Performance Plan

Fiscal Year 2006–2007

Research,

Development, and

Technology

TURNER-FAIRBANK HIGHWAY RESEARCH CENTER
2
Highway transportation research is a critical national investment with the 

potential for tremendous, long-term benefi ts that will support the national 

economy and improve infrastructure design and operation, road safety, and 

mobility across the United States. 

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Offi ce of Research, Development, 

and Technology (RD&T) made signifi cant strides in enhancing mobility and 

developing solutions to many of the Nation’s most pressing highway transportation needs. This Performance Plan Fiscal Year 2006–2007 outlines the 

research and goals that RD&T will strive to accomplish over the next 2 years. 

The challenge for RD&T will be to continue focusing on opportunities for creative 

collaboration with partners and stakeholders to leverage available resources and to facilitate the delivery 

of technology and innovation.

For some time, FHWA has sought to commit resources and broaden its research program to address 

more long-term, high-risk research—and the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Effi cient Transportation Equity 

Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) passed by the U.S. Congress in 2005 includes provisions that will 

enable FHWA to pursue the Advanced Research Program agenda. Advanced research has the potential 

to dramatically change the way the transportation industry builds, maintains, and safely operates the 

Nation’s transportation system. 

SAFETEA-LU also incorporates other important changes for the highway research and technology program, 

such as the creation of parallel program structures for pavements, bridges, and structures research and 

development. For example, there is now a Long-Term Bridge Performance program as well as a Long-Term 

Pavement Performance program. More information about SAFETEA-LU, including section-by-section 

analyses, program fact sheets, and funding tables, is available at www.fhwa.dot.gov/safetealu/index.htm.

The success of the RD&T program over the past 2 years is a testament to the hard work and quality 

of the researchers and support staff at FHWA’s Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center. The goal of 

the staff is to continue to provide outstanding products and services, and this document provides an 

overview of what to expect from the RD&T research program, including projects, national research and 

technology services, and research program contacts. By working closely with customers, stakeholders, 

and partners, RD&T employees will continue to develop and execute a comprehensive research, 

development, and technology program that addresses the needs of the American public.

As always, RD&T welcomes customer feedback on this plan through the Turner-Fairbank Highway 

Research Center Web site at www.tfhrc.gov.

Dennis Judycki

Associate Administrator for

Research, Development, and Technology

Introduction
ii

Contents

The Strategic Framework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Federal Highway Administration Mission and Goals . . . . . . . . . . .4

Corporate Research and Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Multiyear Program Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

The Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Who We Are and What We Do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

RD&T Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

RD&T Corporate Missions and Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

R&D Offi ce Projects and Milestones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Infrastructure R&D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Key Infrastructure R&D Projects and 

Milestones for FY 2006 and 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Operations R&D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Key Operations R&D Projects and 

Milestones for FY 2006 and 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Safety R&D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Key Safety R&D Projects and 

Milestones for FY 2006 and 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
ii

Program Support Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Offi ce of Corporate Research and Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Key Activities and Milestones for FY 2006 and 2007 . . . . . . . . . 26

Offi ce of Program Development and Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Key Activities and Milestones for FY 2006 and 2007 . . . . . . . . . 27

Offi ce of Resource Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Key Activities and Milestones for FY 2006 and 2007 . . . . . . . . . 28

Offi ce of Research and Technology Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Key Activities and Milestones for FY 2006 and 2007 . . . . . . . . . 29

RD&T Performance Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Use of the R&D Investment Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Performance Planning and Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

The Lab Assessment Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Labs Scheduled for Assessment in FY 2006 and 2007 . . . . . . . . . 33

Performance Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

FY 2006/2007 Project Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Appendix

Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
4

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Offi ce of Research, Development, and 

Technology (RD&T) Performance Plan is a 2-year plan that serves as a roadmap for our 

research program and directs efforts to improve operations and enhance services. The RD&T 

Program directly supports the strategic goals of FHWA and the U.S. Department of 

Transportation (USDOT) and helps FHWA achieve its mission of enhancing mobility through 

innovation, leadership, and public service. The RD&T Performance Plan describes the 

research, services, and other activities we conduct in support of the FHWA Research and 

Technology (R&T) Program. The RD&T Performance Plan also illustrates how our activities 

are aligned with the strategic goals and objectives of FHWA and USDOT. The plan includes a 

detailed list of projects and target completion dates developed in conjunction with headquarters and fi eld offi ces as part of multiyear research and technology program plans.

Federal Highway Administration Mission and Goals

FHWA is charged with the broad responsibility of ensuring that America’s roads and highways 

continue to be safe and technologically up to date. FHWA’s R&T Program helps achieve the 

USDOT and Agency strategic goals and is stakeholder driven. Stakeholders are engaged 

throughout the entire R&T process from agenda setting through the conduct of research, 

technology and innovation (T&I) deployment, implementation, and customer feedback.

FHWA Vision... 

Improving Transportation for a Strong America

FHWA Mission... 

Enhancing Mobility through Innovation, Leadership, and Public Service

FHWA Roles...

Leaders for National Mobility

Stewards for National Highway Programs

Innovators for a Better Future

FHWA Strategic Goals... 

FHWA aggressively pursues its vision and mission by focusing 

on six strategic goals:

Safety—Continually improve highway safety.

Mobility and Productivity—Preserve, improve, and expand the Nation’s highway 

transportation system while, at the same time, enhancing the operation of the existing 

highway system and intermodal connectors.

Global Connectivity—Promote and facilitate a more effi cient domestic and 

global transportation system that enables economic growth.

The Strategic Framework
5

Environment—Protect and enhance the natural environment and communities 

affected by highway transportation.

National Homeland Security—Improve highway security and support national 

defense mobility.

Organizational Excellence—Advance FHWA’s ability to manage for results and 

innovation.

Corporate Research and Technology

FHWA developed an Agencywide plan for R&T called the Corporate Master Plan (CMP) for 

Research and Deployment of Technology & Innovation. The plan outlines FHWA’s corporate 

strategy for investing in and conducting cooperative research with partners and stakeholders. 

The CMP includes 7 guiding principles and 26 Agency commitments, which are designed to 

increase the effectiveness of all FHWA offi ces, as well as our partners and stakeholders, in 

determining research priorities and deploying T&I.

In implementing the plan, the Agency is committed to developing a more robust advanced 

research agenda; using functional area, multiyear plans (roadmaps); employing a merit review 

process; evaluating research and deployment activities; engaging stakeholders; and effectively 

communicating the R&T Program. The CMP is available on the FHWA Web site at 

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/legsregs/directives/policy/cmp/03077.htm.

Multiyear Program Plans

FHWA’s research activities are identifi ed in multiyear program plans (roadmaps) that are 

developed with stakeholder input and tied to the FHWA and USDOT strategic goals. The 

plans include long-term goals and interim milestones, which are revisited on a periodic basis.
6

The Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center

Who We Are and What We Do

The Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC) is a federally owned and operated 

research facility in McLean, VA. TFHRC is home to FHWA’s Offi ce of RD&T, which coordinates an ambitious program of innovative research and development and T&I deployment 

that addresses the needs of the national highway system. Research conducted at TFHRC 

fosters better highway design, enhances traffi c safety, and helps improve the condition, 

durability, and performance of our Nation’s roadways and bridges. 

Our organization comprises seven offi ces responsible for conducting research and 

development (R&D) and critical program support activities. The three R&D offi ces at TFHRC 

serve as the focal point for the investigation of new and innovative technologies to improve 

the highway system. The RD&T Program support offi ces execute vital internal program 

support functions and also work with USDOT, other FHWA offi ces, and with our partners in 

State and local governments, academia, industry, and professional organizations to develop 

the national highway R&T agenda, disseminate the results of our research to the highway 

community where it may be implemented, and strengthen partnerships and enhance opportunities to leverage resources through programs such as the National Cooperative Highway 

Research Program (NCHRP) and the Transportation Pooled Fund (TPF) Program. 

RD&T Organization

The staff at TFHRC is known for its customer-focused, scientifi c, and engineering expertise. 

The engineers, scientists, psychologists, and transportation specialists at TFHRC have expertise covering more than 20 transportation-related disciplines. Fifty percent of the Federal staff 

at TFHRC has advanced degrees, with 20 percent holding one or more doctoral degrees.

