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Events such as the annual NJDOT Research Showcase bring together NJDOT staff, researchers, students, and private-sector partners to exchange ideas. Source: NJDOT BRIIT

Advancing Innovation Through Shared Expertise at NJDOT

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Learning from Each Other

Peer-to-peer (P2P) exchanges have become a cornerstone of innovation in state transportation agencies. Designed to share knowledge, test new approaches, and strengthen collaboration, these exchanges help DOTs tackle complex challenges while improving performance and outcomes. At the federal level, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) encouraged these activities through its Every Day Counts (EDC-7) and other programs, promoting the rapid adoption of proven innovations. Each state supports these efforts through its State Transportation Innovation Council (STIC), which serves as a hub for fostering cross-agency collaboration, knowledge transfer, and the adoption of new strategies.

At NJDOT, P2P exchanges do more than fulfill federal guidance—they provide a practical mechanism for advancing internal collaboration, building external partnerships, and piloting solutions that enhance safety and infrastructure resilience. Through structured exchanges with local, regional, and national partners, NJDOT has accelerated implementation of innovations ranging from rural roadway safety improvements to digital twin modeling for traffic management. These forums also create opportunities for centralized data sharing, coordinated planning, and the development of problem-solving methods that can be adapted across divisions and partner agencies.

NJDOT’s experience demonstrates how peer exchanges can translate shared knowledge into measurable outcomes, from cost savings and improved safety to more effective planning and operations. NJDOT first hosted a Peer Exchange in October 2001, aligning research management practices with department goals/policies. Additional goals include collaborating with TRB, NCHRP, and other universities (NJDOT 2001). NJDOT followed this with another Peer Exchange Report in 2006, centered on how NJDOT can better implement research findings and establish performance standards, highlighting lessons learned from states like Delaware, North Carolina, and Minnesota (NJDOT 2006). The Department went on to publish an October 2011 Peer Exchange Report, highlighting recent improvements, such as the use of the automated PROMPTS (Project Management and Progress Tracking System) system to help better track project progress from problem statement to delivery (NJDOT 2011).

In June 2014, FHWA hosted a Peer Exchange on Locally Administered Federal-Aid Projects, sharing NJDOT’s Local Aid Eligibility Assessment form as a model example. State officials also noted their desire to create a certification acceptance program with USDOT (FHWA 2014). The Department then hosted another Research Peer Exchange in October 2016, which promoted linking financial data to performance goals, and was held alongside the Annual Research Showcase to maximize stakeholder input (FHWA 2016).

Strengthen Collaboration Within NJDOT

Improving Rural Road Safety

Rural road departures—where vehicles unintentionally leave the roadway—pose a significant safety risk, often resulting in fatalities or serious injuries. In 2018 and 2019, NJDOT, in partnership with FHWA, hosted a peer exchange with Cumberland and Somerset counties to explore strategies for reducing these incidents (NJDOT BRIIT, 2020).

County engineers discussed approaches such as rumble strips, high-friction surface treatment (HFST) on curves, and improved roadway markings. By sharing their experiences and local data, participants identified which countermeasures were most effective under various conditions.

To move from discussion to implementation, NJDOT and the South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization (SJTPO) identified pilot locations on High Risk Rural Roads (HRRR).  Several roads in Cumberland County were subsequently designated HRRR and received targeted safety improvements. The exchange also brought to light implementation challenges, including a shortage of specialized contractors, high unit costs for HFST, and outdated crash data. Somerset County engineers reported using FHWA’s HFST Curve Selection & Installation Guide to prioritize projects and manage costs effectively.

Peer exchanges helped NJDOT and its county partners turn shared safety expertise into targeted improvements on rural roads—directly reducing crash risk in New Jersey communities (NJDOT BRIIT 2020).

High Risk Rural Roads in Cumberland County Source: Whitaker, D.W. 2019. Systemic Safety Improvements: Cumberland County Engineering Department.
High Risk Rural Roads in Cumberland County. Source: Whitaker, D.W. 2019. Systemic Safety Improvements: Cumberland County Engineering Department.

HFST improvements on five curves along a mile-long stretch of Chimney Rock Road (Somerset County) reduced annual crashes by 84 percent, falling from 73 to just 12. Other rural roads in the county experienced reductions of up to 80 percent.

Building on these results, the County is incorporating GIS-based crash mapping and the Regional Curve Inventory and Safety Assessment to identify and prioritize future high-risk locations for signage or HFST. Staff are also using FHWA guidance to help select and implement the most appropriate curve treatments.

The exchange allowed counties not only to learn new approaches but also to plan more efficiently and anticipate challenges before implementation. The collaborative process strengthened NJDOT’s internal coordination and set a model for county-level safety projects across the state.

Rebuilding Infrastructure Through Cross-Agency Collaboration

In July 2025, NJDOT partnered with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) and the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (I-Bank) to help Seaside Park rebuild its storm-damaged boardwalk. While not a traditional peer exchange, this project illustrates the same principles of shared knowledge, aligned resources, and collaborative problem-solving (NJIB 2025).

Pedestrian view of the damaged boardwalk in Seaside Park, NJ. Source: New Jersey Infrastructure Bank, 2025.
Pedestrian view of the damaged boardwalk in Seaside Park, NJ. Source: New Jersey Infrastructure Bank 2025.

Boardwalks are essential transportation assets in coastal communities, supporting pedestrian mobility, emergency response access, and local economies. The I-Bank provided $12.3 million in low-interest financing over 30 years, while NJDCA connected local needs with available funding. NJDOT estimates the project will save approximately $5.1 million for taxpayers and support 147 direct construction jobs. Some of the project’s major design upgrades include replacing the substructure of the boardwalk to improve resiliency, and adding new ADA-compliant ramps to ensure the boardwalk can be enjoyed by all users.

By treating boardwalks as essential transportation corridors, peer-style collaboration helped turn shared expertise into a project that saves money, supports jobs, and strengthens coastal access.

Beyond financial benefits, the project offers lessons in streamlining multi-agency coordination, expediting project delivery, and applying NJDOT expertise at multiple levels. NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor stated that the project is “a perfect example of how multiple state agencies can work together to deliver smart, lasting infrastructure improvements in coordination with a local government” (NJDOT LARC 2025).

Working with External Partners

Sustaining TSMO

Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) strengthens safety and mobility by using technology, data, and operational strategies to improve performance on the existing roadway.

In early 2025, the National Operations Center of Excellence (NOCoE) hosted a Sustaining TSMO Virtual Peer Exchange to share best practices nationwide. NJDOT was invited to present how it continues to elevate TSMO within the organization. Senior Director of Transportation Mobility Sal Cowan described NJDOT’s evolution from establishing a 24/7 Transportation Management Center to embedding TSMO principles across every division (NOCoE 2025).

Cowan emphasized that sustaining TSMO strategies requires long-term relationships with partners such as FHWA, MPOs, university researchers, and neighboring DOTs. These collaborations allow the Department to integrate real-time and historical data into planning, leading to coordinated roadway operations and enhanced safety outcomes across modes.

TSMO is also incorporated into long-range planning, including freight strategies and electric vehicle initiatives. NJDOT is investing $40 million in work programs focused on staff training, emerging technologies, and operational readiness. These commitments position the Department to continuously adapt to new challenges—while ensuring TSMO remains embedded in everyday practice.

One TSMO project grew directly from lessons learned through peer exchanges. In 2019, the NCHRP Management and Use of Data for Transportation Performance Management guide highlighted how NJDOT’s progress in training staff, joining probe-data user groups, and learning from agency peers already using the Regional Integrated Transportation Information System (RITIS) and INRIX platforms (NCHRP 2019).

After joining the I-95 Corridor Coalition’s Probe Data Analytics User Group, NJDOT staff observed how Maryland and other DOTs used probe data to track congestion and manage projects. That experience helped staff adopt similar in-house methods. By 2022, these lessons led to national recognition, as NOCoE awarded NJDOT “Best TSMO Project” for its U.S. Route 1 ITS Improvement Project in South Brunswick. The project reduced PM-peak travel times by 45 percent and delays by nearly 30 percent (NJDOT BRIIT 2022).

Sustaining TSMO demands shared strategies, shared data, and shared commitment—peer exchanges help keep all three in motion.

