OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
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At OSU
CURRENT PROJECTS
1. "Generating reliable freight disruption measures with freight telematics data" funding agency Center for Freight Transportation for Efficient and Resilient Supply Chain (FERSC), 10/23 to 09/24
While transportation networks are vital for ensuring swift mobility and recovery after disasters, there is a pronounced gap in our understanding of freight network resiliency. Specifically, transportation agencies face two critical challenges: a significant lack of data on freight movements and an absence of comprehensive analysis methods. Existing data primarily covers passenger vehicle movements, leaving freight – which operates across different domains and transport modes based on ever-changing supply chains underrepresented in the literature. This research aims to bridge this gap by exploring the potential of EROAD telematics data supplied from robinsight in generating reliable freight network resiliency measures, with a focus on the trucking sector within the Pacific Northwest as a case study.
2. "Impact of Multimodal Freight Network on Private Sector Global Distribution" funding agency Center for Freight Transportation for Efficient and Resilient Supply Chain (FERSC), 10/23 to 09/24
This research project will develop network models to quantify the impact of multimodal network components on private sector efficiencies in terms of operational cost. Shipper (routing) behavior will be studied and incorporated. This is envisioned as a project to be completed in phases, with the first phase focusing on the development and testing of a network model for multimodal freight transportation that would be used to assess performance metrics that are relevant for the planning and operation of distribution systems.
3. "Truck Access into Roundabouts" funding agency Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), 1/22 to 11/23
Validate or improve on the ability to predict how a roundabout will perform in general and specifically with respect to truck access during its design life by refining available traffic modeling procedures in Oregon.
4. "Evaluation of Electronic Enforcement of Motor Carrier Compliance and Safety" funding agency Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), 9/21 to 6/24
This research will be used to identify if electronic enforcement operations will improve the state’s safety and compliance rates enough to offset any monetary investment requirements.
5. "Trends and Challenges Posed by Medium-Duty Trucks to the Operation and Safety of Oregon Highways" funding agency Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), 10/20 to 06/24
The primary goal of this initiative is to provide the agency with a comprehensive understanding of medium-duty truck operation, identification of potential areas of risk, forecast of future operational growth and monetization of the costs associated with these changes
PAST PROJECT
1. "Lifeline Network Resiliency and Recovery for Emergency Response" funded by Cascadia Lifeline Program (CliP's), 10/13 to 09/14
A crucial part of this emergency response is the post-earthquake recovery from the immediate disaster in terms of transportation network resiliency. That is, what is the current “health” and condition of the transportation network after the event. The challenge to any recovery effort is deciding which recovery projects to undertake first. This can be daunting for recovery decision makers since resources are usually limited and many transportation links may be down. So the question arises, which project to undertake first? And which has the greatest recovery reward in terms of the water, power, and transportation network connectivity? Because a healthy resilient water, power, and transportation network will guarantee that first responders can travel to the affected areas and it will ensure that economic recovery occurs more rapidly, thus minimizing the loss of life and maximizing recovery time.
Therefore, the purpose of this project is then to develop a resilience-based network framework that aids in the prioritization of projects that will minimize the impacts of large disasters (e.g., earthquake, tsunamis, etc.).
2. "Lifeline Network Resiliency and Recovery for Emergency Response" - 2nd year funded by Cascadia Lifeline Program (CliP's), 10/14 to 09/15
A crucial part of this emergency response is the post-earthquake recovery from the immediate disaster in terms of transportation network resiliency. That is, what is the current “health” and condition of the transportation network after the event. The challenge to any recovery effort is deciding which recovery projects to undertake first. This can be daunting for recovery decision makers since resources are usually limited and many transportation links may be down. So the question arises, which project to undertake first? And which has the greatest recovery reward in terms of the water, power, and transportation network connectivity? Because a healthy resilient water, power, and transportation network will guarantee that first responders can travel to the affected areas and it will ensure that economic recovery occurs more rapidly, thus minimizing the loss of life and maximizing recovery time.
Therefore, the purpose of this project is then to develop a resilience-based network framework to handle heavy vehicle movements for post-disaster revocery.
