In an effort to facilitate the way communities navigate and experience transportation, the College of Engineering has launched a series of projects designed to improve mobility and safety across Â鶹ӳ». Working in close collaboration with local and regional partners—including the Â鶹ӳ» Department of Transportation, state, regional and city agencies —the Transportation Engineering Program is implementing solutions that are reshaping urban and rural transportation networks.
Optimizing traffic signal operations
A cornerstone of the Transportation Engineering Program is its long-term collaboration with the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County to optimize traffic signal operations throughout the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area.
Led by Professor Zong Tian and Research Scientist Aobo Wang, this initiative allows student researchers to help manage the timing of over 400 traffic signals using advanced big-data analytics and hardware-in-the-loop simulation technologies.
“Our goal is to not only enhance safety and efficiency for all road users but also explore readily implementable innovation and equip students with hands-on experience in real-world problem solving,” Tian said.
The research has proven especially valuable during periods of high construction activity along the U.S 395/Interstate 580 freeway corridor, where timely adjustments to signal timing have been crucial to maintain traffic flow and reducing delays. The involvement of students also cultivates a highly skilled workforce prepared to meet the evolving demands of the transportation industry.
By leveraging real-time vehicle trajectory data, the team has successfully minimized travel delays for commuters—potentially shaving minutes off journeys during peak traffic periods. This innovative approach not only improves efficiency but also provides critical insights that can be adapted by transportation agencies across the country.
Next-generation sensing technologies
Along with traffic signal optimization, the Transportation Engineering Program is breaking new ground in traffic safety and intelligent transportation systems research. Associate Professor Hao Xu’s research group has pioneered the use of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)-based sensing systems to advance data collection pertaining to vehicle movements and pedestrian behavior.
“Our work empowers the implementation of emerging technologies to capture detailed interactions of all traffic on roads, from vehicular speeds to pedestrian crossings, which are essential for developing safer and smarter road environments,” Xu said.
His team’s efforts support several real-world practices in Â鶹ӳ» and across the nation, including the city of Reno’s Micromobility Pilot Project, by providing data that informs infrastructure improvements and policy decisions.
The next-generation traffic sensing technology has also been applied to monitor roadway safety in diverse settings. Xu’s team has deployed roadside sensors at key intersections in northern and southern Â鶹ӳ» to continuously gather data, ensuring that critical areas receive focused attention. This helps the team identify patterns that contribute to roadway incidents and risks to vulnerable road users, thereby allowing for targeted interventions.
Addressing safety in school zones, rural highways
The program’s commitment to safety is exemplified by research focused on vulnerable communities and roadways. Under the leadership of Associate Professor Seri Park, a series of studies are underway to evaluate and enhance safety measures in school zones and along rural highways.
“Our analysis of speed patterns in school zones has revealed significant safety concerns, particularly during peak school hours,” Park noted.
Her team employs advanced driving simulation technology to examine driver behavior in rural settings, such as along U.S. 95 in Nye County. This work is pivotal to developing strategies that reduce accident rates and protect young students and other road users.
By combining rigorous field data with simulation-based analyses, the team is generating actionable recommendations for improving enforcement strategies and designing safer road environments. These findings not only inform local policy but also contribute to the national dialogue on traffic safety best practices.
Strategic partnerships and funding success
The Transportation Engineering Program is supported by robust funding and a network of strategic partnerships. Two major proposals submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program have been selected for funding. Together totaling more than $5 million, these grants will support projects that integrate artificial intelligence and multisource traffic data with traffic signal operations and “safe routes to school” planning, delivering innovations that potentially influence transportation policy and practice on a national level. These projects aim to demonstrate how cutting-edge transportation engineering innovations could inform traffic safety improvement strategies. In addition, a pending research grant from the California Department of Transportation will support studies on high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane performance, where emerging high-resolution telemetric data is being used to reassess and improve the design of California’s highway networks.
“Collaborations with state agencies and local municipalities are critical to our mission,” Tian said. “They provide not only the necessary funding support but also a platform for linking our research into tangible benefits for the community.”
This spirit of cooperation underscores the program’s broader objective — to ensure that technological advancements translate into real-world improvements in mobility and safety for all roadway users.
A model for innovation and community impact
As the transportation landscape continues to evolve, the Transportation Engineering Program remains at the forefront of innovation. Through its comprehensive research initiatives, the program is setting a new standard for transportation engineering. Its work provides immediate benefits to the communities of Â鶹ӳ» and serves as a model for cities and states across the nation. By integrating state-of-the-art technology with practical, data-driven solutions, the College demonstrates how interdisciplinary collaboration can address some of today’s most pressing transportation challenges.
This proactive approach is paving the way for smarter, safer and more efficient transportation systems—ensuring that both urban and rural communities can move forward with confidence and security. The Transportation Engineering Program is not only advancing research but is shaping future leaders in the field. Active involvement of both undergraduate and graduate student researchers in cutting-edge projects is a key element of the program’s success. Graduates from the program already have secured prestigious positions with leading agencies such as the Â鶹ӳ» Department of Transportation, reflecting the program’s commitment to excellence in education and professional readiness.
In a world where mobility is key to economic growth and improved quality of life, the Transportation Engineering Program is a vital asset, advancing research and innovation that benefits the community now and lays the groundwork for the future.
