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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>Precision Agriculture Tools for Roadside Management
and Beautification</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2604608</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Precision agriculture is a spatially-aware, technology-enabled methodology which allows the precise and accurate control of the components necessary for sustainable agricultural production. In this case the desired production system is planted roadside vegetation for ecological improvement and beautification, specifically the wildflowers that have become a 
North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) signature. Commercially available precision agriculture systems have been well-developed for over 20 years, but they have not been widely adapted for use in the roadside environment. This project seeks to develop systems and controls that can be leveraged into seeding systems that would allow the DOT wildflower program to continue to innovate and make establishment of wildflower areas more safely and quickly while creating unique and visually appealing public displays. In addition to ground-based vehicle control, advanced unmanned aerial systems and vehicles (UAS/UAVs) have been developed that could make management and improvement of
roadside vegetation easier and safer. While there are options for roadside application of granular inputs, this project seeks to address the use of UAVs to apply granular products. Specifically the use of treated granulars that combine fertilizer and weed management into one operation are under study. As a suite of technologies, precision agriculture systems can be leveraged into the roadside environment and continue to place NCDOT at the forefront of ecologically informed wildflower and vegetation management.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Sep 2025 13:34:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2604608</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Milkweed Presence Detection from High-Resolution Mobile Roadway Photography and
LiDAR</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2601429</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project builds on previous Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) studies to identify and map milkweed along highway rights-of-way using existing roadway photography and LiDAR data. The effort will produce a geographic information system (GIS)-based inventory that documents route, milepost, area, and density information for each identified milkweed cluster, supporting ITD’s initiatives to prioritize and preserve high-quality Monarch and pollinator habitat. Key objectives include detecting milkweed using LiDAR and photo imagery, mapping occurrences by route and milepost, estimating cluster size and plant density, and analyzing correlations between milkweed area and density.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Sep 2025 16:30:46 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2601429</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>TRC2501: Establishing Vegetation in Poor Growing Conditions</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2491048</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of this study is to create a methodology to be used in the preliminary planning and design phases that will identify factors that could inhibit vegetation growth, analyze and test problem soils prior to design or during construction, provide widely applicable options to offset growth inhibitors, and set parameters that will provide mitigation options based on site-specific factors.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 15 Jan 2025 12:37:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2491048</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Vegetation Death Mystery</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2417303</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research will explore the cause of a zone of dead vegetation near a water quality pond along 1-70 and determine if it is related to activities by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and other agencies (U.S. Forest Service and Colorado Department of Natural Resources). Implementation depends on the findings, but potentially CDOT would partner with other resource agencies to minimize and mitigate vegetation impacts at this site and wherever similar situations are found.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Aug 2024 12:03:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2417303</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Field Validation of Process Improvement Findings for Totem Pole Tree Removal
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2417198</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Roadway Services in New Philadelphia (D11) developed an efficient process to clear roadside trees. Unfortunately, the process leaves boles, often referred to as totem poles, in place to protect tree trimming equipment from damage that would occur if tree saw blade contacted the ground. Bole removal is currently completed by manual labor with workers traversing slopes with chainsaws. In some cases, boles cannot be removed due to worker safety concerns (e.g., accessibility, proper equipment, site conditions, etc.) and can eventually become hazards to wildlife and the travelling public. Furthermore, abandoned boles make the job look unfinished leading to public criticism.   

The goal of this project is to enhance ODOT's vegetation management processes by validating potential efficiencies in performance and safety for totem pole tree removal.            ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Aug 2024 12:33:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2417198</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>NCHRP Implementation Support Program. Implementing NCHRP Guides on Pollinator Habitat Conservation along Roadways</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2342016</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Many pollinators are in decline and roadsides can be valuable habitat for them and other wildlife. Roadside managers have an interest in pollinator conservation and are seeking information about ways to support imperiled pollinators and to preclude future listings to the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

One of the primary goals of NCHRP Project 25-59, “Pollinator Habitat Conservation along Roadways,” was to produce guides that cover 16 regions of the United States. Each guide includes regional information about site selection, design, installation, and management of roadside pollinator habitat; the native plants and pollinators of each region; and guidance on ESA regulatory compliance to reduce regulatory uncertainty and contribute to pollinator conservation and recovery. Supporting materials that accompanied the guides include videos for transportation agencies and the public, a communications toolbox, monitoring and habitat assessment tools, and plant lists.

