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    <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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    <language>en-us</language>
    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright>
    <docs>http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss</docs>
    <managingEditor>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</managingEditor>
    <webMaster>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</webMaster>
    <image>
      <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
      <url>https://rip.trb.org/Images/PageHeader-wTitle-RIP.jpg</url>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/</link>
    </image>
    <item>
      <title>Streamlining Compliance Criteria and Preemptively Identifying Slowdowns for Hastened Project Delivery – Lessons from Efficient Agencies</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2712199</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Transportation agencies and decision-makers increasingly prioritize timely project delivery, including shorter durations between funding allocation and construction. This emphasis is reflected in a growing focus on schedule performance and transparent communication of project timelines. Stakeholder expectations—including those of elected officials and the public—underscore the importance of clearly understanding and managing factors that influence project schedules.

Quantitative, project-level data are essential for identifying patterns of delay, informing process improvements, and supporting the development of realistic and reliable schedules. With robust data, departments of transportation (DOTs) can more effectively assess project readiness, using performance-informed metrics to guide decision-making. In addition, information on the effectiveness of mitigation strategies—particularly measured reductions in delay duration—can help agencies prioritize resources and apply approaches that offer the greatest benefit.

State DOTs have developed a strong understanding of common sources of delay in areas such as environmental review and permitting. However, the availability of quantitative, project-level data for other types of delays remains limited. In particular, agencies may not consistently have data on the typical schedule impacts associated with specific issues or the relative effectiveness of different mitigation strategies. While existing research often identifies causes of delay, it less frequently quantifies their schedule impacts—especially for complex projects—or estimates potential time savings associated with mitigation measures. This limits agencies’ ability to take a comprehensive, data-driven approach to comparing delay drivers, identifying process efficiencies, and evaluating tradeoffs between mitigation benefits and costs.

This scan will identify and examine organizations that have developed effective procedures to: (1) Identify measurable sources of delay, (2) Collect project-level quantitative data on the schedule impacts of those delays, and (3) Apply mitigation strategies that support recovery of schedule time.

The resulting observations will provide practical, transferable lessons to support agencies in managing project development schedules and improving overall program efficiency.    ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:02:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2712199</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Strategies to Foster the Implementation of Knowledge Management</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2689398</link>
      <description><![CDATA[State departments of transportation (DOTs) began to explore knowledge management (KM) in the early 2000s. Since then, several state DOTs and U.S. DOT administrations have implemented KM activities and programs. The transportation community has conducted several research projects that examined how other industries have adopted and implemented KM. Also, NCHRP and others have published reports on the value of KM, including NCHRP Report 813, A Guide to Agency-Wide Knowledge Management for State Departments of Transportation (https://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/173082.aspx).  

Despite substantial research on the use of KM in transportation, loss of institutional knowledge due to retirements and turnover, and other workforce changes, state DOTs have not widely adopted formal KM practices. Some state DOTs are trying to develop KM practices to capture this institutional knowledge quickly but need more resources and strategies for KM implementation. 

Research is needed to document the evolution of KM stewardship at state DOTs and insights into their successes and challenges in adopting and implementing KM. Strategies are needed to help state DOTs foster KM investment, development, and sustainability.

 OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to provide strategies and proven approaches to foster KM investment, development, and sustainability. The research shall, at minimum, (1) include a summary of the evolution of KM stewardship at state DOTs, and (2) identify and analyze successes and challenges state DOTs have encountered in adopting and implementing sustained KM programs.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 18:33:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2689398</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Identifying and Developing the Core Capabilities of an Airport Emergency Management Program



</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2679053</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Airports must manage all-hazards events, which occur from time to time. Airports should be proactive in addressing the needs for the development and implementation of Emergency Management (EM) frameworks and core capabilities to build preparedness. As airports move toward the establishment or expansion of their EM initiatives, they should understand airport organizational designs of EM, training needs, guidelines, and requirements in the development, implementation, and sustainability of EM core capabilities. Airports should consider opportunities to explore lessons learned from airport case studies and examine interdependent industries and related disciplines with emerging risks to identify commonalities and variances. This project will assist airports in establishing and maintaining their EM programs through and standardized approach of continuous process improvement.

