October 2023—R&T Now Page 1 

Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center October 2023 

A newsletter about research, development, and technology (RD&T) at the 

U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

Research 

New Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

Laboratory Will Drive Innovation

By Craig Thor, Chief Scientist, Office of RD&T

As transportation data abounds, the FHWA is learning to harness 

these vast amounts of data through new analytical methods to solve 

transportation problems. FHWA is building a new laboratory called 

the Path to Advancing Novel Data Analytics (PANDA) Laboratory to 

use AI and ML to look at transportation challenges in new ways. 

What engineers consider transportation data has grown beyond crash 

reports and roadway geometries. Today, transportation data also includes 

nontraditional data, such as infrastructure sensor, weather, social media, and 

cooperative driving sensor data. Furthermore, research and development 

projects funded through the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center 

(TFHRC) are increasingly employing advanced analytical techniques to 

address transportation related questions—even when these techniques were 

not specifically requested. This trend has encouraged FHWA to build up its 

in house capabilities related to data science and analytics.

Located at TFHRC, the PANDA Laboratory will be a flexible platform for 

conducting advanced analytics with established AI and ML tools. AI is an 

incredibly potent emerging technology, offering significant opportunities 

as well as challenges. With the PANDA Laboratory, FHWA seeks to explore 

the use and advancement of AI while considering how to responsibly 

engage with it. The long-term goal is to make the PANDA Laboratory’s 

advanced analytic tools available for everyone at FHWA to use in support 

of all the program areas. FHWA envisions a future PANDA Laboratory as a 

space where transportation professionals can use a state-of-the-art suite 

of analytical tools. For the first time, researchers will have easy access to 

these tools to analyze large and combined datasets using AI, ML, and 

computer vision algorithms in new ways.

As part of building experience and data science skillsets, TFHRC 

researchers are working to understand tools and platforms. Future 

research projects are on the horizon to look at new and different data in 

new and different ways. AI algorithms can try to find relationships among 

these data—and perhaps, in the future, offer additional perspectives for 

research projects.

Contents

Research

New Artificial Intelligence (AI) and 

Machine Learning (ML) Laboratory 

Will Drive Innovation 1

Federal Lands Highway (FLH) 

Launches New Innovation and 

Research (I&R) Program 2

Operations

Workshop Preps Workforce for

Automated Vehicle Future 3

Safety

Highway Safety Information System

(HSIS) Updates 4

Safety

Highway Driving Simulator—Visual

System Upgrades 4

Corporate

Transportation Pooled Fund (TPF) 

Excellence Awards Promoting Research

and Innovation Through Collaboration 5

Infrastructure

New 21-Day Chemistry Test Is Game 

Changer in Predicting Alkali-Silica 

Reaction (ASR) Gel Formation

in Aggregates 6

Infrastructure 

New FHWA Test Facility Explores

Pavement Durability and Resiliency 7

Center for Accelerating Innovation

(Technology Transfer) 

Project Bundling Advantageous for 

State and Local Agencies 8

Highlights from the FHWA Research 

and Technology (R&T) Portfolio 9

Recent Publications 10

Events 11

FHWA R&T NOW
Source: FHWA.

Excavating a bench at the top of the west cut at the Pretty Rocks Landslide.

Page 2 October 2023—R&T Now

1

ASTM International. ASTM F3148 Bolts. To be released this fall.

Federal Lands Highway (FLH) Launches New 

Innovation and Research (I&R) Program

By Karyn Vandervoort, National Program Manager, 

I&R Program, Office of FLH

Road construction and maintenance on Federal 

lands provide unique challenges in rugged terrains, 

such as working around mudslides and rockslides or 

keeping vehicles on a park road with sheer drop-offs 

while preserving a scenic view.

Wild areas may require incorporating the safety of 

wildlife into road design, inspecting a bridge on the 

precipice of a canyon, or monitoring the conditions of 

thousands of miles of rural, low-volume Federal roads.

Chartered in 2021, the FHWA Office of FLH I&R 

Program’s mission is to work with Federal land 

management agencies (FLMAs) to find solutions to 

design challenges in natural spaces by collaborating 

across agencies, leveraging resources, and transferring 

technologies. This research program is a natural 

expansion and outflow of FLH’s 40-year relationship 

with FLMAs. The partnership provides a platform for 

cross-agency investment and technology transfer to the 

broader FHWA RD&T Program.

A gleaming example of this type of industrious research 

in practice is the Polychrome Area Improvements

Project in Alaska’s Denali National Park and Preserve, 

where an approximately 470-foot-long bridge will be 

needed to span the active Pretty Rocks Landslide, which 

has dropped more than 30 feet in elevation (Larsen 

and Stokes 2022). Earthwork, horizontal drains, and 

a possible retaining wall will likely be needed for the 

Perlite Landslide on the east side of the Pretty Rocks 

Landslide (FHWA n.d.). 

