Policy-related research has been identified as an emphasis area for the TCRP. TCRP Project H-4 panel was formed to select research topics in this area. A separate project panel was then formed for each individual topic, and those panels function like all of the other TCRP project panels--preparing a research project statement, selecting the research agency, and providing oversight throughout the life of the project.

The TOPS Committee allocated $1 million for policy-related research in June 1993, and allocated an additional $300,000 in December 1993. The TCRP Project H-4 panel met on December 6, 1993, and identified the five policy research topics, which subsequently became TCRP projects H-4A, H-4B, H-4C, H-4D, and H-4E. Descriptions of these projects are available on this website.