Welcome from the Director
Welcome to the KU Transportation Research Institute (KU TRI). KU TRI is located at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas. One of the advantages of being located in Kansas is that we are considered to be the geographic center of the US; thus, we can reach all the other 48 states with the least travel distance. This is one reason why Kansas, known as the Heartland, is vying to become a major distribution hub for the United States.
These days, transportation is becoming a national issue of great concern to all of us for many reasons, not the least of which is the price of gasoline. Europeans are used to paying more for fuel so the rise in oil prices will have less of an effect on their economy. However, there is no denying that the sharp increase in fuel prices for US commuters and travelers will impact many Americans. Combining this concern with the increasing number of aging drivers who will be on the road will eventually lead to even more adjustments in the near future. Finally, tragedies like the Minneapolis-St. Paul bridge collapse reminds us that our transportation infrastructure is another issue facing us today.
Recognizing these pressures and constraints on transportation, KU TRI has chosen to focus on three main areas of research: advanced vehicles and fuel technologies, infrastructure safety and life extension of bridges, and maintenance of driving skills for impaired or aging drivers. Furthermore, KU TRI has some projects underway that fall slightly outside the scope of our focus areas, but I believe most of our research is tied to these three issues.
As you navigate the website, please contact us if you would like additional information on our research. Thank you for your interest.
Bob Honea
Director - KU Transportation Research Institute
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