In Idea 1 (originally titled "Project Gain"), I propose new concepts for roadway intersections that may provide improved performance over conventional intersections. Specifically, the concept intersections blend together certain key elements from different kinds of existing intersections in order to create alternative options in traffic signal control. With their unique design, operation, and usage, the concept intersections... more »
New Jersey is on a path to a carbon-neutral future under the policy direction of Governor Murphy. Carbon emissions of motor vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and buses contribute to climate change, and efforts are being made at NJ TRANSIT to evaluate alternative bus power systems that reduce or eliminate such emissions. While great attention is given to heavy-duty transit bus power systems, less is known about... more »
Update FMIS with Microsoft Windows(or other suitable 21st Century technology).
When considering how many dredging contracts we have just to maintain a navigable channel that will naturally, continually attract sediment, you cannot help but realize how much is unnecessarily spent. Each contract has ancillary costs, such as mobilization and field office set up, and of course the allowable profit and overhead. This is all extra money on top of the cost of keeping the waterway clear. In effort to... more »
There are many different companies that use various types of road mapping hardware/software for their respective purposes. This technology could be utilized for multiple purposes that would benefit both the DOT and the public. All of these purposes would be achieved by the creation of a Virtual Reality State Highway System (VRSHS). I propose that the NJDOT contract with one of these companies to utilize their technology,... more »
Multi-Modal System Components and Users
NJ TRANSIT would like to conduct a comprehensive market segmentation study to identify and quantify discrete personas of both riders and non-riders of our system, in order to develop new products, services and compelling marketing campaigns to drive ridership and revenue.
With both the health of the roadways and the need for recycling constantly in our minds, I think that both can be helped by designing a mass producible custom aggregate for use in asphalt and concrete, that can be made with recycled materials. We could design a shape that would aid in the transfer of stress within the material while minimizing the movement of the aggregate after curing of that material. This would... more »
There must be an alternative to school busing. Investigate options to school busing.
https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812476
Recently, towns such as Robbinsville have taken to using humor in dynamic message signs in an effort to warn drivers to slow down, obey traffic laws, drive safely, and otherwise make the road a safer place. Humor might be an effective technique to aid driver memory and reduce crashes and damage to New Jersey roads, as well as increase the effectiveness of passive law enforcement. (For reference: news article, https://www.nj.com/news/2019/12/only-in-jersey-traffic-safety-served-up-with-a-side-of-attitude-humor.html)... more »
Existing pavement markings are made of latex and glass beads, and they wear off quickly. When the road is wet or dark, pavement marking is hard to see. Low visibility is one of the reason more accidents happen on wet road or after dark. Pavement marking, when made of more durable material and inlay into the pavement, can last longer. Pavement marking, when combined with Fluorescent, Optic tube, UV LED, reflectors,... more »
Can 3D printing have enough quality control to make safe, fatigue-resistant Overhead and Cantilever signs?
Multi-Modal System Components and Users
The Meadowlands Sports Complex and American Dream Mall are two major entertainment and employment centers in Northern New Jersey. Located in East Rutherford, this combined complex is the location of MetLife Stadium, the Meadowlands Racetrack, and the newly opened American Dream Mall. As such, it is an area where multiple individuals with disparate interests come together from the entire New York Metropolitan Area and... more »
Green streets use green infrastructure practices within the public right-of-way to manage stormwater while preserving the primary function of a street as a conduit for vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders. In a densely populated state like New Jersey, the management of stormwater runoff is an important consideration for developed areas as impervious surfaces like roofs, roads and parking lots prevent... more »
There is growing public interest in new technologies that make motor vehicle travel safer and more convenient. These systems of increasing complexity and vehicular control are commonly described by Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) as "Levels" 0 or no assistance, to 5 or complete automation with no navigation or vehicular control by a human driver. The vision is that increasing levels of driver assistance can avoid... more »
In service fatigue fracture of highway signs and signal support structures due to wind induced oscillations is the primary concern for cost-effective life cycle performance of these structures. Recognizing the impact of potential life and property damage from structural failures and economic burden of inspecting, maintaining and replacing the sheer volume of these structures in the inventory, the American Association... more »