The objective of this research is to develop a guide of standardized core capabilities. The core capabilities should include EM-specific benchmarks tailored for the airport EM function for airport sponsors and its stakeholders to continuously evaluate the strengths and opportunities in the development or improvement of a comprehensive EM framework. 
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 14:08:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2679053</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Implementing Safety Management Systems at Small-Hub, Non-Hub, and General Aviation Airports


</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2588321</link>
      <description><![CDATA[A safety management system (SMS) is a formal, top-down, organization-wide approach to managing safety risk and ensuring the effectiveness of safety risk controls. It includes systematic procedures, practices, and policies for managing safety risk. 

In 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published its long-awaited final rule on SMSs for Part 139 airports. Airports certificated under 14 CFR Part 139 must comply with the rule if they meet any of the following triggers: are classified as a large, medium, or small hub (see Special Note A); have a 3-year rolling average of 100,000 or more total annual operations; or serve any international operation other than general aviation (GA). Many small-hub and non-hub airports that fall under this requirement face staffing and resource constraints, which lead to significant challenges during the initial development and implementation phases.

Research is needed to identify and address the challenges faced by airports, particularly GA and other smaller airports, that do not fall under existing regulatory triggers but may wish to implement an SMS voluntarily. These airports need guidance and scalable resources that enable the implementation of SMS elements in a manner proportionate to their operational complexity while maintaining effectiveness and regulatory compliance.

The objectives of this research are to develop (1) a guide for developing and implementing an SMS and (2) a structured, step-by-step roadmap for the phased implementation of a scalable SMS program. The audience is airports with limited financial and human resources, including but not limited to small-hub, non-hub, and GA airports (see Special Note A) regardless of whether the airport meets the trigger requirements of 14 CFR Part 139 Subpart E–Airport Safety Management Systems. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 12 Aug 2025 09:09:20 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2588321</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Autonomous Maintenance Technologies - Phase 2</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2578846</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Road maintenance activities are crucial for ensuring safe and efficient delivery of goods and people. Well-maintained roads not only extend their lifespan but also significantly reduce the risk of accidents and improve fuel efficiency. In recent years, with the development of vehicle automation, wireless communication, and robotic technologies, some road maintenance activities can be partially or fully replaced by machines, which bring significant benefits in improving road maintenance workers’ safety and productivity and alleviating the growing workforce shortage in state DOTs.

The existing pooled fund project titled “Autonomous Maintenance Technology (AMT)” started in 2018 and the main focus so far has been the Autonomous Truck Mounted Attenuator (ATMA) technology. Current research in ATMA has led to broader interest in other AMTs such as autonomous cracking sealing, autonomous mowing, and autonomous snow plowing, among others. This motivates to expand the scope of the current pooled fund project and develop a cooperative agreement to conduct further research on other available ATMs and their supported road maintenance activities. The Indiana DOT (INDOT) will serve as the lead state for the execution of the continuing pooled fund project. INDOT, through the Joint Transportation Research Program (JTRP) at Purdue University, will handle all administrative duties associated with the project. Purdue University will also serve as the lead research institution for the project.