3. "Potential for freight mode shifting in Oregon" Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), 07/15 to 12/15
The purpose of this study is to prepare information on freight mode choice in a form that supports the State of Oregon in making informed decisions in the area of freight-related investments and long range planning activity. The study goal is to facilitate understanding of conditions necessary for freight mode shift to occur. In order to meet this goal, the following objectives will me met:
4. "Truck Parking: An Emerging Safety Hazard to Highway users" funding agency Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), 08/15 to 06/17
The shortage of truck parking has been identified as an issue across the state of Oregon as indicated by the recent solicitation of interest by ODOT for a Biggs Junction truck parking facility public/private partnership opportunity. This research will focus on Biggs Junction at I-84 and the entire US 97 route through Oregon in order to contain project scope, but the methodology could be applied to other Oregon Freight Corridors. Therefore, to adequately assess commercial vehicle parking needs and analyze safety on high-use corridors in the State, the research objectives are:
5. "Confounding Factors of Commercial Motor Vehicles in Safety Critical Events" funding agency PacTrans Regional UTC, 09/16 to 09/17 (UTC Multi-institutional Project)
The proposed study will seek to uncover existing relationships between the Hours-of-Service (HOS) observations and a set of potential confounding factors related to time-of-day (TOD). These relationships will be addressed by controlling for confounds. Within the TOD confound we will examine two primary competing factors; circadian rhythm and traffic density variation. Where a confound is not directly observable, a suitable instrument will be sought and implemented. Following the development of the relationships between Safety Critcal Events (SCE’s) and the above factors, we will explore opportunities for, and constraints to, the deployment of operational adjustments to reduce SCE’s. These operational adjustments include actions by both industry and transportation agencies. Such actions include delivery schedule adjustments to avoid highest risk TOD and HOS interactions, should such an interaction be demonstrated as significant.
6. "Understanding Truck Parking Behavior and Choice of Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators: Impacts on Roadway Safety" funding agency PacTrans Regional UTC, 09/16 to 09/17 (UTC Small Project)
In summary, this research aims to address the issues related to CMV parking behavior and choice of US based CMV operators, lack of linkages between survey data and existing crash data and modeling the limitations from previous work through the development and comparison of heterogeneity based methods; The results of this study can be immediately used by safety planners and the trucking industry.
7. "Understanding Freight Behavior in the Pacific Northwest: An Evaluation and Application of EROAD Data to Freight Demand and Forecast" Modeling funding agency PacTrans Regional UTC, 09/17 to 09/19 (UTC Small Project)
Overall objective of this work is to utilize a previously unused private data source to analyze freight movements in the Pacific Northwest. This objective will be achieved through the application of a private data source acquired as part of an ongoing study with EROAD. EROAD is a company that develops and implements technology to modernize traditional paper-based systems within the trucking industry. As part of this modernization, EROAD collects the data used for modeling and forecasting freight movements. However, EROAD data has yet to be used for such an application.
8. "A Framework to Evaluate Causes and Effects of Truck Driver At-Fault Crashes in Oregon" funding agency Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), 09/17
Large truck crashes have a considerable impact on society and the economy. Although Oregon experienced a decrease in the number of truck driver at-fault crashes (757 to 709) in 2015, the number of fatalities associated with truck crashes increased from 34 to 54 for the same period. While most truck driver at-fault crashes result from poor driving habits (speeding, following too close, unsafe lane changes…) it is not clearly understood how driving habits have been affected by the increased presence of smartphones, on-board technologies, and other controllable distractions. A recent study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found that distracted truck driving was a factor in 71 percent of all truck driving accidents.
This research will evaluate the impact of distracted driving on truck driver at-fault crashes, examine the effectiveness of existing counter measures, and identify new counter measures. The research objectives will provide a framework to evaluate trends in truck driver at-fault crash injuries in Oregon and identify specific factors affecting crash fatalities.
9. "Idaho Statewide Freight Data & Commodity Supply-Chain Analysis" Funding Agency Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), 10/17 - 06/19
The overall objective is to collect information on freight and commodity flows through the state and to provide detailed analysis for those major supply-chains supporting the state’s freight economy. This objective will be achieved through the combination of the following individual objectives:
10. Develop New Methods to Use ODOT Weigh-in-Motion Data for Predicting Freight Flow and/or Commodity Patterns” funding agency Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), 09/18 to 04/20
This study presents the results of a detailed analysis of Oregon WIM data. First, a quality control analysis was conducted considering ODOT Class 11 (FHWA Class 09 trucks). Next, a set of descriptive analyses were conducted, one focusing on all WIM stations and one focusing on select WIM stations. In both analyses, the primary focus was on truck volume and average monthly observed combined (truck and cargo) weight. For the select WIM stations, average monthly percentages, day-ofweek trends, annual growth rates, and summaries of truck volume, cargo weight, and empties were provided. Following the descriptive analysis, data comparisons were made to Freight Analysis Framework (FAF) and ODOT traffic counts. Finally, using EROAD data, industry types, distance traveled, and origin-destination locations were analyzed relative to select WIM stations. This report concludes by providing a comprehensive conclusion and specific recommendations as it pertains to WIM data and corresponding analyses in Oregon
11. "Expanding the Oregon Motor Carrier Safety Action Plan: Best Resturn on Investment" funding agency Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), 09/19 to 09/21
This study presents some key findings from an analysis on the impact of increased law enforcement on truck driver-at-fault crashes in Oregon. Specifically, the impact of the Oregon Motor Carrier Safety Action Plan program (OMCSAP). The work was accomplished though a descriptive analysis of collected inspection data and Oregon crash data. In addition, a survey was administered to law enforcement in Oregon to gauge their perception and willingness-to-adopt such a program in their jurisdiction. The presentation concludes with a summary of recommendations and future work.