A signifi cant change in the RD&T workforce over the years has been the increased use of 

contractor support to accomplish its mission. Two-thirds of the employees at TFHRC are 

contractors who work with our Federal staff in the areas of materials technology, pavements, 

structures, operations and intelligent transportation systems (ITS), human centered systems, 

and safety, as well as in a number of vital administrative and facilities support functions.
7

HRT

HRRM

Doreen McCarthy, Director

Office of Resource

Management

HRTC

Debra Elston, Director

HRTS

Strategic Communications Team

Martha Soneira, Team Leader

Technology Marketing Team

Terry Halkyard, Team Leader

Technical Reference Center

R&T Product Distribution Center

Office of Research and

Technology Services

John McCracken, Director

HRPD

Office of Program

Development and

Evaluation

Marci Kenney, Director

HRDS

Roadside Team

Ken Opiela, Team Leader

Roadway Team

Ray Krammes, Team Leader

Safety Management Team

Carol Tan, Team Leader

Human Centered Systems Team

Tom Granda, Team Leader

Office of Safety R&D

Michael Trentacoste, Director

Mike Griffith,

Advanced Research Team

Technical Director

Susanna Hughes-Reck,

Technology Facilitator

HRDI

Office of

Infrastructure R&D

Gary Henderson, Director

Steve Chase, Research Program 

Manager for Infrastructure

Ian Friedland, Technical Director,

Bridge and Structures R&D

Lisa Williams, Program Coordinator

Cheryl Richter, Technical Director, 

Pavement R&D

Richard Livingston,

Advanced Research Coordinator

Bridge Design and Construction Team

Bill Wright, Team Leader

Bridge Safety, Reliability, and Security Team

Sheila Rimal Duwadi, Team Leader

Infrastructure Inspection and Mgmt. Team

Joey Hartmann, Team Leader

Pavement Materials and Construction Team

Tom Harman, Team Leader

Pavement Design and Performance Modeling Team

Katherine Petros, Team Leader

Long-Term Pavement Performance Team

Aramis López, Team Leader

HRDO

Travel Management Team

Raj Ghaman, Team Leader

Enabling Technologies Team

Gene McHale, Team Leader

Office of Operations R&D

Toni Wilbur, Director

Robert Ferlis,

Technical Director for Operations

Vacant, Senior Program Analyst

Donna McEnrue,

Quality Coordinator, 

Laboratory Assessment

Program Manager

RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND TECHNOLOGY

Dennis Judycki, Associate Administrator*

Leadership Council

Office of Corporate

Research and Technology

* The Associate Administrator for 

Research, Development, and 

Technology also directs 

Turner-Fairbank Highway 

Research Center.

February 2006
8

RD&T Corporate Missions and Functions

RD&T performs several key functions to champion the advancement of highway technological 

innovation. The following examples illustrate some of the unique functions carried out by 

RD&T in its effort to support the Agency’s role as “innovators for a better future.” 

Highway Research and Development 

• Research and innovation. 

• Technical assistance. 

• Forensic evaluation.

Corporate R&T 

• Support of the FHWA R&T Leadership Team in the development of multiyear 

R&T roadmaps.

• Development of a process for establishing an Agency advanced research agenda.

• Advancement of priority, market-ready technologies and a process for tracking their 

deployment.

• Expansion of stakeholder involvement in advanced and applied research and deployment 

through the development of an integrated R&T information management system.

Strategic Planning and Budget 

• R&T budget development. 

• Legislative monitoring and analysis of R&T issues. 

• Agency input into the USDOT RD&T Plan.

R&T Performance Measurement 

• Implementation of the Federal R&D investment criteria. 

• Preparation, coordination, and response for the Offi ce of Management and Budget (OMB) 

Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART) evaluation of the Agency R&D program.

• R&T Performance Measure Framework. 

• Lab Assessment Program. 

Outreach, Communication, and Consultation 

• Research of liaison and partnership activities (American Association of State Highway and 

Transportation Offi cials (AASHTO) Standing Committee on Research (SCOR), AASHTO 

Research Advisory Committee (RAC), Transportation Research Board (TRB) Research and 

Technology Coordinating Council (RTCC), USDOT RTCC, etc.). 

• Research and technology marketing. 

• FHWA-wide media publications.

• RD&T facility tours.
9

Infrastructure R&D

The Offi ce of Infrastructure R&D focuses on improving the performance of highway 

infrastructure and signifi cantly reducing associated long-term costs. The comprehensive and 

coordinated Infrastructure research program conducts R&D that cuts across the boundaries 

of pavements, structures, and materials technology.

In the pavement area, researchers develop models, procedures, and processes that help 

transportation specialists predict pavement performance and select designs to optimize 

pavement performance and life cycle costs. They pursue increased pavement life by developing a better understanding of asphalt and portland cement concrete (PCC) paving materials 

and the pavement construction process, and by developing better predictive tools for use in 

the laboratory and on the roadway. The Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) program 

aims to increase the understanding of why some pavements perform better than others. 

This information is one key to building and maintaining a cost-effective highway system. 

Advanced infrastructure research focuses on nanoscience technology and computational 

structural mechanics for the improvement of highway materials and structural performance. 

In the structures arena, researchers employ a systems approach to integrate design, 

construction, durability, maintenance, inspection, and long-term performance into the bridge 

systems of the future. They work to ensure that highway structures are safe and reliable for all 

service conditions, including potential structural, environmental, and human-generated threats. 

Structural researchers also study and develop technologies to detect, measure, assess, and 

control all processes and mechanisms that limit the useful life of highway structures, and 

they develop applications to better preserve, maintain, and manage the Nation’s highway 

bridges.

At TFHRC, we are constantly looking for new materials and methods to improve the quality 

of our Nation’s highway system. Our efforts involve in-house and contract-sponsored 

research covering areas such as bridge coatings, asphalt concrete, and asphalt binders; PCC; 

high-performance materials for bridge construction; and waste and byproduct materials, 

to name a few.

R&D Offi ce Projects and Milestones
10

Key Infrastructure R&D Projects and Milestones for FY 2006 and 2007

Project Goal Anticipated 

Completion

Pavement Design and Analysis—Team Leader: Katherine Petros, Katherine.Petros@fhwa.dot.gov, 202–493–3154 

Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) in Concrete Pavement

Develop guidelines for the design and use of second-generation FRP 

dowels in jointed pavements and FRP reinforcement in continuously 

reinforced concrete pavements.

Mobility and Productivity Mar 2006

Impact of Hydraulic Cement Concrete (HCC) Input Parameters 

on Mechanistic-Empirical (M-E) Pavement Design Guide

Conduct an indepth sensitivity analysis of several key parameters 

for HCC that have been identifi ed based on preliminary evaluation 

of the M-E Pavement Design Guide. This will provide stakeholders 

with insight regarding their relative importance in the design and 

construction processes. 

Mobility and Productivity Oct 2006

Impact of Dynamic Modulus on Prediction Models

Investigate the dynamic modulus obtained on fi eld, production, 

and laboratory samples to improve understanding of the impact of 

dynamic modulus on prediction models. 

Mobility and Productivity Dec 2006

Integration of LTPP Binder (LTPPBind) v 3.0 in AASHTO M320

Help highway agencies and contractors select the most suitable 

Superpave® performance grade of asphalt binder for a given 

project. 

Mobility and Productivity Dec 2007

Pavement Materials and Construction—Team Leader: Tom Harman, Tom.Harman@fhwa.dot.gov, 202–493–3072

Asphalt Pavement Performance Prediction Symposium 

Participate in this 2-day session, organized annually by the Western 

Research Institute in Laramie, WY, as part of its congressionally 

mandated research contract with FHWA. 

Mobility and Productivity

Annually 

in June or 

July

Compatibility of Mixture Components 

Develop guidance, including test procedures, to enable early 

identifi cation of potential compatibility problems in paving concrete 

mixtures.

Mobility and Productivity Jan 2006

Concrete Pavement (CP) Road Map

Incorporate the key elements of the CP Road Map, a nationally 

vetted strategic long-range plan for HCC pavements, into the FHWA 

Pavements Roadmap. Foster and support the establishment of the 

executive committee structure. 

Mobility and Productivity May 2006

Evaluation of Mixless Calibration Techniques for the Superpave 

Gyratory Compactor

Conduct a detailed evaluation of new tools for calibration of the 

gyratory compactor. Provide guidance and recommendations to the 

AASHTO Subcommittee on Materials.

Mobility and Productivity Aug 2006

Offi ce of Infrastructure R&D

Offi ce Director: Gary Henderson, Gary.Henderson@fhwa.dot.gov, 202–493–3022
1

Project Goal Anticipated 

Completion

Pavement Materials and Construction (continued)—Team Leader: Tom Harman, Tom.Harman@fhwa.dot.gov, 

202–493–3072

Future of Full-Scale Accelerated Performance Testing

Establish an international partnership and stakeholder group to 

formulate strategies to maximize resource allocation and identify 

mutual areas for collaboration. 

Mobility and Productivity Aug 2006

Concrete Mix Optimization Software 

Develop computer-based guidelines for job-specifi c optimization 

of paving concrete to help materials engineers and suppliers make 

day-to-day decisions about how to best proportion a mix to meet 

their desired criteria.

Mobility and Productivity Oct 2006

CP Road Map: Mix Design Track—Phase I Advisory Structure 

Take the leadership role in establishing the expert task group to 

coordinate and conduct the HCC pavement mix design research 

track defi ned in the CP Road Map. 

Mobility and Productivity Dec 2006

Guidance on the Use of Acid Modifi cation for Asphalt Binders

Provide State agencies with clear guidance on the effective use of 

acid modifi cation for asphalt binders. Clearly identify inappropriate 

uses, which can lead to performance issues. 