NCHRP 20-44(55) will provide training on using the guides, and help state department of transportation (DOT) staff understand and consider pollinator habitat conservation strategies that may be effective in their jurisdiction or situation. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Feb 2024 20:04:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2342016</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Prevention and Control of Wildfires Through Roadside Vegetation Management



</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2321712</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The wildland urban interface (WUI) is an area where human development meets or intermingles with undeveloped wildland and vegetative fuels that are both fire-dependent and fire-prone. Wildfires near roadways have increased in scale, frequency and intensity due to factors such as drought and invasive species. Some wildfires are the consequence of vehicle operations such as accidents or sparking causing wildfire ignition within roadside vegetation. The risk of wildfire ignitions within roadside vegetation is compounded by increased traffic volumes in the WUI. State departments of transportation (DOTs) have adopted innovative solutions in roadside vegetation management to reduce the number and intensity of wildfires impacting WUI communities. A study of known wildfire risk factors, wildfire risk management, staffing, training, coordination, and effective roadside vegetation management practices is needed to establish an ongoing national adaptive roadside management strategy to address wildfire related challenges at the WUI.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to develop a guide for state DOTs on roadside vegetation management strategies that reduce the risk of wildfires. At minimum, the guide will highlight effective practices and areas of concern within roadside vegetation operations, areas of possible improvement, and suggestions for future study.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Jan 2024 19:30:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2321712</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Influence of Erosion Control Products on Vegetation Establishment</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2321515</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) uses rolled hydraulic erosion control products (HECP) along roadside ditches and slopes, embankments at stormwater management (SWM) facilities, and as a component of certain stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs). These products are designed to mitigate erosion and provide an environment for vegetation to establish.  VDOT’s Road and Bridge Specifications list two categories of HECPs:  EC-2, which includes four types of degradable products and EC-3, which includes three types of non-degradable products.  VDOT staff have noted that although EC-3 products seem to be used more commonly than EC-2 products given their higher tensile strength and shear stress, they seem to inhibit vegetation establishment, particularly on slopes with steeper gradients. 

The purpose of this study is to determine (1) whether the type of HECP used in VDOT projects affects vegetation establishment on steep slopes and (2) whether plant growth may also be affected by soil type, seed mix, and contractor installation methods.  The research team will aim to evaluate three study sites on steep slopes, each designed with plots that comprise the following: a minimum of two EC-2 products and a minimum of two EC-3 products, three types of seed mixes, and three soil types. Installation practices at each site will be documented and sites will be regularly monitored to determine vegetative growth. 

