Articles tagged with Transportation Infrastructure
Dan M. Frangopol has been awarded the third ASCE Wellington Prize for his groundbreaking study on probabilistic connectivity assessment of road networks subjected to ground motion and tsunamis. The research provides a more realistic assessment of network performance under extreme conditions, helping engineers and planners identify vuln...
A new study reveals a post-pandemic cycling boom in major cities, with fatality rates dropping by up to 88% in Paris, 82% in London, and 62% in New York City. The improvement is attributed to the expansion and improvement of cycling infrastructure, including cycleways separated from motor vehicle traffic.
A new study analyzing nearly 100 travellers' diaries reveals that turnpiking improved road conditions, reducing danger and speeding up journeys. The toll-funded system made a major contribution to the Industrial Revolution by reducing freight rates and enabling faster stagecoach travel.
A comprehensive review reorganizes the design space for electrified propulsion systems in three-dimensional transportation, proposing six design stages to guide future research. The review addresses challenges specific to TDT propulsion design, including balancing energy efficiency, weight, reliability, and emissions.
Research suggests living in areas with high levels of transportation noise is associated with a significantly higher risk of major adverse cardiac events. Loud road, aviation, and rail noises were linked to increased risks of heart attack, stroke, or coronary revascularization. Different types of noise may come with unique health risks...
Researchers have successfully recycled plastic waste from derelict fishing nets and household trash into asphalt roads in Hawaii. Initial tests show that pavements made with these materials release fewer microplastics than those made with standard asphalt pavement.
A new study identifies the barriers to vehicle-to-grid (V2G) adoption, including coordination problems, limited infrastructure, and varying regulations. V2G technology can provide backup power during periods of high energy demand and earn EV owners money for supplying energy to the grid.
Research shows glacial lakes in Alaska expanding 50% faster than previously recorded, posing significant hazards and altering ecosystems. The study identifies areas where lakes may form and grow, helping with infrastructure planning and predicting changes to ecosystems, hazards, and recreation.
Research by University of Missouri scientists found that road salt is deadly to freshwater snails when paired with the presence of predators, causing nearly 60% higher mortality rates. The study suggests practical solutions to reduce salt pollution in waterways, such as cutting road salt use by up to 50%.
A new model maps foot traffic in New York City, providing insights into pedestrian activity and hazard locations. The study reveals high densities of foot traffic outside Manhattan, with many streets having similar foot-traffic levels to Manhattan's busiest areas.
A Concordia University study reveals that nearly half of Montreal's elderly care facilities lack public EV charging stations within a 15-minute walk. This limits access not only for residents but also for caregivers and staff. Strategically placing new chargers in underserved areas can improve accessibility without expanding the network.
A Simon Fraser University study reveals Canada's cycling infrastructure expanded by 3,596 km between 2022 and 2024. However, areas with more children and older adults saw less growth in cycling infrastructure, highlighting the need for more inclusive transportation planning.
A study from Linköping University finds that locally produced green hydrogen is cheaper to produce at southern latitudes due to favorable solar energy conditions. The cost of green hydrogen production varies across European countries, with Nordic nations facing higher costs due to lack of sunlight.
Researchers used machine learning to evaluate 1,773 bus stops across Massachusetts, identifying 13 crash-relevant characteristics and proposing countermeasures. The study found that bus stop types in mixed-use arterial corridors and dense urban cores have the highest prevalence of crashes.
A breakthrough AI system called OmniPredict can predict human pedestrian behaviors with unprecedented accuracy, revolutionizing self-driving cars and urban mobility. The model combines visual cues with contextual information to anticipate pedestrians' next moves, reducing the risk of accidents and improving traffic safety.
A new poll suggests that more than 80% of people over 65 drive at least weekly, but less than half have made a plan for when they can no longer drive safely due to health changes. Only 6% of older drivers have discussed their driving with a healthcare provider.
Researchers at SwRI discovered a security vulnerability in the Signal Level Attenuation Characterization (SLAC) protocol used in electric vehicle-to-grid communications. The team successfully modeled and replicated a machine-in-the-middle attack that could manipulate or halt EV charging processes.
Researchers at ISTA quantify the environmental impact of international conference travel, finding that train travel can significantly reduce carbon emissions. The study shows that traveling to an overseas conference generates a substantial carbon footprint of four to five tons per participant.
A new study from the Complexity Science Hub found that European cities with a metro system have a significant reduction in car use, with an average of 37% of car trips compared to 50% in cities with only trams and 54% without rail. In contrast, tram cities show no measurable impact on reducing car use.
