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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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      <title>Agentic LLM-powered Synthetic Transportation Agent Response System (AL-STARS)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2703689</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Household travel surveys help to gather data on travel trends and are a key part of transportation planning. Gathering this data has become challenging, however, as response rates have been decreasing. This project will develop a web-based travel survey tool (AL-STARS) that generates realistic, synthetic travel data. AL-STARS will use an advanced AI model to simulate travelers in Illinois, allowing planners and modelers to test transportation ideas and survey questions virtually before real-world use. The project will help IDOT make better decisions in infrastructure and policy by providing a more accurate, diverse and cost-effective way to understand how different communities — especially undersampled population groups — actually travel.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2026 09:28:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2703689</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technologies for Data-Driven Bridge Management</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2703687</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Artificial intelligence (AI) is showing promise for providing quick analysis, summary and documentation of field conditions for bridges. This project will provide the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) with an overview of AI products available for bridge inspection and management. Researchers will review other state agencies’ practices and policies for use of AI in this field as well as develop recommendations for IDOT. Aid in formulation of AI policy for bridge inspection within IDOT may be considered if the department deems the technology essential. Effective use of AI in bridge inspection and management systems will provide cost and time savings to the state, allowing for quicker bridge inspections, diagnosis of issues and documentation.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2026 09:24:49 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2703687</guid>
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      <title>Statistical Evaluation of Illinois Modified AASHTO T161 Freeze–Thaw Testing Following Laboratory Relocation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2686616</link>
      <description><![CDATA[A critical way to build high-performing pavements and bridges is to evaluate a mixture’s freeze-thaw performance in the lab to ensure it meets performance parameters. The aim of this project is to calibrate and validate new equipment for freeze-thaw testing at the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT's) Central Bureau of Materials. Researchers will test aggregate samples using IDOT’s new and existing freeze-thaw equipment, ensuring the new equipment produces consistent and replicable results. They will also create calibration guidelines that will help to establish a repeatable framework when replacing future freeze-thaw testing equipment.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:41:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2686616</guid>
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      <title>IDOT, FHWA, USFWS, USACE Aquatic Species Bridge Replacement Programmatic Agreement</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2611029</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is required to comply with environmental laws and regulations when threatened and endangered species are present at a construction site. IDOT currently coordinates with federal and state regulatory resource agencies on a project-by-project basis. Researchers will develop a proposed programmatic agreement that IDOT may use to standardize and expedite the coordination process when threatened and endangered species are present at bridge construction sites. In addition, they will use the proposed agreement as an outline to develop additional programmatic agreements for IDOT. Successfully implementing a programmatic agreement for bridge construction and rehabilitation projects will allow IDOT to address required environmental concerns in a timelier manner, reducing the time between developing a construction project and starting construction.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 09:15:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2611029</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Synthesis of Capabilities, Opportunities, and Research Needs in UAS Technology for High-Precision Bridge Inspection</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2600574</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Technologies to perform bridge inspections are rapidly advancing, highlighting the need for transportation agencies to explore their potential use for bridge inspection work. This project will examine how unmanned aircraft systems can improve the safety, efficiency and quality of various types of bridge inspections. Researchers will identify barriers to implementation as well as develop recommendations for effective use in Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) bridge inspections. Effectively using new bridge inspection technologies will allow IDOT to make better decisions in contracting inspection work and buying inspection equipment, allowing the agency to inspect, repair and load rate bridges more accurately and with less interference to traffic.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Sep 2025 10:43:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2600574</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Concrete Strength Sensing Using REBEL Sensors</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2595171</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Accurately determining the strength of in-place concrete helps to ensure its quality, avoid premature failure and keep construction projects on track. This project will evaluate the use of REBEL (resonance-based embedded layer) sensors, which nondestructively assess real-time strength of concrete, for use in Illinois Department of Transportation projects. Researchers will evaluate the accuracy, reliability and practicality of REBEL sensors compared to IDOT’s currently specified test methods. The results of this project will help IDOT decide if it can incorporate acoustic resonance methods, like REBEL sensors, into its specifications as well as determine the validity of REBEL sensors for use in IDOT projects. Allowing this method into IDOT’s specifications can potentially enhance overall quality control/assurance as well as provide accurate and real-time strength data that will help determine if a roadway can open early to the public.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Sep 2025 11:41:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2595171</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Facilitating Further Scalability and Field Implementation of Illinois-Specific Nonproprietary UHPC Mixes</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2593924</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) has nearly five times the strength of traditional concrete but cannot be mixed using traditional methods due to its density. Researchers aim to devise methodologies for practical field deployment of nonproprietary UHPC mixes developed in Illinois Center for Transportation and Illinois Department of Transportation project R27-232 for use in construction and repair projects. Other aspects of methodology development include a framework for safe and cost-effective construction practices. More widespread adoption of UHPC will help provide longer-lasting structures, reducing time and money spent on repairs.