FHWA R&T Now ~July 2009~

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A news update of research, technology, and development from the U.S. Department of Transportation, 

Federal Highway Administration

GENERAL/ADMINSTRATIVE

-U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood: Overall Traffic Fatalities Reach Record LowThe U.S. Department of Transportation today announced that the number of overall traffic fatalities 

reported in 2008 hit their lowest level since 1961 and that fatalities in the first three months of 2009 

continue to decrease. 

http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2009/dot9309.htm

-Mendez Confirmed as Federal Highway AdministratorFormer Arizona state transportation official Victor Mendez has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as 

Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)."Victor's lengthy record of delivering 

major infrastructure projects on time and his enthusiasm for innovative solutions to complex transportation 

problems make him an excellent addition to the team," said Jeff Paniati, FHWA's Executive Director, who 

had been serving as Acting Administrator since January 20. "His leadership and experience are exactly 

what the nation's highways need right now. “Mendez, the former director of Arizona's Department of 

Transportation, will begin on July 20th and will deal with critical and timely issues in his role as the 

nation's top federal highway official, including implementing the American Reinvestment and Recovery 

Act, the largest new investment in the nation's infrastructure in years, and the reauthorization of the surface 

transportation law, which will guide federal investment in the nation's network of roads and bridges for 

years to come.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pressroom/mendez090713.htm

-Annual Study on Nationwide Traffic Congestion Released July 08-

The Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) distributed the findings of its annual Urban Mobility Report on 

July 8, 2009. Sponsors of the study, established in 1982, include the University Transportation Center for 

Mobility, the American Road and Transportation Builders Association Transportation Development 

Foundation and the American Public Transportation Association. The study’s findings are intended to 

provide a collection of easily understood measures to support national and local decision-making related to 

understanding the congestion problem and identifying solutions.

http://mobility.tamu.edu/ums

t-lomax@tamu.edu 979-845-9960 or, d-schrank@tamu.edu 979-845-7323

-Diverging Diamond Interchange – Springfield MissouriThe first Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) in the United States was opened to traffic on June 22, 

2009 in Springfield, Missouri. The Missouri Division began promoting the DDI concept in 2004, and the 

Missouri DOT took the lead in embracing the concept. The Office of Research and Development at TurnerFairbank worked closely with MoDOT, building a model of a DDI in the Highway Driving Simulator. The 

DDI design improves both safety and mobility by minimizing signal phases and more effectively serving 
left turning motorists. Additionally, the design eliminates the need for exclusive left turn lanes on the 

bridge, significantly reducing project cost. MoDOT is planning a similar Diverging Diamond project at 

another location in Springfield, and similar projects are underway in Kansas City and St. Louis. Following 

Missouri’s lead, a number of other states are on track to build Diverging Diamond Interchanges. For 

additional information about this project, please contact Felix Gonzalez or Brian Chandler at the FHWA

Missouri Division, 573-636-7104.

ADVANCED RESEARCH

-FHWA Received Exploratory Advanced Research Proposals; Solicitation Remains Open until

September 23-

The FHWA Exploratory Advanced Research (EAR) Program received and is reviewing proposals in 

response to a Broad Agency Announcement on 12 topics in the four focus areas: nanoscale research, 

concepts for integrated highway safety and systems operations, new technologies and advanced policies for 

energy and resource conservation systems, and maco, mega-regional and national scale modeling systems. 

June 24, 2009, was the deadline for proposals that could be funded in FY 2009. The solicitation remains 

open until September 23, 2009, for awards funded in FY 2010. The EAR Program plans to award around 

$11.6 million to proposals responding to the solicitation. For more information, please see 

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/advancedresearch/index.cfm or contact:

terry.halkyard@dot.gov 202-493-3467

david.kuehn@dot.gov 202-493-3414

-Exploratory Advanced Research at CUTC MeetingAt the recent Council of University Transportation Centers (CUTC) meeting hosted by the University of 

Massachusetts in Amherst, David Kuehn, the FHWA Exploratory Advanced Research (EAR) Program 