Extending Pavement Life With Balanced Mix Design

Events such as the annual NJDOT Research Showcase bring together NJDOT staff, researchers, students, and private-sector partners to exchange ideas. Source: NJDOT BRIIT
Events such as the annual NJDOT Research Showcase bring together NJDOT staff, researchers, students, and private-sector partners to exchange ideas. Source: NJDOT BRIIT

In March 2023, FHWA convened eight Northeastern transportation agencies for a peer exchange on Balanced Mix Design (BMD), a method of asphalt performance testing that reduces cracking and extends service life. NJDOT shared its use of BMD for specialty mixtures, applying AASHTO-certified testing standards to benchmark performance while maintaining volumetric testing using state and third-party labs. Sampling occurs approximately every 3,500 tons, with plans to increase frequency (FHWA 2023).

The exchange highlighted regional approaches to data management, verification, and validation. NJDOT refined testing methods, reduced quality assurance costs, and evaluated a broader range of conditions for specialty asphalt mixes. NJDOT’s BMD initiatives have extended pavement life. High-performance thin overlays (HPTO) mixes have lasted up to 13 years on higher-distress pavements, and combining Binder Rich Intermediate Course (BRIC) with stone matrix asphalt (SMA) has increased projected service life by at least 10 years compared to traditional mixtures with no BRIC. The collaboration reinforced the value of sharing technical expertise across state lines (Hajj & Aschenbrener 2021).

Innovative asphalt testing means longer-lasting roads and smarter spending.

Planning for the 2026 World Cup

Final Report for the World Cup 2026 Mobility and Operations Peer Exchange. Source: NOCoE, 2025.
Final Report for the World Cup 2026 Mobility and Operations Peer Exchange. Source: NOCoE 2025.

With New Jersey hosting seven matches and the final for the 2026 World Cup, NJDOT engaged in extensive planning and coordination. In October 2024, the agency coordinated with NOCoE to host a peer exchange with other state DOTs and host cities to discuss large-scale event strategies. Lessons drawn from Georgia DOT’s Super Bowl LIII and Miami-Dade County’s Copa 2024 guided approaches to security, transit scheduling, and traffic management, including hard-shoulder running lanes. Locally, NJDOT is coordinating security upgrades with the New Jersey State Police, syncing transit schedules with the Port Authority, and collaborating with multiple local agencies (NOCoE 2025).

Ahead of the World Cup, NJDOT is advancing several Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) upgrades to support real-time traffic management. ITS includes tools such as dynamic message signage and computerized arterial traffic signals (NJDOT 2025). NJDOT has awarded $20.6 million in contracts for ITS improvements in Bergen, Hudson, Essex, and Passaic counties (NJ Office of the Governor 2025). As part of this suite of upgrades, NJDOT is developing a first-of-its-kind LiDAR 3D roadway map of the area surrounding MetLife Stadium to enhance operations and incident response. The exchange demonstrated how P2P collaboration can accelerate innovation, anticipate challenges, and enable technology-driven solutions in high-pressure, large-scale scenarios (HNTB 2025).

Planning for international events pushes innovation, collaboration, and real-time problem-solving.

Applied Research and Performance Tracking

In September 2017, Montana DOT hosted a peer exchange focused on applied research, performance measure tracking, and implementation of innovative practices. NJDOT participated virtually, sharing its approach to integrating implementation into research projects (Seeber & Hirt 2018).

Participants discussed funding strategies, aligning project with FHWA criteria, and systems for tracking outcomes, such as Minnesota’s ARTS database. NJDOT drew lessons on improving internal tracking, pairing performance outcomes with reporting, and maintaining financial sustainability while adopting new practices. These insights have informed NJDOT’s approach to research integration and long-term planning.

Lessons Learned and Opportunities Ahead

NJDOT’s experience shows that structured peer collaboration advances innovation, improves safety, and leads to measurable results. Through internal and external exchanges, NJDOT has:

  • Strengthened safety on rural roads through targeted countermeasures
  • Reduced costs and supported job creation through municipal infrastructure projects
  • Enhanced operational strategies through TSMO integration and digital mapping
  • Extended pavement life using advanced asphalt design and testing
  • Improved planning and coordination for large-scale events like the 2026 World Cup
  • Refined research implementation and performance tracking for long-term planning

These efforts have helped NJDOT shift from traditional traffic and asset management toward a proactive, knowledge-driven approach. Lessons learned inform decision-making in storm resiliency, freight planning, electric vehicle strategies, and municipal collaboration.

Looking ahead, NJDOT will continue to integrate peer exchanges into long-range planning, freight operations, and EV initiatives. National resources, including the NCHRP synthesis on peer exchanges, offer further guidance for maximizing collaboration and innovation.

Peer exchanges turn shared knowledge into tangible results—safer roads, smarter projects, and more efficient operations.

In March of 2025, NJDOT’s Bureau of Research, Innovation, and Information Transfer (BRIIT) participated in a peer exchange focused on research strategies, project selection, and implementation (MassDOT 2025).

Attendees to the 2025 Artificial Intelligence in State DOTs Peer Exchange. Source: Caltrans 2025.
Attendees to the 2025 Artificial Intelligence in State DOTs Peer Exchange. Source: Caltrans 2025.

NJDOT is also contributing to best practices for emerging technology. In early 2025, NJDOT took part in the Artificial Intelligence in State DOTs peer exchange sponsored by Caltrans (Caltrans 2025). Discussions centered on workforce readiness, data governance, ethical guidance, and real-word applications of AI in transportation. New Jersey already has a statewide AI policy, and NJDOT is applying these concepts through a staff-facing chatbot and a pilot integrating machine learning into construction cost estimation.

An October 2025 AI-focused peer exchange convened by University of Massachusetts – Amherst reinforced the importance of collaboration as states adapt to rapidly evolving technologies. NJDOT played a central role, contributing to the national dialogue and helping shape best practices. With no federal regulatory framework yet in place, states are using peer exchanges to align strategies, address challenges, and learn from each other. More broadly, peer exchanges allow NJDOT to share its experience and translate collective knowledge into practical improvements across operations, research, and technology adoption.

Resources

Caltrans Division of Research, Innovation & System Information. (2025). AI in State DOTs Peer Exchange 2025 Final [PDF]. Retrieved from https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/lgdkkepqv8q70nm8nswmz/AI-in-State-DOTs-Peer-Exchange-2025-FINAL.pdf?rlkey=5uuavev1qkjxskr85hznsp0lq&e=1&st=ozc4pnex&dl=0

Federal Highway Administration. (2023). Northeast Peer Exchange on Balanced Mix Design (BMD): Outcomes and summary. https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/asphalt/HIF_2023%20Northeast_Peer_Exchange_on_Balanced_Mix_Design_%28BMD%29_Outcomes_and_Summary.pdf

Hajj, E. Y., & Aschenbrener, T. B. (2021, March). Case studies on the implementation of balanced mix design and performance tests for asphalt mixtures: New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) (WRSC-TR-21-06). University of Nevada, Reno. Retrieved from https://eng.auburn.edu/research/centers/ncat/files/New-Jersey-Case-Study.pdf

HNTB Corporation. (2025) Garden State Glory: As a host to FIFA World Cup 26™ games and final, New Jersey is meticulously preparing its transportation infrastructure for global visitors while ensuring smooth mobility for locals. https://www.hntb.com/think/garden-state-glory/

Massachusetts Department of Transportation. (2025). MassDOT Research Peer Exchange 2025: Final Report. Retrieved from https://www.mass.gov/doc/massdot-peer-exchange-report/download

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2019). Management and Use of Data for Transportation Performance Management: Guide for Practitioners (NCHRP Report 920). Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/25462

National Operations Center of Excellence. (2024, October 14–15). WC26 New Jersey peer exchange: October 14–15, 2024. https://transportationops.org/pse/wc26newjersey

National Operations Center of Excellence. (2025, March 11). Sustaining TSMO Peer Exchange Report. https://www.transportationops.org/system/files/uploaded_files/2025-03/NOCoE%20-%20Sustaining%20TSMO%20Peer%20Exchange%20Report.pdf

New Jersey Department of Transportation, Bureau of Research, Innovation & Information Transfer. (2020, March 26). How New Jersey counties are reducing rural roadway departures. NJDOT Technology Transfer. https://www.njdottechtransfer.net/2020/03/26/how-new-jersey-counties-are-reducing-rural-roadway-departures/

New Jersey Department of Transportation, Bureau of Research, Innovation & Information Transfer. (2022, June 9). NJDOT wins Best TSMO Project from National Operations Center for Excellence. NJDOT Technology Transfer. NJDOT Technology Transfer. https://www.njdottechtransfer.net/2022/06/09/njdot-wins-best-tsmo-project/

