The Institute for Transportation at Iowa State University has released a report that examines the geological factors responsible for the results of the Iowa Pore Index (IPI) test used by several Midwestern state departments of transportation to rapidly and nondestructively determine the macropore-to-micropore ratio of coarse aggregate. The research may extend the IPI’s application to other states and countries with similar bedrock and climate and to other industries that need a rapid, non-destructive ana...

The Institute for Transportation at Iowa State University has released a report that assesses the safety performance of crash cushion systems based on historical crash information through an in-service performance evaluation. The report documents the cost-effectiveness of each system by collecting the installation, maintenance, and repair costs for each crash cushion; and provides guidance regarding the type of crash cushion to install based on prevalent roadway geometry and traffic characteristics.

The Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute at North Dakota State University has released a report that examines North Dakota’s 24/7 Sobriety Program, an intervention strategy mandating that impaired driving offenders remain sober as a condition of bond or pre-trial release. The researchers investigate if before-and-after deterrent effects arise upon program enrollment; if House Bill 1302, which mandated longer enrollment periods for repeat DUI offenders, had a stronger deterrent effect on program pa...

The National Center for Sustainable Transportation at the University of California, Davis has released a report that compares and evaluates vehicle miles traveled (VMT) estimation tools across a sample of land use projects. The researchers compare the results from different tools for each project, consider the applicability of methods in particular contexts and for different types of projects, and assess data needs, relative ease of use, and other practical considerations.

The Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation at Rutgers University has released a report that develops a multimodal transportation cost analysis modeling framework, with a focus on U.S. soybean container shipments. This research aims to develop strategies for improving freight transportation infrastructure and operations in the evolving global market.

The Center for Transportation Studies at the University of Minnesota has released a report that identifies the economic benefits of volunteer driver programs in the state by comparing cost savings of these programs to alternative services. These programs may help elderly, low-income, and other non-independent travelers to make medical, employment, education, and other trips.

The Center for Transportation Research at the University of Texas at Austin has released a report that examines the first year transits through the new Panama Canal locks. It also examines the Canal’s impact on Texas’ deep water ports and its effect on the state’s overall economy.

The Urban Transportation Center at the University of Illinois has released a report that summarizes the results of a statewide engagement process intended to improve its public engagement program. The process seeks to capture ideas from Illinois residents in order to inform the development of the department’s 2017 Long-Range Transportation Plan.

The National Center for Sustainable Transportation at the University of California at Davis has released a report that outlines a mathematical model to solve the empty container problem using double and single container trucks. The empty container problem refers to the inconvenience for companies to coordinate with each other to exchange empty containers when moving twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs). Eliminating the empty container problem may alleviate the congestion of TEUs.

The National Center for Sustainable Transportation at the University of California at Davis has released a report that describes a broad classification of Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAV) to include vehicle-centric, infrastructure-centric, and traveler-centric modes. This report also examines CAV applications and suggests approaches for enhancing their measures of effectiveness.