A study by Universitat Jaume I researchers found that long bus rides can lead to lower academic engagement among secondary and upper secondary students. The study, published in Revista de Educación, suggests that teachers can develop strategies to prevent disengagement by promoting positive attitudes and self-confidence.
A new report by Aston University researcher Dr Patrycja Rozbicka suggests a lack of public transport is holding back the West Midlands' night-time economy. The study found that many events end at 23:00 with little public transport provision, making ride-sharing services like Uber unavailable in some towns.
Lowering residential speed limits to 30kph significantly boosts bicycle riding safety without affecting car trip times, according to a study. The reduction in traffic stress leads to more people choosing bikes as a safe mode of transport.
A Finnish study found that residential environments, health status, and health behaviours are associated with reduced car commuting. However, these factors only explained a small part of the overall modal shift towards active and sustainable commuting.
A study by UMass Amherst researchers found that nearly a quarter of MA drivers run through the red light at pedestrian hybrid beacons. Drivers also often stop too soon or fail to slow down during flashing yellow phases, causing confusion and potential safety issues.
The startup has assessed over 3,400 miles of Indiana roads using advanced computer vision algorithms to quickly and objectively assess pavement conditions. This platform provides actionable insights without requiring in-house data analysis expertise or costly hardware.
A new study by Portland State University's Transportation Research and Education Center (TREC) reveals that transit-oriented developments (TODs) in the Portland metro area generate significantly fewer car trips than previously estimated. At affordable housing sites, car trips were reduced to only a quarter to two-fifths of expected rates.
A survey by University of Washington researchers found that participants with a negative view of public charging were less likely to choose an electric vehicle than those with a moderate view. Participants demanded strikingly large concessions, such as a 30% discount or 366 extra miles of range, before choosing an EV.
A recent study published in the Journal of Safety Research found that rented e-bikes have an eight times higher crash risk than rented e-scooters, calculated based on trip distance. The researchers used GPS data to compare micromobility in seven European cities and found a surprising result.
Researchers from Edith Cowan University have developed a method to incorporate waste plastics into pavement material, offering a dual benefit of improving road strength and reducing plastic pollution. The study highlights the potential for repurposing household plastics to create more sustainable and resilient roads.
A transportation system management and operations data exchange solution will be developed by SwRI for the North Central Texas Council of Governments. The platform aims to enhance mobility, safety, and infrastructure management in the region. It will serve as a regional clearinghouse for real-time transportation system data.
A new Northwestern University study finds that even with renewable energy availability, switching to electric vehicles won't fight climate change without upgraded transmission grids. Targeted upgrades could alleviate congestion and unlock full emissions-reduction potential of EV adoption.
A Safe Systems Approach emphasizes that road users, designers, operators, policymakers, administrators, and healthcare professionals all have a role to play in reducing fatalities. By adopting this approach, countries can realize significant success in eliminating roadway deaths, but full commitment from stakeholders is necessary.
Researchers have developed a world-first system of rubber shock absorbers made from recycled tyres, significantly protecting railway tracks from damage. The technology reduces degradation and increases stability, saving millions of dollars annually for the Australian rail industry.
A study from Chalmers University of Technology found that the EU's hydrogen refuelling station rollout is likely to result in significant economic losses, with some countries facing costs of tens of millions of euros per year. The distribution of stations according to distance may not accurately reflect demand, leading to inefficient u...
Two Purdue researchers received funding to advance university innovations. Andrew Mesecar aims to develop new treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma using patented enzyme inhibitors. Meanwhile, Pablo Zavattieri is working on a patent-pending system to address saltwater intrusion in the Panama Canal.
A new study by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that teen drivers who practiced more had 30% fewer crash or near-crash incidents. Researchers analyzed data from 82 teen drivers monitored for 22 months, revealing that supervised driving experiences and safety education are crucial for reducing novice driver risks.
Researchers at UCF used a combination of emerging technologies to evaluate the safety of concrete bridges. By combining infrared thermography, high-definition imaging and neural network analysis, they can quickly identify defects and prioritize repairs.
A study by researchers at Incheon National University found that pedestrian and roadside facilities have a substantial direct effect on crash outcomes, particularly for run-off crashes. The team suggests prioritizing these modifiable operational features in road safety strategies to improve safety.
A synthetic lichen system developed by Texas A&M researchers enables concrete to heal itself without outside intervention. This innovation uses cyanobacteria and filamentous fungi to produce crack-filling minerals, setting it apart from previous self-healing concrete endeavors.
