—specifically, Longest Stop Duration and Total Jam Distance—as key markers of compromised traffic signals. The resulting scalable and interpretable cybersecurity solutions align with strategic USDOT and CYBER-CARE objectives, offering transportation stakeholders actionable tools for enhancing resilience against evolving cyber threats.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 29 Apr 2025 16:39:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2547996</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>RES2023-29: Connect and Automated Vehicle (CA) Readiness Plan</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2537312</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) desires an action plan for the implementation, operation, and maintenance of Connect and Automated Vehicles (CAV) technologies and use cases at traffic signals throughout Tennessee. The CAV Readiness Plan will impact how municipalities in Tennessee implement, operate, and maintain traffic signals. This research will build on previous efforts with a focus on research that can lead to actionable items.

TDOT has deployed 132 DSCR units along SR 1 and another 30 units along I-24 within the Smart Corridor limits. TDOT vision is to develop an action plan describing the implementation, operation, and maintenance of CAV technologies and use cases at traffic signals throughout the state. 

The CAV Action Plan should also account for evaluating switching from DSRC to C-V2X and other anticipated industry changes as that will impact how municipalities implement, operate, and maintain their traffic signals. This project will build on previous I-24 Smart Corridor studies and condition assessments with a focus on research that can lead to actionable items.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Apr 2025 15:52:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2537312</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Optimized Pre-Tensioning and Re-Tightening Approaches for Anchor Rods for Highway Signs, Luminaires, and Traffic Signals (SLTS)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2528609</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Previous studies and field investigations have demonstrated that anchor rods at the base of structural posts for Highway Signs, Luminaires, and Traffic Signals (SLTS) are susceptible to relaxation. This results in loosening of base connections and premature failure of such structural supports. On the other hand, re-tightening of anchor rods 48 hours after the installation requires significant resources, manpower, and additional costs. This implementation project aims to review past studies, systematically study the pre-tensioning methods and re-tightening procedures through experimental testing to fill the knowledge gap, and to propose an optimized method for pre-tensioning and re-tightening of anchor rod connections to result in acceptable relaxation, while minimizing the resources for doing so, and minimizing chances of over-tightening. In the end, the proposed methodology will be implemented in two local structural supports for SLTS in the state of Minnesota to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Apr 2025 16:33:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2528609</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development of Strategies for Shared Use of Roadways between ROV/ATV and Typical Highway Vehicles</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2512406</link>
      <description><![CDATA[All -Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are a general category of off-road vehicles that include single-rider machines with a straddle seat, handlebar, throttle, hand levers for front and/or back brakes, and a foot peddle. They are ridden or rider-active, meaning, to properly operate an ATV the rider must be able to shift his or her body weight while riding. Recreational Off-Road Vehicles (ROVs), sometimes referred to as side-by-sides or Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs), are motorized off-road vehicles designed to travel on four non-highway tires, with a steering wheel, foot control for acceleration and braking, and may have seats for one or more passengers with safety belts. Except for on the interstate, both ROVs and ATVs are legal to operate on South Dakota public roadways. The vehicles must be licensed by the state and have basic safety components such as a horn, rearview mirrors, headlights, and brake lights before they are considered road-legal. Although ROV/ATVs can legally be operated on South Dakota roadways, they are vehicles designed to traverse trails and bumpy terrains, not public roadways.
Several design elements benefit off-road users however make ROV/ATVs far more dangerous when used on roadways. ROV/ATVs have a narrow wheelbase and a high center of gravity which requires the vehicle to take wider turns than a typical roadway vehicle. Also, ROV/ATVs have low-pressure tires designed for rough terrain which grip tightly on hard surfaces. These vehicle characteristics become even more problematic with larger engines and at higher speeds.
Safety is not only a concern for the ROV/ATV users operating on public roads but also for the typical highway traffic. ROVs and ATVs are both recreational vehicles. Many times, ROV/ATV driver behavior does not interact well with the typical highway vehicles and the rules of public roadways. Users will often travel in slow-moving groups looking for trails, causing congestion and disrupting normal traffic flow. Thus, increasing the risk of crashes. ROV/ATV operators will also travel in the Right of Way (ROW), outside of the highway surface. Safety concerns arise with the ingress and egress of ROV/ATVs on the roadway. Concern is amplified with some operators traveling the ROW as if they were in an off-road environment.  Not only is this a safety issue, but it also produces excess dust and sometimes causes damage and erosion to the ROW which must be repaired and maintained. 
A growing body of scientific research supports the idea that ROV/ATV use on roadways, either paved or unpaved, is more dangerous than riding off-road. Studies show that more than half of all ROV/ATV fatalities occur on public roads. Many manufacturers contain warning tags recommending off-road use only. Even so, the number of ROV/ATVs on South Dakota roads has risen in the past decade. Knowledge about the risk factors involved is limited among the ROV/ATV users and the public. The development of strategies to address the safety concerns arising from the shared use of ROV/ATVs and typical highway vehicles on South Dakota public highways will benefit everyone who travels in South Dakota. It is the first step to improving roadway safety among ROV/ATV users and the public while ensuring South Dakota roads and road ROWs are operational for all users.