Safety

If you want to work on NJDOT-funded infrastructure projects and haven't taken a refresher in two years, better sign up now. Course covers MUTCD, info on keeping workers safe, new NJDOT safety specs, and other federal and state regulations/changes.

If you want to work on NJDOT-funded infrastructure projects and haven't taken a refresher in two years, better sign up now. Course covers MUTCD, info on keeping workers safe, new NJDOT safety specs, and other federal and state regulations/changes.

The training covers topics including TIM guidelines, fundamentals, and terminology; notifications and scene size up; scene safety and risk management; traffic management; special circumstances; clearance; and termination.

If you want to work on NJDOT-funded infrastructure projects and haven't taken a refresher in two years, better sign up now. Course covers MUTCD, info on keeping workers safe, new NJDOT safety specs, and other federal and state regulations/changes.

If you want to work on NJDOT-funded infrastructure projects and haven't taken a refresher in two years, better sign up now. Course covers MUTCD, info on keeping workers safe, new NJDOT safety specs, and other federal and state regulations/changes.

If you want to work on NJDOT-funded infrastructure projects and haven't taken a refresher in two years, better sign up now. Course covers MUTCD, info on keeping workers safe, new NJDOT safety specs, and other federal and state regulations/changes.

If you want to work on NJDOT-funded infrastructure projects and haven't taken a refresher in two years, better sign up now. Course covers MUTCD, info on keeping workers safe, new NJDOT safety specs, and other federal and state regulations/changes.

If you want to work on NJDOT-funded infrastructure projects and haven't taken a refresher in two years, better sign up now. Course covers MUTCD, info on keeping workers safe, new NJDOT safety specs, and other federal and state regulations/changes.

The National Roadway Safety Awards program honors agencies in the transportation community that have made verifiable and significant strides toward improving the safety of our nation's highways.

On the 10th Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, the 2022 Northeast Coastal Conference brought together experts and industry leaders to discuss what we have learned, ongoing research and projects that are making our shores and coastal communities safer, and new ways we can continue to build a more resilient future.

CAIT-affiliated researcher Dr. James W. Hughes has been tracking the economic impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic through his series of Fast Track Research Notes. As we head into the new year with a recent upsurge of cases both nationally and regionally, he provides some new insight on how the situation develops.

A new center designed to educate the current and next generation of transportation leaders to be resilient to challenges of the 21st century has been established at Rutgers through a partnership with two industry leaders.

Last month we spoke to CAIT-affiliated researcher Dr. James Hughes to discuss COVID-19 and its potential impacts on the economy and regional transportation. Now we check back with him again for new insights as the situation progresses.

A three-year project at Columbia University is building Digital Twins of intersections, roadways, and other key infrastructure in New York City to monitor and map traffic flow throughout the city. Using Digital Twins can help officials simulate traffic and congestion conditions and test potential mitigation strategies.

CAIT's BEAST Lab has been testing a full-scale, 50-ft. bridge deck for a project sponsored by the FHWA to learn about how the bridge deteriorates under exposure to extreme environmental conditions and traffic loading — and to evaluate emerging bridge preservation technologies such as UHPC.

This summer, the BEAST Lab at Rutgers CAIT began to evaluate emerging bridge preservation technologies in addition to ongoing testing of a full-scale, 50-ft. bridge deck. Specifically, researchers started investigating UHPC to establish measurements of the material’s long-term performance under real-world conditions.

Safe Routes to School is a great way to help students be healthy and have fun on the way to school. This toolkit will help you kick off a new Safe Routes to School program or strengthen your existing one.

Dr. Szary leads CAIT’s research efforts helping to align them with USDOT’s national vision and the needs of stakeholders in the Northeast region. He has been a member of CUTC’s executive board previously, most recently serving as VP last year.

The Associate Director of CAIT, Dr. Patrick Szary, has served on the executive committee of CUTC previously as well as playing an instrumental role in both leading CAIT’s research in aligning with the national vision of USDOT while also engaging regional stakeholders and developing the Center as a dynamic resource.

Dr. Szary leads CAIT’s research efforts helping to align them with USDOT’s national vision and the needs of stakeholders in the Northeast region. He has been a member of CUTC’s executive board previously, most recently serving as Secretary last year.

The three-day event featured panelists from NASA, FAA, universities, industry, and more including associate director of Rutgers CAIT Dr. Pat Szary who presented on the safety and security roles that AI might play in the future of air mobility. A major theme of the event was addressing next steps in further implementing UAS.

Rutgers’ CAIT was awarded a $3.5 million grant from USDOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration under the University Transportation Center (UTC) program. This is the third time CAIT has successfully competed to retain its UTC status.

