Chris Albrecht, AICP

I-Walk WebinarMarch 1, 2011

Transportation Research, Data, and Safe Routes to School

Mission

To develop and implement innovative methods, materials, and technologies for improving transportation efficiency, safety, and reliability while improving the learning environment of students, faculty, and staff in transportation-related fields.

Partners

Iowa DOT Federal Highway Administration U.S. DOT’s University Transportation Center Program AASHTO American Concrete Pavement Association Iowa Concrete Paving Association Asphalt Paving Association of Iowa National Remote Sensing Consortium Iowa Department of Natural Resources Iowa Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau Iowa’s cities, counties, MPOs, RPAs State and national associations Transit authorities, airports Private sector industries

Areas of Expertise

• Traffic Safety and Operations• Pavements (asphalt and concrete)• Bridges and Structures• Management Systems

(bridge, pavements, markings, signs, etc.)

• Policy and Planning• Technologies (GIS, GPS, remote

sensing, laser scanning, NDE, ITS, etc.)• Weather and Environment• Sustainable Transportation Systems

Facilities and Resources• 21,000 sq ft office/lab space• Transportation library• Student learning community areas• Videoconference room• 2 mobile labs (concrete, geotechnical)• Video data collection

Human Resources

• 40 Staff and 10 faculty• 60–100 students• Graduate research

assistantships• “Real world” experience• Learning community

environment

Traffic Safety and Operations

• Crash data and analysis (Iowa Traffic Safety Data Service)

• Crash location tools• School safety• Simulation modeling• Corridor studies

Bridges and Structures• Remote security monitoring• Low-cost local bridge replacement• Timber bridges• Bridge health monitoring• Innovative materials/construction

Management Systems

• Pavements (30,000+ mi state/local roads)

• Bridges• Pavement markings • Signs

Policy and Planning

• Planning studies• TransCAD and TRANPLAN modeling• Access management• Traffic calming• Economic impact studies

Technologies

• Nondestructive evaluation• Intelligent transportation systems (ITS)• Geographic information systems

(GIS)• Remote sensing• Laser scanning

Designs and Specifications

• Performance measures for snow and ice control strategies (NCHRP 6-17)

• SUDAS (Statewide Urban Designs and Specifications - Iowa)

Sustainable Transportation• Improve transportation and reduce

emissions through roadway design, traffic operations, and community planning

• Advance the use of sustainable fuels and technologies

• Investigate economic models that encourage efficient passenger and freight movement

Conclusions

• Schools are the centers of Iowa’s communities

• SRTS and Fitness initiatives should involve assessing infrastructure• Pavements• Sidewalks• Bridges• Lighting

• Planning based on good data is very important

• Innovative solutions

Questions

Chris Albrecht, AICPTransportation Research SpecialistIowa State University - InTrans2711 South Loop Drive, Suite 4700Ames, Iowa 50010Office: (515) 294-7684Cell: (515) 231-0431Fax: (515) 294-0467Email: calbrech@iastate.edu