The project has been inaccessible to the public due 

to an ongoing landslide movement that closed a 

section of the 92.5-mile Denali Park Road to traffic.

The project uses alternative contracting methods 

(construction manager/general contractor) and is 

incorporating unique project elements, including 

the following:

• Design detailing to fully integrate the use of a threedimensional (3D) model. Even the tools used to install 

the bolts were modeled in 3D to ensure they would fit 

into tight areas. 

• Thermosyphons to stabilize the foundation, keeping 

the ground frozen at depth. 

• Utilization of a design to incorporate a prefabricated 

steel plate sandwich deck, a first for an FLH project.

• A new high-strength bolt to be incorporated into a 

new specification released this fall.1 The bolt allows 

for more accurate tensioning, the use of fewer bolts, 

and quicker installation. 

This work and other research projects help FHWA and 

FLMAs share research findings and proven technologies 

to improve the transportation networks on public lands. 

The I&R Program focuses on deploying and using I&R 

to increase resiliency and safety in the infrastructure 

of public lands. See the I&R Program website for more 

details (FHWA 2023).
Source: USDOT.

Example of a CAVe-in-a-box (USDOT 2023).

October 2023—R&T Now Page 3 

References

American Association of State Highway and 

Transportation Officials. 2020. AASHTO LRFD 

Bridge Design Specifications, 9th ed. Washington, 

DC: American Association of State Highway and 

Transportation Officials.

FHWA. n.d. “Polychrome Area Improvements Project 

Description” (website). https://highways.dot.gov/federallands/projects/ak/polychrome-area-improvements, last 

accessed August 16, 2023.

FHWA. 2023. “Innovation and Research Program 

Overview” (website). https://highways.dot.gov/federallands/programs/innovation-research, last accessed 

August 9, 2023.

Larsen, A., and B. Stokes. 2022. “Keeping America 

Moving and Accessible.” Public Roads Summer 2022

86, 2. Publication No. FHWA-HRT-22-004. 

Washington, DC: FHWA.

Operations 

Workshop Preps Workforce for 

Automated Vehicle Future

By Deborah M. Curtis, FHWA Highway Research 

Engineer, Office of Safety and Operations Research 

and Development (R&D)

As connected and automated vehicle (CAV) 

technologies and devices continue to advance, 

many transportation professionals may still not be 

familiar with how to operate them. 

This knowledge gap in the American workforce 

may potentially hinder the implementation of these 

technologies. As a result, the USDOT Intelligent 

Transportation Systems Joint Program Office, in 

collaboration with FHWA’s Office of Safety and 

Operations R&D, has developed the CAV education-

(CAVe-) in-a-box training workshop. The CAVe-ina-box training workshop targets future technicians, 

equipment vendors, and bench testers at community 

colleges, trade schools, universities, State and local 

departments of transportation, and other academic 

institutions (USDOT n.d.).

This workshop introduces the technical aspects of CAV 

infrastructure and vehicle components using a hands-on 

approach. Each box contains two kits: an infrastructure 

kit and a mobile kit. An infrastructure kit includes 

a roadside unit, traffic signal controller, personal 

computer, wired network switch, and power supply. 

A mobile kit includes an onboard unit, car power 

supply, controller area network connector, wireless 

router with cellular service, and tablet. The 4-hour 

workshop consists of three modules: introduction 

to the CAVe-in-a-box, CAVe-in-a-box use cases and 

applications, and CAVe-in-a-box configuration training. 

Scenarios for using the equipment, such as pedestrian 

safety, red light violation warning, and emergency 

vehicle preemption, are reviewed. The boxes can then 

be loaned out for a month to attendees to take back to 

their respective offices and share the knowledge. 

After three years finalizing the training kits, the first 

training workshop for CAVe-in-a-box was given in April 

2023 in Texas. This workshop kicked off the education 

initiative plan to provide about 10 trainings per year. 

Initial response to the training has been very positive. The 

team has had maximum capacity at the initial in-person 

trainings, and demand to borrow a CAVe-in-a-box has 

been strong. Interested individuals can also create their 

own CAVe-in-a-box for a total cost of about $15,000. 

More information can be found on the CAVe web page

(USDOT n.d.).

References

USDOT. n.d. “Connected and Automated Vehicle 

Education” (web page). https://www.pcb.its.dot.gov/

CAVEducation.aspx, last accessed August 18, 2023.

USDOT. 2023. “Connected and Automated Vehicle 

Education (CAVe) Lite” (video). https://www.youtube.

com/watch?v=t2qyqzunsRI&list=PLjP1oRdEKVdRi-pZ

Widrtko0eeNqQssL4&index=1&t=44s, last accessed 

April 3, 2023.
Source: FHWA.

Example PBCAT, version 3 support image diagrams a oneway roadway with a separated bicycle lane.

