The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is investing $6.5 million this fiscal year in the Arizona Transportation Institute, a tri-university consortium headquartered at the University of Arizona that will perform safety, sustainability, and efficiency research.
The institute is modeled after other states’ transportation centers and will allow collaborative teams to propose and implement projects. It also will improve transportation engineering outreach and education, boost work force development and position the universities to receive additional federal research funds.
“We’re tremendously excited to partner with talented faculty and students in a way that can improve the lives of Arizonans, support our state’s economy and promote transportation engineering as an exciting and essential career,” ADOT Director Jennifer Toth said.
The institute has launched eight projects including determining whether use of native plant landscaping following wildfires can reduce repair and maintenance costs for roadways and improving asphalt mixes.
Researchers will develop state-specific recommendations for identifying the best types of safety measures to prevent crashes.
Yao-Jan Wu, a University of Arizona professor of civil and architectural engineering and mechanics, will serve as the institute’s executive director.
If approved, ADOT will provide $2.5 million in funding annually over the next two years, bringing the total investment to $11.5 million.