Development of a Network-Level Data-Driven High Friction Surface Treatment Location Selection Approach Leveraging Remote Sensing Technologies

High Friction Surface Treatment (HFST) is an effective countermeasure for reducing crashes at horizontal curves, yet current site selection practices rely heavily on historical crash data and manual field inspections. These approaches limit agencies’ ability to proactively identify high-risk locations and efficiently allocate limited safety resources. This project addresses these limitations by developing a scalable, data-driven framework for HFST site prioritization at the network level. The research will create an automated data-processing pipeline that extracts roadway geometry and surface characteristics from mobile LiDAR and video log imagery, including curve radius, superelevation, signage, and surface condition. These features will be integrated with pavement condition and crash data to identify high-risk and constructible HFST locations. The approach will be validated through a case study using Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) roadway and crash data. Results will provide transportation agencies with a transferable methodology for proactive HFST deployment, improving safety outcomes and supporting more efficient infrastructure management.

Language

  • English

Project

  • Status: Active
  • Funding: $200,000.00
  • Contract Numbers:

    69A3552348301

  • Sponsor Organizations:

    Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

    University Transportation Centers Program
    Department of Transportation
    Washington, DC  United States  20590
  • Managing Organizations:

    University of Massachusetts, Amherst

    Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
    130 Natural Resources Road
    Amherst, MA  United States  01003
  • Performing Organizations:

    University of Massachusetts, Amherst

    Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
    130 Natural Resources Road
    Amherst, MA  United States  01003
  • Principal Investigators:

    Ai, Chengbo

    Gerasimidis, Simos

  • Start Date: 20260101
  • Expected Completion Date: 20261231
  • Actual Completion Date: 0
  • USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program
  • Subprogram: University Transportation Centers

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01974413
  • Record Type: Research project
  • Source Agency: New England University Transportation Center
  • Contract Numbers: 69A3552348301
  • Files: UTC, RIP
  • Created Date: Dec 18 2025 2:36PM