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U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

Infrastructure Systems and Technology

Two automated shuttles
Two automated shuttles operating in the Canyon Village area of Yellowstone National Park were part of a National Park Service pilot supported by U.S. DOT Volpe Center staff. (Joshua Cregger/U.S. DOT Volpe Center photo)

About Us

The U.S. DOT Volpe Center’s Center for Infrastructure Systems and Technology improves the safety and efficiency of vehicles, systems, and infrastructure on our nation’s transportation networks.

We perform engineering and safety analyses of rail, freight, and port systems and infrastructure. We explore innovative applications of advanced communications, navigation, and information technologies.

We examine vehicle crash avoidance and electronic systems safety and resilience. We promote an all-hazards, systems approach to transportation cybersecurity.

Our Impact

Our Priorities

Our work supports the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which makes historic investments in transportation and infrastructure development to improve public safety and create jobs across the country. 

From our rail modernization work with DOD to our development and support of the landmark Maritime Safety and Security Information System, our team provides expertise critical to our transportation sponsors’ missions, with special emphases on safety, efficiency, and innovation.

Here are examples of the kind of excellence we advance every day:

  • Improving the in-transit visibility of marine vessels and aircraft
  • Reducing rail-grade crossing deaths and injuries
  • Assessing the safety benefits of advanced automotive technologies
  • Improving crashworthiness of rail vehicles and track stability for high-speed operations
  • Reducing physical and cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the transportation system

Our Portfolio

We partner with key administration officials and other federal career leaders, adding value through technical excellence, innovation, and a commitment to public service. Learn more about our sponsors.

Our Organization

Our Center is organized into seven offices—each specializing in a different facet of infrastructure systems and technology:

Meet Our Team

View selected staff biographies.

Eric York Wallischeck

Acting Technical Center Director, Infrastructure Systems and Technology  

Wallischeck headshot

Eric York Wallischeck is acting director of the Infrastructure Systems and Technology Technical Center and principal technical advisor for transportation logistics and security, primarily focusing on the maritime domain. 

Read Eric York Wallischeck’s full bio.