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2025 10:11:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2593924</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Laws, Ordinances, and Practices Related to All-Terrain Vehicles and Utility Task Vehicles</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2593923</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Researchers will examine on-road allowances of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility task vehicles (UTVs) in Illinois per county as well as analyze other state’s practices. They will develop a report that may be presented to legislators that provides the risks and potential benefits of allowing ATVs and UTVs on roadways. The research will allow Illinois Department of Transportation to make better policy decisions as well as reduce fatalities and injury crashes associated with ATVs and UTVs.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2025 10:08:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2593923</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Replacing the Illinois Traffic Projection Tool</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2593922</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Predicting long-term traffic trends allows transportation agencies to identify and plan transportation projects, helping to reduce congestion and optimize infrastructure development. Researchers will upgrade Illinois’ current traffic projection tool to include traffic count projections up to 25 years in the future as well as allow users to review historical traffic count data on any given roadway. The updated tool will allow for more accurate and streamlined long-range traffic forecasting, reducing the manual effort required to update data and process forecasts.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2025 10:05:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2593922</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Turn-on-Red Prohibitions for Dual Right-Turn Lanes</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2593920</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The project will examine right turn on red at signalized intersections where there are two right-turn lanes. Researchers will study the impacts of different right-turn-on-red configurations at various locations on safety performance and traffic level of service by analyzing crash and traffic data as well as observing travel behaviors at selected intersections. The researchers will develop recommendations for right-turn-on-red policies, helping transportation agencies to improve traffic safety and travel efficiency as well as ensure consistent practices across Illinois Department of Transportation districts.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2025 09:56:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2593920</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>Seismic Ground Motions for IDOT Geotechnical Assets</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2593917</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Geotechnical investigations into seismic-related issues often require designers to make assumptions as to the behavior of the soils in the event of an earthquake. One assumption is the motion of the ground to which the soils are subjected. These assumptions can have wide-reaching effects, so it is important that engineers have many tools available to aid in their assumptions. The goal of this project is to determine the most appropriate ground motions at different locations in Illinois. Researchers will develop a tool for Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) bridge designers and geotechnical engineers that will provide site-specific ground motions. Creating more consistent site-specific seismic designs will allow IDOT to determine and justify the appropriate ground motion in a design more quickly as well as to develop high-performing and cost-effective bridge designs.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2025 09:41:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2593917</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Economic, Environmental and Equity Outcomes Assessment of the Electric Vehicle Charging Network Expansion in Illinois</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2570591</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) was awarded 182 direct current fast charging ports in its first round of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. Researchers will analyze electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Illinois and estimate the benefits of expansion through 2050. They will estimate benefits of EV chargers associated with job creation and cost savings from EV ownership. They will identify gaps in EV charger coverage in rural and underserved communities as well as identify types of site hosts to maximize benefits. Identifying gaps in EV charger service will help guide IDOT’s deployment from NEVI funds as well as provide an economic impact assessment of EV ownership.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 2025 17:04:32 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2570591</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Advancing Self-Explaining Streets Phase 2: Evaluating the Use of Roadway Design Elements and Target Speeds to Reduce Operating Speed</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2570590</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Speeding contributes to one-third of fatalities on roadways in Illinois, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. One way to reduce speeding is the use of self-explaining roads (also referred to as self-enforcing roads), which use visual cues and physical layouts to control speeds. Using self-explaining roads can encourage drivers to adopt appropriate speeds based on a road’s characteristics and features, reducing the risk of crashes and improving overall safety. Researchers will identify how various roadway characteristics reduce speeding and crashes as well as develop a model to predict their relationship. They will conduct a before-and-after study to evaluate the effectiveness of self-explaining roads strategies across urban, suburban and rural settings. The findings of this study will inform how practice and guidance can be improved to implement self-explaining roadways.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 2025 17:01:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2570590</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Update of Traffic Factor Equations for IDOT Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2486928</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Transportation agencies must adapt pavement design procedures to meet changes in traffic and advances in new technologies such as electric vehicles and trucks, which are expected to accelerate pavement damage due to increased weight from batteries. Researchers will update the equations used by IDOT pavement designers to convert mixed-traffic axle loadings into traffic factors for asphalt and concrete pavements while accounting for current traffic conditions and axle configurations. Traffic factor represents the total number of 18-kip equivalent single-axle loads, expressed in millions, that a given pavement may be expected to carry. They will also incorporate the impact of e-trucks and platoons — a group or convoy of closely spaced vehicles — on pavement design. Updating the traffic factor equations to meet current and future demands will allow the agency to properly design pavements to carry the anticipated loadings.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 06 Jan 2025 12:32:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2486928</guid>
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