Current Research Projects

Development of a State of the Art Traffic Micro-Simulation Model for Nebraska
Laurence Rilett

This research project will develop a state of the art micro-simulation model for the Nebraska State Highway System which can be used by NDOR designers, planners and traffic engineers. Because the ability to accurately and efficiently model traffic flow characteristics, drivers\' behavior, and traffic control operations is critical for obtaining realistic micro-simulation results, the model will be calibrated to Nebraska conditions. In addition, it will be designed so that a wide range of applications can be analyzed. A section of Interstate 80 between Lincoln and Omaha will be used as a test bed. Generic databases of both supply (i.e. link characteristics, traffic control devices, lane widths, etc.) and demand (origin - destination movements by vehicle type) will be developed. Learn More...

Optimal Design of Workzone Crossovers
Laurence Rilett and Karen Schurr

This research project will develop a state of the art micro-simulation model for the Nebraska State Highway System which can be used by NDOR designers, planners and traffic engineers. Because the ability to accurately and efficiently model traffic flow characteristics, drivers' behavior, and traffic control operations is critical for obtaining realistic micro-simulation results, the model will be calibrated to Nebraska conditions. In addition, it will be designed so that a wide range of applications can be analyzed. A section of Interstate 80 between Lincoln and Omaha will be used as a test bed. Generic databases of both supply (i.e. link characteristics, traffic control devices, lane widths, etc.) and demand (origin - destination movements by vehicle type) will be developed. Learn More...

Intelligent Grade Crossing System
Laurence Rilett, Elizabeth Jones, Aemal Khattak

The goals of this project are to develop permanent and portable test bed systems for intelligent signal preemption that are consistent with standards for the operation of at-grade, highway-rail intersections. Trains will be detected using 2 nd generation video and radar technologies and their arrival at downstream highway-railway intersections will be forecast. Algorithms will be developed for improving traffic and pedestrian safety and the forecast gate closures will be to advanced traveler information systems More information coming soon.

SMART Transportation
Elizabeth Jones

Development of a Prototype Statewide Data Archive for Nebraska. Travel Time Estimation. Development of Detector Test beds - Interstate and Urban Arterials. GIS Interface Prototype. More information coming soon.

Acceleration Ramps Along High Speed Multi-Lane Roadways
Karen Schurr & Dr. Laurence Rilett

The objective of this research is to study vehicle speeds and driver behavior at tapered and parallel acceleration lanes along high speed roadways and develop guidelines for designers to use when the operating speed of the through lanes is greater than 60 mph. Effects of varying truck volumes will also be studied. Guidelines for the optimal use of parallel and tapered type lanes will be defined. Once driver behavior and operational characteristics are determined, traffic conditions will be defined for which the addition of right-turn acceleration lanes, as opposed to installing a signal or constructing a full interchange, would be the most effective solution. Driver behavior, speed and path choice will be studied in conjunction with the newly funded FY 2006 NDOR project, Development of a State of the Art Traffic Micro-Simulation Model for Nebraska, Larry Rilett, Principal Investigator. Learn More...

Non-Intrusive Detector Study
Laurence R. Rilett Ph.D., P.E.

The objective of this study is to ascertain the user friendly capabilities of traffic study related technologies. The goal is to make the technology something that everyone will be compatible with. Learn More...

ITS Travel Time
Laurence R. Rilett

The studies objective is to evaluate the current research techniques used by researchers and to consider alternate or more efficient means of research. Ultimately this research will be used in aspects of traffic estimation and research that have yet to be investigated. Learn More...

ITS Decision Support System Development Study
Aemal Khattak

This study focuses on the creation of a safety support system for all traffic engineers and researchers. With the system information may be more openly shared and studied between engineers and students alike. Whether or not this type of system is possible to create is one question the researchers seek to answer. Learn More...

Statewide ITS Data Archiving Study and Evaluation Activities
Elizabeth G. Jones

This study is an attempt to create a prototype for a statewide archive which would make large amounts of data readily available to researchers across the university, state, and country. Learn More...