Mobility and Productivity Dec 2006

Intelligent Construction System (ICS)—Computer-Based Field 

Curing Tool for Concrete Pavement

Develop prototype system, based on High Performance Pavement 

(HIPERPAV®) and curing guidelines, to provide real-time 

assessment of curing conditions for the paving contractor. 

Mobility and Productivity Dec 2006

Low-Temperature Binder Characterization

Refi ne further the Superpave binder specifi cation based on a 

detailed assessment of current and innovative laboratory lowtemperature characterization procedures. 

Mobility and Productivity Dec 2006

Enhancement of HIPERPAV II Software Program 

Extend the HIPERPAV software for concrete pavement performance prediction to provide features to help engineers determine 

the timing of concrete placement to achieve optimum performance. 

Mobility and Productivity Apr 2007

Full-Scale Accelerated Performance Testing for Superpave and 

Structural Validation: Phase II—Loading

Refi ne national Superpave binder specifi cation to fully capture 

the benefi t of modifi ed binders. Pooled fund study TPF-5 (019) is in 

partnership with the TRB Superpave Binder Expert Task Group. 

Mobility and Productivity May 2007

Procedures for the Detection and Quantifi cation of Lime in 

Asphalt Pavements

Develop procedures for State agencies for forensic detection and quantifi cation of lime used as an antistripping agent in asphalt pavements. 

Mobility and Productivity May 2007

Procedures for the Detection and Quantifi cation of Polymer 

Modifi ers in Asphalt Pavements

Develop procedures for State agencies for forensic detection and quantifi -

cation of polymer used to enhance performance in asphalt pavements. 

Mobility and Productivity May 2007
12

Project Goal Anticipated 

Completion

Pavement Materials and Construction (continued)—Team Leader: Tom Harman, Tom.Harman@fhwa.dot.gov, 

202–493–3072

Lithium Technology Research for Mitigation of Alkali-Silica 

Reactivity (ASR) in Concrete

Conduct and evaluate fi eld trials using lithium-based technologies for the 

prevention and mitigation of ASR to identify and document the benefi ts of 

lithium in transportation structures. Provide guidance to State agencies for 

use of lithium. 

Mobility and Productivity Sep 2007

Adequate Air Void System, measured by the Air Void Analyzer 

(AVA), for Freeze-Thaw Resistance 

Evaluate the AVA sampling and operation procedures for measuring air 

voids in paving mixes. Correlate the AVA parameters with rapid laboratory 

freeze-thaw durability (AASHTO T 161 and American Society for Testing 

and Materials (ASTM) C 666) and with scaling characteristics as exhibited 

in the rapid freeze-thaw tests, possibly using deicer scaling tests (ASTM 

C 672 both using visual ratings and mass loss). Conduct fundamental 

research on the spacing factor, based on AVA results. 

Mobility and Productivity Dec 2007

CONcrete Extrusion Workability (CONEW) Device 

Design a new type of device that can be used to determine a property of 

concrete that gives a direct measure of the workability, focusing on paving 

concrete mixtures. 

Mobility and Productivity Dec 2007

ICS—Smart Rollers

Assess the potential of enhanced rollers in the compaction of base and 

asphalt materials as part of a pooled fund study.

Mobility and Productivity Dec 2007

Full-Scale Accelerated Performance Testing for Superpave and 

Structural Validation: Phase III—Evaluation and Recommendations

Refi ne the national Superpave binder specifi cation to fully capture the benefi t of modifi ed binders. This is being done under pooled fund study TPF-5 

(019) in partnership with the TRB Superpave Binder Expert Task Group. 

Mobility and Productivity Aug 2008

Understanding Moisture Damage in Asphalt Pavements—

Phase I

Establish and conduct fundamental research on moisture damage in 

asphalt pavements.

Mobility and Productivity Dec 2008

Pavement Data and Performance—Team Leader: Tom Harman, Tom.Harman@fhwa.dot.gov, 

202–493–3072

Construction Quality Databases

Develop guidelines for establishing and effectively using automated databases containing statewide construction data and information. This will 

improve the ability of State DOTs to develop specifi cations to achieve high 

construction quality and performance while minimizing life cycle costs. 

Mobility and Productivity Dec 2008
1

Project Goal Anticipated 

Completion

Long-Term Pavement Performance—Team Leader: Aramis López, Aramis.Lopez@fhwa.dot.gov, 

202–493–3145

Variability of Smoothness Measurements

Allow for improved pavement measurements made at highway speeds. 

Determine accelerometer performance for inertial profi lers at speeds from 

24 to 113 kilometers (15 to 70 miles) per hour.

Mobility and Productivity Jan 2006

Enhancement of DataPave Online

Enhance this Web application, which provides access to all releasable 

LTPP data via the Internet. Data can be extracted (exported) to a number of 

popular fi le formats for analysis.

Mobility and Productivity Oct 2006

Frost Determination of Seasonal Monitoring Program (SMP) Sites

Complete the interpretation of frost penetration measurements at SMP 

sites and add results to the LTPP database.

Mobility and Productivity Oct 2006

Moisture Determination of SMP Sites

Complete the interpretation of time domain refl ectometry measurements 

and provide estimates of moisture content for the LTPP SMP sites. 

Mobility and Productivity Oct 2006

Smoothness of Pavement at the Approaches to Weigh in 

Motion (WIM) Scales

Develop specifi cations to be used when installing WIM equipment and/or 

to reduce calibration or check time. The specifi cations will provide a diagnostic tool to use when data change to assist with decisions on equipment 

reinstallation and/or pavement corrections.

Mobility and Productivity Oct 2006

Anytime Weather Software

Provide historical weather data for North America based on LTPP fi les and 

the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This provides reliability estimates on daily weather values for pavement design and evaluation.

Mobility and Productivity Dec 2006

LTPP Program Assessment

Perform a program assessment to evaluate the need for followup data 

collection after the conclusion of the planned 20-year monitoring effort 

and to determine whether remaining gaps in the database warrant further 

data collection efforts. Develop a post-LTPP plan for maintenance and 

dissemination of the program database and information.

Mobility and Productivity Jan 2007

Bridge Design and Construction—Team Leader: Bill Wright, Bill.Wright@fhwa.dot.gov, 202–493–3053

Enhanced Use of Shallow Foundations for Accelerated 

Construction

Conduct load testing to determine the limitations in the use of shallow 

foundations for bridges to achieve accelerated construction goals.

Mobility and Productivity Dec 2006

Synthesis Study on Risk and Vulnerability Assessment 

Methodologies for All Hazards

Synthesize and clarify the state of the practice and determine the feasibility 

of reaching a consistent set of guidelines for evaluating risk and cost benefi t for all hazards to support the safety, reliability, and security (SRS) goal 

of developing consistency in the level of risks used in design to safeguard 

structures from natural disasters and terrorist attacks. 

Safety, 

Security Dec 2006
14

Project Goal Anticipated 

Completion

Bridge Design and Construction (continued) —Team Leader: Bill Wright, Bill.Wright@fhwa.dot.gov, 202–493–3053

Materials Spec-Accelerated Test-Based Specifi cation—

Repair Specifi cation

Develop critical AASHTO-level documents and data required for the 

implementation of FRP materials for bridge structures. 

Mobility and Productivity Sep 2007

Design Enhancements for Bridge Superstructure and 

Substructure Interface

Address a common and costly maintenance problem for typical short-span 

bridges—the interface, or joint, between the superstructure elements and 

substructure support system at the beginning and end of the bridge. This 

work will instrument scale- and full-size mockups with realistic dynamic 

loading patterns to determine an optimum interface design.

Mobility and Productivity Dec 2007

Improved Fracture Toughness Specifi cations for 

High-Performance Steel (HPS)

Maximize the design and performance benefi ts of advanced steels. Performance properties of HPS provide signifi cant advantages in resistance to 

critical fractures not currently accounted for in design guidance.

Mobility and Productivity Dec 2008

Performance Data for Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) 

Bridge Elements

Conduct a series of experiments characterizing the benefi ts of UHPC in 

bridge applications. These experiments will be performed using standardized 

materials performance and durability tests as well as full-scale, instrumented 

load tests in the main structures lab. Performance data will lead to technical 

reports and eventually input directly into AASHTO guideline documents.

Mobility and Productivity Dec 2008

Development of Uniform Risk and Vulnerability Assessment 

Methodologies for All Hazards

Conduct this follow-on study, which would be the second step toward 

developing consistency in the level of risks used in design for all hazards.

Safety, 

Security Dec 2009

Refi nement of Load and Load Factors for the Design of 

Highway Bridges for Extreme Events

Develop loads and load factors for extreme events not already in the Load 

and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) specifi cations and improve on those 

that are already there to support the SRS goal of developing analysis and 

design methodologies for highway structures to prevent physical damage. 

