ACTIVE RESEARCH PAGE

Please click the button below to go to the Completed and Ongoing Research Page.  Below the button is archived meetings from previous Active Research Discussions.

During the NATMEC Conference held in Dallas, Texas in June 2012, a number of research project ideas were discussed.  These were discussed further as part of the ABJ35 Committee meeting at the 2013 TRB meeting.  Committee members are expected to participate in the development and support of two or more of these topics.  A survey of interest in participation is being sent to members to indicate which topics they wish to assist with. Following the survey, conference calls will be held to establish working groups, actions and deliverables.

Participation is expected to include engaging in conference calls, and possibly assisting in preparation and review of research needs statements.

Participation by Friends of the Committee is also encouraged and appreciated.  If you would like to participate as a friend of the committee, please complete the survey here

The information below provides brief descriptions of the topics of interest, and anticipated time frame for activities.

TOPIC #1 - Traffic Data Collection Outsourcing Best Practices

What?              Develop a best practices document for traffic data collection outsourcing - Seek input from states who currently outsource all or part of their traffic data program.  Include input from private sector.  Specifically address performance-based contracting issues.

When?             Within next 12 months

Products          Statement of task. research needs statements

Committee Members Assigned: (20)

** - Topic Area Leader * - Topic Area Co-leader

TOPIC #2 - Communicating Data for Decision-Makers Workshop

What?              Workshop for traffic data producers on how to best communicate with decision-makers

Who?               TRB Special Task Force on Data for Decisions and the Highway Traffic Monitoring Committee

When?             Next 12 to 18 months

Committee Members Assigned: (8)

Bernard Jacob

Xiao-Yun Lu

* - Topic Area Leader * - Topic Area Co-leader

TOPIC #3 - Guidance on Leveraging Traffic Signal Systems Data Resources

What?              Guidance on leveraging data resources from traffic signal systems - Data is often collected to address internal needs and applications and is not necessarily geared towards communicating with stakeholders and decision-makers.  Data doesn't make decisions, people do. How can we use local traffic signal infrastructure to support traffic data needs?  How could detector placement be optimized to support multiple applications? 

Who?               TRB Highway Traffic Monitoring Committee

When?             Next 12 to 24 months

Committee Members Assigned: (13)

Tom Schinkel

* - Topic Area Leader * - Topic Area Co-leader

TOPIC #4 - Workforce Challenges and Solutions

What?              Develop a framework to address traffic data program workforce issues

Who?               TRB Committees

When?             Next 12 to 18 months

Committee Members Assigned: (11)

** - Topic Area Leader * - Topic Area Co-leader

In addition to the four topics discussed at the meeting, the following topic will be addressed by the Subcommittee on Speed, Travel-time, and Reliability.  If you are interested in assisting with this topic please notify Peter Keen or Liz Stolz.

TOPIC #5 - Data Privacy Issues Peer Exchange

What?              Peer exchange or workshop addressing the privacy issues related to traffic data collection technology - Many new data sources are derived from personal devices that could be perceived to infringe on privacy.  Experience from states that have addressed this issue can be documented and disseminated to others.

Who?               TRB with assistance from FHWA

When?             Within next 12 to 18 months

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