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

Characterization of the urban roadway atmospheric environment to evaluate transportation impacts and improve exposure assessment

Christine Kendrick
Urban arterials are landscapes that give rise to short and long-term exposures to increased transportation-related pollution. With high traffic volumes and a wide mix of road users such as those waiting for transit, pedestrians, and bicyclists, urban arterial environments are important targets for improved exposure assessment to traffic-related pollution and application of mitigation strategies. This dissertation project uses long-term roadside air quality and traffic monitoring from a… 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