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    <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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    <atom:link href="https://rip.trb.org/Record/RSS?s=PHNlYXJjaD48cGFyYW1zPjxwYXJhbSBuYW1lPSJzdWJqZWN0aWQiIHZhbHVlPSIxNzg0IiAvPjxwYXJhbSBuYW1lPSJkYXRlaW4iIHZhbHVlPSI3MzAiIC8+PHBhcmFtIG5hbWU9InN1YmplY3Rsb2dpYyIgdmFsdWU9Im9yIiAvPjxwYXJhbSBuYW1lPSJ0ZXJtc2xvZ2ljIiB2YWx1ZT0ib3IiIC8+PHBhcmFtIG5hbWU9ImxvY2F0aW9uIiB2YWx1ZT0iMTYiIC8+PC9wYXJhbXM+PGZpbHRlcnMgLz48cmFuZ2VzIC8+PHNvcnRzPjxzb3J0IGZpZWxkPSJwdWJsaXNoZWQiIG9yZGVyPSJkZXNjIiAvPjwvc29ydHM+PHBlcnNpc3RzPjxwZXJzaXN0IG5hbWU9InJhbmdldHlwZSIgdmFsdWU9InB1Ymxpc2hlZGRhdGUiIC8+PC9wZXJzaXN0cz48L3NlYXJjaD4=" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
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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>
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    <item>
      <title>Transportation Corridor Fuel Consumption Calculator (TCFCC) Version 5.0</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2692310</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Transportation Corridor Fuel Consumption Calculator (TCFCC) updates and enhances Georgia Tech’s 2018 spreadsheet-based modeling tool (http://fec.ce.gatech.edu/) that allows users to assess on-road fuel consumption under real-world traffic conditions. The team will incorporate the latest fuel use rates from the MOVES 5.0 model (2025) and extend the capabilities of the previous FEC to allow users to specify any one of more than 60 standard laboratory driving cycles that best represent corridor traffic congestion, and to incorporate any monitored or modeled second-by-second driving trace. Users specify fleet and model year composition, and the tool models corridor-level fuel consumption as a function of congestion. Hence, the tool allows users to assess the consumer fuel savings and cost savings of proposed congestion mitigation strategies that provide smooth traffic flow. The tool is directly applicable to the assessment of traffic signal coordination, ramp metering, express lane operations, etc. The research team will update the model to incorporate MOVES 5.0 model outputs, extend calendar year coverage to 2060, and introduce 40+ new driving cycles that are representative of urban, suburban, and freeway corridors. The project will deliver separate calculator spreadsheets for light-duty passenger cars, heavy-duty trucks, and express buses, each calibrated for mode-specific load factors and driving patterns. A new second-by-second fuel-use worksheet will allow users to input their own driving cycles for detailed vehicle-specific analysis. By focusing on fuel consumption, the project provides a technically neutral and performance-based approach for evaluating corridor operations and fleet technologies. The center will release the TCFCC as open source, encouraging further development and integration with travel demand and simulation models.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:07:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2692310</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Foundations in Energy Systems for Transportation Certificate</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2691662</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project supports the transformation of transportation systems through changes in energy systems management by preparing a managerial workforce with knowledge in both energy systems management and transportation systems management. A transformed transport system will run on both existing and new energy systems. As a result, effective management of the transport system will depend upon a workforce that also has foundational knowledge in traditional and emerging energy systems. This includes knowledge of energy sources, basic economics, and the regulatory and policy environment that either supports or hinders development of those systems. This project plans to develop a certificate program that introduces case studies focused on planned or in-process energy systems case studies within public transit, supply chain logistics, personal vehicle traffic, and active transportation that draw from Center for International Trade and Transportation (CITT) expertise and guest speakers from industry leaders in its network. The certificate and corresponding curriculum development are informed by an assessment of workforce needs related to freight and transit sectors and related energy systems. The needs assessment includes both surveys and focus group meetings and will provide insights into workforce needs related to freight and transit sectors and related energy systems. Following the survey completion, the CITT team will organize focus groups to discuss the survey results and form the Curriculum Advisory Board. Concurrently, the CITT team, in conjunction with the Curriculum Advisory Board, will conduct outreach to form a pilot cohort for the first iteration of the certificate program. Module 1 of the program would provide a general overview of: energy systems foundations; including fuel types; infrastructure priorities; economic development; project lifecycle management; data needs; policy and regulatory requirements; and workforce development. Module 2 would provide modal focuses on freight and transit. For the capstone project, participants will work in groups to address a topic within the modal focus chosen in Module 2, which will be presented as the final step of the program.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 23:19:42 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2691662</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Comprehensive Modeling and Analysis of Energy Options for the US Trucking Freight
Transportation: Stakeholder Behavior, Infrastructure Planning, and Local Impacts (Phase 2)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2684211</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Truck transportation is a vital component of the nation's economy, ensuring the efficient movement of goods across vast distances. Current energy policies emphasize unleashing domestic energy resources and streamlining regulatory frameworks to bolster economic growth and strengthen national security. Exploring all energy options for the trucking industry aligns with these objectives by potentially reducing logistics costs, enhancing national energy dominance, and supporting job creation within the transportation and energy sectors. To this end, a mixed-method approach will be employed to characterize and understand different energy options for the United States trucking freight sector. More specifically, this project investigates 1) stakeholder behavior in the adoption of different energy options in the US trucking sector; 2) national-level infrastructure planning and economic analysis for trucking energy production and distribution, and system evolution dynamics; and 3) local impacts of the adoption of different energy options by the US trucking sector. This project dovetails with the Center for Freight Transportation for Efficient and Resilient Supply Chain (FERSC) goal of maintaining the US economic competitiveness and security.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 17:33:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2684211</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Advancing Rural Mobility through Innovative Charging Solutions</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2677557</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Electric vehicle (EV) ownership in the United States is growing. Since EVs have emerged as an additional mobility option available in the market, their proliferation requires charging infrastructure to support the growing number on EVs on the national highway system. While many EV owners predominantly charge their vehicles at home, EV fast chargers are needed to provide support for efficient long distance and interstate travel. The advent of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in rural areas has the potential to address long-standing challenges related to accessibility, connectivity, and service delivery using electric vertical take-off and landing [eVTOL] aircraft and drones. These mobility solutions also require charging infrastructure to enable their deployment.      