12. "Preliminary Investigation of Heavy Vehicle Parking Design in Oregon Rest Areas" funding agency Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), 11/20 to 6/21
The research team conducteda preliminary research project to determine favored conditions of heavy vehicle parking lot striping configurations at rest areas to improve their utilization rate. The selected site for this study was the northbound Santiam Rest Area, located in Jefferson, OR, which is composed of 12 heavy vehicle parking spots angled at 45-degrees and conflicting, adjacent passenger car parking. A preliminary site visitwas conducted toverify geometric dimensions obtained using Google Earthwhere two licensed drone operators obtained aerial imagery and videography was collected using a DJI Mavic 2 Pro drone. Shortly thereafter, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT)provided theOregon State University (OSU) research team with two striping alternatives; the first proposed acapacityreduction to 11 parking spots, where 1-2 feet of width were added to each spot. The second alternative exhibited this capacity reduction with a reduction in entrance angles to 33-degrees and the removal of adjacent passenger car parkin. This project usedthe Heavy Vehicle Driving Simulator atOregon State University to examine all three aforementioned scenarios. An experimental workshopwas held to obtain feedback and relevant insight from five participants, with Oregon Commercial Driver’s Licenses and at least one year of experience. Participants executed three parking maneuvers per scenario, where each maneuver represented an increasing level of difficulty. From the post-drivediscussions, issues withthe existing parking lot configuration were validated.Additionally, participants expressed that the lot’s entrance aisle was too narrow, increasing driver distress. After completing the same parking maneuvers in the two design alternatives, all participants expressed that the additional parking spot width was detectable and of utility, whereas the reduction in entrance angle went unnoticed. Moreover, all driversfavored the removal of the adjacent passenger car parking as provided a greater margin of error when exiting. Collectively, the findings of this study suggest for the heavy vehicle parking lot to be restriped such that the entrance aisle width is atleast 20 feet, parking spots are 1-2 feet wider, and adjacent passenger car parking is removed or convertedinto parallel spots.
13. "Crash Data Analysis at Signalized Intersections and Roundabouts in Oregon" funding agency Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), 03/21 to 6/21
Determine if the typology of heavy vehicle involved crashes differ at traffic signals and roundabouts in such a way that it should be considered in the selection process for intersection control in Oregon.
At UTEP
1. “Unified Planning Work Program” Funded by the City of El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization," 7/11 to 6/14,
The El Paso MPO through this program funded two Projects: .
1a. "Systematic Approach to Evaluate Potential Park and Ride Facilities"
Park and Ride (P&R) facilities promote transit ridership by providing an attractive option to car drivers. They enable potential users to drive to their locations where they can park their cars and take transit services to complete their destinations.
Although the concept of P&R has been implemented in many cities in the United States and integrated with different transportation modes such as mass rapid transit (MRT), light rail transit (LRT), high occupancy vehicle (HOV), Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), among others, no systematic approach has been developed to assess the feasibility of a potential P&R facility. This research proposes a systematic methodology, which consists of the following tasks, to evaluate potential P&R facilities.
