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Rapid acceleration and deceleration reduce a vehicle’s fuel economy.

“Smart pedal” devices promise to smooth out a driver’s acceleration patterns and minimize the amount of fuel that’s wasted in the process.

To evaluate the effectiveness of these devices and identify potential fuel savings, the California Department of Transportation installed the technology on six fleet vehicles and monitored their performance.

After nearly two months of use under real-world conditions, researchers compared the fuel economy of the vehicles with “smart pedal” systems and those without. The findings could potentially help transportation agencies reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by their fleets.

Read the two-page research brief: Evaluating the Effectiveness of “Smart Pedal” Systems for Vehicle Fleets, February 2023

Image source: National Center for Sustainable Transportation

Despite advancements in signage, traffic-control measures and public awareness campaigns, highway work zones are often hazardous environments for maintenance crews.

Inspired by recent research that showed that in-vehicle warning systems may effectively enhance driver response, the Illinois Center for Transportation initiated a research project to evaluate the effectiveness of sensors placed on the road that can connect to vehicle communication systems and deliver automated warnings as drivers approach a work zone.

The project highlights the potential of this technology and offers recommendations for optimal sensor configurations.

Read the report: Enhancing Construction Work-Zone Safety by Passive Pavement-to-Vehicle Communication, August 2023

Image source: Illinois Center for Transportation

Butterflies, bees and other pollinator populations are in decline, potentially affecting the quality, health and production of the United States’ agricultural resources.

To support these critical populations, increase the recreational and educational value of state-owned property and reduce the need for maintenance, the Utah Department of Transportation established a pollinator habitat at a rest areas as part of a pilot research project.

Signs and other educational materials were developed to enhance visitors’ experience, and a manual outlining site selection criteria and guidelines for designing, establishing and maintaining similar areas can help the state implement similar projects in the future.

Read the report: Pilot Pollinator Habitat at UDOT Rest Area in Perry, Utah, June 2023

Image source: Utah Department of Transportation

When a work zone corridor includes driveways or other low-volume roads, accommodating vehicles entering the one-way flow of traffic can be challenging and potentially hazardous for maintenance crews.

Temporary traffic signals have historically been used in these scenarios, but as these devices stop mainline traffic they can add significant travel delays. Another potential option is driveway assistance devices, or DADs, which direct vehicles to join the existing traffic queue.

To evaluate whether DADs are a viable alternative to temporary traffic signals, the Ohio Department of Transportation installed both types of devices at four work zones along State Route 60. Researchers then compared the costs, benefits and effectiveness of both types, as well as a list of recommendations for implementing DADs in the future.

Read the report: Evaluation of Driveway Assistance Devices in Signalized Work Zones, March 2023

Image source: Ohio Department of Transportation

Extreme precipitation can result in flash floods and erosion that can compromise roadside slopes, embankments and other areas integral to transportation infrastructure.

To better understand how soil, climate and other conditions can lead to landslides and slope failures, the Mississippi Department of Transportation used high-tech strategies to evaluate failed sites across the state.

The project’s findings will help maintenance teams identify vulnerable slopes and strategize maintenance and repair activities to preserve the state’s assets.

Read the report: Development of Advanced Landslide Investigation Protocol Using Geophysical Methods for Mississippi, June 2023.

Image source: Mississippi Department of Transportation

In addition to making roadsides more attractive, turfgrass can help control erosion, provide road base stability, reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality.

But not all grass varieties perform equally, roadside conditions may change over time and vendors sometimes introduce new selections. To ensure its list of approved seed varieties is consistently up to date with high-performing options, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) initiated a research project to evaluate seed varieties and improve the agency’s processes for adding and removing options from the list in the future.

The results will help MnDOT’s maintenance workers keep roadsides healthy through droughts, harsh winter conditions and deicing treatments with less mowing and re-seeding.

Read the two-page technical summary: Evaluating MnDOT’s Turfgrass Seed Variety List and Approval Process, June 2023.

Image source: Minnesota Department of Transportation