Working with the University of the Virgin Islands, CAIT researchers have developed a Flood Risk and Resilience Analysis Tool that can assess and visualize risk for roadways and other infrastructure susceptible to flooding and storms. It was built based on real flood data and the US Virgin Islands transportation system.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy recently announced the formation of a statewide council of leaders from various industry, community, and faith-based groups and institutions across New Jersey to work together and advise on the state’s restart and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rutgers CAIT recently enhanced capability in large-scale structural-testing equipment that will enable full utilization of its existing laboratory infrastructure and expand its portfolio in transportation research by providing access to a capability that currently does not exist in any other university in NJ and the region.

CAIT director Dr. Ali Maher and civil engineering professor Dr. Franklin Moon offered their thoughts on New Jersey infrastructure and encouraged lawmakers to view researchers in higher education as a resource and partner for finding solutions to the state’s pressing issues.

The 110-year-old Portal North Bridge carries approximately 450 trains and 200,000 passengers on an average day, and is in need of repair. CAIT helped to secure new funding from FRA that will allow NJ Transit and other stakeholders to advance these vital infrastructure projects.

This week (April 17-21) marks National Work Zone Awareness Week. Rutgers CAIT hosted the 2023 NJ Work Zone Safety Conference earlier this month recognizing the need for increased safety and awareness on the state’s local roads and highways.

Spring brings the start of construction season, and with it the important reminder to practice safe driving especially in and around roadway work zones.

The Infrastructure Asset Management Academy for Engineers and Planners is a 6-course program taught by experts at CAIT and industry partners designed to provide students with the knowledge, tools, and experience needed to make more informed asset management decisions.

ARA was selected as a contractor to provide program support and engineering services to the FHWA’s Office of Bridges and Structures and National Geotechnical Team. CAIT has teamed up with them as a subcontractor to provide research support and expertise.

While extensive research has been done on train safety related to derailments and other areas, the same cannot be said for end-of-track collisions at passenger terminals. The Rail and Transit Program at Rutgers CAIT has taken an active research role in addressing this.

Traffic congestion costs the US billions each year in productivity as commuters find themselves stuck on the nation’s crowded roadways. As more people use the transportation system, investment in innovative, intelligent technology is needed to ensure that current infrastructure can support the growing need.

A two-part study conducted by Rutgers CAIT compared rates of unsafe pedestrian and driver behaviors before and after Street Smart NJ campaigns were implemented. The results prove the effectiveness of the program and provide new data for future decision making.

The FRA issued a notice of funding opportunity for state of good repair projects including a total of $291.4 million in grant funding to help repair vital intercity passenger rail assets. Of that funding, NJ Transit was later awarded $18.3 million to upgrade the Trenton Transit Center, and CAIT helped to secure it.

Researchers are developing a new tool to monitor track misalignment on the Manhattan Bridge that will help NYC engineers make informed repair and rehabilitation decisions in the future. They are also investigating the impact of dynamic amplification on bridge-fatigue life and possible mitigation options.

A CAIT research report spurred legislation to establish a task force to examine difficulties that adults with developmental disabilities face just getting around.

Dr. Jie Gong’s recent work has focused on promoting coastal urban community resilience, including leading remote sensing-based post-disaster reconnaissance missions during Hurricane Sandy and other storms with the goal of advancing damage assessment methods and turning data into actionable resilience knowledge.

Dr. James W. Hughes has been tracking the economic impacts of COVID-19 throughout the pandemic with his series of “Fast Track Research Notes.” As recovery continues and vaccines are distributed at a larger scale, he discusses some of the shifts that have occurred and what things might look like as we rebuild.

New research from Rutgers CAIT is examining the consistency and relationship of three Pavement Condition Indexes. Analyzing them can result in more durable and sustainable airfield pavement in the long-term, and has the potential to help find improvements to the current practices in airfield-pavement management systems.

Dr. Cecilia Feeley, Transportation Autism Project Manager at CAIT, was among the researchers personally invited to attend the summit. Her breakout group was primarily focused on the emerging autonomous vehicle market and ways to make sure this technology is inclusive for all.

The infrastructure bill recently passed by the United States Senate could foster economic growth in the region as has been the case historically with infrastructure investment in New Jersey. CAIT-affiliated researcher, Dr. James W. Hughes, discusses this opportunity and potential roadblocks to economic recovery.

A new report from the New Jersey Task Force on Transportation, Mobility, and Support Service Needs of Adults with Autism highlights and identifies State policies and programs that can be improved to help remove or lessen barriers and enhance access to transportation for those with disabilities.

The NJ Transit Board of Directors recently approved an approximately $250 million contract with George Harms Construction for the initial construction phase of the Raritan River Bridge Replacement project. A study by CAIT-affiliated researchers helped to gauge the economic impact of the Raritan River Bridge project.

The Coastal Universities Coalition is a consortium of the nation’s leading academic institutions convened to develop science-based solutions to the most pressing issues facing populated coastal regions. This month, a CAIT researcher was invited by the organization to speak on infrastructure resilience.