New Jersey Department of Transportation, Local Aid Resource Center (LARC). (2025, July 17). Multi-agency collaborative effort delivers first boardwalk loan to Seaside Park. https://njdotlocalaidrc.com/news/post.php?s=2025-07-17-multi-agency-collaborative-effort-delivers-first-boardwalk-loan-to-seaside-park

New Jersey Department of Transportation. (2025). Traffic engineering (ITS/ MSE) – Division of Engineering: Electrical/ITS. https://www.transportationops.org/publications/new-jersey-dot-mobility-and-systems-engineering

New Jersey Infrastructure Bank. (2025, July 17). Multi-agency collaborative effort delivers first boardwalk loan to Seaside Park. https://www.njib.gov/news/multi-agency-collaborative-effort-delivers-first-boardwalk-loan-to-seaside-park-68793024d3c4b

New Jersey Office of the Governor. (2025, July 10). ICYMI: NJDOT’s FY25 capital program delivers more than $1 billion in contracts for the 7th consecutive year demonstrating Murphy Administration’s commitment to infrastructure investment. https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/news/562025/approved/20250710b.shtml

Seeber, K., & Hirt, B. (2018, January). Montana Department of Transportation research peer exchange: Implementation, performance measures, and the value of research (Final Report No. FHWA/MT-18-001/9510-566). CTC & Associates LLC. https://www.mdt.mt.gov/other/webdata/external/research/docs/peer/2017_report.pdf

Whitaker, D. W. (2019). Systemic Safety Improvements: Cumberland County Engineering Department.  https://www.njdottechtransfer.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Cumberland-Systemic.pdf

Interview with 2025 NJDOT Research Showcase Outstanding Student: Xiaoyu Zhang

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Rutgers PhD student Xiaoyu Zhang received the 2025 NJDOT Outstanding University Student in Transportation Research Award for his contributions to pavement engineering, traffic safety, and emerging sensing technologies. His work spans pothole detection, friction modeling, and variable speed limit systems, reflecting a blend of traditional engineering, computer vision, and machine learning. In this interview, he discusses his research journey, current projects, and how he hopes to translate innovative research into practical tools for transportation agencies.

Research Journey

Q. Congratulations on receiving the 2025 NJDOT Research Showcase Outstanding University Student in Transportation Research Award. Could you share a bit about your educational and research experience and how you became a PhD student researcher at Rutgers University?

A. First, I am truly honored to receive the NJDOT Outstanding Student Award. I know there are many excellent students in this field, so I really appreciate the committee’s consideration, and my advisor, Dr. Hao Wang, for his continuous support and guidance.

I received both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in transportation engineering from Southeast University in China, where Dr. Wang also began his academic career. After my master’s program, I worked for two years with a highway design company, where I worked on project feasibility studies. This helped me gain real-world experience in transportation safety and policy, but the work itself was less innovative.

My path to Rutgers started when my master’s advisor informed me that Dr. Wang was recruiting PhD students and his research had a strong overlap with my previous work. During my master’s, I worked on 3D pavement surface scanning and data processing. I reached out to Dr. Wang and we arranged an online meeting, which made me more confident that Rutgers and this team were the right place for me. Soon after, I received the offer from Dr. Wang and decided to join. It was a big challenge to move to another country, but also a great opportunity to work with this innovative, highly productive research group.

Innovative Pothole Detection

Q. You’re working on the NJDOT-sponsored Innovative Pothole Repair Materials and Techniques project. What drew you to this research, and what are its key goals?

A. For the Innovative Pothole Repair Material and Techniques project, the first phase focused on asphalt pavement pothole repair, which was successfully completed by Dr. Wang and Dr. Xiao Chen. In phase two, our focus has shifted to concrete pavement pothole repair, and we are collaborating with Dr. Husam Najim and his team.

I’m particularly interested in the innovative techniques side of the project, especially for pothole detection. Our team decided to develop a low-cost 3D imaging system for pothole detection and assessment. The system can estimate a pothole’s volume and depth, which is helpful for determining severity and the amount of materials needed for repair. Currently, NJDOT conducts pavement assessments biannually, but potholes can develop and deteriorate very quickly. Our goal is to create a low-cost, efficient system for pothole detection and rapid repair, helping agencies identify and fix potholes earlier to prevent damage to the roadway and cars.

Our system uses three cameras to capture three images at different angles. Those images are processed in our algorithm in just a few seconds to generate a 3D model of the pothole to extract the volume, depth, and the area of the pothole. In our lab, we created a test pothole and scanned it with a high-resolution handheld 3D laser scanner, which costs around $30,000, and our low-cost, three-camera imaging system, which costs less than $1000. I found that there is less than a 1 percent relative error between the two systems. This demonstrates that our method provides sufficient accuracy for practical applications compared to commercial laser scanners.

3-Camera Imaging System. Image courtesy of Xiaoyu Zhang

Additionally, while the laser scanners are very accurate, they are also expensive, time-consuming, and hard to mount on moving vehicles. In contrast, our system uses compact and affordable GoPro cameras, which are easy to mount and resistant to vibrations. This makes our system much more suitable for our main goal: providing a rapid, low-cost estimation of pothole geometry.

Q. What would be the next steps? Is it just implementation at this point or is it further refining of the process?

A. Our next goal is to adapt this low-cost system for real-world use. There are several challenges we need to address before deployment, such as handling the continuous video data, managing vehicle vibration and speed, optimizing the camera mounting height and angle, and improving the real-time processing algorithm. We aim to make the system more robust and user-friendly for transportation agencies. Ultimately, our goal is to have this system easily mounted on a regular car. After a simple calibration, it could automatically detect potholes during daily driving and provide real-time information for quick pothole repair decisions.

Pavement Resource Program

Q. You also contribute to the NJDOT Pavement Resource Program. What aspects of the project are you involved in, and what potential benefits could this work provide to NJDOT and the broader transportation field?

Polishing Machine. Image courtesy of Xiaoyu Zhang

A. I have been working on the Pavement Resource Program for about two years. This is a long-term research program conducted by Rutgers Pavement Lab in collaboration with NJDOT, and the goal is to understand the long-term performance of pavement surface friction and develop strategies for improving roadway safety and durability. My work involves two main components: lab testing and field data collection.

In the lab, we prepared numerous asphalt mixtures with different aggregates and material types. Then, we used an accelerated polishing machine to simulate tire wear over time for up to 50,000 cycles. Afterward, we measured the surface texture and friction to analyze how texture deterioration affects skid resistance. In the field, we conducted a survey using a high-resolution profiler to test the pavement surface texture and the friction. By comparing the lab and the field data, we aim to establish a correlation between the pavement surface texture and friction performance.

I think this project has great potential benefit for NJDOT and the broader transportation community. From the material perspective, we help identify mixtures and aggregates that maintain high friction over time, improving roadway safety and reducing maintenance costs. From the data and monitoring side, understanding how texture parameters relate to friction allows us to develop a predictive model for further friction prediction.

Q. What are the next steps for the research in the Pavement Resource Program?

A. Our next step is to continue the long-term monitoring and model development. We plan to strengthen the link between the lab and field data, and expand the dataset across more field sites, materials, and gradations. With the new data, we can develop a prediction model to estimate the pavement friction from texture parameters.

Variable Speed Limits

Q. You were also recognized with the ITSNJ 2025 Outstanding Graduate Student Award for your study of variable speed limits in adverse weather conditions. What did that study involve, and what were your key findings?

Variable Speed Limit Map. Image courtesy of Xiaoyu Zhang

A. This project’s focus on traffic safety and adverse weather conditions combined two key areas of my research: pavement surface friction and vehicle dynamic performance. We used real-time monitoring data from road weather information systems, which estimate the pavement surface friction during adverse weather such as rain and snow. Under those conditions, surface friction drops significantly, increasing the risk of skidding, especially while turning at high speed. Our goal is to develop a variable speed limit system that adapts to the real-time friction levels. To establish this, we conducted vehicle dynamic simulations, modeling vehicle cornering behavior at different speeds. This simulation allows us to determine the minimum friction demand required for safe driving under each scenario. When our sensor measures that the friction drops, we calculate an appropriate variable speed limit for that curve.

Interdisciplinary Approach

Q. Your work combines traditional engineering, computer vision, and machine learning. How does this interdisciplinary approach influence how you address transportation infrastructure challenges?

A. My goal is to bridge the gap in adapting advanced technology to solve practical, real-world engineering problems. In transportation research, machine learning is becoming increasingly popular; however, many models are black boxes, making it hard for engineers to apply the results in practice.