Safety,

Mobility and Productivity Dec 2009

Bridge Safety, Reliability, and Security—Team Leader: Sheila Rimal Duwadi, 

Sheila.Duwadi@fhwa.dot.gov, 202–493–3106

Optimum Bridge Deck Shapes to Minimize Pressure Flow Scour

Characterize streamlines and shear stresses on channel beds for a variety 

of bridge deck shapes and positions. The result will be a more rational 

procedure for estimating pressure fl ow scour with the potential for taking 

advantage of streamlined shapes.

Safety,

Mobility and Productivity Dec 2007

Survey and Review of Wind Load Criteria for Cable-Supported 

Structures

Conduct research to serve as a basis for developing consistent procedures 

for establishing design wind loads.

Safety Dec 2007
1

Project Goal Anticipated 

Completion

Bridge Safety, Reliability, and Security (continued)—Team Leader: Sheila Rimal Duwadi, 

Sheila.Duwadi@fhwa.dot.gov, 202–493–3106

Assessment of Current Designs for Structural Vulnerability 

Against Multiple Hazards

Assess current bridge designs for vulnerability for each extreme event 

loading. This study would be followed by subsequent studies to develop 

optimized designs and countermeasures for mitigating and hardening 

structures for extreme events.

Safety,

Security Dec 2008

Accelerated Repair and Restoration Techniques for 

Reconstruction After an Event

Research innovative techniques that could be deployed rapidly for 

recovery and permanent reconstruction after an event. 

Safety,

Mobility and Productivity Dec 2009

Development of Guidelines for Bridges Built Near Fault Lines

Develop design and retrofi t guidelines for structures close to fault zones, 

which can be affected by near-source ground motion.

Safety,

Mobility and Productivity Dec 2009

Sensing and Monitoring Technologies for Extreme Events

Develop and evaluate technologies that can be incorporated into bridges 

and structures to monitor performance under extreme events, detect 

intruders, and help assess post-event capacity of structures.

Safety,

Security Dec 2009

Infrastructure Inspection and Management—Team Leader: Joey Hartmann, Joey.Hartmann@fhwa.dot.gov, 

202–493–3059

Alternative Bridge Deck Reinforcement Materials

Evaluate the effectiveness of various metallic, nonmetallic, or coated/clad 

forms of passive bridge deck reinforcement subjected to the load and environment typical of highway bridges. Create reports and data syntheses.

Mobility and Productivity Jun 2006

Holistic Corrosion Protection Strategies

Develop and detail a corrosion protection strategy that could be incorporated 

into the AASHTO specifi cations and integrates dependent layers of technology to ensure 75-year bridge service lives. Develop design specifi cations.

Mobility and Productivity Jun 2007

Nondestructive Testing/Evaluation Technologies

Develop, evaluate, and demonstrate nondestructive methods for condition 

evaluation of inservice structures. Develop reports and training materials.

Mobility and Productivity Jun 2007

Bridge Coatings Performance and Selection

Use electrochemical techniques for determining single-coat, multiple-coat, 

and over-coat bridge coating systems performance. Create reports and 

selection manual.

Mobility and Productivity Sep 2007

Performance-Based Bridge Management Tools

Derive database tools from National Bridge Inventory data to assist in 

overall bridge program management.

Mobility and Productivity Sep 2007

Long-Term Bridge Performance (LTBP) Program

Accommodate and develop both general trend information and information 

specifi c to a variety of bridge types, locations, and environmental exposures to guide future bridge design and construction. Create reports.

Mobility and Productivity Dec 2007
16

Operations R&D

The Offi ce of Operations R&D conducts research to mitigate congestion and improve safety 

through the use of ITS and other advanced technologies to better manage and operate the 

surface transportation system. The Travel Management Team produces hardware and software tools to analyze operational improvements, reduce congestion on surface streets and 

freeways, and mitigate delays in work zones. The Enabling Technologies Team is developing 

infrastructure-based and vehicle-infrastructure cooperative systems that will warn motorists 

of potential intersection collisions; promoting safety by developing decision-support tools for 

winter weather maintenance; and supporting the development and use of safety-enabling 

technologies such as dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) and nationwide 

differential global positioning systems (NDGPS). 

Operations research will focus on reducing congestion and effectively dealing with one-time, 

nonrecurring highway incidents that cause congestion. Activities also include refi ning techniques 

to measure and assess highway congestion and system performance. Research in this area 

also will examine the use of intelligent infrastructure to develop advanced traffi c signal control 

systems that will reduce travel times and increase reliability by adapting signalization to 

changing traffi c conditions. Research under the Cooperative Intersection Collision Avoidance 

Systems (CICAS) initiative will develop in-vehicle and infrastructure-based countermeasures to 

help prevent crashes at signalized and stop sign controlled intersections. 

One of the key tools supporting Operations/ITS research and development is the Traffi c 

Research Laboratory (TReL). TReL contains the visualization, simulation, communication, and 

control capabilities needed to effectively conduct traffi c engineering R&D. The laboratory 

affords researchers the ability to conduct innovative real-time, hardware-in-the-loop evaluations and 

studies. Researchers at TReL develop and evaluate prototype adaptive traffi c control 

systems before they are evaluated and demonstrated in fi eld trials. Also available to our 

researchers is the TFHRC Intelligent Intersection. The Intelligent Intersection is connected to 

TReL via a fi ber-optic communications link that supports full integration of the two research 

facilities, providing a controlled environment to test prototype systems before fi eld trials. The 

Intelligent Intersection’s advanced sensors and simulated DSRC wireless communications 

provide powerful tools enabling the integration and testing of vehicle-infrastructure integration, 

advanced infrastructure-based sensing technology, infrastructure-based safety threat 

assessment processing, and integration of CICAS with both legacy and emerging traffi c control 

technology. In addition to the Intelligent Intersection, a Road Weather Information Station 

(RWIS) and a Global Positioning System Surface Observation System (GSOS) have been 

integrated with TReL to provide real-time weather information.
1

Key Operations R&D Projects and Milestones for FY 2006 and 2007

Project Goal Anticipated 

Completion

Intersection Collision Avoidance (ICA) and Human Centered Systems Related Research—Team Leaders: Gene McHale, 

Gene.McHale@fhwa.dot.gov, 202–493–3275 and Tom Granda, Thomas.Granda@fhwa.dot.gov, 202–493–3365 

Transportation Management Center (TMC) National Pooled 

Fund Study Results

Study operational and human centered issues common among 

agencies that manage and operate TMCs.

Safety,

 Mobility and Productivity Ongoing

Work Zone ITS for Crash Avoidance—Phase II

Develop prototype sensors to support work zone crash avoidance. A demonstration will be conducted at the ChryslerTM proving 

grounds.

Safety Apr 2006

Real-Time Linux® Operating System for Advanced Traffi c 

Controllers

Connect the Linux real-time operating system to advanced 

transportation controllers to support the faster detector polling and 

information processing required for CICAS and Vehicle Infrastructure Integration (VII) research. 

Mobility and Productivity Sep 2006

Human Factors Assessment of Infrastructure-Based ICA 

Devices—Phase II

Evaluate alternative infrastructure-based warnings to drivers to 

prevent collisions. This phase studies deceleration profi les and 

reaction time data for drivers responding to warnings that are given 

both close to and further away from the intersection. This study 

will be conducted on a closed test course (in conjunction with the 

Human Centered Systems Lab).

Safety Sep 2006

Traffi c Control Device Consortium Pooled Fund Study

Evaluate innovative traffi c control devices and disseminate the 

results for incorporation into the Manual on Uniform Traffi c Control 

Devices (MUTCD). A consortium of State, regional, and local entities, FHWA, and other partners will work in conjunction with the 

Human Centered Systems Lab on this task.

Safety, 

Mobility and Productivity Dec 2009

CICAS Infrastructure Consortium (IC) 

Design, develop, and test prototype CICAS in support of the USDOT 

ITS CICAS initiative. The CICAS IC will work jointly with a partnership of automobile manufacturers in this effort. Following testing 

of prototype systems, the CICAS IC will support fi eld operational 

testing of CICAS systems. 

Safety Aug 2010

Offi ce of Operations R&D

Offi ce Director: Toni Wilbur, Toni.Wilbur@fhwa.dot.gov, 202–493–3303
18

Project Goal Anticipated 

Completion

Traffi c Control and Operations—Team Leader: Raj Ghaman, Raj.Ghaman@fhwa.dot.gov, 

202–493–3270

Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Initiative—Phase I: 

Foundational Research

Conduct foundational research to initiate the ICM program with 

stakeholder input in the areas of ICM defi nitions, corridor delineation, ICM concepts and operational strategies development, ICM 

analysis tools assessment and development, and identifi cation and 

alignment of gaps and needs with program objectives. 

Safety,

Mobility and Productivity Oct 2005

Traffi c Detector Handbook

Complete this handbook, which explains how to design, use, and 

maintain traffi c loops and magnetometers and how to select and 

use video and radar sensors.

Safety,

 Mobility and Productivity,

Environment

Dec 2005

Adaptive Control Software (ACS) “Lite”—Field Test

Conduct remaining fi eld tests of three brands of controllers: Eagle 

controllers in Houston, TX, Peek® controllers in St. Petersburg/

Tampa, FL, and McCain® controllers in San Diego, CA. Econolite®

brand controller testing has been completed in Gahanna, OH. 