The overall objective of this study is to support and promote collaborative research efforts in the field of Autonomous Maintenance Technologies (AMTs) for road maintenance activities. Specific objectives include (1) Identify needed research priorities from participating state DOTs; (2) Provide a platform for technology, experience, and lessons learned exchange among participants; (3) Fund research related to AMT development, testing, evaluation, and deployment in various DOT maintenance activities; (4) Foster collaboration among state agencies, industry, and academia; and (5) Provide technical leadership in AMT to advance the state-of-the-art road maintenance practices. It is expected that this consortium will become a national leader in AMT-related research and applications.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2025 20:49:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2578846</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Customization of a Mobile Field Data Collection Application and Linear Referencing System to Support Geospatial Data Collaboration </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2566964</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Under a previous research project, Project # SPR-2253, “Development of the Digital Design Environment (DDE) ProjectWise™ – Phase 2,” the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) initiated and accomplished significant work towards customization of a web-based editing application to facilitate field data collection of geospatial data assets, specifically road network characteristics.  This application was known as the Mobile Asset Verification and Roadway Inventory Collection tool, otherwise known as “MAVRIC”.  Field data collection of roadway geometry and asset information, and more specifically, simultaneous multi-asset editing/collection (otherwise known as “parallel data collection”), is a critical component of timely management of the geospatially accurate road network and associated attribution (e.g., lanes, shoulders, curbs, intersections, intersection approaches, etc.).  This foundational data of the road network is the backbone upon which the CTDOT’s GIS is built, and a requirement under 23 CFR 924.17 for the Model Inventory Roadway Elements (MIRE) and All Roads Network of Linear Data (ARNOLD).  The initial project targeted field data collection utilization and was successful in meeting the project goals.  This next phase of the project looks to build upon the lessons learned during the first phase, incorporate additional customization to meet the needs to expanding CTDOT stakeholders, take advantage of additional technological advances CTDOT has made since the completion of the first project, and utilize the customized solution to help CTDOT personnel to enhance the overall quality and completeness of its critical roadway datasets, while providing metrics on time and resource savings that can be expected through implementation of a similar system.  For the different types of data collection, a fully configurable customized application is needed. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Jun 2025 16:28:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2566964</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Project Implementation Process and Data review - Phase II</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2539838</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of this project is to review projects that were completed over five years ago to “close-out” projects from active research implementation tracking. This will include a focus on lessons learned, follow-up candidates, incomplete data, and project outcome implementation status]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 16 Apr 2025 10:42:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2539838</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Lessons from High-speed Level-5 AV Racing</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2425223</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The research is using Purdue’s Dallara, a Level 5 autonomous vehicle (AV) worth $1M, to identify lessons from the racing competitions that can be applied to facilitate safe AV operations at high-speed road corridors such as freeways. These lessons will be drawn from areas including issues related to sim-to-real transitions of the AV control, cyber-infrastructure design, and policy, fine-tuning of control algorithms for vehicle stabilization, and design of optimal trajectories at banked sections. The research is using literature reviews, surveys, simulations and theoretical analysis, AV runs at racetracks and road courses, and empirical analysis of data from AV runs at Putnam Park and Lucas Oil Raceway in Indy.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Sep 2024 11:09:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2425223</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Improving the Quality of Preventive Maintenance Construction and Data Collection Practices </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2414392</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This pooled-fund study is being developed to assist state highway agencies (SHAs) and LPAs in reviewing and developing pavement preventive maintenance (PM) treatments which can advance their pavement preservation programs.  This study is also supplementing ongoing data analysis of existing pavement test sections in Minnesota (NRRA-MnROAD) and Alabama (NCAT) and support continued implementation activities established.  Combining these efforts will establish a national construction and data collection effort of pavement PM treatments applied to roadways at the direction of the study’s Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).  Participation in the study is being encouraged by SHAs, LPAs, FHWA, Federal Lands Highway Division, academia and industry representatives.  Collaboration with experts from these groups will help set criteria for identifying PM construction practices and data collection requirements, discuss optimal timing for placing of PM treatments and establishing the minimum number of pavement sections required for each type of PM treatment used for statistical analysis.  Non-financial participants can provide technical knowledge and input; however, financial contributors will make final decision on treatments to be constructed.

