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Current and Completed Research Projects

This is a listing of research projects that are currently underway or projects that have been completed and listed by year of completion.
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Current Research Projects

Fare Payment Compliance on MBTA Buses and Light Rail (English, PDF 909.01 KB)
Effect of Asphalt Binder Source on Asphalt Mixture Performance (English, PDF 147.49 KB)
A Pavement Marking Inventory and Retroreflectivity Condition Assessment Method Using Mobile LiDAR – Phase 2 (English, PDF 175.79 KB)
Accessible Bus Stop Design in the Presense of Bike Lanes (English, PDF 920.15 KB)
Cross-Modal Impact Assessment for Sustainable Transportation Networks (English, PDF 925.31 KB)
LIMMS Development Planning (English, PDF 81.95 KB)
Implementing the AASHTO Mechanistic --Empirical Pavement Design Guide (Phase III) (English, PDF 147.28 KB)
Methods to Identify Problematic Carriers and Prevent Infrastructure Damage (English, PDF 557.76 KB)
Field Study to Determine Salt Usage Efficiency and Transport to the Surrounding Environment on Two Pavement Types (English, PDF 143.06 KB)
Effectiveness of Two-stage Turn Queue Boxes in Massachusetts: A Comparison with Bike Boxes (English, PDF 761.79 KB)
Post-Fire Damage Inspection of Concrete Structures Phase III – In-Situ Experimental Phase Research Need (English, PDF 297.86 KB)
Development of a Salt Spreader Controller Program Using Machine-Sensed Roadway Weather Parameters (English, PDF 140.78 KB)
Smart Work Zone Control and Performance Evaluation Based on Trajectory Data (English, PDF 115.33 KB)
BIM for Transit Infrastructure: A Feasibility and Gap Assessment with Current Practices and Systems at the MBTA (English, PDF 135.54 KB)
Development of Improved Inspection Techniques using LiDAR for Deteriorated Steel Beam Ends (English, PDF 128.09 KB)
Tree Preservation and Planting for Complete Streets Development (English, PDF 124.28 KB)
Ultra High Performance Concrete Reinforced with Multi-Scale Hybrid Fibers and Its Durability Related Properties (English, PDF 180.37 KB)
Post-Fire Damage Inspection of Concrete Structures Phase II – Experimental Phase (English, PDF 135.77 KB)
Implementing the AASHTO Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide - Phase II (English, PDF 188 KB)
Construction & Materials Best Practices for Concrete Sidewalks: Phase 2 (English, PDF 252.31 KB)
Using Traffic Signals to Reduce Speeding Opportunities (English, PDF 149.33 KB)
Optimizing of MassDOT’s High Performance Asphalt Overlay (HPOL) Mixtures (English, PDF 174.33 KB)
Revised Load Rating Procedures for Deteriorated Prestressed Concrete Beams (English, PDF 921.62 KB)
Multisource Data Fusion for Real-Time and Accurate Traffic Incident Detection via Predictive Analytics (English, PDF 179.78 KB)
Measuring Accessibility to Improve Public Health (English, PDF 155.49 KB)
Developing Massachusetts Specific Trip Generation Models for Land Use Projects (English, PDF 147.38 KB)
Uncovering the Root Causes to Truck Rollover Crashes on Ramps (English, PDF 130.79 KB)
Understanding Asset Management Systems Utilized by Municipalities in Massachusetts (English, PDF 155.41 KB)
Impact of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) on Road Safety (English, PDF 113.06 KB)
Feasibility of 3D Printing Applications for Highway Infrastructure Construction and Maintenance - Phase II Research Need (English, PDF 140.95 KB)
Inspection Procedures for Deteriorated Bridge Beams (English, PDF 406.89 KB)
Methods to Identify Problematic Carriers and Prevent Infrastructure Damage (English, PDF 397.42 KB)
Robust Decision-Making Framework for Sustainable Operations and Planning of MBTA Rapid Transit Vehicles (English, PDF 249.69 KB)
Multisource Data Fusion for Real-Time and Accurate Traffic Incident Detection via Predictive Analytics - Research Summary (English, PDF 972.36 KB)
Development of a Visualization, Sharing, and Processing Platform for Large-Scale Highway Point Cloud Data (English, PDF 101.61 KB)
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Drivers' Education Modules on Safety (English, PDF 205.14 KB)
3D-Printed Lattice-Based Structures for Next Generation Bridge Bearings and Bridge Isolation Bearings (Phase III) (English, PDF 137.65 KB)
Artificial Intelligence Framework for Midblock Crosswalk Detection Across Massachusetts (English, PDF 97.95 KB)
Data-Driven Approaches for Transit Capital Planning (English, PDF 913.45 KB)
Fare Payment Compliance on MBTA Buses and Light Rail (English, PDF 81.84 MB)
Speed Management and Emergency Response – A Synthesis Study (English, PDF 95.75 KB)