The University of Texas at Arlington's 23 patents granted in 2024 helped boost the UT System's position among the nation's top innovators in patent technology. The UT System ranks No. 3 in the National Academy of Inventors' prestigious top 100 ranking.
A study of over 500 schools in Canada found that 98% exhibit risky driving behaviors, including double parking and not obeying traffic controls. The authors suggest improvements to the built environment and parental education to address this serious issue.
Risky driving by parents and motorists during school drop-offs is a widespread issue, with 98% of elementary schools witnessing unsafe behavior. Experts suggest improvements to the built environment around schools to address this serious concern.
University of Missouri researchers developed a method using lidar and AI to analyze pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicle interactions at traffic signals. The approach aims to enhance driver awareness, reduce accidents, and improve mobility.
Researchers at PSU used ODOT's push-button data to estimate pedestrian counts, develop a workflow for integrating traffic counts into the enterprise system, and explore applications in pedestrian infrastructure planning. The new dashboard allows agencies to analyze usage patterns and prioritize upgrades at high-demand locations.
The University of Michigan is merging its transportation safety research with automated vehicle testing to improve roadway safety. The move marks the institution's 60th anniversary and includes Mcity, a public/private partnership test facility, to develop connected and automated vehicle technologies.
Researchers developed a framework that combines competition and cooperation to help operators in multiregional networks strategically determine when and how they should work together. By investing in shared infrastructure projects, independent operators can earn more revenue and improve regional train service, benefiting users.
Researchers at Mizzou have developed a proactive approach using artificial intelligence to address evolving threats against smart grids. The CIBR-Fort system can predict cyberattacks with 91.88% accuracy and defend against them in real-time, enabling scalable security for power grids of the future.
A new study by University of Toronto researchers has developed a model that can help municipalities choose optimal locations for bike lanes, minimizing congestion and increasing cycling ridership. The model uses traffic and commuter mobility data to predict the impact of bike lane expansion on driving travel time and emissions.
The study focuses on developing design provisions for using headed reinforcement in bridge structures, reducing construction time and costs. Full-scale experimental testing is underway at the Center for Infrastructure Renewal's High-Bay Laboratory.
The authors introduce advanced methodologies for integrating maintenance strategies and structural health monitoring to extend infrastructure service life. Topics include data-driven decision-making, multi-objective optimization, cost-benefit analysis, and the role of data analytics in managing uncertainties.
Southwest Research Institute has launched a joint industry project to develop technologies for hydrogen-powered heavy-duty refueling operations. The four-year program aims to strengthen existing refueling station equipment and procedures, exploring alternatives to address supply chain issues and technical challenges.
Researchers at Lehigh University are using advanced algorithms and cross-domain data to help cities predict human movement patterns, enabling better planning and preparedness for events and emergencies. The model will account for variations in data streams from different sources, such as cell towers, GPS, and financial transactions.
A novel data-driven joint model enhances infrastructure planning and smart charging of shared electric vehicles by optimizing charging strategies and predicting user behavior. The model aims to reduce charging costs and improve grid integration, with potential savings of up to 34.97%.
A new study questions current approaches to predicting vessel strikes on whales, revealing notable inconsistencies across different models. The researchers highlight the need for accurate modeling to mitigate against modern-day risks threatening whale survival.
A group of scientists and economists warn that green subsidies can have negative spillover effects and diminish overall effectiveness if not implemented cautiously. They suggest imposing time limits on subsidies to ensure they do not perpetuate harmful practices over the long term.
The RECHARGE project aims to evaluate EV charging station resiliency in extreme weather events and develop technologies to provide reinforcement. The researchers will analyze real outage data from multiple locations to assign resilience scores to each charging station, helping determine which ones need reinforcement.
A study by Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology found that installing EVCS boosted spending at nearby establishments by 1.4% in 2019, leading to an overall increase of USD 6.7 million. Strategically placed EVCS also stimulated consumer spending in underprivileged areas, creating potential catalysts for economic growth.
A new study by Boston University and NREL examines the role of housing- and income-related factors in electric vehicle adoption. The research highlights the need for equitable access to charging infrastructure, with a focus on expanding purchasing and charging options for low-income households.
A mathematical model developed by Chris Zobel and colleagues optimizes resource allocation in urban infrastructure while considering social vulnerabilities and projected sea level rise impacts. The approach prioritizes investments that enhance resilience and mitigate socio-economic disparities, enabling informed decision-making that ba...
A new national standard approved by AASHTO COMP uses Purdue-developed sensor technology to provide real-time data on concrete strength, potentially saving states and contractors time and money. The method aims to reduce uncertainty in determining when concrete pavement is strong enough to handle heavy truck traffic.