New ICT-IDOT projects

The following research projects have recently started: 

R27-191: Evaluating the Costs & Benefits of Snow Fences in Illinois (Started 8/16/18)

The objective of this project is to identify ways to motivate and reward private landowners for their participation in the snow fence program while keeping the program cost effective.

R27-193-3: Evaluation of Geosynthetics Use in Pavement Foundation Layers & Their Effects on Design Methods (Started 8/16/18)

The overall objective of this research project is to provide the Illinois Department of Transportation with geotechnical solutions for highway and pavement applications that will advance current practice and ensure that the pavements in the state of Illinois are constructed to the needed levels of performance, economy, and durability, without being overly conservative in thickness.

R27-193-4: Premature Cracking Mechanisms for Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement (JPCP) (Started 8/16/18)

This concrete pavement research project looks to provide the Illinois Department of Transportation with likely mechanisms that are causing the premature cracks in urban JPCP sections and offer relevant solutions to minimize this premature cracking.

R27-199: Optimizing the Benefits of Smoother Roads Against the Increased Costs to Build Them (Started 8/16/18)

The objective of this project is to quantify the benefits and costs to build smoother roads that allow agencies to establish policies and specifications that are in the best interest of the transportation community.

R27-200: Construction of Pedestrian Infrastructure Along Transit Corridors (Started 8/16/18)

The objectives of this research are to: 1) Document the state of pedestrian planning and policy-making in Northeastern Illinois as they relate to transit access; 2) Identify potential resources and funding opportunities; 3) Examine the strategies and practices of peer transit agencies with respect to pedestrian planning; and 4) Suggest short- and long-term strategies for constructing pedestrian infrastructure in the Pace service area.

R27-201: Motor Vehicle Crashes Among Older Population (Started 8/16/18)

This research project seeks to: 1) Examine mortality risks of crashes among the elderly compared to other age groups using information from crash, roadway driver, vehicle, health care, and survey data; 2) Identify specific areas where crashes among the elderly may be improved by mitigating vehicle crash risks among elderly people; and (3) Recommend strategies to improve safety while promoting mobility and independence among older people.

R27-202: Roadway Lighting’s Effect on Pedestrian Safety at Intersection and Midblock Crosswalks (Started 9/16/18)

The goal of this study is to understand the effects of crosswalk lighting design on pedestrian safety at both midblock and intersections. The study will also attempt to determine the optimal design at intersections for improved visibility for motorists of pedestrians, vehicles, turning movements, and all other road users within the intersection.

R27-195: Best Practice Operation of Reversible Express Lanes for Kennedy Expressway (Started 10/16/18)

The goal of this project is to review the existing practices for reversible lanes by analyzing traffic data. Then, recommend guidelines for better operation and management of the reversible express lanes along Kennedy Expressway.