The Federal Railroad Administration awarded a national research team headed by two Penn State Altoona faculty members a $6.87 million grant to research into short-line and regional railroads Wednesday.
Part of the 2024 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program, the grant money will help the faculty members establish the Rail Center for Research Enhancing Short-line Transportation (Rail CREST). The center will focus on affordable technologies to improve the safety, efficiency, reliability and sustainability of short line and regional railroads.
Under the leadership of Hai Huang, center director and professor of engineering at Penn State Altoona, and Shihui Shen, associate center director and professor of rail transportation engineering (RTE) at Penn State Altoona, the center will bring together faculty and researchers from six partnering institutions: Kansas State University, University of Texas at Austin, Auburn University, University of South Carolina and University of New Mexico, officials said. The collaboration will focus on 10 targeted research projects that will provide practical, cost-effective solutions for short-line rail operations, Huang said.
“RTE faculty began rail research efforts more than a decade ago alongside the establishment of the nation’s first and only ABET-accredited RTE program,” Huang said. “Our partner universities also bring extensive experience in rail-focused research and education, making this collaboration uniquely positioned and well-prepared for this important work.”
Rail CREST’s research will look at affordable technologies for infrastructure monitoring, advanced safety mechanisms for grade crossings and artificial intelligence-driven geohazard prediction models. The center will also look at sustainability efforts like using recycled materials for track ties and developing comprehensive energy analysis tools.
“This work reflects Penn State Altoona’s commitment to supporting impactful research and showcases the dedication of our faculty and administration,” Shen said. “We hope it affirms for our students the strength of the RTE program and the pride that comes with being part of it.”