To address this, I focus on interpretable machine learning models, incorporating domain knowledge, to help us understand why certain patterns occur. Similarly, when using computer vision, technology like 3D reconstructions and object detection are very important, and I aim to customize them for specific engineering needs such as pothole detection, surface texture, and condition assessment. Overall, this approach allows me to bring the strengths of data science and computer vision into the context of civil and transportation engineering, creating solutions that are both innovative and grounded in engineering reality.

Future Research

Q. Are there emerging areas of research or technology you are especially interested in exploring for your dissertation?

A. For my dissertation, I aim to develop a comprehensive framework for traffic safety evaluation that integrates multiple key factors, including surface texture friction, adverse weather conditions, and vehicle dynamic performance. By combining those aspects, I hope to create a model that can more accurately assess vehicle safety performance in real-world driving conditions and provide data-driven recommendations for transportation agencies. I am also very interested in extending this research to airfield safety, exploring how runway conditions influence airplane safety. The same principles of friction and parallel interaction applies to airplane landing performance.

Xiaoyu Zhang presenting at TRB. Image courtesy of Xiaoyu Zhang

Q. Looking ahead, do you see yourself focusing more on academic research, putting your findings into practice, or a combination of the two?

A. I hope to combine both. Through research, we can discover new ideas, new methods, and technologies to expand our understanding of complex engineering problems. But, I also feel very rewarded by applying those research findings into practice to see how our ideas can directly improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability. My ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between theory and applications, turning innovative research into practical engineering solutions that benefit the public and transportation agencies.

References

Wang, Y., Yu, B., Zhang, X., & Liang, J. (2022). Automatic extraction and evaluation of pavement three-dimensional surface texture using laser scanning technology. Automation in construction, 141, 104410.

Zhang, X., Wang, H., & Bennert, T. (2025). Tire Polishing Effects on Rubber-Texture Contact and Friction Characteristics of Different Asphalt Mixtures. Wear, 206328.

Zhang, X. & Wang, H. (2025). Determination of Variable Speed Limit on Horizontal Curves at Adverse Weather Conditions. The TRB 105th Annual Meeting. Washington, DC.

Zhang, X. & Wang, H. (2025). Long-Term Prediction of Asphalt Pavement Surface Friction Using Interpretable Machine Learning Models. The TRB 105th Annual Meeting. Washington, DC.

Recap: 27th Annual NJDOT Research Showcase

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The 27th Annual NJDOT Research Showcase brought together New Jersey’s transportation community. The event highlighted ongoing research and technology transfer initiatives conducted by NJDOT partners, including institutions of higher education, public agencies, and private-sector organizations. The event took place in-person at Mercer County Community College—with a livestreaming option—from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM on October 29, 2025.

This year’s theme, “Preparing the Workforce for the Future,” shaped the morning plenary session. In the afternoon, the Showcase featured presentations on infrastructure, safety, and strategic workforce development and knowledge transfer, delivered by research faculty, staff, students, and private-sector representatives. NJDOT also presented several awards recognizing research and implemented innovations.

The Research Showcase Program Agenda provides more information on the day’s proceedings, including research topics, presentation abstracts, speaker biographies, and posters. Recordings of the plenary and breakout sessions, and the presentations and posters shared during the event can also be found below.

MORNING

WELCOMING AND INTRODUCTORY REMARKS

Morning Plenary

David Maruca, Program Development Coordinator, Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT), opened the event. He covered housekeeping details, outlined the day’s agenda, and moderated the morning plenary.

Eric Powers, Assistant Commissioner of Statewide Planning, Safety, and Capital Investment, NJDOT, welcomed attendees and thanked participants, including NJDOT Bureau of Research, Innovation, and Information Transfer (BRIIT), Rutgers-CAIT, researchers, students, professors, the private-sector partners, and Mercer County Community College. He highlighted the event theme and emphasized that investing in our workforce provides the best measure for addressing future challenges.

NJDOT Commissioner Francis O’Connor delivered opening remarks. He underscored the importance of adapting to advancements in data, technology, and research and stated that developing talent is one of NJDOT’s smartest investments. He stressed that safety remains NJDOT’s top priority, adding that “behind every model, every dataset, every test run, is a very human goal—making sure people get home safely.” He recognized the students in the audience and beyond as the next generation of innovators positioned to make New Jersey’s transportation system smarter, stronger, and safer.

Francis O'Connor, Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Transportation
Francis O’Connor, Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Transportation

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Debra Sabatini Hennelly, Founder and President of Resiliti, gave the keynote address, “The Key to Unlocking Engagement, Collaboration, and Innovation in the Future Workforce.” She focused on emotional intelligence, supportive environments, and contextual awareness as essential components of innovation and effective organizational culture.

She opened by sharing her career trajectory, beginning as a construction supervisor for Exxon, where she learned the importance of relying on experts, coordinating complex projects, and navigating regulatory requirements. Those experiences motivated her to pursue law school, where she deepened her understanding of how context and problem-solving shape innovation.

Sabatini Hennelly emphasized that innovation thrives when people understand both their own emotions and the emotions of others. Using a Mentimeter survey, she asked the audience to reflect on how they were feeling physically, intellectually, and emotionally. She noted that many employees—particularly women—were historically expected to suppress emotions at work, producing burnout and inhibiting progress.

Debra Sabatini Hennelly, President, Resiliti

To illustrate the connection between emotional and rational thinking, she used the metaphor of a rider and an elephant: the rider represents logic and planning, while the elephant represents emotions and intuition. The rider may know the direction, but the elephant provides the momentum—meaning that people perform at their best only when emotional needs are acknowledged and aligned with goals. She linked this to workforce data showing that in 2024, 37 percent of employees left organizations due to culture and engagement, and 31 percent left due to work-life balance.

She highlighted Gallup engagement research showing that disengaged teams experience significantly higher absenteeism and more safety incidents, while engaged teams—those with a culture grounded in wellbeing and psychological safety—display greater accountability, pride, and performance. When leadership models organizational values, employees gain a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Sabatini Hennelly cited Amy Edmondson’s The Fearless Organization and Tim Clarke’s The Four Stages of Psychological Safety. She emphasized the importance of environments where employees feel safe to learn, contribute ideas, and challenge assumptions without fear of retaliation or embarrassment. Breaches in psychological safety lead to apathy, reduced commitment, and lost productivity. She stressed that open communication is the “nervous system” of an organization—vital for decision-making and innovation.

She concluded by highlighting the challenges and opportunities of today’s multi-generational workforce. She encouraged leadership to recognize and adapt to different communication preferences while finding common ground through shared goals. Using the failed Tacoma Narrows Bridge and the successful push-to-start ignition button as examples, she showed how listening to diverse perspectives and combining technical expertise with empathy drives innovation. She emphasized that preparing the future workforce requires building both skills and supportive cultures. Employees should feel valued and empowered to contribute.

MORNING SESSION PANEL DISCUSSION

The plenary session continued with an interactive panel discussion, “How Are New Jersey Transportation Agencies Preparing the Workforce for the Future?” Representatives from NJDOT, NJ TRANSIT, and the private sector discussed how their organizations are supporting current and future staff. Topics included:

Morning Panel
  • Creating growth opportunities for early-career employees
  • Sharing institutional knowledge across generations
  • Recruiting and retaining talent
  • Fostering innovative and supportive workplace cultures
  • Adapting to new technologies and practices, including AI

Panelists included:

  • Anthony Ennas, Senior Director of Statewide Operations, NJDOT
  • Rebecca Savelli, Human Resources Manager II, NJDOT
  • Savita Lachman, Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer, NJ TRANSIT
  • Christen Thomas, Senior Manager, Deloitte Consulting LLP

Panelists answered questions from the moderator and attendees on topics such as AI, workforce policy limitations and other organizational or policy constraints, and knowledge retention.

Morning plenary included: Christen Thomas, Senior Manager, Deloitte Consulting LLP; Savita Lachman, Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer, NJ TRANSIT; Rebecca Savelli, Human Resources Manager II, NJDOT; Anthony Ennas, Senior Director of Statewide Operations, NJDOT (left-to-right)

AWARDS

Awards Ceremony

Dr. Giri Venkiteela, Innovation Officer at NJDOT, presented awards recognizing research, innovation, and implementation efforts throughout New Jersey.

2025 Outstanding University Student in Transportation Research Award

Recipient: Xiaoyu Zhang, Rutgers University

Recognized for his contributions to the NJDOT-sponsored Innovative Pothole Repair Materials and Techniques project and the Pavement Resource Program. His work included helping to develop a low-cost 3D multi-camera imaging system that rapidly scans for potholes.

