The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) recently selected the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Rail Research and Development Center of Excellence program.
The agency awarded the university up to $5 million to establish the National University Rail Center of Excellence (NURail CoE).
The NURail CoE, led by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with nine partner institutions, will advance research that enhances the safety, efficiency, and reliability of passenger and freight rail transportation. Each member will contribute a portion of a non-federal match.
Potential research topics include the development of groundbreaking technologies to advance rolling stock, energy efficiency measures, grade crossing safety innovations, inspection technology advancements, network resiliency solutions, operational reliability enhancements, Positive Train Control systems, rail infrastructure enhancements, remote sensing applications, and rail systems maintenance approaches.
“The establishment of the NURail CoE is a testament to the dedication and expertise of these institutions,” FRA Administrator Amit Bose said. “This initiative exemplifies our ongoing commitment to building a safer, more efficient, and sustainable rail network for the benefit of all Americans.”
The FRA will provide up to 50 percent of the costs of establishing and operating NURail CoE and its research activities.
The NURail CoE is set to operate for three years.