Other

Re-Creating NETC

Project Objectives

The research objectives of this project include:

Perform a robust self-evaluation of NETC, incorporating steps to improve the effectiveness of NETC.
Conduct a Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) analyses to engage Transportation Agency Advisory Committee members in discussions examining the internal and external factors that are expected to impact NETC’s continued effectiveness in executing its research program.
Distribute online surveys to two member groups: NETC transportation agency managers and implementers, and NETC agency subject matter experts.
Distribute additional online surveys to pooled fund consortiums, university transportation centers) and cooperative research programs to gather information about administering a research program, selecting and prioritizing research, managing research projects, implementing research and communicating research results.
Discuss possible actions NETC could take and move toward consensus on the types of changes NETC could pursue.

Technical Committee Members

Melanie Zimyeski, Connecticut Department of Transportation
Andrew Mroczkowski, Connecticut Department of Transportation
Dale Peabody, Maine Department of Transportation
Ulrich Amoussou-Guenou, Maine Department of Transportation
Lily Oliver, Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Nicholas Zavolas, Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Ann Scholz, New Hampshire Department of Transportation
Deirdre Nash, New Hampshire Department of Transportation
Colin Franco, Rhode Island Department of Transportation
Christos Xenophontos, Rhode Island Department of Transportation
Emily Parkany, Vermont Agency of Transportation
Tanya Miller, Vermont Agency of Transportation

20-4 Coordinating State Policies, Laws and Regulations for Automated Driving Systems Across New England

Project Objectives

The objectives of this project are to:

Conduct a literature review of research focused on Automated Driving Systems (ADS);
Analyze existing policy, legal, and regulatory issues to overcome anticipated barriers to multi-state ADS operations;
Recommend coordinated steps for the NE States to take in consideration of the operations of vehicles on the roadway transitioning from human driven to ADS operated;
Develop recommendations towards facilitating testing and deployment of ADS-equipped vehicles operating in multiple states or traveling across state lines; and
Support the development of policy, legal, and regulatory approaches that inform national and other regional ADS efforts.

Technical Committee Members

TC Chair, Peter Calcaterra, Connecticut Department of Transportation
Daniel Sullivan (Former Chair), Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Kara Aguilar, Maine Department of Transportation
Kody McCarthy, New Hampshire Department of Transportation
Susan Klasen, New Hampshire Department of Transportation
Christos Xenophontos, Rhode Island Department of Transportation
Joe Segale, Vermont Agency of Transportation

AC Co-Liaison: Nicholas Zavolas, Massachusetts Department of Transportation
AC Co-Liaison: Emily Parkany, Vermont Agency of Transportation

Project Coordinator, Kirsten Seeber, CTC & Associates

Implementation Activities

Tech Transfer Activities

July 28, 2022 – 2022 AASHTO Research Advisory Committee Meeting – Emily Parkany, Vermont Agency of Transportation

20-3 Investigating Thermal Imaging Technologies and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to Improve Bridge Inspections

Project Objectives

The overall research objective is to focus on developing UAV-based inspection and analysis protocols using infrared (IR) thermal imaging to determine the existence and extent of concrete delamination, with emphasis on the underside of bridge decks. This objective will be realized by answering the specific questions:

Can IR technology be used effectively to identify concrete delaminations, especially on the underside of bridge decks where the concrete surface thermal differences may be only subtle due to very little exposure to direct sunlight. What type of thermal resolution is required? Sensor images will need to be “ground-truthed” with actual measured delaminations from tried and true methods. Also is there sensor equipment that can be used in handheld operation and attached to drones for flight operations.
What type of drone hardware, Camera Specifications, Camera Mountings and Testing Attachments would provide the most cost-effective benefit for each type of data capture? This question will be answered through surveys and test trials of different UAVs. For optimal information gathering, it is envisioned that several technologies will be concurrently employed, and a significant outcome of the work will be an assessment of the relative value and optimum combination of technologies. (e.g. drone and infrared imaging systems).
What data storage and retrieval systems and hardware are required for managing and easily re-using the potentially enormous volume of digitized information captured? Data storage and data transfer technologies make this a relatively simple problem. However, universal data sharing formats will need to be established early on.
What software is available or will require development to efficiently process the captured data for human inspection and evaluation? Many generic systems of machine learning (including computer vision) are available and as such it is relatively easy to develop and train prototype systems. Once prototypes are tested, they can be turned into application-specific codes with an interface appropriate for field use.