Page 4 October 2023—R&T Now

Safety

Highway Safety Information System 

(HSIS) Updates

By Carol Tan, Safety Data Analysis Team Lead, 

Office of Safety and Operations R&D

HSIS Gets New Web Address

The HSIS website has a new address: https://highways.dot.

gov/research/safety/hsis. The website features a new look 

and platform and contains the same, but updated, content.

Student Data Award Submissions Surpass 

Prepandemic Levels

Recruiting the next generation of data science 

professionals can be a challenge for transportation 

agencies, with so many fields competing for these 

skills. However, the future is looking bright. In 2023, 

the HSIS Excellence in Highway Safety Data Award 

tallied the most student entries since its inception in 

2017 after a drop in participation during the COVID-19 

pandemic. The award encourages undergraduate and 

graduate college students to use the HSIS roadway, 

traffic, and crash data to research a safety topic and 

prepare for a career in highway safety; more details are 

available on the award website (FHWA 2023). Thus far, 

all the submissions have exclusively used HSIS data, 

but students are encouraged to use HSIS data along 

with other datasets. Hence, judges look forward to 

seeing other datasets added to the mix in future entries. 

FHWA is partnering with the Institute of Transportation 

Engineers to administer the contest. 

Pedestrian and Bicycle Crash Assistance Tool 

(PBCAT) Version 3 Offers New Features

The PBCAT, version 3 is an online, browser-based tool 

available to anyone analyzing pedestrian- or bicyclerelated crash reports or specific variables related 

to a pedestrian or bicycle crash. PBCAT, version 3 

complements Statesʼ crash data systems, and variable 

outputs can be linked with other data sets using unique 

jurisdictional crash identifiers. Crash typing in PBCAT 

allows users to categorize crashes and is valuable to 

transportation professionals because it helps identify 

problems and develop countermeasures. PBCAT, version 

3 offers expanded micromobility coverage; this type of 

information can be difficult to get from police reports, 

which are mostly focused on motor vehicle crashes. 

Additionally, PBCAT, version 3 features downloadable 

graphics, found on the “Support Images” section of the 

website. Users can now utilize crash diagrams in reports to 

support understanding types of crashes. Other updates 

in PBCAT, version 3 include simplified crash types, 

streamlined logic, and user-friendly data output. The 

“Features” section of the website offers more details about 

the latest version’s exciting enhancements (FHWA n.d.). 

References

FHWA. n.d. “Pedestrian and Bicycle Crash Assistance 

Tool, version 3 (PBCAT 3)” (software application 

website). https://highways.dot.gov/research/pbcat, last 

accessed August 25, 2023.

FHWA. 2023. “Excellence in Highway Safety Data 

Award” (website). https://highways.dot.gov/research/

safety/hsis/2023-Excellence-Awards, last accessed 

August 18, 2023.

Safety 

Highway Driving Simulator—

Visual System Upgrades

By Michelle Arnold, Research Psychologist, and 

Brian H. Philips, Human Factors Team Leader, 

Office of Safety and Operations R&D

The Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center 

highway driving simulator (HDS) is located in the 

Human Factors Laboratory (FHWA 2022).

The HDS boasts globally unique innovations in the 

upgraded system: seven high-end, 4K projectors; 

portrait mode; computerized controls; and 

unprecedentedly realistic visual effects. The HDS also 

features motion-based systems, a full cab for the driver, 

and a 220-degree field of view. 
Source: FHWA.

The TFHRC highway driving simulator’s new visual system 

features a 220-degree field of view.

Source: FHWA.

October 2023—R&T Now Page 5 

The high-fidelity simulator and the world-class realism 

it creates help the FHWA to conduct better research—

more safely. Researchers can then generalize results 

from this research to the real world. 

The updated system’s software will help to develop 

roadway scenarios faster. Researchers can evaluate 

various type of intersections, generate fictitious 

intersections, and test different design alternatives. 

Researchers also can use the HDS system to work with 

State departments of transportation (DOTs) on new 

or unique roadway designs that may work better than 

current solutions and build aerial views and visualizations. 

Additionally, research can be conducted by collecting 

data from study participants. Researchers collect 

responses from participants via questionnaires and also 

observe specific behavioral responses to events.

In 2004, FHWA researchers successfully used the HDS 

to test diverging diamond interchanges (DDIs) before 

any DDIs were physically built in the United States. As 

of 2018, State DOTs had built and were successfully 

operating more than 75 DDIs across the Nation—a 

testament to the application of the HDS system. (Wallick, 

Williams, and Arnold 2018).

References

FHWA. 2022. “Human Factors Laboratory Overview” 

(website). https://highways.dot.gov/research/

laboratories/human-factors-laboratory/human-factorslaboratory-overview, last accessed September 6, 2023.

Wallick, B., J. Williams, and M. Arnold. 2018. Tuning 

the Federal Highway Administration’s Driving 

Simulator Motion Base. Report No. FHWA-HRT-16-067. 

Washington, DC: FHWA.