2025 NJDOT Research Implementation Award

Recipient: Dr. Hao Wang, Rutgers University, Innovative Pothole Repair Materials and Methods

This project demonstrated that pre-heating pavement prior to repair improves bonding between existing asphalt pavement and patch materials, reducing the need for re-patching and resulting in cost savings for NJDOT. The project also received a 2024 AASHTO Supplementary National High Value Research Award.

2025 Best Poster Award

Recipient: Md Tufajjal Hossain, New Jersey Institute of Technology
Poster: Harsh Braking as a Surrogate for Crash Risk: A Segment Analysis with Connected Vehicle Telematics.

The research compared connected vehicle telematics with New Jersey police crash report data to identify roadway segments where harsh braking indicates higher crash risk. This information allows transportation agencies to take proactive measures to prevent crashes before they occur.

2025 NJDOT Build a Better Mousetrap (BABM) Award

Recipients: Jack Longworth, Cheryl Goldman, Vandana Mathur, Michael Juliano, Shawn Mount, and Chrystal Section, NJDOT Division of Mobility Engineering and Operations
Innovation: Safety Service Patrol—Picture Language Flashcards

The team was recognized for developing picture-based language flashcards that enable Safety Service Patrol (SSP) staff to communicate with people with limited English proficiency in emergency situations. The flashcards include descriptive images and translations into 12 languages. The Showcase featured a short video explaining their development and demonstrating their use.

NJDOT also took this opportunity to acknowledge two projects that received national recognition:

2025 National High Value Research Awards

Innovative Techniques and Materials for Preventing Concrete Shrinkage Cracking
AASHTO Honorable Mention Award in Supplemental Maintenance, Management and Preservation

Principal Investigators: Gilson Lomboy, Shiho Kawashima, Douglas B. Cleary, and Cheng Zhu
Research Project Manager: Giri Venkiteela
Technical Advisory Panel: Yong Zeng and Emmanuel Bassey

Real-time Traffic Signal System Performance Measurement
AASHTO Honorable Mention Award in Supplemental Safety, Security and Emergencies, and Maintenance

Principal Investigators: Peter J. Jin, Mohammed Jalayer, and Thomas Brennan
Research Project Manager: Priscilla Ukpah
Technical Advisory Panel: Kelley McVeigh and Hirenkumar Patel

PRESENTATION OF AWARDS

2025 Outstanding University Student in Transportation Research Award
2025 NJDOT Research Implementation Award
2025 Best Poster Award
2025 BABM Award
2025 National High Value Research Awards: Innovative Techniques and Materials for Preventing Concrete Shrinkage Cracking
2025 National High Value Research Awards: Real-time Traffic Signal System Performance Measurement

AFTERNOON

INFRASTRUCTURE

Infrastructure Sessions

SAFETY

Safety Sessions

New Jersey Micromobility Guide (2025)

Presenters: Hannah Younes & Sam Rosenthal, Rutgers University …

Time-to-failure and Socioeconomic Data Analysis for Bridge Assessment and Funding Allocation

Presenter: Lawrencia Akuffo, Rowan University …

A Multi-State Auxetic Metamaterial with Enhanced Stability and Energy Absorption for Transportation Protection

Presenter: Linzhi Li, Stevens Institute of Technology …

Harsh Braking as a Surrogate for Crash Risk: A Segment-Level Analysis with Connected Vehicle Telematics

Presenter: Md Tufajjal Hossain, New Jersey Institute of Technology …

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT

Workforce Development Sessions

Mapping the Future: GIS and GPS Applications for Modern Engineering and Surveying

Presenter: Avinash Prasad & Indira Prasad, New Jersey Institute of Technology & Stevens Institute of Technology …

Introducing Transportation Careers to Youth in New Jersey

Presenter: Todd Pisani, Rutgers University …

GPI’s Workforce Development Challenges and Solutions

Presenter: Dave Wagner & Dave Kuhn, Greenman Pedersen, Inc …

Multi-Agent Large Language Model Framework for Code-Compliant Infrastructural Design

Presenter: Jinxin Chen, Stevens Institute of Technology …

POSTERS
(click images for PDF)

Developing a Sensor-Based Mapping System for Soil Characterization
Electric Curing of Concrete at Subfreezing Temperature (Lab Scale)
Electric Curing of Concrete: Methodology, Validation, and Field Scale-Up
Evaluating State DOT Practices and Priorities in Pavement Marking Implementation and Maintenance: Insights from Multi-State Interviews and Comparative Analysis
From Data to Decisions: Engineering Intelligence for AI-Enabled Bridge Maintenance and Workforce Excellence
Harsh Braking as a Surrogate for Crash Risk: A Segment-Level Analysis with Connected Vehicle Telematics
Integrated Evaluation of Distracted Driving and Seatbelt Non-Use Among Truck Drivers in New Jersey: Insights from Field Observations and Crash Data Analytics
Introducing Transportation Careers to Youth in NJ
Microwave Heating for Concrete Demolition: Experimental and Empirical Study
Protecting Critical Infrastructure: Combined Seismic-Rainfall Landslide Assessment and Advanced Stabilization Technologies for New Jersey Transportation Corridors
Rock Mass Grouting for Coastal Infrastructure

NJDOT Project Earns Recognition as Finalist for America’s Transportation Award

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For 18 years, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has hosted the America’s Transportation Awards, celebrating the essential role state DOTs play in strengthening the nation’s transportation system. The program recognizes projects in four categories: Quality of Life/Community Development, Operations Excellence, Best Use of Technology & Innovation, and Safety.

AASHTO recently announced that NJDOT is one of twelve finalists selected from a pool of 113 projects in the 2025 competition. NJDOT’s Wildwood Maintenance Dredging and Channel Improvement Project earned recognition in the Best Use of Technology & Innovation category for its creative dredging and dewatering methods. The project will now compete for the National Grand Prize of $10,000.

Project Synopsis

The project focused on dredging Wildwood channels, which had been heavily impacted by Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Storm-induced sediment buildup made the channels hazardous for both commercial and recreational boaters. Residents noted that at low tide, boats could run aground due to shallow depths.

To restore safe navigation, NJDOT faced tight seasonal constraints. Work could only occur in the fall and winter months to ensure that the channels were open for the summer boating season. With seven channels spanning multiple municipalities, the team needed an efficient and innovative solution for dredging and sediment management.

The NJDOT team deployed a system of dredging barges, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) dredge pipes, hydrocyclones, and geobags to complete the work.

Collection and Transportation

Dredging Boat and HDPE Dredge Pipe. Source: Wildwood Video Archives

The team employed dredging barges to remove sediment from the channel floor and transport it to inland staging areas via HDPE dredge pipes. The pipes carried large amounts of water alongside the reusable sand and other minerals contained in the sediments.

Water Separation

At the shore, the team utilized hydrocyclones to apply centrifugal force to remove most of the water from the sediments. This step reduced the overall volume of material requiring dewatering and transport.

Dewatering

Finally, the NJDOT team transferred the sediment solids into geobags—large, permeable fabric containers and used a separate pump to add a polymer solution, which acted as a flocking agent. The polymer caused fine particles to bind together into clumps, which then sank to the bottom of the geobags. Tiny porous holes in the fabric allowed water to drain out while retaining the sediments solids.

Geobags. Source Wildwood Video Archives.

Results

This innovative system allowed NJDOT to complete the project on schedule, enabling commercial boaters to resume operations in summer 2024 without interruption. By combining efficient transport and dewatering methods, the team not only met a challenging seasonal window but also maximized the value of recovered materials. The collected sand and minerals were transported to other sites for use in future shore protection projects—demonstrating NJDOT’s commitment to both timely delivery and long-term coastal resilience.

Vote Now!

The winners of America’s Transportation Awards will be announced at the AASHTO Annual Meeting this November. In addition to the National Grand Prize, the public can help decide the People’s Choice Award.

You can vote for NJDOT’s
Wildwood Maintenance Dredging
and Channel Improvement Project.

CLICK TO VOTE!

Voting closes on November 17, 2025.

