News

The Right Tools for the Job: Predictive Planning for Transportation Infrastructure Can Save Lives

January 25, 2023

When extreme events occur, the transportation network is vital to relief and recovery. For example, when a hurricane makes landfall, getting citizens to safety—particularly from low-lying areas at risk for flooding—is top priority. But once the heavy rain is falling, what routes should they take? Which roads are most likely to flood? After how many inches of rainfall do we begin diverting traffic from Main Road A because it’s likely to flood in the next hour?
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New Video: Potential Benefits of E-Inspections

November 29, 2022

E-inspections of trucks offer an alternative to traditional weigh-station inspections, which require hands-on human interaction and delay drivers. Inspections can be automated to a great extent by leveraging technology without compromising safety, thereby achieving efficiencies and improving accuracy of inspection data. This video provides an overview of e-inspections, especially as they relate to cross-border freight traffic.

New Report: Economic Costs of Critical Infrastructure Failure in the El Paso-Ciudad Juarez Region

November 28, 2022

This report looks at the economic costs associated with the failure of the transportation infrastructure as a result of environmental catastrophe. Researchers modeled failure scenarios, developed a framework for assessing economic impacts, and studied ways to expedite mitigation strategies under the National Environmental Policy Act.

New Brochure: Evaluating Crowdsourced Data Sources for Cross-Border Travel

November 21, 2022

This brochure is aimed at acquainting individuals and agencies with the efficacy of various crowdsourced data resources available to help them evaluate cross-border travel, as well as these sources’ potential and limitations.

Keeping Ahead of the Curve: Mitigating Extreme Traffic Events with Advanced Technology

November 10, 2022

by Rafael Aldrete and Swapnil Samant

Transportation agencies are charged with the formidable task of keeping people and goods moving efficiently, reliably and safely. Sometimes, that’s not easy. When bad weather hits, for example, a transportation management agency’s limited resources and personnel are stretched thin by mass movements of cars and trucks stressing the local network.

New Report: Dynamic Travel Demand Management for Non-Recurring Extreme Events

November 2, 2022

This project developed a bi-national simulation-based model—particularly useful in accounting for time-dependent impacts, like those associated with infrastructure changes—of the El Paso–Juarez region. The model can help stakeholders evaluate the impact of cross-border traffic flow given extreme events, like earthquakes or hurricanes.

New Report: The Potential Role and Application of Emerging Data in a Border-Crossing Context

October 24, 2022

This study explored how crowdsourced data can be used to better understand cross-border trips and travel patterns. Transportation officials can use these results to develop robust, data-driven policies regarding cross-border trips that, in turn, should make for more efficient, safe, and secure travel.

Inviting Border Transit Agencies into the Capacity, QoS Conversation

April 5, 2022

by David Galicia

Transit agencies across the nation reference the Transit Capacity and Quality-of-Service Manual (TCQSM). Now in its third edition, the TCQSM gives guidance on transit capacity and quality-of-service (QoS) issues, as well as techniques for measuring operational characteristics.

Piloting LiDAR Sensors to Enhance Border Traffic Information

April 1, 2022

by Jason Wu

The El Paso/Ciudad Juárez region is one of the world’s largest binational border metropolises. Multiple border crossings with heavy traffic (like this region has) can cause logistical challenges for transportation agencies. Secure, efficient technology solutions — including those that leverage the benefits of intelligent transportation systems — can help agencies while helping to guide traffic safely through the border.

Applying AI, Drones and Satellites to Improve Border Transportation

March 14, 2022

by Alejandro Berlanga Alzaga and Valeria Martinez

When you think of drones, you may think of a package getting delivered to your doorstep. Many companies conduct flight missions of drones for delivering goods, but other applications for drones can benefit the public (and commercial vehicle drivers) in another way — travel across the border.