Manager, discussed the role of EAR in preparing for the future of transportation with three university 

researchers. The panel consisted of Dr. Avanash Unnikrishna who has done research on “Intersection 

Control for Autonomous Vehicles” at the University of Texas Austin (and will be starting at the University 

of West Virginia in the fall); Dr. Zachary C. Grasley, who is researching “High Performance, Stress 

Relaxing Cementitious Composites for Crack Free Pavements and Transportation Structures” at Texas 

A&M; and Dr. Steven E. Shladover, who is researching “Development and Evaluation of Selected Mobility 

Applications for VII” at University of California, Berkeley. The EAR Program funds exploratory 

advanced research across the range of issues that are critical to the transportation industry. FHWA awarded 

17 projects through the EAR Program based on full and open competitions during FY 2007 and FY 2008 

involving 15 different universities and colleges. For more information, see:

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/advancedresearch/index.cfm 

-FHWA Investigates Smart ParticlesThe FHWA Exploratory Advanced Research (EAR) program and Office of Infrastructure R&D hosted a 

market research meeting on June 18 titled “Smart sensors for hydraulic research.” The purpose of the 

meeting was to discuss the applicability and feasibility of using smart particle sensors to perform in-situ 

hydraulic research, with the focus being on measuring evolving scour conditions at bridges in real time, and

during extreme storm events. Representatives from industry and academia presented their ideas to the 

other meeting attendees and government review panel composed of experts from the US Army Corps of 

Engineers, National Institute of Standards and Technology, US Geological Survey, US Naval Academy, 

and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The presentations were followed with productive discussion and 
brainstorming sessions, and a follow-up meeting is being planned for this fall. For more information, 

please see: 

https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=5829f8f336c4d4ce108d583400b0a52e&tab=c

ore&_cview=0

kornel.kerenyi@dot.gov 202-493-3142

-Technology Makes Research EasierThe FHWA Exploratory Advanced Research (EAR) Program sponsored a second in an occasional series of 

workshops on reference skills for researchers. The workshop held on Thursday, June 25, 2009, provided 

information on “Leveraging the Power of the Internet: Research Scanning Using RSS.” Using RSS can 

save time and effort staying current with ongoing research. For more information or suggestions about 

other topics on research reference skills, contact: 

lance.warren@dot.gov 202-493-3123

-Fact Sheet: Increasing Highway Throughput Communications and Control Technologies to 

Improve Traffic FlowHow can the new capabilities of intelligent vehicles and highway infrastructure be used to reduce 

congestion and effectively increase highway capacity? This question is the focus of "Development and 

Evaluation of Selected Mobility Applications for VII," an Exploratory Advanced Research (EAR) Program 

project launched by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in 2007. Researchers at the Partners for 

Advanced Transit and Highways (PATH) program of the University of California, Berkeley, are 

conducting the 3-year project in cooperation with Caltrans.

robert.ferlis@dot.gov 202-493-3268

 

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/advancedresearch/pubs/inchwyfact.cfm

-Fact Sheet: Seeing in the Dark Improving Understanding of Driver Visibility Requirements at 

NightWhat visual cues aid drivers the most as they drive at night? Advancing knowledge and understanding of 

how drivers acquire and act on visual information while driving at night is the goal of "Increased 

Understanding of Driver Visibility Requirements," an Exploratory Advanced Research (EAR) Program 

project launched by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in 2008.

carl.andersen@dot.gov 202-493-3366

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/advancedresearch/pubs/seedarkear.cfm

INFRASTRUCTURE

-TFHRC Chemistry Laboratory Develops New Method for Detecting REOB in AsphaltThe chemistry laboratory at the Turner Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC) has developed a 

method for detecting recycled engine oil bottoms (REOB) in asphalt. These are residues from recycling of 

used engine oils. Their use in asphalt has become widespread. Conventional analysis might indicate 
incorrectly that the asphalt was modified with phosphoric acid. The new method is able to distinguish 

between phosphoric acid and REOB.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/asphalt/labs/binder/colorimetric.cfm

terry.arnold@dot.gov 202-493-3305

-Hydrodynamic Forces on Inundated Bridge DecksWhen a bridge crossing a waterway is partially or entirely submerged during a flood event, its deck may be 

subjected to significant hydrodynamic loading. The proper estimation of loading exerted by the flow on the 

structure is important for design and evaluation of vulnerability. This report uses a combination of reduced 

scale experiments and computer modeling to investigate the forces on inundated bridges.