Resources

New Jersey Department of Transportation. (2025). Two NJDOT projects win 2025 Regional America’s Transportation Awards. https://dot.nj.gov/transportation/uploads/comm/news/details/comm_np_20250715_132841_TwoNJDOTprojectswinregional2025AmericaTransportationAwards.pdf

Wildwood Video Archives. (2025). Dredging the Wildwoods Back Bays 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hRvfzm-dZ8

Lowe, C. (2022). What is a hydrocyclone used for and how does it work? Weir Group. https://www.global.weir/newsroom/global-news/what-is-a-hydrocyclone-used-for-and-how-does-it-work/

Omar, N. (2024). How to optimize dewatering processes with GEOTUBE technology: A comprehensive guide. Solmax. https://www.solmax.com/global/en/blog/how-to-optimize-dewatering-processes-with-geotube-technology-a-comprehensive

27th Annual NJDOT Research Showcase – Register Now!

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“Preparing the Workforce for the Future”

The 27th Annual New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Research Showcase is an opportunity for New Jersey’s transportation community to experience the broad scope of ongoing academic research initiatives and share technology transfer activities being conducted by institutions of higher education (IHE) partners and their associates. It also serves to highlight the benefits of transportation research, including NJDOT’s own program. As part of the event, the annual implementation award and recognition of outstanding university students studying in a transportation-related field will be presented. The agenda will include a general session, topical breakout sessions, and a poster display area. Continental breakfast and buffet lunch will be provided.

This year’s event will be held in-person at Mercer County Community College – The Conference Center at Mercer, in West Windsor, NJ. The event will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. PDH credit will only be provided to in-person attendees. You will be asked to select in-person attendance or virtual attendance when you register. Information on accessing the livestream will be provided in registration reminder emails.

The registration deadline is October 20, 2025.

27th Annual Research Showcase

Wednesday, October 29, 2025
8:30 AM-3:00 PM

Proceedings begin at 9:30 AM

LOCATION

The Conference Center at Mercer
1200 Old Trenton Road
West Windsor, NJ 08550

 REGISTRATION

Registration deadline is October 20, 2025.
Registration is complimentary, but required.

Register Now

AGENDA

9:30 AMIntroduction and Housekeeping

David Maruca, Program Development Administrator, Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation
9:40 AM  Welcoming Remarks

Eric Powers, Assistant Commissioner Statewide Planning, Safety and Capital Investment, New Jersey Department of Transportation
9:45 AM  Opening Remarks 

Francis K. O’Connor, Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Transportation
9:50 AMKeynote Address

Debra Sabatini-Hennelly, Resiliti 
10:30 AMBreak
10:45 AM    Panel Discussion

Moderator:  David Maruca, Program Development Administrator, Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation  

Panelists:
Anthony Ennas, Senior Director of Statewide Operations, New Jersey Department of Transportation 
Kelly Hutchinson, Assistant Commissioner of Human Resources, New Jersey Department of Transportation 
Savita Lachman, Deputy Chief of Human Resources for New Jersey Transit 
Christen Thomas, Senior Manager, Deloitte Consulting LLP 
11:45 AM  Presentation of 2025 Awards

2025 Outstanding University Student in Transportation Research Award  
2025 NJDOT Research Implementation Award  
2025 Best Poster Award  
2025 NJDOT Build a Better Mousetrap Award  
2025 NJDOT Research Excellence Award(s) 
2025 AASHTO High Value Research Supplemental Award(s) 
12:00 PM  Buffet Lunch/Break
1:00 PM   Concurrent breakout sessions  

Safety
Infrastructure
Workforce Development and Knowledge Management
Poster Exhibit
3:00 PMAdjourn

The NJDOT Research Showcase is an event of the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Research, Innovation & Information Transfer and organized by the Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT).

NJDOT’s Pilot Program for Internally Cured High Performance Concrete for Bridge Decks – FHWA Webinar

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On August 27, 2025, the FHWA hosted a webinar titled “NJDOT’s Pilot Program for Internally Cured High Performance Concrete for Bridge Decks.” NJDOT Project Manager and Infrastructure Preservation CIA team lead Samer Rabie presented the department’s internally cured concrete (ICC) initiative.

The webinar highlighted NJDOT’s work as a case study for more than 300 participants nationwide, enabling agencies to learn from New Jersey’s experience with ICC and consider applications in their own states. After Mr. Rabie’s presentation, attendees asked questions about the EPIC2 initiative, including advice on how to achieve even water distribution, the expected life span of High Performance Internally Cured Concrete (HPIC) bridge decks, and whether internal curing techniques could be applied to other types of concrete.

Webinar Presentation

Transverse early-age cracking

As part of Round 6 of the Every Day Counts (EDC) initiative, NJDOT began implementing Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) for Bridge Preservation and Repair, with plans to institutionalize its use in the upcoming bridge design manual. UHPC’s low water-cement ratio and high use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) increase durability and extend service life, but also raise the risk of transverse early age cracking. This cracking results from autogenous shrinkage, when the cement consumes too much internal water, creating capillary stresses.

Cracks in UHPC bridge decks require costly, time-intensive sealing that must be reapplied every five to ten years, significantly increasing life-cycle costs. To address this issue, FHWA launched the Enhancing Performance with Internally Cured Concrete (EPIC2) initiative under EDC-7. Internal curing uses pre-wetted lightweight fine aggregate (LWFA) to supply additional moisture, improving water distribution and offsetting capillary stresses during the curing process. More than 30 years of studies show that internal curing enhances durability, lowers costs, and reduces waste.

Over 180 EPIC2 Bridge Decks are in service according to FHWA

To date, more than 15 states have deployed internal curing on over 180 bridge decks. NYSDOT, an early adopter of HPIC, reported a 70 percent reduction in early-age cracking with no added cost compared to conventional HPC or UHPC decks. NYSDOT has since mandated internal curing for all continuous bridges and bridge decks statewide. In May 2024, Mr. Rabie participated in a New York State peer exchange on the EPIC2 initiative in Albany.

NJDOT launched its HPIC implementation plan by reviewing existing research, assessing resources and mix plants, and conducting extensive coordination—internally with subject matter experts and divisions, and externally with LWFA suppliers, producers, and contractors. NJDOT also conducted risk evaluations and identified candidate bridges for potential pilot projects.

To support implementation, NJDOT secured a $125,000 STIC Incentive Grant, which funded the purchase of centrifuge apparatuses, staff training, and third-party lab support. The centrifuges measure LWFA moisture content, replacing the traditional “paper towel method,” in which pre-wetted aggregate is weighed, dried manually with industrial-grade paper towels until no moisture remains, and then oven-dried before an assessment is made of surface and absorbed moisture. While the centrifuge approach requires specialized equipment and training, it is significantly faster, less labor-intensive, and more accurate. NJDOT will phase in this method as staff gain experience.

NJDOT has identified 11 candidate bridges for HPIC pilot projects: one under construction, eight in design, and two in concept development. The active pilot—North Munn Avenue over I-280 in East Orange—features twin bridge decks, one built with UHPC and the other with HPIC, enabling a direct comparison under similar conditions.

Twin bridge deck pilot at North Munn Avenue over I-280 in East Orange

Alongside pilot projects, NJDOT is developing materials and construction guide specifications for HPIC. These include substituting 30–50 percent of total fine aggregate with LWFA, establishing a formula to measure absorbed LWFA moisture, and targeting a water content equal to 7 percent of the volume of cementitious materials. Aside from these adjustments, HPIC batching mirrors current UHPC practices.

Early HPIC bridge decks are expected to carry added upfront costs: approximately $50,000 for new mix design, trial batches, and test slabs to validate the process before construction, plus a 20–40 percent increase in unit production costs. Mr. Rabie noted that costs should decrease as specifications are refined, experience grows, and economies of scale take effect.  While initial expenses may be higher, HPIC is projected to deliver substantially lower life-cycle costs, primarily by reducing resealing, which can cost around $100,000.

NJDOT’s next steps include a concrete plant outreach program in fall 2025, followed by HPIC workshops and centrifuge training in winter 2025/2026. The department will also continue to assess potential pilot projects through 2025–2026 and monitor the performance of active HPIC bridge deck projects.

Q&A

Q. Will HPIC extend the expected 25-year life span of a bridge deck?

A. The study is assessing how much maintenance HPIC bridge decks require over a 25-year lifespan. Preliminary findings suggest HPIC decks may require only about one-third the maintenance of conventional decks. NJDOT’s Bureau of Research, Innovation, and Information Transfer (BRIIT), in partnership with Rutgers University, is conducting a separate study evaluating how HPIC could extend overall service life. Early findings from NYSDOT suggest HPIC bridge decks may last up to 75 years.

Q. In South Carolina, we have faced difficulties achieving a uniform distribution of moisture for our pre-wetted lightweight fine aggregate using conventional methods like sprinklers. Do you have any suggestions on ways to fix this issue?