On September 16th from 2-3 pm, Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT) hosted affiliated researcher Dr. Nenad Gucunski for a presentation on the state-of-the-art in the use of Nondestructive Evaluation and other technologies for the comprehensive assessment of concrete bridges.

Changing global climate patterns and warming temperatures are increasing the risk and vulnerability of numerous key transportation infrastructure assets, and new research from a CAIT-affiliated researcher suggests that this may include asphalt pavements as well.

Dr. Jie Gong gave a 3-hour course earlier this fall on statewide infrastructure resilience to storms, flooding, and other natural disasters at the NJ Regional Intelligence Operation Center.

A recent paper from Rutgers CAIT validated the Paratransit Skills Assessment and found it can predict an individual's ability to use paratransit services with greater than 96% accuracy.

The Walter L. Huber Civil Engineering Research Prizes are awarded to ASCE members for notable achievements in research related to civil engineering. Dr. Hao Wang was recognized by ASCE with a Huber Prize this year for his innovative research developing sustainable, durable, resilient, and smart pavement systems.

This year, a Rutgers and CAIT-affiliated faculty member took home the 2019 NJDOT Research Implementation Award for his innovative work on the development of a new protocol for accepting new coating systems.

Rutgers CAIT researchers Dr. Peter Jin and Dr. Jie Gong are contributing research on digital twin projects as part of a new Center of Excellence for Engineering Secure Environments from Targeted Attacks at Rutgers University that will combat potential threats to buildings, schools, stadiums, and other infrastructure.

The system analyzes video footage to detect illegal pedestrian activity and deliver data to help reduce preventable train strikes.

CAIT researchers have been driving advanced engineering solutions into practice here in NJ. A few experts at CAIT were highlighted by NJBIZ last month in an article on "Engineering Advances."

The 23rd Annual NJDOT Research Showcase was an opportunity for the New Jersey transportation community to learn about the broad scope of academic research initiatives underway and share technology transfer activities being conducted by institutions of higher education partners and their associates.

The continued spike of COVID-19 throughout the country could short-circuit New Jersey’s recovery which began to rapidly rebound in May and June, according to a new Rutgers report.

A report from CAIT researcher Dr. Thomas Bennert, in collaboration with stakeholders from NJDOT, tests the performance of existing High Friction Surface Treatment installations at locations in New Jersey, as well as the viability of alternatives such as High Friction Chip Seal for areas showing signs of premature failure.

In the years following the devastation that Hurricane Maria caused for Puerto Rico, CAIT-affiliated researchers at PUPR have been collecting field data from damaged traffic signs and bridges, testing these transportation assets to better understand their structural failures and breaking points during the storm.

Artificial Intelligence can help reduce pedestrian and vehicle accidents along NJ TRANSIT’s Hudson-Bergen Light Rail line and beyond.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, NJDOT's annual Research Showcase this October highlighted the benefits of transportation research, recognized leaders in the field, and featured research presentations from faculty and students.

The Region 2 UTC consortium is focusing on developing practical tools and methods to improve infrastructure health, durability, and resilience. Partners are: Atlantic Cape Community College, Columbia, Cornell, NJIT, Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, Princeton, Rowan, SUNY–Farmingdale, and University at Buffalo.

On December 9th from 1-2 pm, CAIT researcher and dean emeritus of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers, Dr. James W. Hughes, discussed economic trends the Northeast region is facing as it heads into the new year and continues to recover from the COVID-19 Pandemic.

On October 20th from 12 noon to 2 pm, the Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT) will host a seminar on port logistics. Click here to learn more and register.

On November 16th from 2-3 pm, the Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT) will host a seminar celebrating 10 years of the Transportation Autism Project at CAIT.

On December 9th from 2-3 pm, CAIT-affiliated researchers will give a webinar on "Effects of Exposure to Fire on Strength of Suspension Bridge Cables Over Time" as part of the ongoing CAIT Seminar Series.

On Thursday, February 25th, Rutgers CAIT will host UTC partners at the University at Buffalo for a seminar discussing their latest research quantifying damage to concrete tunnel lining during fire events in order to recommend proper mitigation actions and improve overall resilience of tunnels.

On Wednesday, September 16th, from 2-3 pm, Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT) will host the next installment of its ongoing seminar series on the state of the art in nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and other technologies for the assessment of concrete bridges.

On January 29th, 2021, from 2-3 pm EST CAIT will host UTC partners from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico for a seminar on their latest research studying damages from Hurricane Maria to improve future infrastructure resilience.

State transportation leaders gathered to learn about mobility and infrastructure projects happening in Middlesex County.

The National Center for Rural Road Safety is a leading resource to help transportation agencies reduce deaths on their roadways. As it heads into its second tenure, the Center recently announced a new approach and team to help address the needs of local agencies and rural transportation practitioners.