Development of new fast charging stations has been delayed by the need to connect the charging stations to the electric grid. Microgrids, which are small, local power grids that use locally sourced energy to supply electricity within that microgrid, provide an opportunity to provide needed energy without the need to connect to the electric grid. These solutions are preferable in areas where interconnection with the electric grid would be not feasible, not timely, or cost prohibitive, including rural areas. This project would investigate and evaluate microgrids and storage for EV charging solutions that allow for long-distance EV mobility, laying the groundwork for further research  and implementation to enable efficient mobility of electric vehicles across the US.  The project will also address non-traditional charging applications (beyond on-road vehicle charging) to address potential charging solutions for AAM operations in rural areas.     ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 13:49:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2677557</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluating Efficiency of Rural Transit Systems</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2652175</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Rural transit agencies face unique challenges in optimizing energy efficiency due to dispersed service areas, lower ridership, and diverse vehicle fleets. Unlike urban transit systems, these agencies often lack access to tools that assess energy consumption and evaluate operational strategies effectively. This study aims to bridge this gap by developing a user-friendly lifecycle energy consumption calculator tailored to rural transit operators and applying the Mobility Energy Productivity (MEP) metric to assess the efficiency of different transit strategies.  
 
The research will involve a comprehensive literature review, development of a lifecycle energy consumption framework, adaptation of the MEP model to rural transit conditions, and case studies with selected rural transit agencies. These case studies will test the tools, gather real-world data, and evaluate various fleet configurations and operational strategies. Findings will inform best practices and provide actionable recommendations for rural transit agencies to optimize energy use while maintaining or improving accessibility for residents.  
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:33:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2652175</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Synthesis of Information Related to Highway Practices. Topic 57-08. Siting Electric Transmission Lines in Rights-of-Way
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2630486</link>
      <description><![CDATA[A growing population increases electricity demand and requires reliability. However, expanding the electric grid’s capacity to meet additional energy demand requires installation of new transmission lines to deliver electricity to end-users. Key steps in this expansion include land permitting to host the electric transmission lines and right-of-way (ROW) acquisition for energy stakeholders to address additional ROW needs. Federal agencies have encouraged state departments of transportation (DOTs) to consider accommodating energy transmission lines within highway ROWs through utility accommodation policies or as alternative use provisions under 23 CFR 710.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this synthesis is to document practices for siting electric transmission lines in the state DOT–owned ROW. This synthesis will encompass emerging practices and policies for co-locating electric transmission lines in the highway ROW.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 17:21:06 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2630486</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Utilizing Hydrogen Fuel Technology for a Transportation Fleet</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2487229</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Minnesota Executive Order 19-27 commits the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to reducing fleet fossil fuel consumption 30% by 2030 and greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2030. Additionally, Minnesota State Statute 16C.135 establishes a zero- and low-emission preference for new fleet vehicle purchases. Hydrogen fuel technology -- specifically sustainably produced hydrogen (“green hydrogen”) -- offers a potentially promising alternative pathway to reducing carbon emissions from MnDOT’s fleet while continuing to meet operational and business needs. The objective of this research is to survey existing and emerging hydrogen fuel technology applications that could be piloted in the MnDOT fleet as a strategy for cutting carbon emissions, and to identify potential costs and benefits of MnDOT investing in hydrogen fuel technology.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2025 10:19:38 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2487229</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Urban Network Speed Optimization for Connected Automated Vehicles: Development and Testing</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2606410</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research develops and evaluates optimal speed control strategies for Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) at the network level, addressing critical gaps in existing research by incorporating multiple powertrain technologies including internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs). The study addresses real-world challenges such as communication delays, data transmission errors, and vehicle actuation complexities that are often overlooked in idealized research conditions. Using the INTEGRATION microscopic traffic simulation software, the research will implement advanced communication modules for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure interactions alongside vehicle speed control modules. The methodology involves formulating speed trajectory optimization as a constrained problem incorporating vehicle dynamics, fuel consumption models for different powertrains, and signal phase and timing data. Dynamic programming methods including A-star search algorithms will ensure real-time computational efficiency. The research includes extensive testing across varied traffic networks with different congestion levels and CAV market penetration rates, culminating in a scalable framework for generalizing results to large-scale networks including the entire U.S. roadway system through collaboration with Saudi Aramco.