BACKGROUND

NCHRP Research Report 1080: Using Cooperative Automated Transportation Data for Freeway Operational Strategies, explores how the data exchange between transportation management systems (TMSs) and cooperative automated transportation (CAT) networks can optimize freeway operations.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of how TMSs can harness data from connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) to enhance safety and efficiency. It evaluates key traffic management strategies that benefit from CAV data integration and offers practical guidance for state departments of transportation (DOTs), including assessment methodologies, implementation considerations, and technical documentation featuring algorithms and simulation models. This resource is invaluable for practitioners and researchers seeking to refine traffic management strategies using CAV data.

With the transformative potential of this research, there is a critical opportunity to support the adoption of NCHRP Research Report 1080. Facilitating knowledge transfer, delivering actionable guidance, and empowering state DOTs to incorporate CAV data into freeway management strategies will be key to modernizing transportation systems and improving roadway performance.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of NCHRP Project 20-44(59) is to accelerate the adoption of findings from NCHRP Research Report 1080 by conducting targeted engagement and supporting pilot state DOTs to implement strategies that leverage CAV data to enhance freeway operations.

RESEARCH PLAN

To achieve the research objective, the research plan must outline appropriate tasks and deliverables, including the following:

1. Implementation Plan: The implementation plan should align with the "NCHRP Active Implementation: Moving Research into Practice" framework and provide a structured approach to achieving the research objective.

When developing this plan, proposers should assess whether the following tasks effectively address the project’s needs and are encouraged to suggest modifications or alternative approaches as the budget allows:

• Develop educational materials – Create comprehensive materials to support a webinar on the findings of NCHRP Research Report 1080, covering methodologies, tools, and applications. The webinar will be hosted by an appropriate organization.
• Engage key stakeholders – Identify and solicit expressions of interest from organizations willing to apply the report’s methodologies, tools, and applications, specifying potential pilot use cases.
• Select state DOTs to pilot use cases – Collaborate with the project panel to evaluate and select state DOTs best suited for piloting use cases.
• Provide technical assistance – Offer hands-on support to selected state DOTs in designing, executing, and analyzing their use of CAV data to enhance operational strategies and explore implementation options.
• Facilitate knowledge exchange – Create opportunities for participating state DOTs to share experiences, insights, and best practices in implementing the research findings.
• Document key insights and impact – Capture and analyze the benefits, challenges, and lessons learned from implementing freeway operational strategies using CAV data, including comparisons with traditional data sources.

Proposers should define appropriate deliverables for each task, including engagement materials and other outreach products.

2. Final Report and Dissemination Plan: Proposers must develop a conduct of research report that documents the project’s findings, along with a dissemination plan for sharing the materials and insights developed throughout the project.

STATUS: Proposals have been received in response to the RFP. The project panel will meet to select a contractor to perform the work.