The findings from this study can be used to support the implementation of improved practices for roadside vegetation establishment following VDOT construction activities.  Improved vegetation establishment will protect VDOT infrastructure and reduce soil erosion and associated environmental impacts.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Jan 2024 10:21:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2321515</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Guide to Increasing and Sustaining Native Flora in Roadside Vegetation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2319914</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Many state departments of transportation (DOTs) have struggled to manage roadside vegetation in a cost-effective manner that also fosters vigorous and diverse native plant communities, including blooming species. Diverse vegetation on roadsides can support operational, environmental, and social values, including valuable pollinator habitat and other ecosystem services. A 2019 Nebraska study (NDOT Roadside Vegetation Establishment and Management) highlights the need to balance ecological, operational, and cost concerns. Research is needed to better understand and develop practical, environmentally responsible strategies to increase and sustain native plant diversity in roadside vegetation. This research should examine relevant factors such as soil conditions, plant species selection, seed quality, herbicide application, and scenic value. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this project is to develop a guide for state DOTs to maintain safe, efficient, and cost-effective vegetation diversity practices. At a minimum, the guide should provide a summary of suggested practices and resources for state DOTs tied to climatic/ecologic regions, and should be supported by a field use document.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Jan 2024 16:24:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2319914</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Regional Optimization of Roadside Turfgrass Seed Mixtures Phase 3</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1918992</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In this Phase 3 project, the research team proposes to take advantage of the existing field sites to collect longer-term data across Minnesota to strengthen their findings from Phase 2 and ensure the best possible roadside turfgrass mixture recommendations for public stakeholders. Finally, the budget tool developed in Phase 3 will be augmented with new data, including field trial results, and developed into a web-based tool easily accessible by users.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Feb 2022 12:50:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1918992</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Incorporation of Pollinator Plantings to Enhance Ecosystem Functions and  Durability of Transportation Right-of-Way Infrastructure (2.15)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1875139</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Highway right-of-ways (ROWs) provide numerous ecosystem services beyond erosion control. Incorporation of native grasses and flowering plants into ROW plantings can further increase the services by providing habitat for endangered native pollinators while improving aesthetics, erosion control, and stormwater filtration. However, highway ROWs are not natural habitats. The roadway itself alters the micro-climate of the roadside, and safety considerations require much of the ROW to be maintained as grassland or scrubland. In New England these are early succession ecosystems and must be regularly mowed or otherwise disturbed. Many New England wildflowers are not adapted to the roadside environment, while wildflowers used on roadsides in other regions are not native in New England and may not be adapted to the soils or climate. This project will use vegetation surveys and adaptation trials to identify native and naturalized flowering plants adapted to the highway ROW environment, and will create trial plantings in the highway ROW to identify best practices for establishing native grasses and forbs from seed on the roadside. Roadsides have been successfully maintained as habitat for native plants, pollinators, small animals and birds in other regions but very little management of roadside for habitat has occurred in New England. Best practices from other regions need to be tested to determine whether they are appropriate in New England since soils, climate, and native species differ. Trial plantings will be established in partnership with RIDOT Maintenance to ensure that the establishment methods used are possible with the equipment and employee skills available.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Aug 2021 18:31:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1875139</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Zoysiagrass Expansion on Roadsides</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1765387</link>
      <description><![CDATA[North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) currently has to maintain vegetation under and around over 1000 miles of median rail, with approximately $40 million spent in fiscal year 2019 for mowing. Zoysiagrasses are known to be a thick sod-producing turfgrass that once adequately established are low-growing and have minimal weed invasion. Establishing zoysiagrass along non-irrigated roadside shoulders has proven problematic. Research project 2018-02 evaluated, in a small plot format, several establishment options. Seeding and vegetative establishment employing newly created mechanical methodologies were evaluated. In addition, from the NCSU 2017-2018 breeding nursery containing 95 F1 hybrid Zoysiagrasses, 5 experimental (non-released) vegetative zoysiagrass selections were evaluated under roadside conditions. A narrow-bladed selection (XZ14069) and wide-bladed selection (XZ14070) are showing promise for roadside applications. Findings from this research need to be expanded to ‘operational-sized’ roadside plots for further evaluation. Additionally, new breeding materials need to be evaluated and advanced for their ability to establish from seed. The outcome of this research will provide NCDOT with information so that they can select the best germplasm for the establishment and long-term maintenance of NC roadsides.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Jan 2021 07:54:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1765387</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Use of Vegetation Enhanced by Green Soil Stabilization for Protection of Kansas Roadsides Against Erosion</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1736391</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The main objective of the proposed research is to evaluate the effectiveness of lignin combined with buffalo grass in preventing the roadside erosion in Kansas, primarily during the construction.  This will be accomplished in two separate research phases. The first phase is designed to address the effectiveness of lignin protection against wind and rainfall induced soil erosion in the absence of vegetation, while the second phase will assess the effect of lignin on the rate of plant growth in the absence of wind and rainfall. Thus, the first phase covers the period between seeding and sprouting of the grass for which the most effective concentrations of lignin solution will be determined along with the method of application and optimal application rates. Plant growth will be monitored and evaluated separately during the second phase. The research is designed so that recommendations for the most effective application of lignin can be formulated upon the completion of the two phases. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2020 13:04:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1736391</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Develop soil/media mixes to promote growth of pollinator friendly
vegetation in roadside settings</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1701083</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The goal of this project is to develop soils/plant root growth media to be used with
recommended pollinator seed mixes in order to promote the growth of native nectar
producing plant species on NYS roadsides to enhance habitat for Pollinators. Proposed Actions:
⦁ Identify roadside locations at diverse ecological zones throughout NY State where native nectar producing plants are thriving. Sample the soil/ media compositions and light levels
⦁ Create a demographic model of plant species and pollinators at those locations
⦁ Research pollinator seed mixes that have been developed by various agencies or groups and create a spreadsheet of various seed mix recommendations based on environmental conditions
⦁ Identify if any NYSDOT soils from the Standards and Specifications have similar
properties to the soil/media with an abundance of thriving nectar producing plants
⦁ Create several additional soil/media mixes that would support a variety of native nectar producing plants
⦁ Document the composition of these new soil/media mixes
⦁ Select several roadside locations within each ecological zone to be used as test sites
⦁ Test the efficacy of NYSDOT Soil Standards identified and the newly created soil/plant root growth media mixes developed along with the pollinator seed mix recommendations by using them on NYSDOT Roadside test sites selected
⦁ This includes preparation of the test sites as needed, acquiring and/or manufacturing for the test locations, applying the soil/media at the test locations, and purchasing and applying the various seed mixes to be tested
⦁ Create a demographic model of resulting species of plants, along with any pollinators that were observed
⦁ Sample and document the substrate at the test site locations
⦁ If native nectar producing plant species established more predominantly using the identified NYSDOT soil or new soil/media at the locations, document the success of the soil/media and seed mix combinations
⦁ Specify which plant species benefit from the different soil/media mixes at the test sites and describe the environmental conditions
 ⦁ Work with NYSDOT Main Office to support the development of standard sheets and specifications for various Native Friendly Roadside Soil/ Media Mixes that can be used to optimize the establishment of groups of native nectar producing plants of interest at various ecological regions throughout the State