News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.

News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.

News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation. Includes stories on recent events, research, and faculty accomplishments and activities.

News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.

News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.

News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.

News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.

News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.

News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.

News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.

News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.

News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.

News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation. Includes stories on recent events, research, and faculty accomplishments and activities.

News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.

News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.

News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.

News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.

News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.

News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation. Includes stories on recent conferences, research, and faculty accomplishments and activities.

News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.

News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.

News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.

News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.

News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.

News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT

News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT

News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.

News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.

Self-driving shuttles are one part of NJ Transit’s future plans for filling in the gap on first and last-mile transit options. The agency hopes to test this technology as part of an innovative pilot program that Rutgers CAIT has partnered with them on.

Columbia University recently announced 10 faculty teams that were each awarded $85,000 to develop innovative technology for New York City during COVID-19. CAIT-affiliated researcher Dr. Sharon Di was among one of those faculty teams selected for a project developing a crowd management systems for public transit systems.

Using cutting edge technology stemming from augmented reality and connected vehicles, a CAIT researcher presents a potential new way to analyze infrastructure failures despite a lack of available data — as was the case in the Edenville Dam failure.

The DARPA Young Faculty Award works to identify and engage rising stars in research, and help them develop research ideas within the context of national security needs. CAIT-affiliated researcher Dr. Javanmard won the award this year.

The technology was created as part of a UTC project analyzing potential mobility and safety concerns of the transportation network surrounding the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Led by Columbia University, this grant will develop a new Center for Smart Streetscapes in collaboration with state-of-the-art labs at Florida Atlantic University, University of Central Florida, Lehman College, and Rutgers University/CAIT.

FHWA is pushing the Safe Transportation for Every Pedestrian (STEP) program to address safety at uncontrolled crossings by promoting crosswalk visibility enhancements, raised crosswalks, pedestrian refuge islands, pedestrian hybrid beacons (PHBs), and Road Diets.

The way that we think about and use transportation as it exists today has been shaped by innovative women leaders throughout history. They have contributed greatly to the safety of all modes of travel, efficiency of our transportation systems, and the development of new technology that drives transportation into the future.

In June UTC partners at Cornell's Local Roads Program will host a free webinar on low-volume roadway pavements and how to use a new software they have developed to help local agencies do their own pavement designs.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, excavation and trench-related fatalities in 2016 were nearly double the average of the previous five years. OSHA has resources to help reverse this trend.

“Expect the unexpected” when driving in and around work zones. Speed limits and traffic lanes may change and workers may be on or near the road. Diamond-shaped orange warning signs are posted. Stay alert, slow down, and obey flaggers. Read tips for safe driving on this handy sheet.

Submit your entry for a chance to win $25,000 in free construction equipment rental for your local infrastructure project. Dire States Equipment Grants reward projects that directly impact community residents' quality of life.

On August 30th from 1 - 2 pm EST, UTC partners at Rowan University will discuss their research Evaluating the Mobility Impacts of American Dream Complex and Developing Innovative Intersection Safety Tools, as part of a presentation during the CAIT Seminar Series. Learn more and register here.

FHWA acting administrator Brandye Hendrickson has announced the fifth round of the agency’s Every Day Counts (EDC) program, 10 selected proven, yet underutilized innovations to enhance safety, reduce congestion, shorten project timelines, and improve sustainability.

The second edition of Fast Track Research Notes published by CAIT-affiliated researcher Dr. James W. Hughes was published earlier in June and looked at New Jersey's May job gain and recovery following staggering loses due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. 

FHWA and the National Association of County Engineers helped 25 counties in California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, Ohio, and Wisconsin develop Local Road Safety Plans. LSRPs provide a framework for local agencies to identify specific conditions that contribute to severe crashes.

Thomas D. Everett was honored for his service and received the prestigious Rutgers Engineering Society Distinguished Engineer Award earlier this month at The 2019 Medal of Excellence Awards Dinner. He stopped by CAIT for a tour of The BEAST and other facilities too.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced it is pursuing an update to the “Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways” (MUTCD) in preparation for the future of automated vehicles and to afford states and local communities with more opportunities to use innovation.

FHWA announced that it is withdrawing its interim approval of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons. The concerns that led to this decision are not related to the functionality or safety of the device, but with the proprietary nature of hardware. Photo: ©Ryan Gillespie/Orlando Sentinel.

The December 31, 2018, sunset date for “new permanent installations and full replacements of cable barriers, cable barrier terminals and crash cushions” now only pertains to crash cushions. See important clarification on MASH Implementation site. Photo: WSDOT.

Primarily focused on the performance of structures under fire, Dr. Negar Elhami Khorasani is currently researching damage to concrete railway-tunnel lining during fire events, which can have millions of dollars of impact, through a UTC Fire in Tunnel Collaborative Project at CAIT.

