Description

Research in the Environment and Planning Program involves identifying, analyzing, and developing solutions for sustainable roadsides. Research topics addressed by the program include storm water runoff, erosion and sediment control, and vegetation establishment and management, all with the goal of improving water quality, solving roadside maintenance problems, and addressing community aesthetic goals. Specific research activities include the analysis, testing, and evaluation of erosion and sediment control devices, materials and technologies, and the development of guidelines for the use, selection, and placement of these best practices.

This program serves as a resource to all of TTI by providing expertise on roadside development for visual and environmental quality. Our research staff is comprised of landscape architects, engineers, planners and other research professionals.

The Environment and Planning Program operates the Sediment and Erosion Control Laboratory (SEC Lab), a full-scale, indoor/outdoor facility with testing capabilities and research programs for technology, products and devices used for storm water quality improvement, erosion and sediment control, and vegetation establishment and management.

Expertise

Researchers in the Environment and Planning program have expertise in the following areas:

• Stormwater quality and management
• Environmental impacts
• Erosion and sediment control
• Bioengineering
• Bioretention
• Roadside compost use
• Sustainable roadside landscape development
• Establishment and management of roadside vegetation
• Endangered plant species management
• Context-Sensitive Design/Context Sensitive Solutions
• Transportation corridor aesthetics and visual quality

Cooperative Relationships/Sponsors

Researchers in the Environment and Planning Program partner with federal and state agencies, other universities and research institutes, and industry on research and development projects. These agencies include:

• Federal Highway Administration,
• National Cooperative Highway Research Program,
• Southwest University Transportation Center,
• Texas A&M Kingsville – South Texas Environmental Institute,
• Texas Department of Transportation, and
• Other state departments of transportation.

For More Information

Jolanda Prozzi