This research addresses the critical need for integrating transportation asset management (TAM) with transportation planning practices in rural and small urban contexts. Building on federal guidance from MAP-21 and subsequent legislation, the project will develop a statewide framework that strengthens the relationship between asset management and multimodal transportation planning across state, regional, and local agencies. The research focuses on three foundational components: meaningful stakeholder collaboration, high-quality integrated asset data, and aligned performance measurement processes. Using West Virginia as a pilot context, the study will evaluate current integration practices, assess multimodal asset data gaps, develop a prototype infrastructure database, and create a practitioner-focused toolkit for co-prioritization and performance-based decision-making. The methodology encompasses assessment of current practices, evaluation of data opportunities, database development, framework creation, and pilot implementation with selected agencies to test real-world applications and gather user feedback for refinement.
Universities Involved
West Virginia University
Principal Investigators
V. Dimitra Pyrialakou,
James Bryce
Expected Research Outcomes & Impacts
The application of this research will transform transportation practice by enabling agencies to make more informed, data-driven investment decisions that maximize infrastructure performance and lifespan. State DOTs, MPOs, and local jurisdictions will gain enhanced capabilities to coordinate planning and asset management activities, leading to more efficient resource allocation and improved transparency in decision-making processes. Rural and small urban communities will particularly benefit from tailored solutions that address resource constraints while maintaining high- quality infrastructure management standards. The integrated framework will improve cross-agency collaboration, reduce siloed decision-making, and establish consistent practices across jurisdictions. Long-term impacts include enhanced network connectivity, improved infrastructure condition monitoring, and more strategic alignment of preservation and expansion investments. The standardized database and analytical tools will enable agencies to conduct sophisticated trade-off analyses, better assess investment risks, and develop performance-based programming strategies. These capabilities will ultimately result in more resilient transportation networks, improved service delivery to communities, and enhanced accountability in public infrastructure investment. The research outcomes will be transferable to other states facing similar integration challenges, multiplying the potential for system-wide improvements in transportation infrastructure management.
Subject Areas
Transportation Planning