Corporate 

Transportation Pooled Fund (TPF) Excellence 

Awards Promoting Research and Innovation 

Through Collaboration

By Tricia Sergeson, TPF Program Manager, 

Office of Corporate Research, Technology, and 

Innovation Management

FHWA, in partnership with the American Association 

of State Highway and Transportation Officials 

Research Advisory Committee (AASHTO RAC) are 

excited to announce the launch of the brand 

new TPF Excellence Awards. The new biennial 

program provides an opportunity to showcase 

the outstanding research and innovation efforts 

achieved in the areas of safety, economic strength, 

equity, climate and sustainability, transformation 

and organizational excellence. 

For more than 45 years, FHWA’s TPF Program has enabled 

public and private entities to collaboratively conduct 

cutting-edge transportation research. Through the TPF 

Program, participants are able to partner to address 

common goals (from safety to concrete applications) by 

leveraging resources, funding, and expertise to further 

extend the reach and impact of their research.

The TPF Excellence Awards, announced on August 8, 

will highlight and further promote the great work and 

research achieved by partners. Nominating a project 

can demonstrate how partnerships through the TPF 

program have helped leverage limited funds and further 

nationwide advances.

Nominations for the first awards were due by 

September 26, 2023. 
Page 6 October 2023—R&T Now

2Muñoz, J. S., C. Balachandran, A. Shastry, M. A. Beyene, R. Mulcahy, J. M. Robertson, and T. S. Arnold. ˮASR Evaluation of Course 

Aggregates From Massachusetts Using Accelerated Tests.ˮ Forthcoming in the American Concrete Institute ACI Materials Journal.

A panel of diverse judges will review the applications 

in winter 2024, and an award ceremony will be held in 

summer 2024. The awards recognize outstanding TPF 

studies that demonstrate meaningful collaboration and 

partnership to advance national transportation research 

priorities in areas including safety, economic strength, 

equity, climate and sustainability, transformation, and 

organizational excellence.

The TPF Excellence Awards provide an important new 

opportunity. Any TPF Program participant can nominate 

an eligible TPF study and spread the word about the great 

work researchers are doing. Nominations will be reviewed 

based on how well each TPF study demonstrates 

strong collaboration and partnership, adds value to the 

transportation industry, supports U.S. Department of 

Transportation strategic goals, and advances research 

and innovation. For more information, please go to the 

TPF Excellence Awards web page (FHWA 2023).

References

FHWA. 2023. “Transportation Pooled Fund (TPF) 

Excellence Awards Program” (website). https://www.

pooledfund.org/Home/ExcellenceAwardsProgram, last 

accessed August 15, 2023.

Infrastructure 

New 21-Day Chemistry Test Is Game Changer 

in Predicting Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) Gel 

Formation in Aggregates

By Terence S. Arnold, Senior Research Chemist, 

Infrastructure Materials Team, Office of Infrastructure R&D

Without testing, ASR gels can form from the reaction 

of alkalis in cement with certain aggregates; the gels 

can absorb water and cause concrete cracking. 

Periodic testing of aggregates for ASR susceptibility 

is a key strategy in fighting ASR development in 

transportation infrastructure.2 In 1940, the first research 

paper on concrete cracking was published (Carlson 1940). 

Aggregate testing for this issue began in 1947 (Mielenz, 

Greene, and Benton 1947). In the years that followed, 

researchers developed many different tests. Almost 

all the tests relied on measuring physical expansion. 

The tests were not consistently accurate and tended 

to overestimate or underestimate ASR reactivity in 

aggregates. The recent FHWA discovery of the 

Turner-Fairbank Aggregate Susceptibility Test (TFAST) 

has forever changed aggregate testing.

About 12 years ago, the Chemistry Laboratory at 

FHWA’s Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center 

began working on a research project titled Determining

an Aggregateʼs Potential for Forming Alkali-Silica

Reactivity (ASR) Gels in Concrete (FHWA n.d.a, b). 

Researchers sought to produce a method that was not 

based on fabricating concrete or mortar samples but 

simply measured the chemistry. This research looked 

at the problem of concrete cracking in a new way, 

attempting to understand what ASR gel was and why it 

kept expanding. (The expansion tests used at that time 

showed whether the sample had gotten larger but did 

not test for ASR gels.)

Then the researchers discovered the TFAST—a new 

test that had 100-percent agreement with existing 

data on some blocks and could test for whether 

reactive sites were present and accurately predict 

the formation of ASR gels. The TFAST has since been 

approved by the American Association of State 

Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) 

as a provisional test method: AASHTO TP 144-21—

Determining the Potential Alkali-Silica Reactivity of 

Coarse Aggregates (TFHRC-TFAST) (Arnold 2023).

The TFAST is generating tremendous interest. The 

test takes only 21 days. In comparison, the ASTM 1293 

takes a year (ASTM International 2020). Only 5 grams 

of aggregate are needed for a TFAST test. Over the 

past 3 years, FHWA has been helping State agencies 

learn how to do the test. 18 months ago, 45 State 

departments of transportation attended a virtual 

meeting on the topic. FHWA is dedicated to providing 

hands on assistance to State agencies to get the TFAST 

widely implemented. Once adopted by agencies, the 

TFAST is a game changer; for the first time, agencies 

can accurately test for ASR gels.