2023 - Completed Projects

Developing Massachusetts-Specific Trip Generation Models for Land Use Projects - Research Summary (English, PDF 197.41 KB)
Developing Massachusetts-Specific Trip Generation Models for Land Use Projects - Final Report (English, PDF 3.48 MB)
Outdoor Information Panels to Convey Real-Time Travel Information for Ridership Recovery (English, PDF 221.9 KB)
Uncovering the Root Causes to Truck Rollover Crashes on Ramps - Research Summary (English, PDF 698.61 KB)
Massachusetts Depth to Bedrock- Final Report (English, PDF 9 MB)
Measuring Food Access to Improve Public Health (English, PDF 8.67 MB)
Post-Fire Damage Inspection of Concrete Structures Phase II - Final Report (English, PDF 9.04 MB)
Construction and Materials Best Practices for Concrete Sidewalks: Phase II – Long-Term Performance and Hot-Weather Placement Effects - Final Report (English, PDF 5.24 MB)
Construction and Materials Best Practices for Concrete Sidewalks: Phase II – Long-Term Performance and Hot-Weather Placement Effects (English, PDF 366.49 KB)
Evaluating the Safety Impacts of Flashing Yellow Permissive Left-Turn Indications in Massachusetts: Approach Level Analysis (English, PDF 210.17 KB)
Evaluating the Safety Impacts of Flashing Yellow Permissive Left-Turn Indications in Massachusetts: Approach-Level Analysis - Final Report (English, PDF 2.7 MB)
Using Mycofiltration Treatment for Stormwater Management - Final Report (English, PDF 621.24 KB)
Uncovering the Root Causes to Truck Rollover Crashes on Ramps - Final Report (English, PDF 16.5 MB)
Multisource Data Fusion for Real-Time and Accurate Traffic Incident Detection via Predictive Analytics - Final Report (English, PDF 9.19 MB)
Multisource Data Fusion for Real-Time and Accurate Traffic Incident Detection via Predictive Analytics - Research Summary (English, PDF 972.36 KB)
Post-Fire Damage Inspection of Concrete Structures Phase II - Experimental Phase - Research Summary (English, PDF 559.37 KB)
Massachusetts Depth to Bedrock Project (English, PDF 939.3 KB)
Measuring Food Access to Improve Public Health (English, PDF 500.96 KB)
BIM for Transit Infrastructure: A Feasibility and Gap Assessment with Current Practices and Systems at the MBTA (English, PDF 2.24 MB)
Using Mycofiltration Treatment for Stormwater Management - Final Report (English, PDF 9.51 MB)

