A Collection of News and Resources Showcasing Ways We’re Working Toward a Safer Transportation Network for All 

U.S. DOT is committed to working toward a safer transportation network for all as we invest in infrastructure and communities. 

Here are some recent highlights of our work to advance U.S. DOT’s vision of a future without transportation-related serious injuries and fatalities—along with a spotlight on some of the latest events, news, and resources from the U.S. DOT Volpe Center.

U.S. DOT Volpe Center Project Stories

NEWS: SAFEGUARDING PEDESTRIANS THROUGH THE GLOBAL BENCHMARKING PROGRAM

FHWA report identifies key approaches that can be applied in the U.S. to reduce multimodal road user fatalities and serious injuries. FHWA's Office of International Programs conducted a Global Benchmarking Study and drew upon the U.S. DOT Volpe Center’s multidisciplinary expertise to examine noteworthy approaches and innovations used by other countries to achieve reductions in pedestrian serious injuries and fatalities on arterial roadways. The goal for Phase 1 of the study was to identify proven practices, policies, and innovations that could be successfully applied in the United States to make existing and planned urban signalized arterials safer for pedestrians. Phase 2 was to supplement current FHWA activities to address pedestrian safety and complement additional work being conducted by other public and private organizations.  LEARN MORE.

NEWS: EVALUATING THE PERFORMANCE OF RUNWAY VISUAL RANGE SENSORS FOR FAA

At the 30 busiest commercial airports in the U.S., there were about 11.7 million arrivals or departures or approximately 5.9 million flights in fiscal year 2022, according to FAA’s annual publication: Air Traffic by the Numbers. Every one of these flights was enabled by the accurate and consistent reporting of runway visual range (RVR) information. Accurate runway visual range information is critical to the safe operation of the National Airspace System.  LEARN MORE.

NEWS: MOBILITY CHALLENGE GRANTS AIM TO MAKE MICHIGAN’S NATIONAL PARKS MORE ACCESSIBLE

As part of a collaborative effort to advance and learn about emerging mobility technologies, National Park Service (NPS) and the state of Michigan launched the National Parks Michigan Mobility Challenge (NPMMC) in August 2023. NPMMC was an industry challenge aimed at identifying and deploying emerging mobility and electrification pilots in a recreational environment in and around NPS units in Michigan. In July 2024, Michigan announced three grants under this federal partnership to enhance access and visitor experience at National Parks across the state of Michigan. Emerging mobility projects like this have the potential to improve safety, the visitor experience, and environmental sustainability. LEARN MORE.

REPORT: 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF FHWA FORECASTS OF VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED

FHWA has constructed a national vehicle miles traveled (VMT) forecasting model where future VMT growth rates can be estimated for three major economic scenarios - normal, pessimistic, and optimistic growth. FHWA published its 2024 Forecasts of Vehicle Miles Traveled by vehicle type in July with help from our Economic Analysis team. The normal growth scenario represents the most Likely economic outlook reflects IHS' assessment of most probable future trends in U.S. population, employment, capital investment, productivity growth, and aggregate economic output, with stable energy prices. LEARN MORE. 

News from around the U.S. DOT Volpe Center

REGISTER FOR THE U.S. DOT PROJECT DELIVERY CENTER OF EXCELLENCE LATEST THOUGHT LEADERSHIP SERIES

U.S. DOT is committed to partnering with federal, Tribal governments, state, and local project sponsors to speed up project delivery and thereby maximize and accelerate the benefits of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Project Delivery Center of Excellence is one of the critical tools U.S. DOT is using to achieve such success.  Project Delivery Center of Excellence is hosting a new three-part virtual thought leadership series focused on project delivery kicks off on September 18. LEARN MORE. 

WELCOME DAB KERN

We’re delighted to announce our new Director for Operations: Dabney (Dab) Kern joined us in late August 2024. Kern joined the U.S. DOT Volpe Center after various roles in the private sector, including leading T-Rex Solutions’ national security portfolio across the defense, homeland security, and intelligence communities and leading CACI International’s development and integration group, pioneering several solutions and products, particularly in secure mobile communications. LEARN MORE. 

NEWS: THE U.S. DOT VOLPE CENTER ACHIEVES LEED PLATINUM CERTIFICATION 

The U.S. DOT Volpe Center's new building has been recognized for its high performance in resiliency and sustainability with an LEED Platinum certification, the highest mark of excellence for sustainability as awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEARN MORE. 

Careers at the U.S. DOT Volpe Center

WE'RE HIRING!

The strength of the U.S. DOT Volpe Center lies almost entirely our people: their knowledge, experience, and commitment. Apply online for any U.S. DOT Volpe Center job vacancy through USAjobs.gov. Learn more about our open job opportunities, our commitment to equity, and what it’s like to work at the U.S. DOT Volpe Center.    

About the U.S. DOT Volpe Center

Celebrating more than 50 years of federal service to the nation, the U.S. DOT Volpe Center’s mission is to transform transportation for all.

We're Hiring: Learn more about our open job opportunities, our commitment to equity, and what it’s like to work at the U.S. DOT Volpe Center.