References

Arnold, T. S. “Can Chemistry Improve the Nation’s 

Roadways?” Public Roads 87, no. 3. Publication No. 

FHWA-HRT-24-001.

ASTM International. 2020. Standard Test Method for 

Determination of Length Change of Concrete Due 

to Alkali Silica Reaction, ASTM C1293-20a. West 

Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International.

Carson, R. W. 1940. “Attempts To Measure the Cracking 

Tendency of Concrete.” Journal Proceedings 36, 6.
Source: FHWA.

Photograph of third-generation PTF under construction.

October 2023—R&T Now Page 7 

FHWA. n.d.a. “Chemistry Laboratory Overview” (web 

page). https://highways.dot.gov/research/laboratories/

chemistry-laboratory/chemistry-laboratory-overview, 

last accessed September 5, 2023.

FHWA. n.d.b. “Determining an Aggregate’s Potential for 

Forming Alkali-Silica Reactivity (ASR) Gels in Concrete: 

Project Description” (web page). https://highways.

dot.gov/research/projects/determining-aggregatespotential-forming-alkali-silica-reactivity-asr-gelsconcrete, last accessed August 21, 2023.

Mielenz, R. C., K. T. Greene, and E. J. Benton. 1947. 

“Chemical Test for Reactivity of Aggregates with 

Cement Alkalies; Chemical Processes in CementAggregate Reaction.” Journal Proceedings 44, 11.

Infrastructure 

New FHWA Test Facility Explores Pavement 

Durability and Resiliency

By Michael Adams, Senior Research Civil Engineer, and 

Jennifer Nicks, Senior Research Geotechnical Engineer, 

Office of Infrastructure R&D

Resilience and sustainability have become major 

buzzwords for the future of the pavements that make 

up our Nation’s roadways.

How can we extend the life of pavement on our aging 

roadways while preserving our natural resources and help 

them withstand the impact of extreme weather events 

and vehicle loads? FHWA has sought to address this issue 

through its Sustainable Pavements Program (FHWA 2023). 

Additionally, FHWA is currently upgrading its Pavement

Testing Facility (PTF) at the Turner-Fairbank Highway 

Research Center (FHWA 2021).

The third-generation version of this facility takes a more 

holistic approach to testing pavements. It evaluates 

state-of-the-art asphalt mix designs, examines 

pavement response and performance, compares 

different structures and design methodologies, 

assesses resiliency, and tests geotechnical aspects.3

This upgrade continues the evolution of FHWA’s 

PTF, which was first built in 1986. At that time, the 

first-generation PTF had only a two-lane pavement 

field for testing. In 1993, the second-generation PTF 

was expanded to a 12-lane configuration. The thirdgeneration PTF now has an 11-lane pavement field, with 

4 pavement pits, 5 barrier walls, and nearly 300 sensors 

for monitoring structural performance and health.3

The third-generation PTF will be the site of major 

research projects evaluating a hidden asset—the granular 

base beneath our highways—perhaps the most valuable 

asset in our highway transportation system. Beneath 

the pavement surface, the aggregate base layer often 

serves as the stiff foundation to support the dynamic 

loads of vehicles; however, that pumping action over 

time can cause base contamination, leading to reduced 

drainability. The geotechnical research team will 

investigate optimizing the strength and stiffness of base 

materials with their permeability for improved structural 

performance over time through in-service evaluations 

and laboratory testing to better define serviceability 

criteria for road bases. In addition, inverted pavement 

systems will be studied, with the potential for improved 

sustainability. The team plans to develop new design 

and construction practices that will preserve the 

integrity and value of this significant asset. Additionally, 

the research will provide insights on how to properly 

reuse a granular base when it has been contaminated 

and how to work with existing road bases.

References

FHWA. 2021. “Pavement Testing Facility Overview.” 

https://highways.dot.gov/research/laboratories/

pavement-testing-laboratory/pavement-testing-facilityoverview, last accessed August 18, 2023.

FHWA. 2023. “Sustainable Pavements Program” 

(web page). https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/

sustainability/, last accessed August 17, 2023.

3Unpublished article titled “Redesign of the Third-Generation FHWA Pavement Test Facility” by Michael T. Adams, Jennifer E. Nicks, 

and Regis Carvalho.
Source: FHWA (D’Angelo et al. 2019).

Cover page of guidebook for bridge bundling published 

by FHWA.

Page 8 October 2023—R&T Now

Center for Accelerating Innovation 

(Technology Transfer) Project Bundling 

Advantageous for State and Local Agencies

By Matthew Corrigan, Research Civil Engineer, 

Office of Infrastructure R&D

In the past few decades, State and local 

transportation agencies have faced increasing 

infrastructure maintenance and construction needs. 

