Volume 04 | May 20, 2019 View as Webpage
SHINING A LIGHT ON THE NATIONAL COOPERATIVE HIGHWAY RESEARCH PROGRAM (NCHRP)
Founded in 1962, the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) is a partnership between AASHTO, FHWA, and TRB focused on pro viding practical, ready-to-implement solutions to pressing problems facing the transportation industry. NCHRP research projects cover an extensive range of topics related to highway transportation. Details can be found on the TRB-NCHRP website . Each state contributes sizable research funds to NCHRP, and the more we participate and leverage the results of these reports, the better it is for Vermont!  

We are now accepting applications from VTrans staff interested in serving on the panels for the 60 research projects and 19 synthesis study projects selected nationally in April.  Panel nominations are due to NCHRP in June. Earlier this year we asked VTrans staff to vote and comment on the proposed NCHRP projects and we were thrilled to receive 360 votes from 40 staff before the March 15 due date. VTrans’ interests should be represented on these panels and votes because the state DOTs help fund NCHRP.

The best part is that NCHRP reports - from any year at any time – are available for your use whenever and wherever you need them ( reports by topic )! To get a better understanding of how Vermonters are utilizing NCHRP resources we want to hear from you! Please share your examples of how you are using specific NCHRP reports with VTrans Research Manager Emily Parkany . 

THREE EXTERNAL RESEARCH PROJECTS SELECTED
We are thrilled to announce that in our April selection Projects meeting, the Agency Bureau Directors selected the following external research projects:
  • Quantifying Nutrient Pollution Reductions Achieved by Erosion Remediation Projects
  • Reclaimed Stabilized Base—Stabilizing Agent Selection and Design
  • Hydraulic Inspection Vehicle Explorer (HIVE) Culvert Upgrade

Technical Advisory Committees for each of these three projects have been formed and the UVM researchers expect to start in July.
Looking for more?  Check out project posters, fact sheets, and more from the  2018 Research Symposium and 2017 Research Symposium .
VTrans Employee Retention & Knowledge Management Study
Identifying opportunities to enhance employee retention and knowledge management practices at the Vermont Agency of Transportation. 

Improved Regionalization of Quality Assurance (QA) Functions
Developing quality assurance acceptance standards for concrete across New England State Transportation Agencies to save time and money.

Snow and Ice Control Performance Measurement: Comparing "Grip," Traffic Speed Distributions and Safety Outcomes during Winter Storms
Exploring the relationship between "Grip," traffic speed changes, and safety outcomes in the Vermont context.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology for Asset Management
Leveraging radio frequency identification (RFID) to advance VTrans’ asset management capabilities while saving money and increasing efficiency and efficacy.

Dr. Emily Parkany, PE, Research Manager
Vermont Agency of Transportation | 802.272.6862 | emily.parkany@vermont.gov http://vtrans.vermont.gov/planning/research