Using the outcome from the above collaborative activities, the study partners will initiate and monitor State, local, and Federal PM treatments and projects to develop preventive maintenance solutions (i.e. decision trees, toolboxes, etc.).  Implementation of practical research results from other PM cooperative projects (i.e. NCAT, MnROAD, NCPP) will be used to access the impact of preventive maintenance treatments on extending service life of pavements.  Lessons learned will be documented and shared along with information to assist in the updating of the national pavement preservation research roadmap.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Aug 2024 16:30:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2414392</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4933:  Worksite Speed Control System (WSCS)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2404036</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research will use connected vehicle data to perform before/after assessments of the work site speed control pilot program. The results from this study will help stakeholders and decision makers to understand the impact of this program on improving speed compliance and safety in and around work sites for both motorists and construction workers. This study will also provide guidance on lessons learned and best practices for implementing this program on a wider scale across the state.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Jul 2024 12:05:17 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2404036</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Documentation of 2024 Balanced Mix Design Implementation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2403855</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)'s phased Balanced Mix Design (BMD) implementation effort has culminated in 2024, as the BMD specification is being applied to all SM-9.5 and SM-12.5 A and D surface mixes in maintenance schedule contracts. This is the first statewide application of the specifications and provides an opportunity to document the lessons learned during the implementation experience and determine the need for additional adjustments or improvements to the specification, as well as provide a baseline for future evaluation. The purpose of this project is to document and assess the first year of full BMD implementation for SM-9.5 and SM-12.5 A and D surface mixes. The effort will compile all information available related to BMD surface mixes constructed for the 2024 Plant Mix Schedules, such as schedule documents, mix design submissions, producer and Department quality assurance data, construction information, and field density data. The experiences of the Department and producers during the first year of full implementation will be documented using surveys, interviews, and data gathered from other meetings. In addition, a white paper on the history of BMD will be developed for future refence. The information and analysis will provide a baseline for future reference and comparison of mixtures and performance. In addition, recommendations and supporting evidence for changes to specifications and practices will be made as needed, based on the results of this work and that of other ongoing projects.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Jul 2024 09:55:06 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2403855</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Exploring Hybrid Architecture for Data Processing/Storage Needs of FDOT</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2384742</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Objective 1: The first step towards moving to a hybrid cloud architecture is to understand the basics of the cloud technology, encompassing operational mechanisms, key characteristics, and diverse service models. The research team will study and document different cloud services, explore mixed storage architectures, data localization per Cloud Procurement and Contractual Elements, Rule 60GG-4.002(6), Florida Administrative Code, and analyze the potential benefits in terms of efficiency, security, and feasibility. The goal is to provide useful insights and knowledge to help Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSM&O) choose the best cloud services and storage setups for its needs. With this detailed documentation, FDOT will be better equipped to make informed decisions and use cloud technologies to improve its operations. Objective 2: The second objective is to thoroughly examine and analyze other DOTs’ practices regarding migration to cloud-based services. This will result in valuable insights that can guide FDOT TSM&O’s move to cloud-based services. By closely studying the experiences, best practices, challenges, and lessons learned from these agencies, the research team aims to enhance the efficiency, security, and effectiveness of FDOT TSM&O’s cloud-based initiatives. The primary aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of cloud adoption strategies, service models, deployment scales, security considerations, and associated challenges, ultimately informing and enriching FDOT’s cloud migration endeavor. Objective 3: This objective aims to develop a holistic framework that facilitates the successful migration of applications to cloud-based environments. The informed decision-making in transitioning legacy and new applications to the cloud environment should consider various aspects, including cost analysis for both importing and exporting for each cloud provider, technology compatibility, functionality, latency, recoverability, exit strategies, and security. This objective encompasses the creation of a hybrid cloud migration decision framework tailored to evaluate applications for cloud migration suitability. Furthermore, this involves designing a cloud migration and change management plan, outlining phased processes, from data migration to testing and validation. The training guidelines will empower existing personnel, bridging the knowledge gap while transitioning from legacy platforms to cloud technology and ensuring efficient and effective utilization of the newly adopted cloud-based services.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Jun 2024 14:13:49 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2384742</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A Guide to Assess, Measure, and Communicate the Public Value of Transportation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2381711</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of this project is to develop a guide that (1) defines public value for transportation agencies; (2) identifies methods for assessing, measuring, and communicating the public value generated by transportation; and (3) showcases the role public value creation plays in achieving societal goals.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2024 22:08:38 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2381711</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Identifying Travel Needs for South Jersey and Shore Customer Surveys</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2379588</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Ridership in transit service is very important since not only does it produce operational revenue, but it also plays a critical role in supporting federal, state, and local funds. Nationwide, transit ridership, and specifically bus ridership, has been dropping over the past decades. The most pronounced decline occurred in 2020, primarily attributed to the far-reaching impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ridership experienced a slight increase in both 2021 and 2022, marking a modest upward trend following the notable decline witnessed in 2020. Similar trends are noticed in New Jersey Transit (NJ TRANSIT) bus ridership. Given that the NJ TRANSIT bus network is a great asset to New Jersey's transportation network, extending its benefits to South Jersey as well, by offering an extensive and reliable public transportation option that enhances mobility, accessibility, and connectivity throughout the region is important. Thus, there is a need to conduct research and identify best practices and lessons learned from other transit agencies to better understand the travel needs of current, former, and potential new bus riders that will result in an increase in New Jersey bus ridership in south Jersey.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 May 2024 11:16:46 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2379588</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Performance Monitoring of Two-Course Bridge Deck Utilizing Ultra-High-Performance Concrete</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2366958</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Bridge decks are the first major bridge component typically requiring major repair or complete replacement.  In the early 2000's a new class of cement-based material - known as Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) - has become available.  UHPC is nearly impenetrable and has many other high quality attributes.  Unfortunately, the cost of UHPC remains high and strategic use is required.  A bridge will soon be constructed that has a deck comprised of traditional concrete plus a UHPC course overtop.  This configuration is hoped to provide a cost-effective and long-life bridge deck.  This first in USA project needs to be monitoring during construction and for a period post-construction to document its performance and lessons learned.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Apr 2024 14:18:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2366958</guid>
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