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:41:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2512406</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Develop Countermeasures to Lower Operating Speeds and Collisions on Arterial Roadways, and Reduce Vulnerable User Injuries</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2437687</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The research team will investigate the effectiveness of arterial-focused speed management countermeasures for application across Texas. The researchers will quantify the costs and benefits of road and vehicle design, operations, enforcement, and other countermeasure types across a range of settings (for uncontrolled-access arterials under different traffic, road type/context, and land use conditions), resulting in a Texas Arterial Speed Management Toolkit and reports.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Oct 2024 10:21:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2437687</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Implementing the ATSPM-In-The-Loop Simulation Solution with the TxDOT State-Wide ATSPM System Deployment Plan</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2420080</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will introduce automated traffic signal performance measures or ATSPM systems to all stages of traffic signal projects in Texas. The benefits of ATSPM systems have been broadly recognized by agencies. Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is also in the process of state-wide ATSPM deployment. Nonetheless, the ATSPM system is poised to evaluate the traffic signal data generated by controllers. Therefore, access to the real ATSPM systems is limited to a small portion of traffic signal stakeholders, and these stakeholders may not take advantage of ATSPM during traffic signal planning and design due to a lack of data. In a research project sponsored by TxDOT, the research team demonstrated the use of a microscopic traffic simulation engine to generate the needed traffic signal data for real-world ATSPM systems to generate performance measures. With the developed insights and software tools from that project, the research team will assist and facilitate TxDOT to implement the delivered ATSPM-in-the-loop simulation engine toward a regular task for ATSPM-enhanced traffic signal planning and design. This project will also expand the developed ATSPM-in-the-loop simulation platform to meet all the practical needs for TxDOT's ATSPM deployment effort. This project will increase the TRL from 7 to 9 by assisting TxDOT to develop a practical solution to increase stakeholders' access to and acceptance of the ATSPM concept in various types of traffic signal projects.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Aug 2024 17:19:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2420080</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Develop Assessment and Mitigation Guidance for Ancillary Highway Structures with Existing Cracks</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2256318</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Ancillary structures (AS) exist in a wide variety of applications critical to safety and daily needs of the travelling public (e.g. HMIP, COSS, and traffic signals). The long-term corrosion performance of these structures is of utmost importance to prevent deterioration and extend the structural design life and safety. While hot-dipped galvanizing provides excellent long-term behavior for corrosion control of these critical structures, over the past 20 years this process has been found to create extensive cracking of welds on base plate connections that is detrimental to the fatigue lives of these poles. Although improved details are used in new designs, thousands of HMIP, COSS, and signal poles exist in Texas with varying levels of cracking in the welds between the baseplates and pole shafts. The research outlined in this proposal identifies and provides critical assessment parameters and guidance for Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to determine if cracks should be monitored, repaired, or the structural component replaced. The proposed research includes a representative assessment of weld cracking in the AS inventory, the development of monitoring hardware and techniques, the development and assessment of repair techniques, and the development of certification methods/standards for inspection personnel.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 27 Sep 2023 15:58:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2256318</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Develop Performance of Baseplate Connections in COSS and Traffic Signal Structures</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2256300</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) cantilever overhead sign structures (COSS) and traffic signal pole structures have a socketed fillet welded connection between the column and the baseplate. While economical, this connection has a low fatigue-resistance threshold. Some current and past TxDOT designs and contractor submitted alternates involving multi-sided bent plate columns were not designed using fatigue provisions. Fatigue provisions did not exist in the design specification of the time.
TxDOT is currently updating various ancillary structure standards for Load and Resistance Factor Design - Luminaires and Traffic Signals (LRFD-LTS) specifications, which does include fatigue provisions. Research is needed to ascertain the best connection type and design, while balancing economy and performance for new structures. The research team will identify the fatigue life of existing structures, including critical cases and means of repair and retrofit, in this research.
The results of this research will lead to improved ancillary structure details with mitigated fatigue risk, as well as a method of identifying existing inventory with fatigue risks. The objectives of this research are to (1) outline fabrication practices and economic considerations that may affect proposed connection type and design, (2) develop an inventory database of COSS and traffic signal pole structures that are representative, (3) utilize structural modeling to identify from within the inventory critical cases that should be advanced to a testing program, (4) develop and execute a targeted testing program that isolates critical design parameters for the fatigue performance of both the critical cases found in the inventory and recommended connection types and designs, (5) provide recommendations for connection types and designs based on fatigue provisions, and (6) provide recommendations for identifying fatigue-critical of existing inventory.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 27 Sep 2023 15:54:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2256300</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>NMDOT Pedestrian Safety on Arterials</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2231970</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of this research is to identify and evaluate strategies for improving pedestrian safety on arterial roadways. This will be accomplished through analyses of countermeasures that were installed on Central Avenue in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Countermeasures will include a BRT system, road diet, and HAWK signals. The research team will analyze changes in crash frequency and crash rates for the BRT and HAWK signals, changes in vehicle speeds for the BRT and road diet, changes in pedestrian behavior for the HAWK signals, and changes to vehicle exposure for the BRT and road diet. 

