This project aims to help transport agencies use ����������������big data��������������� to help mitigate congestion and manage system performance, for both freeways and arterials (and especially arterials, which have seen less attention). Two investigatory objectives are planned. In the first, we will create and train an algorithm to spot the onset of incidents and recurring congestion, so that system managers can be more responsive. Our hypothesis is that early responses help reduce the impacts (the queues are shorter, disappear quicker, and create less delay). We will 1) fuse data such as real time traditional detector data, CV data, and other online data, to produce a significant and consistent data-stream of high volume and high velocity heterogeneous data; and 2) use deep reinforcement learning to train an AI-based algorithm to spot the onset of these events, distinguish between them, and generate response suggestions based on effective past system responses or modeling of the system with selected strategies. In the second investigatory thread, we will create a performance monitoring algorithm that uses policy-based targets (e.g., speeds of 45 mph or better during congested conditions) and ����������������big data��������������� technologies to help agencies improve the efficacy of their congestion mitigation efforts. We will use condition-based policy travel rates to simplify the inference process and ensure that performance management focuses on situations that have the greatest need. In both these efforts, we will produce analysis tools that practitioners can use (stand-alone, prototype software intended to be integrated into existing system management platforms); as well as guide books for the use of the algorithms; and a project report. In the first year we will develop the analysis procedures (e.g., congestion ����������������alarms��������������� and monitoring ����������������tools���������������); and in the second year, we will fine tune these algorithms and recommend real time strategies that use these tools to address impending or spreading congestion.

As part of traffic monitoring programs, state transportation departments are required to provide information about the status of their transportation infrastructure based on traffic data collected through sensors. The Traffic Monitoring Guide (FHWA, 2016) and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO, 2009) provide general guidance about how to collect traffic volumes, vehicle classification information, and weight data. Weigh-In-Motion (WIM) systems are the technology most commonly used to collect the datasets used in assessing the impact of vehicles on the infrastructure; increasing the safety of the systems; and assessing road damage and facility lifetimes. The goal of this research is to help NCDOT identify and adopt a new freight monitoring system. To that end, we will document the current and future perceived use of WIM data by different stakeholders in the agency, elsewhere in state, in the country and in global companies. We will build a knowledge base that aids with these deliberations.

We will develop a full roll-out model, based on validated planning and simulation tools, that is able to model the deployment of a wide range of propulsion and energy storage technologies in the Class 1 Rail Freight sector and that determines associated lifecycle GHG emissions and levelized cost of Mt-km (LCOTKM) values over various time scales (e.g., 10, 20, 30 years). Our work will include: (1) microscale train simulation; (2) network train simulation; (3) identification and characterization of infrastructure requirements; (4) identification and characterization of decarbonized energy pathways; (5) probabilistic cost modeling; (6) freight demand scenarios; (7) technology transfer and outreach; and (8) integrated assessment. The latter will include case studies based on application of the developed, detailed case studies of specific lines, settings, and situations, with extrapolations to the whole network, inclusive of coupling with infrastructure, decarbonized energy pathways, demand scenarios, and cost. We will appoint an advisory board to facilitate technology transfer and outreach.

The NCDOT is launching a bold and forward-looking effort to establish multi-university transportation centers of excellence to provide broad-based, multidisciplinary research into the applications and impacts of cutting edge technologies and emergent, disruptive trends. The projects included in our center proposal were custom-built to address the research areas spelled out in the request for proposals for the desired Mobility and Congestion center. The three themes are as follows: ��������������� Theme #1: Big Data and Data-Driven Transportation Management and Decision Support ��������������� Theme #2: Active Transportation Management/Integrated Corridor Management ��������������� Theme #3: Transit and Mobility as a Service

The North Carolina Ferry Division operates vessels on seven routes along the eastern coast of North Carolina. The routes serve diverse populations, ranging from routes with substantial tourist/visitor customers to routes with primarily daily commuters. Wait times and queue lengths are important considerations of customers. However, measuring and communicating wait times and queues is not simple and not currently available to customers. The Ferry Division would like to implement technology that would measure and track wait times. This project will seek to understand, test, and implement technology solutions that will reliably measure and track wait times. The objectives of the proposed project are 1) review and test options for measuring wait times and 2) recommend the implementation of a system to measure and track wait times for installation at ferry terminals. This research team is well-equipped to perform the work necessary to deliver an implementable solution for the Ferry Division. This team includes experts with extensive knowledge of sensor and technology capabilities, deployment, and testing. Additionally, this team includes members who led a study in North Carolina (on the Hatteras-Ocracoke route) on ferry terminal wait times and queue lengths.

Autonomous vehicle (AV) technology is expected to fundamentally change transportation systems. The Transportation Planning Branch at NCDOT, which is responsible for the state������������������s long-range transportation plan, needs state-of-the-art information and predictions on AV technology and its potential impacts on transport to be better prepared for the upcoming changes and maximize the social benefits that this technology will enable. The Transportation Systems group faculty (Drs. Bardaka, List, Rouphail, and Williams) and Dr. Frey (Environmental Engineering) in the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at NCSU as well as Dr. Cummings, the Director of the Humans and Autonomy Laboratory at Duke University will work together to leverage existing research in the area of AV technology to evaluate impacts and provide policy and future research recommendations to NCDOT. The study will include a comprehensive literature review on AV technology and its impact on transportation demand, capacity, mobility, traffic safety, emissions, energy use, and land use. The results of previous research will be analyzed and case studies for North Carolina will be developed. The study will also provide recommendations to NCDOT regarding changes in policies and regulations, future test plans and test infrastructure, and research priorities in the area of AV technology. As part of this study, the researchers will work closely with the Transportation Planning Branch to provide guidance on how existing models (such as the statewide demand model) could be adapted to account for the presence of AVs.

