TREC research addresses complex transportation problems by drawing on multiple disciplines, including engineering, planning, economics and design, from across the Portland State University campus. Use the search box at right to search for a specific project.

Research Highlights

Evaluation of Different Curb Extension Treatments for Pedestrian Comfort and Safety at Intersections

Nathan McNeil Sirisha Kothuri
In a project funded by the The District Department of Transportation (DDOT), Portland State University is partnering with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to document and identify factors associated with road user safety and comfort at intersections with permanent versus tactical (both with and without mural art) curb extensions, as well as a set of control locations with no curb extensions. DDOT has over the last few years installed several curb extension treatments on different… Read More

Effect of Residential Street Speed Limit Reduction from 25 to 20 mi/hr on Driving Speeds in Portland, Oregon

Christopher Monsere Sirisha Kothuri , Jason Anderson
In 2015, the City of Portland adopted Vision Zero's objective of eliminating transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries. Speed, through analysis of crash data, was determined to be a contributing factor in 47% of the fatal crashes observed in Portland. Thus, one of the pillars in the Vision Zero Action Plan is reductions in motor vehicle speeds. The Portland City Council approved an ordinance reducing the speed limit on all residential streets to 20 miles per hour (mph) in January… Read More