Network Modeling Center

Researchers are actively engaged in fundamental research related to network models, with an emphasis on dynamic traffic assignment (DTA) models, and the application of DTA models to determine the system-level impacts of changes to the transportation network infrastructure.

Automated Vehicle Safety Assessments

Conducting public and private stakeholder interviews, researchers are developing an operational design domain (ODD) framework to guide the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in assessing the safety of automated vehicles. The project includes identifying challenging roadway environments such as work zones and forced merges, simulating urban and highway driving scenarios using a six-degree-of-freedom motion base driving simulator, and formulating technical and policy recommendations for Texas.

Enhancing Road Weather Management

Wildfires, flash floods, freezes and other types of extreme weather events have a significant impact on safety and mobility throughout Texas. TxDOT plays a critical role in enabling effective inter-agency coordination for evacuating affected residents and delivering necessary resources in emergency conditions. Operating TxDOT roadways in the safest way feasible is crucial: deaths caused by frozen or flooded roadway conditions can be prevented if receptive travelers are better informed and prepared. This project addressed two objectives: (1) Identify the challenges, benefits, and strategies for data collection and sharing to maximize TxDOT’s ability to improve responses to extreme weather events. (2) Explore new methods and technologies to find effective ways to disseminate weather-related roadway information to the public.