At the same time, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law 

(BIL), signed in 2021, provides $550 billion in funding 

to invest in the Nation’s infrastructure (FHWA 2023a). 

The preservation needs coupled with the recent influx 

of Federal money requires an efficient approach to 

leverage maximum benefits. BIL grants for funding have 

also encouraged project bundling (California Local 

Technical Assistance Program 2023). As a result, FHWA 

is promoting the use of project bundling.

Project bundling is a procurement process where 

multiple projects for rehabilitating or replacing 

infrastructure are brought together under one contract. 

Through this process, project sponsors can address 

many projects with similar needs using standard and 

cost-effective rehabilitation and replacement strategies—

increasing efficiency and saving time and money. The 

resulting economies of scale can also attract innovative 

designs and collaborative contractor teams that can 

expedite construction, improve quality, and reduce 

costs for public agencies.

In June 2023, FHWA held a series of events to educate 

State and local agencies about project bundling as 

part of its Every Day Counts initiative, which organizes 

technology transfer activities for public agencies to 

promote proven-yet-underutilized innovations. The 

first two events were peer panel discussions about 

bundling from the perspective of planning, design, 

delivery methods, and construction. The third and 

fourth events demonstrated tools and other resources 

to help advance bundling efforts. The webinar on June 

14 presented attendees with an agency self-assessment 

tool, a multi-agency bundling process flow chart, a 

10-step implementation plan template, and a guidance 

document titled Advanced Project Bundling: A 

Reference for Getting Started (D’Angelo et al. 2021).

State and local agencies throughout the Nation have 

taken advantage of project bundling for all kinds of 

infrastructure, including bridges, roads, freeway lighting, 

travel plazas, and electric vehicle charging stations. 

See the FHWA web pages “Project Bundling Resources” 

and “Bundled Facilities Overview” for more information 

(FHWA n.d.a, b).

To see recordings of these project bundling events, 

click here (FHWA 2023b). 

References

California Local Technical Assistance Program. 

2023. “FHWA Every Day Counts: Project Bundling” 

(web page). https://www.localassistanceblog.

com/2023/05/30/fhwa-every-day-counts-projectbundling/, last accessed August 17, 2023.

D’Angelo, D., D. Gransberg, B. Benton, R. McCleary, 

R. Garcia, and D. Unkefer. 2021. Advanced Project 

Bundling: A Reference for Getting Started. No. FHWARC-21-0008. Washington, DC: FHWA. https://www.

fhwa.dot.gov/ipd/pdfs/alternative_project_delivery/

Advanced_Project_Bundling_Report.pdf, last accessed 

Sept 12, 2023.

D’Angelo, D., B. Benton, T. Bishop, R. Garcia, and 

K. Atkins. 2019. Bridge Bundling Guidebook: An 

Efficient and Effective Method for Maintaining and 

Improving Bridge Assets. Report No. FHWA-HIF-19-057. 

Washington, DC: FHWA. https://www.fhwa.dot.

gov/ipd/pdfs/alternative_project_delivery/bridge_

bundling_guidebook_070219.pdf, last accessed 

September 12, 2023.
Source: FHWA.

Screenshot of the FHWA R&T Portfolio playlist. 

October 2023—R&T Now Page 9 

Turner-Fairbank 

Highway Research 

Center Trivia 

FHWA. n.d.a. “Project Bundling Resources” (web page). 

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ipd/alternative_project_

delivery/defined/bundled_facilities/project_bundling_

resources.aspx, last accessed September 12, 2023.

FHWA. n.d.b. “Bundled Facilities Overview” (web page). 

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ipd/alternative_project_

delivery/defined/bundled_facilities/, last accessed 

Sept 12, 2023.

FHWA. 2023a. “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law” 

(web page). https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bipartisaninfrastructure-law/, last accessed August 17, 2023.

FHWA. 2023b. “Construction and Project Management” 

(web page). https://highways.dot.gov/research/

research-programs/infrastructure/construction-projectmanagement, last accessed September 12, 2023.

Why is there a cemetery on 

the TFHRC grounds?

The Reid Family Cemetery was 

originally part of the Reid family farm, 

which dates back to the mid-1800s. 

The U.S. Government acquired the 

farm from a Reid descendant in 1940 

for $24,954.83. Part of the agreement 

with the Reid family was that the 

Government would maintain the 

private cemetery and that family 

descendants would have the option 

to be buried there if they wished.

Sources

FHWA. 2017. Preservation of the Reid Family 

Cemetery: Evolution of the Turner-Fairbank 

Highway Research Center Property. Report No. 

FHWA-HRT-18-005. Washington, DC: FHWA.

FHWA. 2005. Evolution of The Turner-Fairbank 

Highway Research Center Property - Preservation of 

the Reid Cemetery. Report No. FHWA-HRT-05-140. 

Washington, DC: FHWA.

