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    <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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    <atom:link href="https://rip.trb.org/Record/RSS?s=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" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
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    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright>
    <docs>http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss</docs>
    <managingEditor>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</managingEditor>
    <webMaster>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</webMaster>
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      <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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      <link>https://rip.trb.org/</link>
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    <item>
      <title>Evaluate the Safety Effects of Multiple Vehicle Synchronized Warning Lights in ODOT Work Zones
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2701274</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In 2024, 56 Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) crews were struck while working on the highway system. As of March 2025, 43 ODOT crews have been struck. With safety being of the upmost importance to ODOT's Executive Leadership, protecting road crews and individuals working on ODOT jobsites remains a common theme when investigating new technologies and techniques to help reduce and minimize these accidents. Currently ODOT has a variety of light-emitting diode (LED) warning light systems in use on its fleet of maintenance vehicles. When these vehicles are concentrated in a work zone, there has been concern that these lights, while flashing independently, can lead to confusion among the motoring public as they enter the work zone. Added to this, ODOT operates work zones during all times of the day and in all weather conditions further exacerbates the situation.  This can result in unsafe driving practices and increased accidents. 

There is a growing opinion among transportation professionals that synchronizing warning lights and/or customizing patterns to evolve situationally could alleviate, if not resolve, these dangerous work zone crashes. ODOT is looking to evaluate the effectiveness of a system that synchronizes the warning systems of all vehicles present in a work zone.   A system that could increase driver awareness and reduce safety related incidents would be useful not only to ODOT but to local public agencies, emergency responders, and other state departments of transportation (DOTs).

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this research is to identify the effectiveness of using synchronized warning light systems versus non-synchronized warning light systems on work zone vehicles.
             ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 10:43:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2701274</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Feasibility of LED Solar Street Lighting</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2486973</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Street lighting provides documented safety benefits. Because of this, many segments and intersections of Minnesota’s roadway network have some form of lighting device. Traditionally, these devices have power supplied directly through wires; however, in rural areas it is often cost prohibitive to run dedicated power to remote intersections. Recently, this wiring has become the target for theft and vandalism, causing significant damage and cost for transportation agencies. This study will attempt to address these concerns (remote areas and theft) by assessing the feasibility of solar powered illumination devices in a variety of contexts around Minnesota.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Jul 2025 09:25:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2486973</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Non-Contact Energy Harvesting for Rural Grade Crossings – Year 3</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2574027</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The network of United States railroads often spans remote parts of the country that are sparsely populated. In these areas, rail grade crossings are much less likely to have warning lights or crossing gates primarily due to the lack of electricity. Such unprotected or passive crossings have the majority of the grade crossing fatalities and accidents. To reduce rail accidents, enhanced warning systems are needed at as many passive crossings as possible. The research team  proposes to create a new energy harvesting approach based on the motion of the wheels to generate sufficient power for a ight-emitting diode (LED)-based grade crossing warning system. Recent advances to create small and powerful magnets allows for the design of a non-contact power generation approach that is activated with each passing wheel. The feasibility of this approach has been demonstrated and an initial prototype will provide data for optimization of the energy harvesting capabilities. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Jul 2025 19:06:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2574027</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>PedX: Automation for Safer Pedestrian Street Lighting at Intersections</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2440016</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Streetlights have performed well for drivers and vehicle visibility, and LED streetlight luminaires, with their brighter illumination, have increased that visibility. Unfortunately, streetlighting for pedestrians has not been a high priority and LED streetlights exacerbate the problem with their directional light throw and higher contrast characteristics. It is possible to stand behind an LED streetlight pole, for example, and not be seen. LED streetlights’ directional lighting compromises a driver’s ability to detect vertical objects because the light is narrowly focused down with little horizontal light scattering often places pedestrians in silhouette. Increasing intersection illumination for greater driver visibility reduces pedestrian visibility. 

This project is focused on creating---and ultimately automating---better pedestrian lighting at roadway intersections where pedestrian visibility is critical. Three items are proposed: (1) Control of LED luminaires’ individual array diodes to improve crosswalk visibility, (2) luminary positioning for optimal driver visibility of pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersection sidewalks, and (3) synchronization of the proposed PedX system with Safety21’s PedPal app at intersection streetlights. PedPal’s PI, Stephen Smith, will serve as an advisor to ensure proper system integration.  

(1) Diode Control: LED streetlight arrays illuminate each diode equally when the luminaire is activated and perform equally when dimmed. The lumen intensity is equal at the light source and object illumination decreases depending on distance from the luminaire. Streetlights located at intersection corners are brighter across the intersection and fade outward toward oncoming drivers. Given diodes’ directional properties, pedestrians are either lit from top down or backlit the closer they are to the luminaire. By independently controlling the number of lumens produced by each diode, the source light can be selectively increased to highlight pedestrians in the crosswalks and automatically maintained year-round throughout the dusk-dawn cycle.