1b. "Warehouse Location and Freight Attraction in the Greater El Paso Region," funded by CAIT Tier I UTC, FHWA flow through, 1/13-12/13 (see Federal Agencies for description)
2. “Integration of Data Sources to Optimize Freight Transportation in Texas,” funded by Texas Department of Transportation 12/11-8/13
Freight transportation is critical to the economic prosperity of any region. The challenge, however, lies in disaggregating freight transportation demand to flows that can be assigned onto a state and region’s transportation network. Disaggregated freight flows are necessary to:
The passage of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991 initiated an increasing interest in freight modeling within statewide planning efforts, particularly the evaluation of current and future freight transportation capacity necessary to ensure freight mobility. Although freight models have started to emerge as tools to inform transportation policies, a critical challenge in the development of these models remains insufficient and inferior quality data. Theobjectives of this study are (a) to develop a strategy for integrating and collecting available freight data, (b) explore the feasibility of entering into a data sharing partnership with the freight community for the collection of detailed and robust freight data that will satisfy the needs of transportation planning agencies, (c) develop a prototype Freight Data Architecture Business Process, Logical Data Model and Physical Data Model documents supporting a separate IT project developing a database, and (d) advise TxDOT on the cost-effectiveness of acquiring and maintaining a freight data sharing partnership to populate the Freight Data Architecture.
3. “El Paso Regional Ports of Entry Operations Plan,” funded by Texas Department of Transportation, 2/10-12/10
The overall purpose of the project, which will be lead by the Prime Contractor, is to review all existing ports of entries within the Receiving Agency’s El Paso region; analyze how the ports currently function; and develop recommendations to improve cross-border mobility in the region. The study region encompasses the Receiving Agency’s entire El Paso region, from Santa Teresa, New Mexico to the Tornillo/Guadalupe Point of Entry.
4. “Synthesis of Operational Use of Real-Time Commercial Traffic Routing Data”, Funded by Texas Department of Transportation, 9/10-8/12
Traditionally, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and its districts have collected traffic operations data through a system of fixed-location traffic sensors, supplemented with probe vehicles using transponders where such tags are already being used primarily for tolling purposes and where their numbers are sufficient. In recent years, private providers of traffic data have entered the scene, offering traveler information such as speeds, travel time, delay, and incident information. The question that this research project answered were the following:
Whether TxDOT could and should utilize the data offerings by private sector providers to supplement its own data collection efforts and, if so, how.
5. "Warehouse Location and Freight Attraction in the Greater El Paso Region," funded by CAIT Tier I UTC, FHWA flow through, 1/13-12/13
The objectives of this project are to develop a methodological approach to analyze current and future warehouse/distribution center locations along border regions that can provide greater accessibility and mobility for increasing bi-national freight flows and that are economically feasible. In addition, this project seeks to identify warehouse/distribution center locations that have the potential to improve safety. To accomplish these objectives they propose the following set of work aims to identify current and planned locations of warehouse/distribution centers (through a survey), to identify potential locations that meet the criteria of warehouse/distribution center and that promote increased accessibility, mobility and safety (Zone – Land Use by code), and to assess the monetary feasibility (costs) of the potential location
6. “BGREEN – Building A Regional Energy and Educational Network: A Partnership to Integrate Efforts and Collaboration to Shape Tomorrow’s Hispanic Sustainable Leadership,” Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 9/11 to 8/14
This grant funded the following project:
"Attitude Towards Green Warehousing in El Paso, Texas: An Exploratory Analysis"
8. “Transatlantic Dual Masters Degree Program in Transportation and Logistics Systems,” Funded by U.S. Dept. of Education, 9/10 to 8/14
The United States (U.S.) and European Union (E.U.) are the two largest trading partners in the world. In 2007, the freight shipment between U.S. and E.U. amounted to €440 billion. Although universities in U.S. and E.U. countries have their distinct transportation and logistics degree programs cater to the road and freight systems in their respective regions, there is no transportation program that focuses on the transatlantic movement of people and goods. This Dual Masters Degree Program in Transportation and Logistics Systems (ATL) will be the first of its kind of such program. The objectives of the program are:
9. El Paso Border Master Plan," Funded by TxDOT, 05/12 - 04/13
Border Master Plans, as defined and supported by the U.S./Mexico Joint Working Committee on Transportation Planning, the Federal Highway Administration, and the U.S. Department of State are comprehensive long range plans to inventory transportation and port-of-entry (POE) infrastructure that facilitate trade and prioritize planned transportation and POE projects within a defined study area. The Plans represent binational stakeholder efforts to (i) prioritize and promote POE and related transportation projects, (ii) inform decision-making, (iii) allocate limited funding sources, and (iv) ensure continued dialogue and coordination on current and future POE and supporting transportation infrastructure needs and projects.
The benefits of Border Master Plans have been recognized by both governments of the United States and Mexico in an official initiatives list entitled U.S.-Mexico Bilateral Action Plan[1]. To remain a viable planning tool, these Plans reflect each region’s needs, interests, and priorities. Plans are also updated and amended periodically to keep the contents and inventories current and to continue to represent the region’s vision and goals