A. Some states have tried alternative methods for wetting LWFA. In Louisiana, for example, large bins are filled with water—like a small pool—and the aggregate is soaked for a set period to ensure uniform moisture distribution, rather than using sprinklers.

Q. Can internal curing be used on conventional concrete or is it just for HPC and UHPC?

A. Internal curing could technically be applied to conventional Class A concrete, but it is generally unnecessary. Class A concrete already contains higher water content, reducing its susceptibility to autogenous cracking. UHPC, being relatively moisture starved, benefits most from internal curing.

Q. Does NJDOT have set shrinkage limits?

A. Shrinkage is assessed project-by-project. After crack mapping is completed, a percentage of shrinkage is calculated, but there is no set limit.

A recording of the FHWA webinar is available here.

For more about HPIC and EPIC2, read the NJDOT Tech Transfer Q&A article with Samer Rabie and Jess Mendenhall.

Join the USDOT Ideas and Innovation Challenge!

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The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced an open call for proposals for their Ideas and Innovation Challenge. The Challenge seeks research and development innovations that enhance safety, resiliency, efficiency, and technological advancement in transportation. Selected winners will receive cash prizes for their proposals.

Proposals can address one of four focus areas:

  1. Knowledge: Tools that help infrastructure operators to fully understand their transportation infrastructure systems
  2. Construction: Approaches for building infrastructure more safely, quickly, cost-effectively, and with greater longevity
  3. Optimization: Solutions to optimize the movement of people and goods at scale in real time, improving safety, performance, and cost-efficiency, leveraging connectivity and automation
  4. Enabling and Foundational Technologies: Technologies that lay the groundwork for future transportation innovations

The Challenge has two stages. In Stage 1, participants submit an innovative transportation technology concept paper. Winners from Stage 1 move on to Stage 2, where they can submit a detailed R&D plan and present their project at an event in early 2026.

The submission deadline for the Ideas and Innovation Challenge is September 17, 2025. For more information and to apply, visit here.

27th Annual NJDOT Research Showcase – Call for Abstracts!

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The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Bureau of Research, Innovation & Information Transfer is seeking presentations for its next Research Showcase, to be held in person at The Conference Center at Mercer. Presentations related to transportation research will be considered for in-person delivery during the 27th Annual Research Showcase, scheduled for October 29, 2025. The theme for this year’s event is:

“Preparing the Workforce for the Future.”

We welcome submissions of completed or nearly completed transportation-related research studies. If selected, you will present your work in person on the afternoon of October 29. Presentations will be 20 minutes in length and will be selected by NJDOT BRIIT personnel.

To be considered, please email your proposed presentation topic(s) with accompanying abstracts to Janet Leli (jleli@soe.rutgers.edu), Director of the New Jersey Local Technical Assistance Program, no later than September 18, 2025.

27th Annual Research Showcase

Wednesday, October 29, 2025
8:30 AM-3:00 PM

Proceedings begin at 9:30 AM

LOCATION

The Conference Center at Mercer
1200 Old Trenton Road
West Windsor, NJ 08550

 REGISTRATION

Registration deadline is October 20, 2025.
Registration is complimentary, but required.

REGISTER NOW

Be sure to include:

■  Title and abstract of the presentation
■  Name and email address of the person who will be presenting
■  The category your project most closely aligns with:

Infrastructure • Safety • Workforce Development & Knowledge Transfer

■  Any additional information you feel is necessary

All submitters will receive a confirmation regarding the selection committee’s final decisions.

Further information is available on the Research Showcase event website, including a call for posters and nomination forms for awards in research implementation and outstanding university student achievement.  Details about the respective deadlines for each of these submissions will be available on the event website. Registration will be open soon.

Thank you for your interest in and support of the NJDOT Transportation Research Program.

The NJDOT Research Showcase is an event of the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Research, Research, Innovation & Information Transfer (BRIIT) and is organized by the Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT).

Careers in Gear Summer Webinar Series (EDC-7 Strategic Workforce Development)

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In summer 2025, the FHWA Every Day Counts (EDC)-7 Strategic Workforce Development (SWD) team hosted the Careers in Gear Summer Series—a webinar series highlighting innovative workforce development programs and success stories from across the country.

Featuring real-world examples and conversations with skilled trades professionals, program leaders, and other industry innovators, the series spotlighted practical strategies to strengthen the construction workforce—and help build the infrastructure of tomorrow.

Dates and Times

July 23 | 1:00-2:00 PM: Training Success Stories
A webinar hosted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Every Day Counts-7 Strategic Workforce Development (SWD) team featuring short videos and real-world examples of training programs that are making a difference.

The speakers included:

  • Marguerite Givings (Wisconsin Department of Transportation)
  • Rich Granger (DriveOhio)
  • Liam Murphy (Teaching the Autism Community Trades)
  • Charlie McCullough (Indiana Constructors Inc)
  • Marjani Rollins (Caltrans)
  • Airton Kohls (University of Tennessee)

August 6 | 1:00-2:00 PM: Fireside Chat on Youth Development Programs
A dynamic fireside chat exploring how youth development programs are building pathways into transportation and skilled trades careers, with insights from leaders driving innovative workforce initiatives across the country.

The speakers included:

  • Lisa Rose (Mineta Transportation Institute)
  • Rich Granger (DriveOhio)
  • Dr. Stephanie Ivey (University of Memphis Southeast Transportation Workforce Center)

September 3 | 1:00-2:00 PM: CDL Training That Works
Discover what’s driving success in Commercial Driver License training programs through first-hand insights from the changemakers behind the scenes.

The speakers included:

  • Antoine Smith-Rouse, Gateway Community & Technical College
  • Thomas Praytor, Bishop State Community College
  • Lindsey Trent, Next Generation in Trucking Association

Strategic Workforce Development Resources

Exploring Strategic Workforce Development in NJ: An Interview with the IUOE Local 825 | NJDOT T2

Exploring Strategic Workforce Development in NJ: An Interview with Hudson County Community College | NJDOT T2

Exploring Strategic Workforce Development in NJ: An Interview with the Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey | NJDOT T2

Exploring Strategic Workforce Development: An Interview with NJDOT’s Human Resources | NJDOT T2

Exploring Strategic Workforce Development: An Interview with the Office of Apprenticeship, NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) | NJDOT T2

Exploring Strategic Workforce Development: NJDOT’s Youth Corps Urban Gateway Enhancement Program | NJDOT T2

Strategic Workforce Development Online Recordings & Presentations | NJDOT T2

Strategic Workforce Development: A Follow-Up Conversation with Hudson County Community College and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 | NJDOT T2

NJDOT’s Next-Gen Approach to Mobility and Operations: Q&A Interview with CIA Team Lead

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We recently spoke with Vandana Mathur, Supervisor of Transportation Mobility & Research at NJDOT, to learn more about the agency’s ongoing innovative mobility and operations initiatives. The discussion navigated advancements such as enhanced IMR truck equipment for safer incident response, real-time weather monitoring through the Weather Savvy program, and smart truck parking technology to address parking space shortages. These efforts reflect NJDOT’s commitment to using data-driven, next-generation solutions to improve roadway safety and efficiency across the state.

Q. Can you tell us about the initiative to equip NJDOT Incident Management Response (IMR) trucks with lighting towers and LED flares at incident scenes as part of the EDC-7 Next-Generation TIM – Technology for Saving Lives?

A. NJDOT secured funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to enhance its Incident Management Response (IMR) trucks by equipping them with light towers and LED flares. This initiative has already significantly improved NJDOT’s on-scene operational capabilities—particularly in low-light conditions—by increasing both safety and efficiency. The light towers provide critical illumination, enabling first responders to better assess the scene, identify debris, and evaluate the extent of the crash. The improved visibility also enhances personnel safety by alerting approaching drivers to the presence of an emergency scene, giving them time to slow down and avoid secondary incidents.

LED flare deployed at an incident site

Unlike traditional emergency lights, which can be blinding, the LED flares equipped on NJDOT’s IMR trucks use a calmer, sequential lighting pattern that is less jarring to drivers while still maintaining a strong visual presence. The light towers provide wide-area illumination that surpasses the limited reach of standard vehicle emergency lights, ensuring that all personnel working at the scene are clearly visible. Designed for quick deployment, the towers deliver lighting rapidly when it’s most needed.

This initiative plays a critical role in supporting Traffic Incident Management (TIM) by enhancing the safety for both emergency responders and drivers during roadway incidents.

Q. You mentioned the benefits of the lighting towers and LED flares compared to traditional flashing lights – are emergency responders moving away from using flashing lights altogether? Additionally, have they been installed and implemented into all NJDOT IMR trucks or is this an ongoing process?