(2) Streetlight Positioning: Streetlights are often atop the same pole that holds the traffic signal(s) with the luminaire positioned on the intersection’s diagonal axis or orthogonally in line with the signal arm. Pedestrians are either lit from the center of the intersection or in line with the pedestrian’s front/backside, not from the side as viewed by drivers. While they provide high visibility for drivers making turns, they cast pedestrians in shadows or silhouettes to oncoming drivers. In combination with diode control, positioning the luminaire is critical to good pedestrian illumination.

(3) Smartphone Application: PedPal is an app for pedestrians requiring assistance crossing intersections. PedPal provides pedestrians with intersection information, including crossing options and signalization sequencing, notifies the signal controller of intent to cross and the person’s walking speed/traversal time, sets the signalization time for safe passage, and notifies the pedestrian when to cross. Working with the PedPal research team, the study will coordinate crosswalk lighting with the app and signalization.

The research team expects this work to span two years, with the initial year (this project) dedicated to establishing the feasibility of the three outlined objectives. The subsequent year will concentrate on the development of a prototype for deployment and extensive field testing.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 13 Oct 2024 08:23:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2440016</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>LED Applications on Traffic Control Devices</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1957081</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Since the introduction of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in traffic control systems, LEDs have been gaining in prominence to enhance attention and conspicuity of signs, create dynamic sign legends, and provide basic traffic control. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has limited LED provisions to guide the LED applications, creating some indecision among public agencies relative to the appropriate application of LEDs in their traffic control applications.

The National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (NCUTCD) has submitted LED recommendations to FHWA that maintain basic traffic control concepts, recognize the adaptability of LED technology, and provide guidance for LED use. The development of those MUTCD recommendations identified a number of issues where research was not available to support the recommendations. There continues to be growing use of LED signs without clear understanding of possible safety advantages or impacts to machine vision, road users, and adjacent residents. To guide transportation agencies on basic traffic control concepts that warrant the life cycle of significant asset investments and safety to road users, research is needed to provide clarification on the LED applications in traffic control devices.

The objective of this research is to evaluate various LED sign applications and provide a guide to the effective use of LED applications in traffic control devices for the road user and current generation automotive machine vision systems.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 27 May 2022 11:23:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1957081</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Guidelines for Solid-State Roadway Lighting</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1864201</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The lighting industry has changed dramatically over the past decade. The optics of legacy high intensity discharge (HID), full-cutoff luminaires were restricted to the lamp and reflector design; these lamps emit light in almost every direction, which must then be reflected to the roadway. Roadway luminaires have moved beyond this design through the vast possibilities presented by solid-state lighting (SSL)—at present, in the form of light emitting diodes (LED)--which also boasts lower energy usage, reduced maintenance, and improved color. AASHTO target light levels are calculated over a grid limited to the traveled roadway. Any light that lands outside of the calculation grid is not quantified in the average and uniformity results, but is still present with roadway luminaires and may provide a safety benefit. With the greater ability to control the distribution and the sharp cutoff at the edges with SSL luminaires, light levels beyond the calculation grid may be dramatically reduced, but a design may still meet the AASHTO criteria. Therefore, research is needed to investigate the application of AASHTO criteria to SSL roadway lighting and, if the results dictate, provide guidance for light level criteria for areas immediately adjacent to the traveled roadway when using SSL luminaires. Additional research is also needed to explore the benefits and challenges of adaptive lighting and provide further guidelines for its use, as well as the environmental and health effects of roadway lighting.
 