Grateful for the excellent medical care he received from Rutgers University physician, distinguished professor, and CAIT-affiliated researcher, Clifton R. Lacy, M.D., a New Jersey business leader has pledged an $8 million donation to fund multiple innovative public health projects at Rutgers.

The project is related to a recent presentation at the 2019 Graduate Seminar Series hosted by Rutgers Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, where Mr. Joseph Englot, National Director of Infrastructure Security at HNTB, discussed alternative fuel vehicles, fire events, and more.

CAIT-affiliated researcher Dr. James W. Hughes breaks down what some of the longer-term economic and transportation-related effects of the Coronavirus, COVID-19, might be on the region.

A CAIT researcher has developed permeable concrete designs that are highly effective in handling heat. This pavement contains large connected pores, allowing water to drain and reducing pavement temperature. In some crowded cities, average air temperatures reach 1.8 to 5.4 degrees Fahrenheit higher than in more rural areas.

FHWA has developed a comprehensive set of programs, strategies, and tools for managing safer, smarter, more efficient temporary traffic control. How can you start using them?

The two-day conference gathered transportation agencies, police and EMS personnel, industry, academic researchers, and more to learn about the latest technologies being deployed and better understand the needs of first responders in the field today.

Dr. Cecilia Feeley will be using a safe, virtual environment to study how people with autism react to different types of pedestrian infrastructure. She is recruiting participants for the study now.

This report explains what active transportation financing is and how it works, sets out the benefits of increased active transportation financing in local government, examines different approaches, and explores important considerations regarding policy goals and campaign directions.

About 25 percent of fatal accidents in work zones involve large commercial vehicles. That’s about one fatality every three days. According to Texas A&M research, there are two main categories for countermeasures that could bring this number down.

At the 102nd annual TRB meeting, Geoffrey Vega, a Ph.D. student in Engineering & Applied Sciences at the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR), received the 2022 Student of the Year Award alongside his peers at the CUTC Annual Banquet on Saturday, January 7th.

At of the 103rd annual TRB meeting, Holly Josephs, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rutgers, received the 2023 Student of the Year Award alongside her peers during the CUTC Awards Banquet on Saturday, January 6th.

NJDOT announced the first awards in the new Local Freight Impact Fund program totaling $30.1 million to help municipalities safely manage large truck traffic. It is supported by the gas tax that was part of the 2016 TTF reauthorization.

NJDOT received approval (IA-5.29) on “Use of Clearview Font for Positive Contrast Legends on Guide Signs” (IA-5). This allows all New Jersey local transportation agencies to use the Clearview font, which research shows has improved legibility, on guide signs if they so choose.

CAIT researchers at the Rutgers Asphalt and Pavement Laboratory created this new free technology and are now licensing it to professionals in the field. The software can easily provide analysis for various asphalt-performance testing specifications while alleviating errors and decreasing testing time.

A CAIT proposal transforms part of downtown New Brunswick into a test bed for technologies that collect, process, analyze mobility big data—a crucial component to future integration of autonomous vehicles, a safer pedestrian and cycling environment, and robust public transit.

EDC-4 Safe Transportation for Every Pedestrian (STEP) tech sheets, complete with stats and clear graphics, provide information on safety benefits and design considerations for five STEP countermeasures.

As an increasing number of local and regional transportation agencies are committing to the vision of eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries and developing and implementing their own transportation safety plans. This FHWA guide will help them do it right.

New report provides assessment of 2020’s economic journey and an outlook for 2021.

Rutgers researcher says progress will be much slower as rapid recovery phase wanes.

New Jersey has regained nearly half of the jobs it lost due to the pandemic-driven economic contraction of March and April, but future employment gains will become increasingly difficult.

Rutgers researchers provide analysis on the pandemic’s impact on state’s economy through new Rutgers Regional Report published by a CAIT-affiliated researcher.

OSHA's silica standards require employers to limit workers’ exposure and take steps to protect them from respirable crystalline silica. OSHA has several new resources to help employers meet the standard’s requirements.

FHWA offers a new, free tool to help with data collection and decision making when it comes to implementing intelligent transportation systems in construction and maintenance work zones.

Rutgers researchers also expect pandemic-driven changes to the housing market, with shift to “live, work, play habitat.”

NJ STIC held its annual spring meeting on April 4, 2018. Presentations included updates on status of STIC projects, overviews of select projects and outreach efforts, and a roundtable discussion. Presentations are posted on the NJDOT tech transfer website.

Recognizing successful research collaboration between the agency and university, On April 6th NJ TRANSIT and Rutgers CAIT hosted a Research & Technology Partnership Forum featuring some of their ongoing projects.

Federal Transit Administration Grant Award Advances Transit Innovation and Safety.

