Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the University of Maryland will receive $700,000 in new federal funding to support the development of a Center for Intermodal Freight Transportation Mobility and Security, a collaborative effort to develop and test information technologies aimed at increasing the overall security and efficiency of freight transportation, and reduce the negative health effects from particles emitted from truck traffic.

The events of Sept. 11, 2001, have placed a heavy burden on the freight industry. In addition to having to deal with competitive pressures in a slow economy, freight companies have had to implement security measures required for protecting freight facilities from terrorists and preventing freight transportation vehicles from being used in terrorist attacks, according to Jose Holguin-Veras, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at Rensselaer and researcher on the project.

The last decade has seen unparalleled developments in information technology applications to transportation and dynamic modeling of transportation systems such as remote sensing, global positioning systems, and automated vehicle identification, but no systematic attempt has been made to link these data streams to a comprehensive modeling framework for the improved movement of goods through urban areas, said Holguin-Veras. The center will work to weave these technologies together in order for the freight industry to meet national security measures and the demands of a growing geographic realm, while operating efficiently.

“The center’s research will incorporate a number of different disciplines including transportation planning, information technology, transportation economics, and large-scale optimization,” said Holguin-Veras. “For example, we will analyze the feasibility of using advanced technologies, such as smart containers equipped with sensors and Global Positioning System devices, as well as electronic and mechanical container seals, to increase the security of the freight transportation network.”

Researchers at the new center will also examine the environmental effects of freight activity, particularly the negative health effects of particles emitted from truck traffic that disproportionally affect low-income communities, according to Holguin-Veras.

The University of Maryland is the administrator of the project, designed to promote collaboration between academia and industry and involve key representatives of the freight and transportation industries. The new federal funding for the center was included in the Omnibus Appropriations Act, signed into law on Dec. 8, 2004.

Contact: Mary Cimo
Phone: (518) 687-7174
E-mail: cimom@rpi.edu