2022 - Completed Projects

Understanding Asset Management Systems Utilized by Municipalities in Massachusetts – Research Summary (English, PDF 248.95 KB)
Improving the Long-Term Condition of Pavements in Massachusetts and Determining Return on Investment: Implementing the AASHTO Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide—PHASE II (English, PDF 11.34 MB)
Implementing the AASHTO Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (Phase II) - Research Summary (English, PDF 819.41 KB)
Understanding Asset Management Systems Utilized by Municipalities in Massachusetts - Final Report (English, PDF 4.86 MB)
Development of Comprehensive Inspection Protocols for Deteriorated Steel Beam Ends - Final Report (English, PDF 6.01 MB)
Development of Comprehensive Inspection Protocols for Deteriorated Steel Beam Ends - Research Summary (English, PDF 98.99 KB)
Use of UAS For Surface Transportation Emergency Response - Final Report (English, PDF 3.38 MB)
Use of UAS For Surface Transportation Emergency Response - Research Summary (English, PDF 476.72 KB)
Impact of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) on Road Safety and Implications for Education, Licensing, Registration, and Enforcement - Final Report (English, PDF 3.96 MB)
Impact of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) on Road Safety and Implications for Education, Licensing, Registration, and Enforcement - Project Summary (English, PDF 310.62 KB)
A Pavement Marking Inventory and Retroreflectivity Condition Assessment Method Using Mobile LiDAR - Final Report (English, PDF 3.79 MB)
A Pavement Marking Inventory and Retroreflectivity Condition Assessment Method Using Mobile LiDAR - Research Summary (English, PDF 1.05 MB)
Automated Guardrail Inventory and Condition Evaluation - Research Summary (English, PDF 428.94 KB)
Exploring Short-Sea Shipping as an Alternative to Non-Bulk Freight Trucking in Southeastern MA - Final Report (English, PDF 4.45 MB)
Automated Guardrail Inventory and Condition Evaluation - Final Report (English, PDF 3.52 MB)
Detecting Subsurface Voids in Roadways using UAS with Infrared Thermal Imaging - Research Summary (English, PDF 352.87 KB)
Detecting Subsurface Voids in Roadways using UAS with Infrared Thermal Imaging - Final Report (English, PDF 4.6 MB)
Feasibility of 3D Printing Applications for Highway Infrastructure Construction and Maintenance - Final Report (English, PDF 4.96 MB)
Feasibility of 3D Printing Applications for Highway Infrastructure Construction and Maintenance - Research Summary (English, PDF 1.02 MB)

2021 Completed Projects

Best Practices for Cost Recovery - Final Report (English, PDF 1.45 MB)
Best Practices for Cost Recovery - Research Summary (English, PDF 111.45 KB)
Tracking the Energy and Emissions of MBTA Rapid Transit Vehicles - Final Report (English, PDF 4.22 MB)
Improved Load Rating Procedures for Deteriorated Steel Beam Ends with Deteriorated Stiffener - Final Report (English, PDF 12.94 MB)
Improved Load Rating Procedures for Deteriorated Steel Beam Ends with Deteriorated Stiffeners - Research Summary (English, PDF 196.52 KB)
Improving Future of the Commonwealth's Curb- Final Report (English, PDF 2.86 MB)
PERCEPT Indoor Navigation System for Visually Impaired: Beta Study - Final Report (English, PDF 9.77 MB)
Flexible Transit Service - Final Report (English, PDF 2.58 MB)
Tracking the Energy and Emissions of MBTA Rapid Transit Vehicles (TREEM) - Research Summary (English, PDF 232.1 KB)
Effectiveness of Bike Boxes in Massachusetts - Final Report (English, PDF 10.71 MB)
Effectiveness of Bike Boxes in Massachusetts - Research Summary (English, PDF 566.18 KB)
Improving Future of the Commonwealth's Curb - Research Summary (English, PDF 345.99 KB)
Flexible Transit Services - Research Summary (English, PDF 246.54 KB)
Improving the Long-Term Condition of Pavements in Massachusetts and Determining Return on Investment: Implementing the AASHTO Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (PHASE 1) - Final Report (English, PDF 4.7 MB)
Improving the Long-Term Condition of Pavements in Massachusetts and Determining Return on Investment: Implementing the AASHTO Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (PHASE 1) - Research Summary (English, PDF 396.61 KB)
Translating Data Generated by the Transit App into Insights on Transportation Use in Greater Boston - Final Report (English, PDF 3.83 MB)
Translating Data Generated by the Transit App into Insights on Transportation Use in Greater Boston - Research Summary (English, PDF 187.53 KB)
Evaluating the Safety Impacts of Flashing Yellow Permissive Left-Turn Indications in Massachusetts - Final Report (English, PDF 6.12 MB)
Evaluating the Safety Impacts of Flashing Yellow Permissive Left-Turn Indications in Massachusetts - Research Summary (English, PDF 192.91 KB)
Construction and Materials Best Practice for Concrete Sidewalks - Final Report (English, PDF 5.21 MB)
Construction and Materials Best Practice for Concrete Sidewalks - Research Summary (English, PDF 539.62 KB)
Post-Fire Damage Inspection of Concrete Structures - Final Report (English, PDF 14.62 MB)
Post-Fire Damage Inspection of Concrete Structures - Research Summary (English, PDF 483.18 KB)