The objectives of this project were to develop more comprehensive guidelines in AASHTO standard format for the application of roadway lighting related to the widespread adoption of SSL, and to identify gaps in knowledge where possible future research will enhance these guidelines. The research shall complement and supplement the ongoing efforts of the AASHTO Roadway Lighting Committee on the usage of SSL lighting.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jul 2021 17:42:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1864201</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>LED Traffic Signal Lifespan and Replacement Assessment</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1844082</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The purpose of this research is to assess North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) traffic signal maintenance procedures and signal replacement cycle to benchmark their costs so that signal performance is maintained or enhanced and to develop a model for light emitting diode (LED) powered signal life span.  This study answers the question “what is the threshold at which an acceptable working LED traffic signal is in need of replacement?”  This study will explore whether or not a systematic signal replacement strategy could be developed and used by any division within NC to enhance performance, reduce waste, reduce cost, and be realistically and efficiently implemented.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Mar 2021 08:26:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1844082</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development of Automated Roadway Lighting Diagnosis Tools for Nighttime Traffic Safety Improvement, Phase II</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1756015</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Roadway lighting is roadway infrastructure used to ensure nighttime safety and security for multimodal road users. Key tasks in nighttime safety management include periodically measuring roadway lighting levels, diagnosing lighting performance and safety impacts, and providing decision-making support for lighting maintenance and upgrade. This project aims to enhance the Automated Roadway Lighting Diagnosis Tools developed in a previous CTEDD project (Phase I), including developing and integrating safety/lighting analysis methods for pedestrians/bicyclists and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs, enhancing roadway lighting diagnosis algorithms, analyzing economic appraisals, and improving user interface and processing speed. The enhanced computer tools, which are expected to reach Technology Readiness Level 8: Technology Proven in Operational Environment, will be implemented in Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District 7 lighting measurement projects. This project will support multi-disciplinary collaboration for faculty and students in transportation engineering, computer science, and electrical engineering. The collaboration will also involve two stakeholders, including a government agency (FDOT District 7) and a private sector firm (Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc. [JMT]), which will provide support and assistance for data collection, system design, diagnosis evaluation, and technology transfer. A comprehensive technology transfer plan will be developed after the research, including implementation of the developed methods and tools in lighting measurement projects in collaboration with stakeholders, presentations and publications, open source codes provided to the public, integration of research materials into coursework, and workshops for the Florida Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP). Through technology transfer, the project results will be beneficial to roadway lighting and safety managers for infrastructure performance monitoring and maintenance. The open algorithms and source codes also will be beneficial to researchers and practitioners for future research and practice.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 05 Dec 2020 18:29:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1756015</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Guide to the Contextual Application of Overhead Lighting on Highways



</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1707197</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Roadway lighting is a common countermeasure used to increase visibility at night or in poor weather conditions, and may offer substantial safety benefits for all road users. With the advent of light emitting diode (LED) and adaptive roadway lighting systems, lighting characteristics can be adjusted as a function of need as well as to control for unintended effects. These systems are believed to provide effective safety performance potentially at a lower cost and energy requirements compared with traditional lighting systems.

Decisions regarding the appropriate level of light to provide a given freeway, highway rest area or interchange, or urban streetscape are dependent upon localized characteristics, climate, and other circumstances. What may seem like the ideal quantity of light to support the safety of vehicular users may be less beneficial or even harmful to vulnerable road users, the environment, or community groups. Furthermore, the qualities of light, such as the color, intensity, uniformity, or degree of glare may also impact safety outcomes for all users. This creates a need to strike an appropriate balance to maximize safety benefits while controlling for and avoiding harmful impacts.
 
While the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Highway Safety Manual and other literature provide guidelines to support decisions on the appropriate application of light for different contexts, the industry seeks more robust information and analysis tools to assist in decision-making about the appropriate quantity and quality of light for different environments, contexts, and purposes. Considerations of the different uses and effects of lighting in rural, urban, and suburban contexts are desired, as well as lighting targeted to highway facilities such as rest areas and interchanges. The research will not compare or recommend proprietary lighting products or systems for a given application.
 