This summer, CAIT and NJ Transit partnered to study the potential applications of ultraviolet-c light for disinfecting the agency’s bus fleet from COVID-19 in an effort to investigate the latest technology to help keep vehicles clean during the pandemic.

New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti announced the department is offering one-on-one training sessions for local-government agency representatives interested in applying for the Safe Routes to School Program grants.

The short-term goal of this research is to develop a guideline that agencies can implement into their own decision-making processes when evaluating rapid-repair materials. Down the road, researchers hope to develop new methods of testing rapid-repair materials and freeze-thaw cycles so that it becomes standardized.

NJDOT recently received a $16,000 grant through the FHWA's ASAP program. Using the money, they will partner with NJLTAP and other stakeholders to develop a workshop designed to spread and implement proven safety countermeasures, from rumble strips to roundabouts, throughout the state.

The goal of “Road to Zero” is to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2050. Coalition members develop priorities; take action individually and collaboratively; and encourage partners and stakeholders to help ensure safe mobility for all people.

Researchers at the Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation continue to conduct important work and take on new challenges in transportation during the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic. Here are some of our recent highlights.

Researchers at the Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation continue to conduct important work and take on new challenges in transportation during the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic. Here are some of our recent highlights.

As the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center, part of CAIT’s mission is to share the innovative tools, technologies, and processes that its researchers develop with the right stakeholders so that they can be implemented and solve the most pressing challenges today’s transportation network and industry faces. 

Researchers at the Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation continue to conduct important work and take on new challenges in transportation during the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic. Here are some of our recent highlights.

This October, CAIT has been in the news for various research and projects, has seen faculty members honored for their excellence in education and research, and has hosted a number of classes and site visits.

Researchers at the Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation continue to conduct important work and take on new challenges in transportation during the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic. Here is some of what we have been working on, highlighted by recent media coverage and virtual events.

From analyzing research gaps in applying autonomous and connected vehicles to discussing scenarios for railway tunnel fires, Region 2 UTC partners had an eventful summer. Below are some highlights from our researchers to you, and upcoming events to look out for.

Amid restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the region, researchers at the Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation have still been able to conduct important work and take on new challenges in transportation—highlighted by recent media coverage and virtual events.

From innovative research to receiving awards, read about some of the recent highlights and successes from researchers at the Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation during the summer months.

Researchers at University Transportation Center (UTC) partner school, Columbia University, are conducting a survey to better understand people's travel pattern changes before and after the pandemic to ultimately help improve transit service.

U.S. News & World Report revealed its 2021 Best Colleges ranking this September. Among a number of schools, many UTC partners were recognized in general as well as for their individual engineering programs.

By using Stormwater Green Infrastructure such as rain gardens and more recently porous parking lots, a CAIT-affiliated researcher is leading the way in building and implementing these environmentally-friendly measures to help control flooding events for at-risk neighborhoods.

CAIT has been busy in recent months with projects ranging from building virtual reality modules for workforce training to using drones in innovative ways for highway interchange asset inspection. Check out the latest edition of Transportation Today, our print newsletter, for these stories and much more.

Dr. Xiang Liu is driving rail research and academics at RU. He is PI on several FRA research contracts. One on PTC—a hot topic after recent derailments—and another developing advanced risk analysis. Liu says RU can provide cutting-edge tech solutions and well-“trained” talent that railroads need.

Roadway work crews face many dangers: inattentive drivers, hazardous dust, night work, and soon, autonomous vehicles. More than 250 construction, engineering, public works, and law enforcement pros gathered at the NJ Work Zone Safety Conference, held each year in conjunction with National Work Zone Awareness Week.

Systemic application of proven safety countermeasures on rural roads helps keep vehicles in their travel lanes and reduce the incidence and severity of roadway departure crashes.

As the Region 2 UTC lead institution, Rutgers CAIT gathered its consortium partners and high-level industry leaders to discuss the next round of UTC projects, clients’ priorities, and collaboration. Discussions focused on finding real-world implementable solutions for pressing transportation issues in the region.

Hurricanes or other extreme events can cause pipeline leaks, joint-weakening, or even ruptures. Dr. Jie Gong developed a mapping, monitoring, and risk-evaluation system combining lidar, infrared imagery analysis, and GIS-based assessment tools to identify vulnerable pipelines after a disaster.

Dr. Xiang Liu was picked as one of Progressive Railroading magazine’s elite group of rising stars under 40 years old. Liu is the founder and director of the rail program at Rutgers School of Engineering, one of the few such programs in the country.

Roadway departure crashes are among the most severe type of motor vehicle accidents. There are many contributing factors to these crashes and several safety measures that can reduce the number and/or severity of run-off-road and head-on collisions that occur when a vehicle strays from its proper travel lane.