Mobility and Productivity Jan 2006

Identify Service Concepts and Technologies for Emergency 

Transportation Operations

Defi ne potential service concepts and technologies where vehicleinfrastructure cooperation can enable or improve emergency 

transportation operations.

Safety,

Mobility and Productivity Jan 2006

Integration of DynaMIT, CLAIRE, and Advanced Incident 

Detection Algorithm (AIDA) for Real-Time Traffi c Management 

on Arterials—Field Test in Los Angeles, CA

Integrate DynaMIT, one of the two prototypes for the real-time 

Traffi c Estimation and Prediction System (TrEPS) developed under 

the Dynamic Traffi c Assignment (DTA) research project, to provide 

traffi c estimation and predictive information based on real-time 

traffi c data and help traffi c engineers at TMCs implement proactive 

traffi c management strategies on arterials in real time.

Mobility and Productivity Apr 2006

Winter Weather Maintenance Decision Support System (MDSS) 

Pooled Fund Study

Tailor the MDSS system to the particular needs of the eight States 

that are participating in this pooled fund study. 

Safety,

 Mobility and Productivity,

Environment

Jun 2006

Traffi c Detector Video 

Develop a video to show the proper installation of loop detectors.

Safety,

 Mobility and Productivity Sep 2006

Winter Weather MDSS Deployment Assistance

Help deploy MDSS techniques and technology guidance tools to 

assist winter maintenance managers with treatment recommendations. The tools have the potential to keep roadways safer by 

improving mobility in adverse weather and promoting effi ciencies 

in the use of chemicals, equipment, and staff. This project provides 

deployment assistance to encourage technology transfer to the 

private sector. 

Safety,

 Mobility and Productivity,

Environment

Sep 2006
1

Project Goal Anticipated 

Completion

Traffi c Control and Operations (continued)—Team Leader: Raj Ghaman, Raj.Ghaman@fhwa.dot.gov, 

202–493–3270

ICM Initiative—Phase II: Operations and Systems Development

Identify and conduct initial ICM operations and systems development activities to support early development of ICM management 

schemes, corridor operational strategies, analysis tools development, systems interfaces, and limited fi eld testing.

Safety,

Mobility and Productivity Sep 2007

Pedestrian Stereo Imaging Sensor

Investigate the uses of stereo imaging to detect and trace pedestrians near intersections.

Safety,

Mobility and Productivity Sep 2007

Clear Roads Pooled Fund Study

Rigorously test winter maintenance materials, equipment, and 

methods for use by highway maintenance crews. 

Safety,

Mobility and Productivity,

Environment

Dec 2007

Integration of DYNASMART-X, CLAIRE, and RHODES® for RealTime Traffi c Management—Field Test in Houston, TX 

Integrate DYNASMART-X, one of the two prototypes for the realtime TrEPS developed under the DTA research project, to provide 

traffi c estimation and predictive information based on real-time 

traffi c data and help traffi c engineers at TMCs implement proactive 

traffi c management strategies on freeways in real time.

Mobility and Productivity Dec 2007

Surface Transportation Security and Reliability Information 

System Model Deployment

Deploy the iFlorida model to demonstrate and evaluate how security, reliability, and safety can be enhanced through the widespread 

availability of real-time information.

Safety,

Mobility and Productivity,

Security

Jun 2008

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for Aerial Surveillance

Research the parameters and characteristics of remotely piloted 

vehicles for incident management and traffi c surveillance.

Safety,

 Mobility and Productivity Sep 2008

Traffi c Analysis Tools/Simulation and Modeling—Team Leader: Raj Ghaman, Raj.Ghaman@fhwa.dot.gov, 

202–493–3270

Strategic Work Zone Analysis Tools (SWAT)

Provide the Work Zone Delay Impact Analysis Spreadsheet 

(QuickZone) and an Expert System Software Program (Impacts 

Assessment Tool) as part of SWAT, a set of tools for the design and 

operation of work zones that addresses mobility and safety impacts.

Mobility and Productivity Dec 2005

CORSIM Application Guidelines

Provide guidelines to assist users of the CORSIM traffi c simulation 

software in conducting transportation analyses.

Mobility and Productivity Jan 2006

Next Generation Simulation Modeling (NGSIM)

Develop and freely distribute valid microscopic traffi c simulation 

algorithms and real-world traffi c data sets.

Mobility and Productivity Dec 2007
20

Project Goal Anticipated 

Completion

Enabling Technologies—Team Leader: Gene McHale, Gene.McHale@fhwa.dot.gov, 202–493–3275

Identify Mobility Applications for Vehicle Infrastructure 

Integration (VII) 

Identify promising mobility applications that will be enabled by the 

anticipated VII infrastructure. Candidate applications will include 

evolutions of current services and technologies such as adaptive 

cruise control and new concepts that use vehicle control technologies to achieve signifi cant future improvements in mobility.

Mobility and Productivity Jan 2006

High-Accuracy NDGPS

Provide the capability to broadcast corrections to the global positioning system over long ranges to achieve a better than 10-centimeter (3.94-inch) accuracy throughout the coverage area.

Safety,

 Mobility and Productivity, 

Environment, Security

Dec 2007

DSRC/Wireless Access for Vehicular Environment

Develop telecommunications technology to include spectrum 

allocation from the Federal Communications Commission, licensing 

rules, standards, prototypes, and initial deployment.

Safety,

Mobility and Productivity, 

Environment, Security

Dec 2008

Telecommunications Interface Model for Predicting Ionospheric 

Changes

Develop and evaluate an ionospheric model to predict interference 

levels to telecommunications systems.

Safety,

Mobility and Productivity, 

Environment, Security

Dec 2008
2

Key Safety R&D Projects and Milestones for FY 2006 and 2007

Project Goal Anticipated 

Completion

Run-Off-The-Road Prevention: Design—Team Leader: Ray Krammes, Ray.Krammes@fhwa.dot.gov, 202–493–3312 

Driver Performance Effects from Innovative Applications of 

Pavement Markings and Raised Retrorefl ective Pavement 

Markers (RRPM) (Field Study)

Test driver response in a fi eld experiment in Delta, PA, to innovative applications of markings and markers (in conjunction with the 

Human Centered Systems Lab).

Safety Jun 2006

Interactive Highway Safety Design Model (IHSDM)—Two-Lane 

Rural Highway Update Release

Update a public release of software that will help highway planners and designers estimate the safety and operational effects of 

geometric design decisions on two-lane rural highways.

Safety Sep 2006

Offi ce of Safety R&D

Offi ce Director: Michael Trentacoste, Michael.Trentacoste@fhwa.dot.gov, 202–493–3260

Safety R&D

The Offi ce of Safety R&D aims to reduce highway crashes and related fatalities and 

injuries by developing and implementing a program of safety innovations through a nationally 

coordinated R&T partnership. The focus is on FHWA’s priority objectives for highway safety 

improvements related to preventing and mitigating roadway departures, managing safety, 

improving intersections, and protecting pedestrians. This offi ce provides transportation offi -

cials and practitioners with improved understanding, information, and state-of-the-art tools to 

aid informed decisions on highway safety improvements. The offi ce also conducts advanced 

research to determine new ways to solve highway safety problems and challenges.

Planned initiatives include the development of a tool to evaluate countermeasures to prevent 

roadway departure crashes on two-lane rural highways, work to improve the retrorefl ectivity 

of pavement markings and work zone traffi c control devices, and development of roadway 

lighting systems and safety structures. This includes work on speed management to encourage wider adoption of safe travel speeds appropriate for road and travel conditions; safety 

management to ensure that resources are allocated to assure maximum returns in reducing 

the severity and frequency of crashes; human centered systems to incorporate human factor 

considerations into all aspects of highway design; work zone safety improvements; and a 

variety of outreach efforts. 
22

Project Goal Anticipated 

Completion

Run-Off-The-Road Prevention: Design (continued)—Team Leader: Ray Krammes, Ray.Krammes@fhwa.dot.gov, 

202–493–3312

Driver Performance Effects from Innovative Applications of 

Pavement Markings and RRPMs (Lab Study)

Test driver response in the Highway Driving Simulator to innovative 

applications of markings and markers (in conjunction with the 

Human Centered Systems Lab).

Safety Dec 2006

Wet Night Visibility of Pavement Markings

Examine the performance of various types of pavement markings 

while saturated and during recovery.

Safety Mar 2007

Updated Minimum Levels for Pavement Marking Retrorefl ectivity

Investigate the effects of newer headlights, increased numbers of 

older drivers, changes in the vehicle fl eet, and new marking materials to generate new minimum retrorefl ectivity levels.