Technical Committee Members

TC Chair, John “Sam” Maxim: Maine Department of Transportation
Vitalij Staroverov, Connecticut Department of Transportation
Bruce Sylvia, Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Nicholas Goulas, New Hampshire Department of Transportation
Colin Franco, Rhode Island Department of Transportation
Evan Robinson, Vermont Agency of Transportation

AC Liaison: Dale Peabody, Maine Department of Transportation

Project Coordinator, Kirsten Seeber, CTC & Associates

Implementation Activities

Tech Transfer Activities

Sam Maxim, Dale Peabody and Kevin Ahearn met with Danny Tullier (Bridge Design/Instrumentation, LA DOTD) to provide information from the project, particularly related to IR thermography cameras.

18-4 Quick Response Project: 2019 ICNet Workshop

Project Objectives

Organize and run an ICNet workshop in spring 2019.
Identify research needs and develop a problem statement that NETC can address.
Develop a plan for sustaining the annual ICNet workshop in future years.

Technical Committee Members

Charles Hebson, Maine Department of Transportation
Elise Greenberg, Connecticut Department of Transportation
Katherine McArthur, Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Steven Miller, Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Ann Scholz, New Hampshire Department of Transportation
Julia Gold, Rhode Island Department of Transportation
Joe Segale, Vermont Agency of Transportation

AC Liaison, Ann Scholz, New Hampshire Department of Transportation

18-3 Integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into Operations Conducted by State Departments of Transportation

Project Objectives

Provide guidance to New England DOTs regarding best practices when incorporating UAS into daily operations.
The research will focus on the following: (1) exploring UAS applications in order to support state DOT missions and identify those most suitable for specific (or categorical) DOT operational missions; (2) identification of up-to-date technologies and support systems that are necessary in order to accomplish the selected use-cases; (3) addressing challenges associated with the implementation and integration of UAS technologies and FAA rules and regulations; (4) developing processes to carry out selected UAS applications.

Technical Committee Members

Jeffrey DeCarlo (TC Chair), Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Pamela Cotter, Rhode Island Department of Transportation
Carol L. Niewola, New Hampshire Department of Transportation
Matt Philbrick, Maine Department of Transportation
Amy E. Stula, Connecticut Department of Transportation
David Tillberg, Vermont Agency of Transportation

AC Liaison: Emily Parkany, Vermont Agency of Transportation

Project Coordinator, Maina Tran, CTC & Associates

Implementation Activities

A UAS New England peer group formed as a result of this project. NHDOT is pursuing a UAS implementation plan that will build off this project and be specific to NHDOT’s needs. VTrans will use the project’s results to look at new platforms, as a starting point to fill in gaps in their existing UAS procedures and workflows, and as a reference for future discussions in the peer group.

Tech Transfer Activities

17-1 Quick Response: New England Connected and Autonomous Vehicles

Project Objectives

The research objectives of this project include:

Identify multi-state issues related to the testing and deployment of CVs, AVs, and CAVs in New England
Document opportunities and challenges related to multi-state CV, AV, and CAV issues
Prepare an action plan that minimizes the challenges and pursues the opportunities

Technical Committee Members

Emily Parkany (Chairperson), Vermont Agency of Transportation
Joe Segale, Vermont Agency of Transportation
Kara Aguilar, Maine Department of Transportation
Peter Calcaterra, Connecticut Department of Transportation
Daniel Sullivan, Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Julia Gold, Rhode Island Department of Transportation
Susan Klasen, New Hampshire Department of Transportation
Kody McCarthy, New Hampshire Department of Transportation

Implementation Activities

The project resulted in a roadmap for the six states to follow. The framework has led to the six states continuing the discussions, meeting quarterly and one-to-two times a year in person. The states continue to share ideas and resources about CAVs and plan joint activities inspired by the roadmap.