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2025 15:21:38 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2606410</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Determine Land Use Patterns, Travel, Regional Development, Population Trends, and Technology Change Impacts on Texas Energy Use and Carbon Emissions</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2593190</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Travel demand modelers and policymakers detailed forecasts of local and regional land use patterns and travel demands, both local and long distance, for freight and passengers, to anticipate Texas' evolving energy demands and their associated costs, emissions, safety, and other quality-of-life implications. To this end, the research team will (1) highlight the various energy, cost, and environmental impacts of different land-development settings across Texas, along with the integrated nature of travel, the built environment, energy, water, health, and natural systems; (2) quantify the infrastructure differences, travel differences, emissions, and energy differences of different land use settings, to accommodate the same number of persons and jobs in different built environments; and (3) use those findings to develop tools for strategic energy- and emissions-related forecasting, reflecting various policy and practice options across Texas settings, including, for example, changes in vehicle and building technologies and incentives, transport fuels and energy policies, zoning practices and building codes, transport system investments and operations, and energy-supply decisions.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2025 12:39:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2593190</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluating Texas Ports Readiness and Opportunities for Alternative Fuels</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2593188</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The research team will conduct a comprehensive assessment of Texas ports' readiness to integrate alternative fuels, identifying infrastructure gaps, fleet transition opportunities, and economic growth potential. Key project outcomes will include a Texas Ports Readiness Index, a spreadsheet-based tool for evaluating port readiness, fleet transition feasibility assessment, and clear, actionable recommendations for advancing Texas ports readiness for alternative fuels. These outcomes will equip the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) with the necessary data, tools, and strategies to position Texas as a leader in alternative fuels at ports, enhancing port resilience and economic competitiveness in the evolving global energy landscape.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2025 12:37:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2593188</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-5006: Stakeholder Engagement in Indiana's Electrification Ecosystem and Infrastructure Readiness Assessment</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2590601</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research aims to develop a comprehensive policy framework and implementation roadmap that positions Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) as an effective leader in Indiana's electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem. The project will address the fundamental question: What policies, coordination mechanisms, and regulatory frameworks must INDOT and other government agencies establish to support Indiana's rapidly evolving electrification ecosystem while ensuring safety, reliability, and economic competitiveness?]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 19 Aug 2025 14:58:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2590601</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Guide for Meeting Current and Future Airport Utility Needs</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2588330</link>
      <description><![CDATA[No abstract provided.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 12 Aug 2025 10:19:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2588330</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Airport Energy Resilience Decision Support Tools



</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2588334</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Airports across the United States are facing rapidly evolving and increasingly complex energy demands while facing significant challenges in managing their existing energy systems. Additionally, most existing airport energy planning tools and methods lack granularity, forecasting capability, scenario modeling, and resilience-focused performance metrics needed to guide strategic decision-making. 

To address these challenges, airports need practical, data-informed tools capable of quantifying resilience across multiple energy systems, forecasting capacity needs under a variety of transition and disruption scenarios, and identifying energy-related pinch points that may affect operations, maintenance, and capital development. Building upon the foundational concepts outlined in ACRP Research Report 260: Airport Energy Resiliency Roadmap, this project aims to advance the industry from conceptual guidance to operational tools and measurable performance metrics. Research is needed to identify the critical variables and factors that influence airport energy resilience and to develop practical tools that provide structured, repeatable methodologies for assessing existing and future energy resilience and support data-driven decision-making.

The objective of this research is to develop decision support tool(s) for U.S. airports of various sizes that can help quantify airport energy resilience spanning across airport asset categories (e.g., equipment, subsystems, buildings, campus) and functional areas (e.g., operations, maintenance, capital planning), focusing on existing and new actions of which the airport has direct influence or control, and a guide for applying the tool(s).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 12 Aug 2025 10:11:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2588334</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>
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