New ICT-IDOT projects
7/19/2025
Illinois Center for Transportation is pleased to announce the start of new Illinois Department of Transportation-sponsored projects, from most recent start date.
R27-280: Economic, Environmental and Equity Outcomes Assessment of the Electric Vehicle Charging Network Expansion in Illinois
Eleftheria Kontou, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Jason Lange, Illinois Department of Transportation
Illinois Department of Transportation was awarded 182 direct current fast charging ports in its first round of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program.
Researchers will analyze electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Illinois and estimate the benefits of expansion through 2050. They will estimate benefits of EV chargers associated with job creation and cost savings from EV ownership. They will identify gaps in EV charger coverage in rural and underserved communities as well as identify types of site hosts to maximize benefits.
Identifying gaps in EV charger service will help guide IDOT’s deployment from NEVI funds as well as provide an economic impact assessment of EV ownership.
The project will conclude June 2028.
R27-279: Advancing Self-Explaining Streets Phase 2: Evaluating the Use of Roadway Design Elements and Target Speeds to Reduce Operating Speed
Alireza Talebpour, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Stephane Seck-Birhame, Illinois Department of Transportation
Victoria Barrett, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
One way to reduce speeding is the use of self-explaining roads (also referred to as self-enforcing roads), which use visual cues and physical layouts to control speeds. Using self-explaining roads can encourage drivers to adopt appropriate speeds based on a road’s characteristics and features, reducing the risk of crashes and improving overall safety.
Researchers will identify how various roadway characteristics reduce speeding and crashes as well as develop a model to predict their relationship. They will conduct a before-and-after study to evaluate the effectiveness of self-explaining roads strategies across urban, suburban and rural settings.
The findings of this study will inform how practice and guidance can be improved to implement self-explaining roadways.
The project will end June 2027.
R27-SP76: In-Service Evaluation of Temporary Sign Support Systems against Wind Load
Yanfeng Ouyang, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Juan Pava, Illinois Department of Transportation
IDOT and industry partners have worked together for over five years in the transition to the use of MASH-compliant temporary traffic control devices.
As a result of a sunset date established in 2019, the use of MASH-compliant temporary sign supports in work zones is increasing. Industry, however, is uncertain about the in-field performance and potential safety concerns associated with sign stability, particularly due to wind loads.
Researchers will evaluate the rigidity, stability and feasibility of temporary signs stands’ use for construction as well as quantify the impacts of wind.
IDOT will use the findings to determine which temporary sign support systems will be allowed, ensuring there are no unintended risks associated with in-service performance or increased worker exposure associated with sign deployment and maintenance.
The project will end February 2026.
R27-SP75: Development of Pavement Temperature Measurement System for ICART
Ramez Hajj, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
John Senger, Illinois Department of Transportation
Performance of hot-mix asphalt is dependent on temperature and loads applied to the pavement, among other factors.
Researchers will design pavement temperature sensors for the Illinois Certification and Research Track that will measure and record temperatures at various levels in the pavement.
Monitoring pavement temperature at various levels will help to better understand how pavement reacts to changes in weather conditions, allowing engineers to optimize design.
The project will conclude February 2026.