Able to climb stairs, navigate rough terrain, and respond to commands, the mobile robotic dog, “Spot,” offers Rutgers CAIT researchers an autonomous technology for innovations in infrastructure maintenance and repair.

Robots are emerging in multiple roles for infrastructure construction, condition monitoring, and maintenance. From rigid machines to flexible soft ’bots—whether they fly, climb, crawl, or swim—these tools have rapidly expanding capabilities, applications, and utility in the field.

FHWA has been rolling out pavement technologies for construction and maintenance of roadway surfaces that can potentially save money, increase safety, and improve performance. The agency also is facilitating their use across the country.

A CAIT-affiliated researcher at Rowan University recently received a $40,000 NCHRP grant to continue his critical work studying Wrong-Way Driving events and preventing fatalities caused by this highway phenomenon.

A project from UTC partners at Rowan University is working to develop an AI-based algorithm that will automate the process of identifying landing sites from video data as well as satellite images—increasing safety and efficiency in the NAS.

A study on managing risk associated with broken rails by Dr. Xiang Liu was chosen for a special issue of Transportation Research Record that collects papers from 2016–2017 that were most frequently cited and mentioned in journal articles, federal reports, and policy publications.

By using drones to gather and evaluate interchange asset data, a team of researchers found a new potential use for UAV technology that can make collecting Wrong-Way Driving data safer and more efficient than traditional methods.

The research program will develop a semi-autonomous online portal for identifying and promoting new bridge technologies into practice.

Inaugural workshop convened international leaders in large-event execution, including transportation planners of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Rutgers CAIT hosted A Training Course on Ground Improvement Methods that outlined best practices for dealing with poor ground conditions at the job site. Professional engineers came to campus for the two-day event to learn about these technologies from guest instructor Jerry A. DiMaggio.

A CAIT researcher has developed two fully-interactive virtual environments that mesh innovative VR technology with the needs of infrastructure managers. Roadside crews can step into both of these bridge and pump-station environments, and step out with the hands-on experience they need to do their jobs.

First of its kind center establishes a national cluster of experts dedicated to developing the future workforce while advancing the safety, efficiency, and reliability of rail transportation.

Ahead of National Work Zone Awareness Week, Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation will host the annual New Jersey Work Zone Safety Conference on Thursday, April 7th, from 8:30 am to 1 pm.

Elizabethtown Gas brought in a Rutgers Drone team to map a gas pipeline replacement project and capture geolocations of newly installed underground infrastructure. The data collected will help the team develop enhanced As-Built models that are vital for informing infrastructure stakeholders in the area.

The American Council of Engineering Companies of New Jersey celebrated its 50th annual Engineering Excellence Awards this July, and recognized Rutgers professor and CAIT-affiliated researcher Dr. Nenad Gucunski as its Educator of the Year.

Nearly 200 transportation leaders visited Rutgers to discuss how the rail industry can improve public safety along its thousands of track miles.

Since Hurricane Ida struck New Jersey, a team of Rutgers engineers, researchers and students has been in the field assessing flood damage and gathering data to help improve flood prediction models and how New Jersey responds to future storms.

Researchers will develop new technologies to reduce the risk of pipeline incidents due to external corrosion and improve pipeline integrity management.

TRB’s Airport Cooperative Research Program recently announced the winners of its annual Graduate Research Awards. This prestigious award focuses on applied research on airport and aviation system issues to help the public sector improve the quality, reliability, safety, and security of the U.S. civil aviation system.

At the 24th Annual NJDOT Research Showcase, Rutgers student Xiao Chen won the 2022 Outstanding University Student in Transportation Research Award for his work on the NJDOT project “Innovative Pothole Repair Materials and Techniques.”

NJDOT officials extended the application deadline for the federally-funded Safe Routes to School grants to September 18, 2018, giving schools additional time to gather information they need to be eligible for a grant.

Recent UTC projects from Rutgers CAIT address critical issues of asset management, transportation safety, and infrastructure resilience during severe weather events as Hurricane Season 2020 continues.

The Middlesex County - Mobility Living Laboratory is transforming 12 downtown city acres and the wider Middlesex County into a cutting-edge smart mobility testing ground, designed to create an "innovation economy" in the region that aligns with the state's goals.

This fall, CAIT hosted multiple guests for tours of its Rutgers Asphalt Pavement Lab and other innovative labs and facilities on campus. From stakeholders at transportation agencies throughout the NJ/NY region to state legislators, CAIT showcased some of the impactful research happening at our labs.

Hurricane Maria left devastating effects on Puerto Rico when the storm struck in 2017, with NOAA's Office for Coastal Management totaling the damage at $90 billion. Now, research from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico is examining ways to make pedestrian and traffic infrastructure more resilient in the area.

CAIT researchers have demonstrated that mechanical vibrations have the potential to be one possible solution to alleviating the “ice bomb” dilemma. That is, ice accumulating on the stay cable sheaths of cable-stayed bridges and falling to the roadway below.