Safety Sep 2007

Guidelines for Maintaining Night Visibility of Pavement Markings

Develop a document that will provide guidance and detailed procedures for pavement marking inspection and management programs.Safety Sep 2007

Run-Off-The-Road Mitigation: Severity Reduction—Team Leader: Ken Opiela, Kenneth.Opiela@fhwa.dot.gov, 

202–493–3371

Mailbox Surrogate Test

Develop a low-cost test using fi nite-element analysis (FEA) to 

evaluate lightweight mailboxes. In high-speed crash tests, mailbox 

supports have been observed to fl y back and impact the windshield 

with the potential to cause injuries and fatalities. This low-cost test 

will be a surrogate for more expensive full-scale tests. 

Safety June 2006

Guardrail Blockout Surrogate Test

Develop a new surrogate test to reduce costs for blockouts, which 

minimize the potential for wheel or bumper snagging on strong-post 

guardrail systems, and still provide a realistic loading condition for 

proposed blockouts made of recycled plastic, rubber, and wood. 

Safety Sep 2006

Cable Median Barrier Development

Develop FEA models for various types of cable barrier systems, 

and conduct crash simulations using the various FEA vehicle 

models available. These efforts may require full-scale crash tests 

to validate model results. The results will be used to recommend 

guidelines for the placement of cable median barriers. The National 

Crash Analysis Center (NCAC) will oversee these efforts.

Safety Sep 2006

Vehicle Impacts for Median Landscape Treatments

Develop FEA models for various types of roadway median planter 

treatments and undertake crash simulations using the various FEA 

vehicle models available. These efforts may require full-scale crash 

tests to validate model results. The results will be used to recommend 

guidelines for the design and placement of such median treatments in 

context sensitive designs. NCAC will oversee these efforts.

Safety Dec 2006
2

Project Goal Anticipated 

Completion

Intersections—Team Leader: Ray Krammes, Ray.Krammes@fhwa.dot.gov, 202–493–3312

Design and Performance Analysis of Pedestrian Crossing 

Facilities for Continuous Flow Intersections 

Explore considerations for pedestrian accommodations, signal settings, and level of service performance.

Safety Jan 2006

Operational Evaluation of the New Jersey Jughandle Intersection

Perform an operational comparison between typical New Jersey 

jughandles and conventional intersections using traffi c simulation 

modeling for three types of designs.

Safety Jan 2007

Safety Evaluation of the New Jersey Jughandle Intersection 

Perform a safety comparison between typical New Jersey 

jughandles and conventional intersections in the same State. 

Safety Jan 2007

Safety Impact of Urban Freeway Interchange Spacing

Develop a preliminary evaluation of interchange spacing from 

statistical modeling of California freeway data.

Safety Jan 2007

Novel Intersections—Diverging Diamond Interchanges

Perform a human factors evaluation of signage and markings 

for diverging diamond intersections. The evaluations will include 

assessment of signs and markings, which may be followed by 

developing, testing, and evaluating alternative signage and 

markings if safety defi ciencies in current practice are identifi ed 

(in conjunction with the Human Centered Systems Lab).

Safety May 2007

Safety Analysis of Interchanges

Develop preliminary computational tools for safety evaluation and 

for development of a research plan. 

Safety Aug 2007

Pedestrians and Bicyclists—Team Leader: Tom Granda, Thomas.Granda@fhwa.dot.gov, 202–493–3365

Tier 2: ITS Technologies to Reduce Pedestrian Injuries and Fatalities

Identify current technology for pedestrian detection and warning systems and develop a project work plan for a possible Tier 1 initiative. The 

project is an exploratory initiative funded by the ITS Joint Program Offi ce. 

Safety Mar 2006

Evaluation of Safety Design and Operation of Shared-Use Paths

Develop tools/methodologies used to evaluate the operational and 

safety effectiveness of various design alternatives for shared-use 

paths. The products may be used to supplement the existing procedures in the “Bicycles” and “Pedestrians” chapters of the Highway 

Capacity Manual.

Safety Apr 2006

University Course on Pedestrians and Bicyclists

Develop Version 2 of the University Course on Pedestrians and Bicyclists. Safety Apr 2006

Development of Design Guidelines for Crosswalk Lighting

Quantify the improvement in detection and recognition of pedestrians 

in and adjacent to crosswalks through placement of the lighting pole. 

The intent is to develop a guideline for installing crosswalk lighting both 

separately and as part of a continuous fi xed roadway lighting system.

Safety May 2006
24

Project Goal Anticipated 

Completion

Pedestrians and Bicyclists (continued)—Team Leader: Tom Granda, Thomas.Granda@fhwa.dot.gov, 202–493–3365

Pedestrian Bicycle Crash Analysis Tool (PBCAT) V 2.0

Update the PBCAT software to help State and local pedestrian/bicycle 

coordinators, planners, and engineers improve walking and bicycling 

safety by analyzing crashes between motor vehicles and pedestrians or bicyclists. The updated version of PBCAT will be in a familiar 

Microsoft® Windows® interface, provide more user options and greater 

customization, and offer enhanced countermeasures information.

Safety May 2006

In-Roadway Warning Lights Study

Collect data to examine pedestrian safety and whether the effects of inroadway warning lights at crosswalks are long lasting or the result of novelty.Safety Jun 2006

Segway® Human Transporter 

Evaluate the stopping performance of experienced Segway riders 

(Phase 1— “An Evaluation of Segway Riders’ Stopping Performance on a Closed Course”). Compare the ability of novice and 

experienced riders to navigate typical sidewalk conditions 

(Phase 2—“Performance of Expert and Novice Segway Riders 

Under Varying Sidewalk Conditions”).

Safety Jun 2006

Hazard Index for Assessing Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety at 

Intersections

Develop hazard indices that will enable planners, engineers, and other 

practitioners to easily identify features, or combinations of features, at 

intersections that place pedestrians and bicyclists at risk. Intersection 

indices will be helpful in infl uencing future intersection design, as well 

as accommodating the needs of pedestrians with disabilities. 

Safety Sep 2006

Speed Management—Team Leader: Ray Krammes, Ray.Krammes@fhwa.dot.gov, 202–493–3312 

Results of Field Tests on Impacts of Setting and Enforcing 

Rational Speed Limits

Undertake a complete and systematic evaluation of the effects of 

establishing, publicizing, and enforcing rational speed limits in a number of dedicated participating communities during a 2-year period.

Safety Dec 2006

Safety Management Systems—Team Leader: Carol Tan, Carol.Tan@fhwa.dot.gov, 202–493–3315

Rollover Causation Study

Identify the guidelines available for identifying sites with high 

rollover potential. 

Safety Sep 2006

SafetyAnalyst

Incorporate state-of-the-art safety management approaches 

into computerized analytical tools for guiding the decisionmaking 

process to identify safety improvements. Develop a systemwide 

program of site-specifi c improvement projects.

Safety Nov 2006
2

Project Goal Anticipated 

Completion

Safety Management Systems (continued)—Team Leader: Carol Tan, Carol.Tan@fhwa.dot.gov, 

202–493–3315

Evaluation of the Safety Edge

This is a pooled fund study to determine the scope, develop the 

work plan, and collect the “before” data related to the effectiveness of the safety edge to prevent pavement edge dropoff related 

crashes.

Safety Jun 2007

Advanced Research—Digital Highway Measurement Vehicle

An FHWA-led pooled fund study designed to advance the use of 

technologies to perform real-time data collection of roadway and 

roadside features at highway speeds. 

Safety Dec 2007

Evaluation of Low-Cost Safety Improvements

Determine the effectiveness of a number of low-cost safety improvements from the AASHTO Strategic Highway Safety Plan. This 

is a pooled fund study.

Safety Jun 2007

Human Centered Systems—Team Leader: Tom Granda, Thomas.Granda@fhwa.dot.gov, 202–493–3365

Sign Assessment for Infrastructure Systems

Initiate and monitor projects intended to address evaluation of the 

infrastructure signs for the MUTCD (in conjunction with the Offi ce 

of Operations R&D).

Safety, 

Mobility and Productivity Ongoing

Infrastructure-Cooperative Systems ICA (Simulator Study 2)

Examine driver reaction times to infrastructure-based warnings 

about red light violators. Unlike the fi rst simulator study, this study 

will involve other vehicles on the roadway (in conjunction with the 

ITS Joint Program Offi ce).

Safety, 

Mobility and Productivity Sep 2006

Traffi c Control Device Consortium Pooled Fund Study Projects

Evaluate novel traffi c control devices through this consortium of 

regional, State, and local entities; appropriate organizations; and 

FHWA. Results will be disseminated for incorporation in the MUTCD 

(in conjunction with the Offi ce of Operations R&D).

Safety, 

Mobility and Productivity Dec 2009

Transportation Management Center (TMC) Pooled Fund Study 

Projects

Study operational topics related to TMCs through this consortium 

of regional, State, and local entities; appropriate organizations; and 

FHWA (in conjunction with the Offi ce of Operations R&D).