The team will consider treatments in different land use and road design contexts so that the findings may be extrapolated to other arterials in other cities across the state, region, and country. The deliverable from this project will be a final report detailing traffic safety best practices for pedestrians and other road users relative to specific countermeasures, land use configurations, and roadway design configurations. The potential implementation of this research is high as this project has developed results that can be used immediately by departments of transportation (DOTs) to avoid pedestrian and other motor vehicle collisions. The exploration of solutions to the recent increase in pedestrian injuries and fatalities provides new knowledge to the field of transportation.

This project is a collaborative project with the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) because they are providing cost share for the Center for Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety (CPBS). This NMDOT project will be a Year 2 extension of a project for which the team has already completed Year 1 and will consist of an analysis of APD data regarding alcohol and drug arrests, an analysis of police reports for speeding and turning-related crashes, changes to street lighting along critical corridors and how those changes related to safety outcomes, research into APD's definition of 'Failed to Yield Right of Way', exploration of bi-directional BRT lanes, and investigating crashes involving parked vehicles. Findings will then be applied to state roads across New Mexico and recommendations will be made for project prioritization and design interventions.

The expected deliverables are a final report and a policy brief (that will allow for easy interpretation of results by cities, regions, and states). The team will pare the final report into at least three academic papers. The final report, policy brief, and any published papers will be published on the CPBS website and on TRID. The team will also disseminate findings through the social media accounts of CPBS and the PIs. The team will provide the deliverables to NMDOT so they can also share widely.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 20 Aug 2023 15:28:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2231970</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4854:  MOT for MOT</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2209637</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Developing a shared vision among stakeholders and a “playbook” on MOT for MOT is highly desirable. Well designed temporary MOT procedures and standards are important to ensure safe operation of the work zone during MOT change. Developing a shared vision between designers, contractors and work zone subcontractors on how to design MOT during MOT will provide safer work zones for both contractors and motorist.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Jul 2023 09:20:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2209637</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4857:  Statewide Screening of Signalized Intersections for Capacity Improvements</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2209597</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The 13 billion connected vehicle records Indiana ingests each month provide the opportunity to perform network wide analysis that has never been done before, but in its native format (3 second latitude and longitude positions), the connected vehicle records are data rich, information poor (DRIP). The objective of this project is to reduce this data set down to a table of metrics that can be used by INDOT to identify capital improvement projects on both a corridor and a movement by movement basis for signalized intersections on INDOT highways.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Jul 2023 09:14:40 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2209597</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A Deep Learning-based Network-wide Traffic Prediction Model for Integrated Corridor Management Systems</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2194299</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objectives for this study are as follows: 
(1) Develop a deep learning-based modeling framework for high-fidelity traffic prediction utilizing traffic sensors, link capacity, socio-economic, and land use data; 
(2) Develop a predictive strategy evaluator to assess the impact of potential traffic management strategy given an incident and predicted traffic; 
(3) Develop a data pipeline that can feed a range of datasets and deliver prediction outputs to a visualization application; and 
(4) Create a data visualization dashboard providing traffic flow information (such as volume and travel time by link) to show future traffic forecast.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jun 2023 07:33:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2194299</guid>
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