The 99th Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board will feature transportation professionals from around the world for a week of presentations, posters, meetings, awards, networking, and more. Use this schedule to find out when and where researchers from Rutgers CAIT will be discussing their own work.

TRB’s Annual Meeting attracts thousands of transportation professionals from around the world to cover the latest research across all modes of travel. Among them, CAIT researchers will be presenting their work at sessions highlighted in this article.

New Jersey's conference observing National Work Zone Safety Week celebrated its 20th year in 2019 and drew more than 250 transportation professionals from construction, public works, maintenance operations, engineering, utilities, and public safety.

According to national traffic data from USDOT, severe and fatal crashes are on the rise across the country, increasing 5.6 percent from 2015 to 2016. These two approaches can bring that number back down.

University at Buffalo engineers, and CAIT UTC partners, Dr. Negar Elhami-Khorasani and Dr. Anthony Tessari are looking at how to improve fire safety in tunnels.

USDOT launched a national competition, Solving for Safety: Visualization Challenge, for crash data analysis innovations. Competition is open to local government personnel, data scientists, academics, and safety experts.

PHMSA invited Rutgers grad student Milad Salemi to present his research at a workshop to encourage high school students to pursue STEM fields and to expose them to transportation careers. The event was part of the USDOT 50th Anniversary celebration.

NJDOT has released its strategic plan, establishing its organizational objectives for 2018–2022. It reflects the Secretary’s priorities for achieving the agency’s mission through four strategic goals; Safety, Infrastructure, Innovation, and Accountability.

Beyond Traffic 2045 presents USDOT’s is the most comprehensive report in decades to outline current and anticipated U.S. transportation needs. With its record for unique products and solutions, CAIT nabbed a slot as one of only 18 Beyond Traffic Innovation Centers.

Transportation professionals from around the world came together last week to share research, discuss the future of the industry, network, and more. Among them, researchers from CAIT shared their own work ranging from autonomous vehicles and accessibility to preventing tunnel fires.

CAIT-affiliated researchers were featured in a recently-released issue of TR News for their work deploying artificial intelligence to help detect and analyze railroad trespassing events, utilizing an innovative solution to address one of the biggest challenges faced by the industry today.

CAIT-affiliated researcher Dr. Sharon Di is part of a team of Columbia University researchers who recently received NSF funding to create a virtual replica, or digital twin, of New York City that will continuously learn and dynamically update itself as the city traffic environment changes in real time.

During a recent episode of the Structural Engineering Podcast Channel, UTC partner at NJIT and CAIT-affiliated researcher Dr. Matthew Bandelt, was interviewed about his work with this innovative material and its many applications. 

UTC Partners at Atlantic Cape Community College were recently selected among a group of 15 new schools to participate in the FAA’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Collegiate Training Initiative.

Dr. Matthew Bandelt, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology and a CAIT University Transportation Center partner, won the award to continue his research studying the use of highly ductile concrete materials in structural systems.

Five students from Atlantic Cape Community College will be joining researchers from Rowan University to investigate potential improvements to artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms—with the goal of further developing these technologies to learn from and adapt to a perpetually changing environment.

Atlantic Cape Community College (ACCC) is helping its students enter the multi-billion-dollar drone industry in two ways: with micro-credentials offered through a new degree program, and by establishing the college’s drone-pilot certification program as the industry standard.

On August 30th, Rutgers CAIT hosted UTC partners from Rowan University to discuss their research Evaluating the Mobility Impacts of American Dream Complex and Developing Innovative Intersection Safety Tools, as part of a presentation during the CAIT Seminar Series.

University Transportation Center partners at Rowan University are creating an effective and specialized approach to the Last Mile Challenge for the City of Camden, NJ, to improve transportation accessibility, public health, education, and employment opportunities for city residents.

An innovative, electrified-pavement design created by Rutgers researchers can enable efficient Electric-Vehicle charging and has the potential to help transform roadways into sustainable energy sources in the future.

October 2020 marked the 10th anniversary of the Transportation Autism Project at CAIT. This webinar focused on the first ten years of innovative work from the Center making transportation accessible for those on the autism spectrum.

On Friday, January 29th, CAIT hosted UTC partner Dr. Gustavo Pacheco-Crosetti for a seminar presentation on his work to date studying the damages from Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico in order to improve future infrastructure resilience.

On December 9th CAIT hosted affiliated researchers from Columbia University for a webinar on their latest research studying the “Effects of Exposure to Fire on Strength of Suspension Bridge Cables Over Time” as part of the ongoing CAIT Seminar Series. Watch the webinar here.

Walk Friendly Communities is an organization that recognizes municipalities that encourage citizens to walk more prioritize support for safe and comfortable walking environments.