During the past six months, the Center has continued with programs and activities that were already in progress and embarked on new initiatives in the area of transit, where we just received a major grant. We have begun several new research projects, initiatives, and in building on past successes, initiated several new partnerships. We have also expanded our role as an educational conduit at many levels both through significant support and cooperation from Rutgers University and the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT). Finally, we have secured the University’s pledge to significantly expand current CAIT facilities, in the event of successful limited competition. Through the construction of additional CAIT facilities (a new building), the Center will have more room for the continual promotion of advancements and growth in the fields of transportation and infrastructure.

The Center has demonstrated leadership in utilizing and experimenting with cutting-edge technology. Satellite video-conferencing and on-line training have become part of our continuing education itinerary. Development of programs, such as the Masters of Construction Management Degree Program which focuses on providing students with the opportunity to apply advanced computer techniques and continues to encourage them to utilize state-of-the-art technologies such as: mobile and wireless computing, handheld computers for field data collection, and web-based collaboration. In addition, the Center has been at the forefront in creating and implementing interactive CD-ROM educational programs, which serve as innovative and effective tools for public outreach efforts. Recent programs include: the Work Zone Safety CD-ROM course, Highway Noise Educational CD-ROM Program, and the Bicycle Safety CD-ROM program.

The Center is currently active in promoting safe transportation practices, such as proper safety procedures in the work zone environment. Through the creation of several safety education programs, CAIT contributes to progressive change in transportation and roadway safety. The Center has been nationally commended for its continuing efforts in establishing and promoting work zone safety with several prestigious awards from the United States Department of Transportation, American Public Works Association, and the American Traffic Safety Services Association.

Educational and Technology Transfer activities have been interconnected to all of our recent initiatives, from integrating graduate level students into faculty research projects to continuing education for practicing professionals in our technology transfer program. The Center has actively pursued developing relationships with the new students who entered the engineering program at Rutgers University this past fall. A record number of students, over 100 total between graduate and undergraduate, are currently working with faculty members on research projects. Also, the Garrett Morgan Transportation Academy in Paterson, New Jersey has been enjoying its first full year under the high school level transportation curriculum developed through the Center. In addition, several statewide professional organizations are increasingly looking to CAIT to fulfill their continuing education needs through collaboration on, and coordination of, transportation and infrastructure based training for design and maintenance personnel.

Dr. Ali Maher

Director

Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT)

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Success Stories

NEW BUILDING FOR THE CENTER

Expanding CAIT’s research facilities and capabilities

PRINCIPAL CONTACT:

Ali Maher

Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT)

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

623 Bowser Road

Piscataway, NJ 08854

732-445-2232

mmaher@rci.rutgers.edu

Following a successful limited competition, Rutgers University, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), and CAIT will plan the construction of a new building and devise a mechanism for the completion of the project within the next two years. Currently, the Center has leveraged the UTC designation to the fullest, by securing support from Rutgers University and numerous state agencies.

The building plan has significant support from NJDOT, and Rutgers University’s pledge to significantly expand current CAIT facilities, in the event of successful limited competition. NJDOT Commissioner, James Weinstein, adds, “ CAIT is one of the premier ‘hard side’ transportation research centers in the country, and the program continues to expand in terms of people, activity, and capital. Their contribution to transportation infrastructure safety and security research is unique in the region. We specifically are enthused about collection of some of NJDOT’s research and technology resources at an expanded CAIT facility. This will allow for our partnership to grow even more through efficien