A. Yes, we often use the new tools instead of the flashing lights, especially because they can be deployed immediately. We have installed the lighting towers and LED flares on 22 IMR trucks across the state. These tools are used frequently—on average, once per week or several times per month—which shows they’re a valuable and necessary source for incident management. Because they have proven so effective, it is now standard practice to include light towers and LED flares on all new IMR trucks added to the fleet.

Q. Staying on TIM, can you describe the Drivewyze alert project? How does it collect and distribute data, and what are some potential benefits?

A. Drivewyze is a product that we are purchasing through the University of Maryland as part of the Transportation Data Marketplace (TDM) and the Eastern Transportation Coalition, which benefits New Jersey and the 19 other coalition member states. Drivewyze sends safety alerts to commercial vehicles’ Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)—which all truckers have—and since the alerts are free, both drivers and fleet operators can sign up to receive them.

The system generates alerts using INRIX data and provides warnings for low bridges, high rollover zones, weight restrictions, “no trucks in left lane” zones, and sudden slowdowns and congestion. Because commercial vehicles need more time to stop than passenger vehicles, due to their size and weight, timely slowdown warnings can be especially critical for safety.

Drivewyze dashboard displaying the number of alerts, the type of alerts, and where the alerts are located

As part of its service, Drivewyze provided us with a dashboard that show the number of alerts sent, categorized by alert type. We use this data to assess performance. For example, by reviewing the number of alerts issued over the past three months, we evaluate whether alerts are being sent to the right places at the right times. When I joined the NJDOT team, I emphasized the importance of verifying and validating this data—not just accepting numbers that look good on paper.

We reached out to NJIT, our resource center, to help us conduct real-world testing during peak hours to confirm whether the alerts were actually reaching vehicles on the road. Initially, NJIT found that static alerts were working well, but congestion alerts were not coming through. When I contacted Drivewyze, they responded that they had forgotten to enable congestion alerts and said they had fixed the issue. NJIT conducted follow-up test runs in April to confirm the fix.

In the second round of testing, static alerts continued to perform well—NJIT even received a new static message related to a closure of Exit 34 due to a sinkhole. However, congestion alerts still underperformed. Despite driving through 83 congestion zones at speeds under 25 mph, NJIT researchers only received 5 congestion alerts. We will continue working with Drivewyze to make sure this issue is fully resolved.

Q. Moving to a different topic, at the most recent NJ STIC meeting you mentioned recent advancements in the Weather Savvy pilot. What technologies are used in the Weather Savvy program, what benefits does it provide, and how has it evolved since it first began?

A. We launched the Weather Savvy pilot project in 2020 to gain real-time situational awareness of roadway conditions. We began by equipping 12 NJDOT vehicles with Vaisala MD30 weather sensors. These sensors collect a range of data such as air temperature, road surface temperature, grip levels, frost point, dew point, and whether the road surface is wet, icy, or dry. Each vehicle also contains tablets that display this information to the driver and relays it to a central server, administered by NJIT, via a wireless router installed in the vehicle. A road-facing camera mounted on the vehicle provides real-time video of roadway and weather conditions.

Screenshot of the Weather Savvy portal hosted by NJIT

Since the project began, we have expanded from 12 to 45 NJDOT vehicles, including plow trucks, Safety Service Patrol (SSP) trucks, and operations supervisor pickup trucks. All collected data is accessible through a web portal developed by NJIT, which features a map showing each vehicle’s location, online/offline status, and travel history over the past 15 minutes. The portal also includes color-coded indicators for road surface conditions and allows users to click on specific locations for detailed information.

Last year, NJIT enhanced the portal by integrating additional roadside sensors, including Vaisala GroundCast and acoustic sensors. GroundCast is a battery-operated, in-pavement cylindrical sensor that collects data on surface, ground, and base temperatures, as well as the presence of roadway chemicals. The acoustic sensors record the sound of vehicles driving over the road and use an AI model to classify the road surface conditions. All of this data has been integrated into the Weather Savvy web portal to support better live monitoring of road conditions.

NJDOT workers installing Vaisala GroundCast into the pavement

Right now, we are working toward integrating three sources of weather data: the mobile Weather Savvy vehicles, stationary road sensors across the state, and potential virtual Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS) data. Our goal is to merge all three sources to create the most accurate, real-time understanding of road and weather conditions. This phase is still in the early pilot stage.

Q. Is NJIT’s Weather Savvy web portal publicly accessible, or is it only shared with NJDOT?

A. Right now, the Weather Savvy web portal is internal-only, since it’s still a pilot project. We want to ensure that we have a solid, data-driven foundation before releasing any information to the public. That said, it has been really exciting to see how the data comes together. I have shared many images during STIC and other state meetings to give people a look at the portal. It is a very cool and innovative project. In fact, NJDOT, NJIT, and our technical partners from Vaisala and EAI won the 2021 “Outstanding Project Award” from the Intelligent Transportation Society of New Jersey (ITS-NJ) for Weather Savvy.

Q. During the previous STIC meeting, the Mobility and Operations team mentioned that you are testing direct streaming from sensors to servers on two of the Weather Savvy vehicles. Can you explain this initiative?

A. For the Weather Savvy project, one of the challenges we’ve faced is ensuring consistent data transmission from the trucks. Since drivers are inside the vehicles managing multiple devices—including laptops and tablets—there are times when the laptops shut off or something else interrupts the data flow. With a fleet of 45 trucks, keeping them all fully operational is a year-round task that keeps us constantly busy.

To address these issues, NJIT developed an API that allows the data to be sent directly to their server, bypassing the middle steps involving the tablet, laptop, and router. At first, they planned to roll this change out across the entire fleet, but I told them to start with a small test—just two trucks—to see how well the direct data transmission works. This change will also only apply to certain vehicles; for example, the IMR trucks will keep their tablets in place.

Q. Can you describe some of the technology used in the Truck Parking Pilot, what NJDOT has implemented so far, and some next steps for the future?

A portable traffic microwave sensor deployed at the entrance of a rest area

A. For the Truck Parking Pilot, we have deployed a range of technologies to better monitor and manage available spaces. First, we use in-pavement magneto-resistive sensors—referred to as “pucks”—manufactured by a company called Sensis Networks. These sensors detect whether a truck is occupying a particular space, and because truck parking spaces are so long, we have installed two pucks per space to ensure accurate detection. In addition to pucks, we installed traffic microwave sensors—one at the entrance and one at the exit of rest areas—to help us count the number of trucks entering and exiting each site.  We also equipped the rest areas with CCTV cameras that provide live video feeds, supplementing the sensor data with visual information.

To transmit the collected data to NJIT servers, we use 4G and LTE modems, along with 4-port switches and Power over Ethernet devices. Each rest area has a dedicated equipment cabinet—installed by NJIT—that houses the pucks, cameras, and data transmission components.

We launched our first pilot site at the Harding rest area in 2021. That site features two microwave traffic sensors at the exit and entrance, nine CCTV cameras, and 44 pucks. In 2023, we expanded to the Deepwater rest area (also known as Carney’s Point), where we installed two traffic microwave sensors, one CCTV camera, and 68 pucks. All of this data feeds into a truck parking portal dashboard developed by NJIT to provide real-time insights. The dashboard displays the number of vehicles entering and exiting each site, average dwell time for trucks, the number of vehicles currently parked, and the occupancy status of individual parking spaces. It also tracks how long each spot has been occupied and provides historical usage statistics, including peak usage times.

The Truck Parking Pilot dashboard at Carney’s Point displaying the occupied parking spaces

A virtual video wall offers live views of each rest area and shows how many trucks are currently parked and how many spaces remain available, based on the combined data sources. This is particularly valuable because truck parking demand is so high in New Jersey that drivers often end up parking at entrances, along curbs, or even perpendicular to marked spaces—creating unsafe conditions and occasionally blocking cameras.

To help address this, we have been working with NJIT to install two portable Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) near the Harding pilot site, located within five miles of the rest area on I-287 and I-78. These signs will display real-time parking availability.

More recently, we started the process of expanding the project to the Knowlton rest area. My team and I, along with NJIT, recently visited the site to begin the process of installing the necessary technologies.

Q. Are there any other projects or innovations that your or your team are working on that you would like to highlight?

A. Right now, we are focusing on expanding the existing projects we already have in place. In addition, we have started exploring virtual RWIS technology, which is still very new to us. It is currently in the early stages of development, so nothing has been substantiated yet.