Mobility and Productivity Dec 2009
26

Key Activities and Milestones for FY 2006 and 2007

Key Activities Goal Anticipated 

Completion

Facilitate updating and communication of the Agency list of Priority, 

Market-Ready Technologies and Innovations. All Goal Areas Dec 2005

Manage development of FHWA Advanced Research Agenda and 

program management options. All Goal Areas Dec 2005

Develop and market the integrated FHWA Corporate R&T Web site. Organizational Excellence Jan 2006

Facilitate, distribute, and market updated multiyear functional area 

R&T roadmaps. All Goal Areas Jan 2006

Manage implementation of FHWA Advanced Research Agenda 

program.

All Goal Areas Mar 2006 

Produce and publish an FHWA 2006 Corporate R&T report. Organizational Excellence May 2006

Identify and communicate deployment status of MRT. Organizational Excellence Sep 2006

Conduct corporate R&T functional area program review. Organizational Excellence Mar 2007

Manage coordination of Scientifi c Peer Review procedures. All Goal Areas Semiannual 

Offi ce of Corporate Research and Technology

Offi ce Director: Debra Elston, Debra.Elston@fhwa.dot.gov, 202–493–3181

Offi ce of Corporate Research and Technology

The Offi ce of Corporate Research and Technology supports the Agency’s commitment to 

implement the CMP to strengthen FHWA’s role as a leader in national highway R&T. Created 

in the summer of 2004, the offi ce has since taken a lead role in facilitating various Agencywide 

R&T activities, such as the development of functional area R&T multiyear roadmaps 

to advance FHWA strategic goals; development of a process for establishing an Agency 

Advanced Research Agenda; advancement of priority market-ready technologies (MRT) and 

a process for tracking their deployment; expansion of stakeholder involvement in advanced 

and applied research and deployment through the development of an integrated R&T 

information management system; and preparation of a draft Corporate R&T report. The Offi ce 

of Corporate Research and Technology champions R&T leadership initiatives in collaboration 

with FHWA fi eld and program offi ces, State and local highway agencies, and other key 

internal and external stakeholders. This includes collaborative review and implementation of 

authorized research initiatives under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Effi cient Transportation 

Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).

Program Support Services
2

Key Activities and Milestones for FY 2006 and 2007

Key Activities Goal Anticipated 

Completion

Develop a Legislative Implementation Plan for the research 

provisions in SAFETEA-LU. Organizational Excellence Dec 2005

Develop an R&T Budget Delivery Plan.

Organizational Excellence

(Annually)

Jan 2006

Jan 2007

Develop FHWA’s portion of the USDOT R&D Strategic Plan. Organizational Excellence Jul 2006

Identify and adopt FY 2008 R&D budget priorities. Organizational Excellence Jul 2006

Provide a summary of FHWA R&T activities and funding for USDOT 

annual performance reports on RD&T required by SAFETEA-LU. Organizational Excellence

(Annually)

Jul 2006

Jul 2007

Conduct FY 2006 lab assessments; complete lab assessments for 

Aerodynamics Lab, Coatings and Corrosion Lab, and Crash Analysis 

Labs.

Organizational Excellence Sep 2006

Provide summary of R&T activities and funding for RD&T 

annual report. Organizational Excellence

(Annually)

Oct 2006

Oct 2007

Identify and adopt FY 2009 R&D budget priorities. Organizational Excellence Jul 2007

Conduct FY 2007 lab assessments; complete lab assessments for 

the Geotechnical Lab, Highway Safety Information Systems and 

Design Lab, Bridge Management Information Systems Lab, and 

Nondestructive Evaluation and Pavement Surface Analysis Lab.

Organizational Excellence Sep 2007

Offi ce of Program Development and Evaluation

Offi ce Director: Marci Kenney, Marci.Kenney@fhwa.dot.gov, 202–493–3117

Offi ce of Program Development and Evaluation

The Offi ce of Program Development and Evaluation champions the RD&T Program and 

those it serves by developing and executing policy, budget, program management, and 

evaluation tools to further a national highway R&T program. Program development activities 

include the development of legislative and budget proposals and a budget delivery plan. The 

offi ce is the focal point for FHWA’s participation in cooperative research activities, such as 

NCHRP, and encourages partnerships to leverage resources through the TPF Program, which 

enables FHWA and State DOTs to pool resources to pursue projects of mutual interest. The 

Offi ce of Program Development and Evaluation also manages FHWA participation in the 

Small Business Innovation Research Program and works with the Research and Innovative 

Technology Administration to support the University Transportation Center Program. In the 

area of evaluation, the offi ce compiles the RD&T Performance Plan, the performance section 

of the annual TFHRC Profi le, and manages a lab assessment program.
28

Key Activities and Milestones for FY 2006 and 2007

Key Activities Goal Anticipated 

Completion

Implement the Management Cost Accounting System. Organizational Excellence Jun 2006

Assess and improve the annual RD&T Workforce Succession Plan. Organizational Excellence Jul 2006

Develop the TFHRC Capital Improvement Plan. Organizational Excellence Sep 2006

Implement E-travel. Organizational Excellence Sep 2006

Offi ce of Resource Management

Offi ce Director: Doreen McCarthy, Doreen.McCarthy@fhwa.dot.gov, 202–493–3173

Offi ce of Resource Management

The Offi ce of Resource Management provides critical management support services that 

contribute to the Offi ce of RD&T’s research and deployment of T&I activities. The Offi ce of 

Resource Management staff provides assistance and support for a wide range of activities 

and operations. These include fi nancial management of R&T and general operating expenses 

funding; acquisition planning and contract administration for research programs and research 

support activities; human resource management and employee development; information 

technology support for research and business applications; accountable property management and disposition; and RD&T facilities management—including emergency planning, 

FHWA continuity of operations support, and physical security. 
2

Key Activities and Milestones for FY 2006 and 2007

Key Activities Goal Anticipated 

Completion

Coordinate the National Exhibit Program, including maintaining 

and updating the exhibits database:

• Ship 30 exhibits and related publications annually to 20 Division 

Offi ces in support of marketing efforts.

• Ship 45 exhibits and related publications annually for the Resource 

Center and program offi ces.

• Coordinate FHWA presence at the TRB Annual Meeting including 

shipping, setup, staffi ng, and take down of approximately 80 exhibits 

and related publications.

• Coordinate FHWA presence at the AASHTO Annual Meeting 

including design, shipping, setup, staffi ng, and take down of the 

exhibits.

• Ship 25 exhibits annually to national exhibitions that are of a 

crosscutting nature (involve multiple FHWA offi ces).

All Goal Areas

(Annually)

Sep 2006

Sep 2007

Operate the R&T Product Distribution Center to distribute 

approximately 300,000 items (reports, CDs, videos, National 

Highway Institute course materials):

• Provide online access to the Product Distribution Center 

database.

All Goal Areas

(Annually)

Sep 2006

Sep 2007

Continue improvements to the RD&T Technical Reference Center 

to enhance the collections and access to the resources, including 

reference and research services:

• Provide online access to the Technical Reference Center 

database.

All Goal Areas

(Annually)

Sep 2006

Sep 2007

Offi ce of Research and Technology Services

Offi ce Director: John McCracken, John.McCracken@fhwa.dot.gov, 202–493–3422

Offi ce of Research and Technology Services

The Offi ce of Research and Technology Services leads in leveraging T&I deployment, one 

of the Agency’s key business processes. The offi ce also provides various marketing and 

communication services Agencywide, as well as within the Offi ce of RD&T. These include 

planning and executing the FHWA-wide exhibit program; administering the R&T Products 

Distribution Center; editing, publishing, and distributing RD&T research reports; overseeing 

RD&T Web pages; and publishing periodicals, such as Public Roads, that reach customers 

worldwide. The offi ce also supports the implementation of the CMP. 
30

Key Activities Goal Anticipated 

Completion

Offi ce Director: John McCracken, John.McCracken@fhwa.dot.gov, 202–493–3422 (continued)

Provide technical meeting support services for at least 30 

meetings for various FHWA offi ces nationwide. All Goal Areas

(Annually)

Sep 2006

Sep 2007

Provide writing and editorial services for 200 FHWA projects 

annually. All Goal Areas

(Annually)

Sep 2006

Sep 2007

Solicit articles, edit, and print R&T periodicals:

• Public Roads—at least 6 issues per year.

• Focus—12 issues per year.

• Transporter—12 issues per year.

All Goal Areas

(Annually)

Sep 2006

Sep 2007

Coordinate at least 50 external outreach and information 

exchange events each year. All Goal Areas

(Annually)

Sep 2006

Sep 2007

Improve the RD&T publication process. All Goal Areas Sep 2006

Improve the RD&T communication plan process. All Goal Areas Sep 2006
3

RD&T Performance Management

The performance planning process for the Offi ce of RD&T supports the Agency R&T 

planning process and enables RD&T to carry out its research functions in support of a nationally coordinated R&T Program. The RD&T Offi ce of Program Development and Evaluation is 

responsible for leading the development of the RD&T Performance Plan, with the support of 

the RD&T Leadership Council and Performance Management Working Group.

The RD&T Leadership Council is composed of the Associate Administrator for RD&T and 

the RD&T offi ce directors and team leaders. The RD&T Leadership Council functions in an 

advisory capacity to effect organizational process improvements on a wide range of issues 

including program planning, performance management, program planning, and quality of 

work-life. 

