Research reports

Why we conduct research

Research impacts all aspects of work at WSDOT, from road materials to the natural environment. We conduct research and development projects to understand why problems occur and how to prevent or correct them through improved information, technology or processes. We use systematic inquiry to improve our ability to deliver transportation projects and operate a safe and efficient transportation system.

2025-2027 WSDOT research program

Applied

• Speed Reduction Treatments in Transition Zones
• Pavement Design Guidance for Climate Change Resilience
• Seismic Collapse Prevention for WSDOT Bridges
• Shore Power Partnerships for eMobility at Terminals
• Enhancing Active Transportation User Safety through I2X Technology
• Low Impact Development (LID) BMPs for Stormwater

Innovative

• Benefits of Drone Use in Traffic Management
• Towards Resilient Roads – Remote Sensing for Early Slope Hazard Detection and Management
• Investigating the Potential of Internal Curing to Reduce Curing Duration & Early Age Cracking in WA Concrete Bridge Decks
• Bridging the Gap:  Identifying & Addressing Active Transportation Disparities in Underserved Satellite Communities
• Long-term Performance Data Collection Using Laser Scanner to Refine Chip Seal Construction Specification
• Continual Learning for Predicting Truck Parking Availability

Research reports

Read published research reports that describe the results of our research projects. You can search and browse reports in the Washington State Library catalog. Catalog records include abstracts and full text reports.

Searching reports in the library catalog

• To find a specific report, use a keyword search (i.e. "WA-RD 256.1") or access the associated drop-down menu to search by author or title.
• To search by subject, use the advanced search with "WA-RD*" entered in the first Search Words box. Enter a subject term (i.e. ferries) in the second Search Words box with Subject selected from the Search Type drop-down menu.
• To browse reports, view a list of WA-RD reports by number and use the Previous button to navigate to older reports.

Webinars

Our bi-monthly webinars showcase WSDOT's research projects. Since 2017, our series has covered a wide range of transportation research topics from engineering to the environment, construction to maintenance, and policy to pica conservation. Recordings of past webinars are available for viewing.

Contact research coordinators

• Doug Brodin, Research Coordinator/Operations - For research related to: Emergency Management, Finance, Freight Mobility, ITS/Congestion, Maintenance Operations, NCHRP Review, Passenger Rail, Public Private Partnerships, Security, Snow & Ice Removal, Tolling, Traffic Operations, Transportation Pooled Fund, University Transportation Centers, Washington State Transportation Center.
• Jon Peterson, Research Coordinator/Multimodal - For research related to: Air Quality, Aviation, Bicycle/Pedestrian, Biology, Climate Change, Environment, Noise, Public Transportation, Student Studies, Sustainability, Washington State Ferries, Wildlife Passage.
• Mustafa Mohamedali, Research Coordinator/Engineering - For research related to: Construction, Materials, Pavement, Geotechnical, Water Resources, Design Safety, Geometrics, Bridge Engineering. Coordinates Transportation Pooled Fund studies.
• Kathy Szolomayer, Technology Transfer/Implementation Coordinator - For information on webinars and coordinated federal research programs.