Highlights from the FHWA Research and 

Technology (R&T) Portfolio

FHWA R&T program identifies and addresses issues of 

national significance that are not or cannot be addressed 

by other research sponsors. This video series highlights 

selected FHWA R&T activities, initiatives, and projects 

that promote greater national economic growth, 

prosperity, and safety. See video highlights from the 

FHWA R&T Portfolio for more information.
Recent Publications 

Physically Informed Data-Driven 

Methods for Greatly Enhancing 

the Use of Heterogeneous 

Supplementary Cementitious 

Materials in Transportation 

Infrastructure

Date posted: September 5, 2023

Publication no.: FHWA-HRT-23-040

Developing Crash Modification 

Factors for Mini Roundabouts

Date posted: September 1, 2023

Publication no.: FHWA-HRT-23-019

Developing Crash Modification 

Factors for Separated Bicycle Lanes

Date posted: August 31 2023

Publication no.: FHWA-HRT-23-078

FHWA Federal-Aid Division State 

Planning and Research Subpart B 

(SPR-B) Program

Date posted: August 17, 2023

Publication no.: FHWA-HRT-23-050

Safety Evaluations of Innovative 

Intersection Designs for Pedestrians 

and Bicyclists

Date posted: August 16, 2023

Publication no.: FHWA-HRT-23-052

Federal Highway Administration 

(FHWA) Research and Technology 

Updates Newsletter, May 2023:

Spring Issue

Date posted: August 16, 2023

Publication no.: FHWA-HRT-23-095

In-Situ Scour Testing Device (ISTD), 

State Demonstrations of Field Soil 

Tests, Boston, KY

Date posted: August 16, 2023

Publication no.: FHWA-HRT-23-089

Learn More About FHWA’s Office of 

Infrastructure Research and 

Development

Date posted: August 4, 2023

Publication no.: FHWA-HRT-23-099

EAR Multidisciplinary Initiative 

to Create and Integrate Realistic 

Artificial Datasets

Date posted: July 31, 2023

Publication no.: FHWA-HRT-23-058

Evaluation of Lane Reduction and 

Late Merge Signing

Date posted: July 31, 2023

Publication no.: FHWA-HRT-23-070

Variability in the Engineering 

Properties of Open-Graded 

Aggregate Backfills

Date posted: July 26, 2023 

Publication no.: FHWA-HRT-23-046

Complete Streets Construction 

Cost Case Study: 300 West Street 

Reconstruction Project, 

Salt Lake City, UT

Date posted: July 7, 2023

Publication no.: FHWA-HRT-23-060

Analysis of Material Source Mergers 

and Acquisitions on Project Delivery 

Quality and Costs

Date posted: July 5, 2023

Publication no.: FHWA-HRT-22-082

In-Situ Scour Testing Device (ISTD), 

State Demonstrations of Field Soil 

Tests, Lovelock, NV

Date posted: July 5, 2023

Publication no.: FHWA-HRT-23-088

Long-Term Bridge Performance 

(LTBP) Newsletter

Date posted: June 28, 2023

Publication no.: FHWA-HRT-23-082

Complete Streets Construction Cost 

Case Study: Resurfacing of South 

Lawrence Boulevard (State Road 21), 

Keystone Heights, FL

Date posted: June 21, 2023

Publication no.: FHWA-HRT-23-057

Complete Streets Construction Cost 

Case Study: Village Center in the City 

of La Quinta, CA

Date posted: June 21, 2023

Publication no.: FHWA-HRT-23-059

Complete Streets Construction 

Cost Case Study: Resurfacing and 

Reconstruction of MN 28, MN 29, 

and MN 104 in Glenwood, MN

Date posted: June 20, 2023

Publication no.: FHWA-HRT-23-056

Documenting Effective e-Ticketing 

Implementation

Date posted: June 15, 2023

Publication no.: FHWA-HRT-23-047

Leveraging Big Data for Enhanced 

Pavement Management

Date posted: June 12, 2023

Publication no.: FHWA-HRT-23-032

Magnetic Flux-Based Nondestructive 

Evaluation Technologies for 

Assessing Corrosion Damage in 

External and Internal Post-Tensioned 

Tendons: Development Efforts and 

Evaluation Results

Date posted: June 7, 2023

Publication no.: FHWA-HRT-23-005

Ruggedness and Interlaboratory 

Studies for Asphalt Mixture 

Performance Tester (AMPT) Cyclic 

Fatigue Test: Phase II Report

Date posted: June 6, 2023

Publication no.: FHWA-HRT-22-113

Driver Yielding with LED-Embedded 

Pedestrian and School-Crossing Signs

Date posted: June 2, 2023

Publication no.: FHWA-HRT-23-038

Transportation Pooled Fund (TPF) 

Excellence Awards - FAQs

Date posted: June 1, 2023

Publication no.: FHWA-HRT-23-073

Source: FHWA.

Page 10 October 2023—R&T Now
© Adobestock.com/Anton Gvozdikov.