http://www.tfhrc.gov/structur/pubs/09028/index.htm 

kornel.kerenyi@dot.gov 202-493-3142

-Corrosion Resistant Alloys for Reinforced ConcreteDeterioration of concrete bridges because of reinforcing steel corrosion has been recognized for 4-plus 

decades as a major technical and economic challenge for the United States. As an option for addressing this 

problem, renewed interest has focused on corrosion resistant reinforcements, stainless steels in particular.

http://www.tfhrc.gov/structur/pubs/09020/index.htm

paul.virmani@dot.gov 202-493-3052

SAFETY

-Techbrief: Safety Evaluation of Lane and Shoulder Width Combinations on Rural, Two-Lane, 

Undivided RoadsThis document is a technical summary of the Federal Highway Administration report Safety Evaluation of 

Lane and Shoulder Width Combinations on Rural, Two-Lane, Undivided Roads (FHWA-HRT-09-031).

http://www.tfhrc.gov/safety/pubs/09032/index.htm

roya.amjadi@dot.gov 202-493-3383

-Safety Evaluation of Lane and Shoulder Width Combinations on Rural, Two-Lane, Undivided 

RoadsThe goal of this research was to estimate the safety effectiveness of various lane and shoulder width 

combinations on rural, two-lane, undivided roads in the Evaluation of Low-Cost Safety Improvements 

Pooled Fund Study (ELCSI-PFS) Phase II. This evaluation intends to identify optimal lane and shoulder 

width combinations for fixed total paved widths as a countermeasure for roadway departure crashes.

http://www.tfhrc.gov/safety/pubs/09031/index.htm

roya.amjadi@dot.gov 202-493-3383
-Techbrief: Safety Evaluation of Advance Street Name SignsThe general conclusion from this research is that advance street name signs have a minimal effect on the 

total number of crashes at signalized intersections.

http://www.tfhrc.gov/safety/pubs/09030/index.htm

roya.amjadi@dot.gov 202-493-3383

-Safety Evaluation of Advance Street Name SignsThe goal of this research was to evaluate and estimate the safety effectiveness of advance street name signs 

at signalized intersections in the Evaluation of Low-Cost Safety Improvements Pooled Fund Study (ELCSIPFS), Phase II. This strategy is intended to reduce the frequency of older driver crashes and crashes related 

to way-finding (i.e., rear-end and sideswipe crashes) at signalized intersections.

http://www.tfhrc.gov/safety/pubs/09029/index.htm

roya.amjadi@dot.gov 202-493-3383

-Techbrief: Safety Evaluation of Offset Improvements for Left-Turn LanesThis document is a technical summary of the Federal Highway Administration report, Safety Evaluation of 

Offset Improvements for Left-Turn Lanes (FHWA-HRT-09-035),

http://www.tfhrc.gov/safety/pubs/09036/index.htm

roya.amjadi@dot.gov 202-493-3383

-Safety Evaluation of Offset Improvements for Left-Turn LanesThe goal of this research was to evaluate and estimate the safety effectiveness of offset improvements for 

left-turn lanes in the Evaluation of Low-Cost Safety Improvements Pooled Fund Study (ELCSI-PFS) Phase 

II. This strategy is intended to reduce the frequency of crashes by providing better visibility for drivers that 

are turning left.

http://www.tfhrc.gov/safety/pubs/09035/index.htm

roya.amjadi@dot.gov 202-493-3383

OPPORTUNITIES

-Federal Highway Administration to Provide $2 Million to Spur Highway Innovations that Reduce 

Congestion and Improve SafetyTwo million dollars in Federal funding will be available to test new technologies that can reduce 

congestion from construction and improve safety and quality. The FHWA will award $2 million through a 

third solicitation under the Highways for LIFE Program in addition to the $2,373,000 previously awarded. 

