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

Does Compact Development Increase or Reduce Traffic Congestion?

Reid Ewing Shima Hamidi
It is now widely held, even among many state transportation departments, that you cannot “pave your way out of congestion” (at least in the long run) due to highway induced traffic and highway induced development (sprawl). Therefore, any solution to highway congestion must be multi-faceted and must, in particular, reduce the need for so much vehicular traffic. From years of other research, we know that compact development that is dense, diverse, well-designed, etc. reduces vehicle miles… Read More

NCHRP 15-74 Safety Evaluation of On-Street Bicycle Facility Design Features

Christopher Monsere Sirisha Kothuri
https://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=4763 BACKGROUND While non-separated on-street bicycle facilities have been used in the United States for many years, separated on-street bicycle facilities are becoming increasingly popular. Many state and local departments of transportation (DOTs) have recently installed such facilities to address safety concerns and promote bicycling. Numerous other DOTs are exploring the potential for additional facilities to improve and… Read More