October 2023—R&T Now Page 11 

Events

Presentation: “Calibrating a Car-Following 

Model To Capture Impacts of Connected and 

Automated Vehicles on Human-Driven Vehicles”

This presentation will be given at the INFORMS [Institute 

for Operations Research and the Management Sciences] 

Annual Meeting.

John Hourdos; john.hourdos@dot.gov

October 15–18 Phoenix, AZ 

Panel Discussion on Artificial 

Intelligence in Transportation 

The panel discussion will be held at the Virginia 

Governorʼs Transportation Conference.

Craig Thor; craig.thor@dot.gov

October 18–20 Arlington, VA

Presentation on Cooperative Driving 

Automation Research Program

This presentation will be given at the Roadway 

Management Conference.

Pavle Bujanovic; pavle.bujanovic@dot.gov

October 17–19 Seven Springs, PA 

Presentation on Using Tests to Predict 

Long-Term Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) and 

Optimize Concrete Mix Design for Preventing ASR

This presentation will be given to the Pennsylvania 

Aggregates and Concrete Association and National 

Stone, Sand, & Gravel Association.

Jose Munoz; jose.munoz.ctr@dot.gov

October 23 Shippensburg, PA

Presentation: “Overview of FHWA 

Safety and Operations Research.” 

This presentation will be given at the Traffic Injury 

Research Foundation DWI [driving while intoxicated] 

Working Group. 

James Pol; james.pol@dot.gov

October 24

Panel Discussion: “Driving Automation 

and Vulnerable Road Users: Peanut Butter 

and Jelly or Oil and Water?” 

This panel discussion will be held at the Human Factors 

and Ergonomic Society 67th International Annual Meeting.

Jesse Eisert; jesse.eisert@dot.gov

October 23–27 Washington, DC

Monthly Nondestructive Evaluation Webinar

Fourth Monday of each month Online at 1 p.m. ET

Hoda Azari; hoda.azari@dot.gov

Deborah Walker is the Key Note Speaker at the 9th 

International Conference on Weigh-in-Motion. 

Deborah Walker; deborah.walker@dot.gov

November 6–10 Brisbane, Australia

Transportation Research Board Transportation 

Resilience 2023 International Conference on 

Extreme Weather and Climate Change Challenges.

National Academy of Sciences Building

November 13–15 Washington, DC

An FHWA expert, Amir Golalipour, will be giving 

several presentations at this conference. 

Amir Golalipour; amir.golalipour@dot.gov

Staff from FHWA’s J. Sterling Jones Hydraulics Research 

Laboratory will demonstrate scour and hydraulic 

engineering behaviors through the use of a portable 

physical model. 

James Pagenkopf; james.pagenkopf@dot.gov

Presentation: “Ultra-High Performance Concrete: 

A New Solution for Infrastructure Design, 

Construction, and Repair.” 

Brooklyn Center 

This presentation will be given at the Minnesota Annual 

Concrete Conference. 

Rafic Helou; rafic.elhelou.ctr@dot.gov

December 7 Minneapolis, MN
Page 12 October 2023—R&T Now

Distribution—FHWA R&T Now is 

being distributed according to a standard 

distribution. Direct distribution is being made 

to the FHWA divisions and Resource Center.

Notice—This document is disseminated 

under the sponsorship of the USDOT in the 

interest of information exchange. The U.S. 

Government assumes no liability for the use 

of the information contained in this document.

The U.S. Government does not endorse 

products or manufacturers. Trademarks or 

manufacturers’ names appear in this report 

only because they are considered essential 

to the objective of the document.

Quality Assurance Statement—

FHWA provides high-quality information 

to serve Government, industry, and the 

public in a manner that promotes public 

understanding. Standards and policies 

are used to ensure and maximize the 

quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity 

of its information. FHWA periodically 

reviews quality issues and adjusts its 

programs and processes to ensure 

continuous quality improvement.

MAIL:

Federal Highway Administration

Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center

Attention: Dawn Vanlandingham

6300 Georgetown Pike

McLean, VA 22101-2296

ABOUT FHWA R&T NOW

LINKS

FHWA R&T Now is a quarterly electronic newsletter that contains 

information and updates about research, technology, and development 

at FHWA. Send your comments, questions, suggestions, and feedback to 

fhwa_now@dot.gov.

FHWA R&T Now is available online at: 

https://highways.dot.gov/research/publications/RTNow.

Please forward this newsletter to others 

who might find it interesting or useful.

Turner-Fairbank Highway 

Research Center: 

https://highways.dot.gov/

research

FHWA Resource Center: 

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/

resourcecenter

National Highway Institute: 

https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/

home.aspx

Source: FHWA.

Source: FHWA.

Source: FHWA.

Recommended citation: Federal Highway 

Administration, R&T Now, October 2023

(Washington, DC: 2023) https://doi.

org/10.21949/1521450

FHWA-HRT-23-119 

FHWA R&T NOW