The funds promote testing and evaluation of emerging technologies to move them closer to 

implementation. A solicitation for proposals will be issued in the latter part of August 2009. Both forprofit, private companies and industries, and non-profit domestic and international organizations can apply. 
FHWA encourages partnership with State and local governments and academic institutions. For more 

information on previous awardees, see:

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/hfl/tech.cfm

To sign up to receive an email notification when the 2009 solicitation is published, go to: 

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/hfl/partnerships/notify.cfm

RECENT PERIODICALS

-FOCUS Newsletter -- June 2009-

This issue includes: A State of the Practice Guide to Prefabricated Bridge Elements and Systems; 

Highways for LIFE Extends 2009 Project Solicitation; State Experiences with FHWA RealCost Software 

Showcased at Technical Forum; Excellence in Utility Relocation and Accommodation 2009; FHWA Offers 

Training Course on Bridge Safety Inspections; and, Highway Technology Calendar.

http://www.tfhrc.gov/focus/june09/index.htm

lgpope@woodward.com

-FOCUS Newsletter – May 2009-

This issue includes: Bridge Preservation: The Time Is Now; FHWA Webinar Spotlights Advancements in 

Bridge Inspection; The Fundamentals of Life Cycle Cost Analysis; Highway Technology Calendar; Rapid 

Repair with Precast Concrete Pavement Technology, and, ARRA Updates Available Online.

http://www.tfhrc.gov/focus/may09/index.htm

lgpope@woodward.com

-Public Roads – July/August 2009-

This issue includes: 1. Safe Routes to School—Making a Big Difference Via Small Steps. 2. The Color of 

Safety. 3. Reconstructing Snoqualmie Pass. 4. A New Left Turn. 5. Retaining Walls Are Assets Too!

http://www.tfhrc.gov/pubrds/09julyaug/index.htm

martha.soneira@dot.gov

-Public Roads – May/June 2009-

This issue includes: 1. Peering Into the Unknown. 2. A Mix of Innovations Succeeds in Minnesota. 3. 

Exploring Vehicle Size and Weight Solutions. 4. Using CRFs to Improve Highway Safety. 5. Traffic Safety 

Education for Nonengineers. 

http://www.tfhrc.gov/pubrds/09june/index.htm

martha.soneira@dot.gov

-LTPP Newsletter- Spring 2009-
This issue includes: LTPP is Moving Forward with the Collection of Traffic Data; LTPP Database Tips; In 

Brief: Relationships Between Laboratory-Measured and Field-Derived Properties of Pavement Layers; 

and, New Publications.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/ltpp/news.cfm

-Transportation and Climate Change Newsletter –June 2009-

This issue includes: Transportation Legislation Introduced; House Passes Climate Change Legislation; 

Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States Report Released; DOT, HUD, and EPA Announce 

Partnership for Sustainable Communities; EPA Grants Available to Develop Local and Tribal Government 

“Climate Showcase Communities”; CCAP Releases Two Climate Change Studies; EPA Grants Waiver to 

California; Washington Governor Directs State Agencies to Lead on Climate Change; and, 2009 

Transportation, Planning, Land Use and Air Quality Conference to Focus on Climate Change.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep/climatechange/newsletter/ccnews0609.htm

-Transportation and Climate Change Newsletter – May 2009-

This issue includes: House Energy and Commerce Committee Approves HRT 2454; EPA and DOT to 

Conduct Joint Rulemaking on GHG and CAFÉ Standards; EPA Announces 2008 Clean Air Excellence 

Awards; Robert Ritter Named FHWA Sustainable Transport and Climate Change Team Leader; New York 

City Climate Change Risk; Impacts of Climate Change in Washington State; DOE Funding Available for 

Transportation Projects that Conserve Energy; and, 2009 Transportation, Planning, Land Use and Air 

Quality Conference to focus on Climate Change.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep/climatechange/newsletter/ccnews0509.htm

Links:

Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center: www.tfhrc.gov

Resource Center: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/resourcecenter/

National Highway Institute: http://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/home.aspx

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