2020 - Completed Projects

Characterization of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement for HMA Surface Courses in Massachusetts - Summary (English, PDF 241.31 KB)
Characterization of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement for HMA Surface Courses in Massachusetts - Report (English, PDF 3.8 MB)
Compost Blankets for Erosion Control and Vegetation Establishment - Research Summary (English, PDF 585.2 KB)
Compost Blankets for Erosion Control and Vegetation Establishment - Final Report (English, PDF 12.73 MB)
Public Health Assessment for Transportation Projects (English, PDF 1.68 MB)

2019 - Completed Projects

The Application of Unmanned Aerial Systems in Surface Transportation Report 
Development of Load Rating Procedures for Deteriorated Steel Beam End (English, PDF 26.6 MB)
Improving Pedestrian Infrastructure Inventory in Massachusetts Using Mobile LiDAR (English, PDF 2.18 MB)
Optimizing ADA Paratransit Operations with Taxi and Ride Share Programs (English, PDF 2.32 MB)
Traffic Flow Improvements: Quantifying the Influential Regions and Long-Term Benefits (English, PDF 1.72 MB)
Evaluation and Enhancement of MassDOT Traveler Information Programs (English, PDF 1.48 MB)
Risk Factors for Older Pedestrian Injuries and Fatalities in Massachusetts (English, PDF 3.8 MB)
Estimating Future Changes in 100-year Floods on the Connecticut and Merrimack Rivers (English, PDF 2.06 MB)
Commuter Bus Demand, Incentives for Modal Shift, and Impact on GHG Emissions (Part II) (English, PDF 2.81 MB)

2018 - Completed Projects

Strategic Planning for Connected and Automated Vehicles in Massachusetts (English, PDF 2.85 MB)
The Role of Street Trees for Pedestrian Safety (English, PDF 8.54 MB)
Measuring Left-Behinds on Subway (English, PDF 3.62 MB)
Commuter Bus Demand, Incentives for Modal Shift, and Impact on GHG (English, PDF 3.6 MB)

2017 - Completed Projects

Electric Vehicle: Impacts on Transportation Infrastructure – A Review of Other States (English, PDF 479.75 KB)
Zero-Emission Transit Bus and Refueling Technologies and Deployment Status (English, PDF 1.51 MB)
Performance of Adhesive and Cementitious Anchoring Systems (English, PDF 7.11 MB)
Field Monitoring of Experimental Hot Mix Asphalt Projects Placed in Massachusetts (English, PDF 2.78 MB)
Developing a Metric for the Cost of Green House Gas Abatement (English, PDF 1.02 MB)

2016 - Completed Projects

The State of the Practice of UAS Systems in Transportation (English, PDF 334.78 KB)
Current Counter-Drone Technology Solutions to Shield Airports and Approach and Departure Corridors (English, PDF 864.57 KB)
Evaluation of Portable Road Weather Information Systems (English, PDF 3.51 MB)
Mitigation Techniques to Modify Driver Performance to Improve Fuel Economy, Reduce Emissions and Improve Safety (English, PDF 1.4 MB)
Determination of the Binder Grade and Performance of High Percentage RAP-HMA Mixes (English, PDF 2.14 MB)
Calibration of Safety Performance Functions for Massachusetts Urban and Suburban Intersections (English, PDF 2.34 MB)
Evaluating the Effect of Advance Yield Marking and Symbolic Signs on Vehicle-Pedestrian Conflicts at Marked Midblock Crosswalks across Multilane Roads (English, PDF 3.07 MB)
Automated Detection and Counting of Pedestrians and Bicyclists Along an Urban Roadway (English, PDF 3.91 MB)
Better Bridge Joint Technology (English, PDF 4.56 MB)
Evaluation of Specialized Hot Mix Asphalt Mixes for Massachusetts (English, PDF 1.54 MB)
Coping with the Aging Driving Population (English, PDF 7.73 MB)
Improved Highway Lane Reflectorized Markers (English, PDF 2.22 MB)
Tunnel and Fencing Options for Reducing Road Mortalities of Freshwater Turtles (English, PDF 1.14 MB)

Transportation pooled funds

Transportation Pooled Fund Program 

The Transportation Pooled Fund (TPF) Program allows federal, state, and local agencies and other organizations to combine resources to support transportation research studies. Click the link tolearn more about TPF and search for pooled fund studies MassDOT has led or participated in.

Compost Blankets for Erosion Control and Vegetation Establishment

Research Summary 
Final Report 

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