2026 AASHTO High Value Research Award Winner: Validating Travel Time Delay Quantification and Measurement Methods for Vermont Work Zones

 

We are excited to share that the Validating Travel Time Delay Quantification and Measurement Methods for Vermont Work Zones project was selected as a 2026 AASHTO High Value Research Project (HVR)! The AASHTO High Value Research program recognizes completed research projects that have demonstrated value through successful implementation and benefits to transportation agencies. This project was selected as one of four HVR projects from AASHTO Region 1 and one of 16 nationally.


This project improved how Vermont measures and manages work zone delays by replacing one-size-fits-all delay thresholds with a scalable, data-driven framework tailored to roadway type, traffic volume, and project significance. The research showed that travel time reliability metrics provide a clear and practical measure of work zone mobility, enabling more consistent performance monitoring and better-informed decisions during construction. By leveraging newly available RITIS data, the approach reduces the need for costly field deployments while making it easier to establish, collect, and track mobility measures across future projects. The framework and lessons learned supported Vermont AOT's January 2026 update to its Work Zone Safety and Mobility Policy and Guidance, creating lasting statewide benefits for work zone management and traveler reliability.


For more information, view the Enhanced Fact Sheet and visit the project webpage.

Takeaways from Recent Meetings


VT AOT Research recently co-hosted a Peer Exchange with NY DOT and participated in the annual Summer AASHTO Research Advisory Committee (RAC) meeting. Some takeaways from these meetings include:


  • Shift from "implementation" of research projects to "impact" of research projects
  • A lot of interest from other states in our Qualified Researcher List
  • "AI will make mistakes; physics never fails"
  • There is always something to learn from our peers
 

2026 Research and Innovation Symposium - Sept. 16


Join us in Barre, VT on September 16 for the 10th VT AOT Research and Innovation Symposium. Topics for this year cover pavement, concrete, structures, water, safety, AI, planning, and EVs. We also plan another Symposium Booklet for this year.


Look for the 2026 Symposium project list and Fact Sheets by mid-August on our Learn About our Research web page. Projects and materials from past Symposiums are available now.

 

Upcoming Research Lunch and Learns


Keep the following dates on your calendar for upcoming Research Lunch and Learns! Each link provides a calendar invitation for the specific date which will be updated when more information is available.


August 3, 12pm EST - Research Projects from AASHTO Region 2

Sept 14, 12pm EST - VT AOT Research and Innovation Symposium Preview

October 5, 12pm EST - VT AOT Innovations

November 2, 12pm EST - Research Projects from AASHTO Region 4

December 7, 12pm EST - VT AOT Research Projects

January 4 2027, 12pm EST - Research Projects from AASHTO Region 3


Recordings and presentations from previous Lunch and Learns including the July 13 session featuring Nature-Based Solutions and Pavement History Analyses can be found in the middle of our Learn About our Research web page.

 

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