News
Baker-Polito Administration Announces $9.5 Million for Communities in Transit Grant Program Awards
Published on 12/12/2019
The Baker-Polito Administration announced today a total of $9.5 million for cities, towns and nonprofit organizations to use under the Community Transit Grant Program administered by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).
MBTA Safety Review Panel Recommendations to FMCB to improve safety for T riders, employees
Published on 12/09/2019
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and its Fiscal and Management Control Board (FMCB) today accepted a report from the MBTA Safety Review Panel that offers 34 recommendations with 61 corrective actions to improve safety for MBTA riders and staff.
PERCEPT Indoor Navigation System for Visually Impaired: Beta Study
Published on 12/02/2019
UMTC Research Affiliate Aura Ganz, of UMass Amherst, and Research Fellow James Schafer recently published the PERCEPT Indoor Navigation System for Visually Impaired: Beta Study.
Governor Baker Signs Legislation Requiring Hands-Free Use of Electronic Devices While Driving
Published on 12/02/2019
Governor Charlie Baker signed legislation to improve road safety in the Commonwealth, which stipulates that no motor vehicle operator may use electronic devices while driving unless the technology is being used hands-free.
Aikaterini Deliali Receives 2019 Future Industry Spotlight Award
Published on 11/30/2019
Aikaterini Deliali, a Ph.D. Transportation Engineering student in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, received the 2019 Future Industry Spotlight Award from the American Road & Transportation Builders Association Foundation at its national convention.
Massachusetts To Install Mile-Based Exit Numbers On Major Highways
Published on 11/25/2019
MassDOT is announcing it is taking steps to install federally-mandated mile-based exit signs on the Commonwealth’s major and limited access highways, including, but not limited to, I-90, I-93, I-95, Route 3 and I-495.
National Drone Safety Awareness Week (November 4-10, 2019)
Published on 11/01/2019
The FAA will be partnering with the Know Before You Fly educational campaign, and the UAS Safety Team to get the word out about National Drone Safety Awareness Week and encourage all drone operators to fly safe!
MassDOT Launches New Safe Routes to School Signs and Lines Program
Published on 10/01/2019
MassDOT is announcing the launch of the new Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Signs and Lines Program.
Dr. Jimi B. Oke Joins Transportation Engineering Faculty
Published on 09/09/2019
Dr. Jimi Oke will begin teaching and researching as an assistant professor for the UMass Transportation Center this September.
Amtrak and MassDOT Announce Start of New Valley Flyer Train Service in Western and Northern Massachusetts
Published on 08/29/2019
Amtrak, in conjunction with MassDOT, is launching a new state supported seven day a week passenger train on Friday, August 30, called the Valley Flyer.
2020 Proposed MassDOT Research Projects
Published on 08/20/2019
MassDOT has a number of research projects proposed for 2020. Click here for the list of projects. Most of these studies are expected to last 1 to 2 years. Update (Oct 2019): The main application period for PI Interest Statements for these research projects has now closed, and PIs have been selected for almost all the projects. MassDOT is still seeking a qualified PI for one project, Short Sea Shipping in Southeast Massachusetts.
Dr. Michael Knodler Discusses the 'Zipper Merge' for Dealing with Highway Congestion Caused By Lane Closures on NPR.
Published on 08/14/2019
Michael A. Knodler Jr., Ph.D. Director, UMass Transportation Center was featured recently in an interview on NPR discussing the 'Zipper Merge' for dealing with highway congestion caused by lane closures.