Unintended consequences of current legislation have established funding vulnerabilities for bridges critical to North Carolina������������������s agricultural industry. Current legislation restricts the use of State bridge funds to Functionally Obsolete or Structurally Deficient bridges. Meanwhile, weight restricted bridges (only allowed to transport vehicles or trucks of limited weights) do not meet the requirements for being categorized as Functionally Obsolete or Structurally Deficient. Additionally, North Carolina funding targeted for improving weight and clearance restrictions is currently limited to higher traffic routes. This combination of occurrences makes it possible for bridges restrictive to heavy load to fail to qualify for State bridge improvement programs and funding targeted for improving weight and clearance restrictions. As a result, bridges that are critical nodes in North Carolina������������������s agricultural freight network are unable to receive dedicated sources of funding for improvements or long-term operative viability. In 2014, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture provided NCDOT with a tiered list, and corresponding map, of bridges that were critical to the agricultural industry. NCDOT has used this list to identify bridges that are an impediment to agriculture, but do not qualify for other programs since they are not Structurally Deficient, Functionally Obsolete, or reside along a high volume route. The purpose of this project is to update the tiered list of bridges vital to North Carolina������������������s agricultural industry and create a repeatable and efficient process by which this list is periodically updated.

The rural areas of North Carolina have freight transportation needs that are very different from those of the urban areas. Much of their economic activity is focused around agriculture, forestry, and tourism/retirement. The principal transport mode is highway. Socio-economic conditions are challenging. Moreover, two of the rural areas, in the southwest and northeast, do not have urban areas that naturally serve as economic hubs. In the southwest, the nearest such areas are Atlanta and Chattanooga, both out of state; in the northeast, it is Norfolk which is again out of state.

At the conclusion of the Second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP2) research phase, the SHRP2 Implementation Assistance Program (IAP) was established by the Federal Highway Administration to ����������������help State departments of transportation (DOTs), metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), and other interested organizations deploy SHRP2 Solutions.��������������� The ����������������SHRP2 Solutions��������������� mentioned in this program mission statement consist of implementable tools in each of the SHRP2 focus areas, namely Reliability, Capacity, Safety, and Renewal. As is clear from the project title, the pilot study detailed in this project authorization document involves reliability data and analysis tools. Prior to and concurrent with the SHRP2 research phase, the North Carolina Department of Transportation has been actively and continually engaged in direct support for complementary research in the domain of mobility and reliability. Key NCDOT-sponsored research projects in this effort include completed projects RP 2006-13 Effectiveness of Traveler Information Tools; HWY 2009-05 Assessing Operational, Pricing, and Intelligent Transportation System Strategies for the I-40 Corridor Using DYNASMART-P; and RP 2011-07 Mobility and Reliability Performance Measurement and the ongoing project RP 2013-08 Smartlink ������������������ Baseline for Measurement of Benefits. Engagement in these research efforts has put NCDOT in a strong position to lead the way in implementing. Bolstered by this strong position, the NCDOT submitted a proof of concept pilot study application under round 4 of the IAP in the summer of 2014. NCDOT������������������s application was approved for FHWA implementation assistance funding, and the statement of work included in this project authorization document outlines the research tasks defined in the IAP application. The proof of concept pilot study envisioned by the application covers all the tools in the Reliability Data and Analysis Tools bundle, namely the implementable research products from the following SHRP2 research projects: L02 Establishing Monitoring Programs for Mobility and Travel Time Reliability; L05 Incorporating Reliability Performance Measures into the Transportation Planning and Programming Processes; L07 Evaluation of Cost-Effectiveness of Highway Design Features; L08 Incorporation of Travel Time Reliability into the Highway Capacity Manual; and C11 Development of Improved Economic Analysis Tools Based on Recommendations from Project C03 [Interactions between Transportation Capacity, Economic Systems, and Land Use merged with Integrating Economic Considerations Project Development]. The SHRP2 data and analysis tools implementation supported by this IAP proof of concept pilot study is fully consistent with NCDOT initiatives aimed at providing enhanced system performance monitoring and measurement. These monitoring and measurement capabilities are essential to enabling performance-based decision support and the assessment of the impact of strategic transportation investments. The results, findings, and recommendations arising from this pilot study will help refine that application of the SHRP2 reliability data and analysis tools, solidify NCDOT������������������s leadership position in this emerging area, and disseminate lessons learned to the national transportation management community.

Transportation system simulation is the mathematical modeling of transportation systems through the application of computer software to better help plan, design and operate transportation systems. Simulation modeling software is widely used by state, regional and local transportation agencies and their consultants and its use is expected to rise given the growing emphasis on performance management, travel time reliability, multimodal solutions, performance- based design and connected and automated vehicles. Despite the importance of simulation, there is no definitive national guidance document on its use and application. Transportation agencies struggle to provide guidance and oftentimes lack resources to oversee and review its application. State DOTs and other agencies are asking for a national, definitive Transportation System Simulation Manual (TSSM).