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to develop a guide for state departments of transportation (DOTs) seeking direction on the appropriate quantity and quality of overhead light for a given highway. This would include considerations of fixed, adaptable, continuous, or targeted lighting with respect to a given highway or site.
 ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2020 18:48:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1707197</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>LED Traffic Signal Luminosity Study</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1704620</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of this study is to conduct a life-cycle analysis and reconnaissance of the “degradation rate” of light emitting diode (LED) traffic signal heads in Alaska. Project includes literature review, data collection, data analysis, reporting, and recommendations for optimizing LED signal head replacement.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2020 15:49:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1704620</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Research for AASHTO Standing Committee on Highways. Task 425. Emerging LED Technologies and Use within Tunnels</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1651885</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Tunnel lighting has long been accomplished using incandescent, fluorescent and High Pressure Sodium lighting technologies. Each of these types of lights have their own advantages and disadvantages. In the last decade, Light Emitting Diode (LED) systems have advanced to a level that economically allows their widespread use in tunnel facilities. While their use has become more widespread in roadway lighting, challenging conditions within tunnels have tempered their acceptance for underground application. Brightness, color, and dispersion of light from LEDs each affect the utility of the lamps. While Roadway and Tunnel Lighting share similar needs, they also each have their own challenges. The enclosed space of a roadway tunnel can accentuate both the positive and negative qualities of a particular light type. This study focuses on tunnel lighting, which differs significantly from roadway lighting. Tunnel lighting was specifically excluded from the ongoing NCHRP Project 05-22: Guidelines for Solid-State Roadway Lighting
The capital cost of LED lighting initially made its use prohibitive when compared to other more energy and maintenance intensive lighting. However, LED costs have dropped very rapidly in recent years, and generally, it is economically competitive with other technologies especially when maintenance frequency and life cycle costs are included. With the rapid advancement and changes in LED technology, it is necessary to study how this new technology of lighting can best be used to meet existing lighting standards and requirements. The rapid advancement of technology has also resulted in obsolescence of early installations of LED systems-forcing owners to retrofit systems well before the end of their expected life because of lack of available replacement parts. The tunnel environment presents unique challenges, both in lighting performance and in reliability. Road salt, constant moisture, and the proximity of the equipment especially when maintenance frequency and life cycle costs are included.
The objective of this project was  to develop a guidelines with on the applicability of LED lighting for tunnel use. The guidelines include a catalog the various types of LED lighting techniques commonly available and identify benefits and challenges with each when used to light tunnels including associated cost and maintenance. The guidelines also include a set of recommendations on what will be needed for LED tunnel Lighting for future adoption into the AASHTO Lighting Design Guide 2018.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Sep 2019 10:18:32 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1651885</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development of Multi-Rotor-UAV-based Rail Track Irregularity Monitoring and Measuring Platform with Image and LIDAR Sensors</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1602482</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In this study, the research team proposes to develop and test a platform that utilizes an image sensor (camera) and a laser radar (LIDAR) sensor mounted a multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for autonomous and efficient monitoring and measurement of rail track’s longitudinal and other geometrical irregularities. Flying at a low altitude, normally around 10 meters above the ground level, the UAV during one single flight that lasts from 15 to 25 minutes is expected to photograph and optically scan 5+ miles of rail tracks. The images and the light reflection time signals thus collected, together with the track’s geospatial position determined by the global positioning system (GPS) and the UAV’s state (velocity, acceleration, yaw, etc. by IMU, are fused altogether to build the point cloud model of the tracks that have been inspected by the UAV. With sub-cm accuracy level, this point cloud model obtained is compared off line against the baseline track data established from the previous measurements and/or the design specifications stored in the track rail database. If the results indicate existence of possible problems like track subsidence, deformation and component damage, a second inspection and immediate maintenance service will then be warranted. Note that the UAV is given the capability, with the help of the LIDAR and proximity sensors, to navigate through tunnels or any other uncertain waypoint paths. When passing a tunnel or flying in the dark, the UAV may have to fly at a lower altitude and a lower speed, and the on-board LED lighting device may have to be automatically turned on and the light beams will be focused onto the tracks for imaging purposes.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 27 Apr 2019 16:06:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1602482</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Light Emitting Surface (LES) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) Roadway Luminaires</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1589327</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will determine the technical feasibility and potential energy savings of light emitting surface (LES) technologies for roadway lighting compared to light emitting diode (LED) and high-pressure sodium (HPS) systems. Based on the research results from this project, NYSDOT may install LES luminaires on a pilot basis to evaluate field performance over time which may then lead to a broader scale installation along the State highway system to replace existing HPS/LED luminaires, or as part of future new highway lighting installations. If it is determined that LES technology has a longer life span and uses less energy than LED fixtures, significant savings in maintenance and operation costs could be achieved. The present Exhibit II document describes the tasks to be performed by the Consultant under the management of the NYSDOT Project Manager (PM) that will assist NYSDOT in meeting the project objectives.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 27 Feb 2019 16:43:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1589327</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Ecological Design Rules for Roadway Lighting </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1570837</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Currently, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) designs roadway lighting in agricultural areas to produce adequate pavement illumination per the Traffic Engineering Manual (TEM), which cites industry standard IES RP-8. Typically, designers give little or no consideration to light trespass during roadway lighting design. All ODOT lighting installations run dusk-to-dawn with no programmed dimming or light curfews. An upcoming addition to the TEM will address light trespass in agricultural areas by recommending a light trespass illuminance limit of 0.1 foot-candle on agricultural fields.

The proposed research will focus on the effects that LED lighting has on wildlife in ecologically sensitive urban and rural areas. Limited but ongoing academic research suggests that the quantity and spectra of LED lighting have negative (and occasionally positive) effects on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. These effects can influence individual species and the overall ecosystem health. Lighting that illuminates the roadway pavement is engineered lighting. Industry standards provide design pavement illuminance values, and it is difficult to deviate from these established engineering standards without reasonable justification. Well-executed research targeting this issue can serve as such justification for ODOT roadway lighting design changes that relate to ecological effects.

The goal of this research is to establish design rules for roadway lighting in ecologically sensitive urban and rural areas. Objectives include determining the effects of roadway lighting on various wildlife areas including what type of animals are affected by light and how do attributes of the site play a role in the effect?]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Nov 2018 12:50:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1570837</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Project 18 - Acquisition Distance of LED Based Runway Closure Lighting</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1549396</link>
      <description><![CDATA[No abstract provided.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Sep 2018 18:24:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1549396</guid>
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