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2020 15:01:23 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1701083</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluate Replacement of Current Post-Construction Groundcover with Pollinator Beneficial Groundcover

</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1532955</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The monarch butterfly is arguably one of the most iconic and popular butterflies in North America. Its annual multigenerational migration is considered one of the most spectacular natural phenomena on the planet.  Unfortunately, estimates from the overwintering colonies in Mexico have documented a steady population decline over the past few decades and prompted a petition to list the butterfly as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Much attention has focused on the loss of breeding habitat, with recent estimates indicating that 1.8 billion milkweed stems nationwide would be needed to return monarch populations to a more viable size. The Presidential Memorandum Creating a Federal Strategy to Promote the Health of Honey Bees and Other Pollinators and the resulting Pollinator Research Action Plan specifically identify roadsides as priority areas where habitat could be expanded. In response, ODOT has identified, and is currently implementing proactive strategies designed to stabilize and ultimately reverse this population collapse, including converting existing right-of-way to roadside pollinator habitats. Unfortunately, conversion requires significant site preparation to control weed pressure including at least three applications of herbicides spanning up to two calendar years.

Some native wildflowers, grasses, and legumes can thrive in poor and compacted soils, are salt-tolerant, and have extensive root systems that range from 5 to 15 feet, lending themselves to being an inexpensive and ideal solution to soil erosion, slips, and slides. By directly seeding new construction projects with pollinator-beneficial wildflowers, native grasses, and legumes, ODOT could (1) Establish hundreds of acres of new pollinator habitat each year benefiting species like the monarch butterfly, the honeybee, and the rusty patched bumble bee, (2) Reduce roadside maintenance costs through mowing and herbicide reduction, and (3) Meet or exceed storm water runoff requirements by creating vegetative bio-filters. 

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is seeking to create a specification to supplement, or more preferred to replace current post-construction groundcover (Kentucky bluegrass, tall and fine fescue, annual and perennial ryegrass, and the legume crown vetch) with pollinator-beneficial wildflowers, native grasses, and legumes. 

The objective of this research is to conduct an in-depth analysis of ODOT's current post construction groundcover and provide recommended specifications for native, pollinator beneficial groundcover that are cost effective, conservation minded, and readily available in order to update ODOT's Construction and Material Specification book. The primary objective of this research is to find Ohio native grasses and forbs that can thrive in poor and compacted soils, are highly salt tolerant, provide sediment and erosion control following ground disturbances from construction projects, filter storm water runoff, provide food and nesting habitat to pollinators which will increase their populations, and are aesthetically pleasing.   ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 20 Aug 2018 11:29:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1532955</guid>
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