Reporting to the Leadership Council is an RD&T Performance Management Workgroup. 

The RD&T Performance Management Workgroup helps the Leadership Council develop the 

RD&T Performance Plan, develop performance measures, monitor results, and undertake 

initiatives to improve organizational performance. The Performance Management Workgroup 

is chaired by the Offi ce of Program Development and Evaluation and includes representatives of all seven RD&T offi ces.

Use of the R&D Investment Criteria

Developed as an initiative of the President’s Management Agenda, the Federal R&D investment criteria are used to help improve program management, inform funding decisions, and 

increase public understanding of the potential benefi ts of investment in Federal research. 

FHWA RD&T program managers work to ensure that research investments are mission 

oriented, support Agency goals, and meet the needs of our customers and stakeholders. 

The criteria are:

• Relevance. RD&T program managers must be able to articulate why an investment is 

important, relevant, and appropriate. Our research activities, products, and services outlined 

in this plan are designed to support the Agency’s goals and address customer needs. 

• Quality. RD&T program managers must justify how funds will be allocated to ensure quality research. Programs allocating funds through means other than a competitive, meritbased process must justify these exceptions and document how quality will be maintained. 

Quality also is assessed periodically through independent lab assessments. 

• Performance. RD&T program managers must be able to monitor and document how well 

this investment is performing. Program managers track R&T projects to determine whether 

the projects are on time and within budget, and assess whether to increase or redirect 

funding. Customer feedback mechanisms and retrospective benefi t studies also provide 

important information on performance.
32

USDOT agencies received a rating of “Green” in recent assessments of progress made 

under the Federal R&D Investment Criteria. Progress in this area is tracked and updated on 

a quarterly basis by USDOT. The President’s Management Council establishes the ranking 

criteria with input from experts throughout government and academia, including the National 

Academy of Public Administration.

Performance Planning and Reporting

The performance plan for FHWA’s RD&T Program is a 2-year plan that directly supports the strategic goals of FHWA and USDOT. The RD&T Performance Plan includes a detailed list of projects 

and anticipated completion dates. The listed projects are developed in conjunction with FHWA 

headquarters and fi eld offi ces as part of multiyear R&T program plans. The RD&T Performance 

Plan is complemented by an annual report that highlights program performance. Copies of RD&T 

publications are available online at http://www.tfhrc.gov/index.html.

The RD&T biennial performance plan directly addresses the research needs identifi ed by our 

customers and stakeholders. It provides information on the products, services, and innovations that will be delivered during the plan years, as well as ongoing research activities and 

support services. This plan also is included in FHWA’s national performance planning database, known as the Shared Unit Performance Planning System. 

The Lab Assessment Program

A lab assessment is an onsite, independent investigation by technical and scientifi c experts whose 

knowledge and expertise enable them to make credible and unbiased judgments regarding the 

conduct of research. The review provides a means to determine whether the research activities 

have high potential value and whether they are achieving their stated objectives. Additionally, the 

review produces a set of specifi c observations and recommendations for improvement of 

operations. FHWA has articulated the following four goals for the Lab Assessment Program: 

• Enhance research quality, performance, and relevance by providing lab managers feedback 

and suggestions for improvements. 

• Supply an opportunity for an exchange of views among technical experts. 

• Offer increased opportunities for FHWA customers and stakeholders to provide input to 

research and related activities. 

• Conduct a credible, professional, and objective assessment that further improves customer 

and stakeholder confi dence in the conduct of research and the outcomes produced.
Labs Scheduled for Assessment in FY 2006 and 2007

Scheduled Fiscal

Year

Aerodynamics Laboratory 2006

Coatings and Corrosion Laboratory 2006

Crash Analysis Laboratories

• NCAC at George Washington University

• Federal Outdoor Impact Laboratory

2006

Geotechnical Laboratories 2007

Highway Safety Information System (HSIS) and Design Laboratories

• HSIS Laboratory

• Geometric Design Laboratory

2007

Bridge Management Information Systems Laboratory 2007

Nondestructive Evaluation and Pavement Surface Analysis

• Nondestructive Evaluation Validation Center

• Pavement Surface Analysis Lab

2007

As part of its commitment to continually reevaluate the effectiveness and effi ciency of its operations, TFHRC established a lab assessment process in 2003 that used external, independent 

evaluators from industry, academia, and government. Evaluations are programmed on a 4-year 

cycle for each of the labs at TFHRC. To date, seven labs have completed the assessment. 

Results of those assessments, as well as a detailed description of the program, are available on 

the TFHRC Web site at http://www.tfhrc.gov/services/labassessmentprocess.htm.

Performance Measurement

RD&T uses effi ciency measures to link resource utilization with the results that were 

achieved. The measures are designed to answer questions such as, “Are we making progress? Are we falling behind? Are we achieving what we set out to achieve?” 

Tracking program effi ciency measures allows RD&T to determine the extent to which multiyear program plan milestones are being met, and thus assess progress toward achieving 

long-term program goals. Additional information on our research results can be obtained in 

the TFHRC Profi le available at http://www.tfhrc.gov.

3
34

Project Distribution

Scheduled for

FY ‘06

Completion

Scheduled for

FY ‘07

Completion

Scheduled for

FY ‘08

Completion

40%

35%

25%

FY 2006/2007 Project Distribution 

Currently, 35 percent of our projects are scheduled for completion in FY 2006, and 40 

percent are scheduled for completion in FY 2007. There are 47 projects being conducted in 

support of the Mobility and Productivity goal area that are scheduled for completion in the 

FY 2006/2007 timeframe. In the Safety goal area, 34 projects are scheduled for completion 

during the same timeframe. 

Projects by Goal 

50

Mobility and 

Productivity

Other

40

30

20

10

0

Safety

FY ‘06 FY ‘07
3

Abbreviations

The following abbreviations are used in this document; this list is provided for quick reference. 

AASHTO American Association of State Highway and Transportation Offi cials

ACS Adaptive Control Software

AIDA Advanced Incident Detection Algorithm

ASR alkali-silica reactivity

ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials

AVA air void analyzer

CICAS Cooperative Intersection Collision Avoidance Systems

CMP Corporate Master Plan for Research and Deployment of Technology 

and Innovation

CONEW Concrete Extrusion Workability

CP Road Map Concrete Pavement Road Map

DOT department of transportation

DSRC dedicated short-range communications

DTA dynamic traffi c assignment

DynaMIT Prototype for the Real-Time Traffi c Estimation and Prediction System (TrEPS)

DYNASMART-X Prototype for the Real-Time Traffi c Estimation and Prediction System 

FEA fi nite-element analysis

FHWA Federal Highway Administration

FRP fi ber-reinforced polymer

FY fi scal year

GSOS Global Positioning System Surface Observation System

HCC hydraulic cement concrete

HIPERPAV® High Performance Paving Software

HPS high-performance steel 

HSIS Highway Safety Information System

IC Infrastructure Consortium

ICA intersection collision avoidance

ICM Integrated Corridor Management

ICS Intelligent Construction System

IHSDM Interactive Highway Safety Design Model

ITS intelligent transportation system

LED light-emitting diode

LRFD load and resistance factor design

LTBP Long-Term Bridge Performance

LTPP Long-Term Pavement Performance

LTPPBind LTPP Binder

MDSS Maintenance Decision Support Systems

M-E mechanistic-empirical

Appendix
36

MUTCD Manual on Uniform Traffi c Control Devices

NCAC National Crash Analysis Center

NCHRP National Cooperative Highway Research Program

NDGPS Nationwide Differential Global Positioning System

NGSIM Next Generation Simulation

OMB Offi ce of Management and Budget

PART Program Assessment Rating Tool

PBCAT Pedestrian and Bicycle Crash Analysis Tool

PCC portland cement concrete

R&D research and development

R&T research and technology

RAC Research Advisory Committee

RD&T research, development, and technology

RRPM raised retrorefl ective pavement markers

RTCC Research and Technology Coordinating Council

RWIS Road Weather Information System

SAFETEA-LU Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Effi cient Transportation Equity Act: 

A Legacy for Users

SCOR Standing Committee on Research

SMP Seasonal Monitoring Program

SRS Safety, Reliability, and Security

Superpave® Superior Performing Asphalt Pavements System

SWAT Strategic Work Zone Analysis Tools

T&I technology and innovation

TDR time domain refl ectometry

TFHRC Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center

TMC transportation management center

TPF Transportation Pooled Fund Program

TRB Transportation Research Board

TReL Traffi c Research Laboratory 

TrEPS Traffi c Estimation and Prediction System

UAV unmanned aerial vehicle

UHPC ultra-high performance concrete

USDOT United States Department of Transportation

VII Vehicle Infrastructure Integration

WIM weigh in motion

FHWA-HRT-06-037

HRTS-02/04-06(1M)E

Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center

6300 Georgetown Pike

McLean, VA 22101–2296

www.tfhrc.gov