The RAPID facility completes first year of operations

It’s an understatement to say it’s been a busy year. Responding to hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides and wildfires, the Natural Hazards Reconnaissance Facility (known as “RAPID”) exceeded its target number of deployments for the year by 400%. Launched in September 2018, the center completed 36 deployments of equipment to 12 locations around the globe during its first year of operations. With the goal of reducing the adverse impacts of natural hazards, the center houses more than 300 pieces of data-gathering equipment, which are available to researchers throughout the world. Learn more.

Working to alleviate ride-hail induced traffic trouble 

Although Uber and Lyft make transport easier for many passengers, ride-hail services often make transportation more difficult for other roadway users due to frequent stops in the travel lane and double parking. To support less disruptive and easier passenger pick-up and drop-offs for ride-hail services, researchers in the Supply Chain Transportation & Logistics Center (SCTL) Urban Freight Lab found that offering designated curbside loading zones, together with technology that guides drivers and riders to these locations, helps alleviate impacts on traffic flow. Learn more.

PacTrans sponsors a conversation with regional leaders

To provide an opportunity for regional leaders to come together and share their thoughts on sustainable transportation, a panel discussion “Sustainable Transportation: A Conversation with Regional Leaders” was held last May. With major funding packages at the state and regional levels gaining legislature approval, such as the recently passed 2019-21 transportation budget and Sound Transit 3 in 2016, leaders are now working to see these projects through on time and under budget, which has proven challenging with rising construction costs and other project complexities. Learn more.

Freshwater Initiative connects UW water researchers

Water-related research flows through many disciplines at UW, from engineering to environmental studies. To meet growing research needs, the Freshwater Initiative was founded in 2014 to bring together water scientists and engineers from various departments across UW. The Freshwater Initiative aims to promote new and creative applications of freshwater research through collaborations with regional, national and global partners. The initiative also strives to provide educational opportunities for graduate students, allowing them to gain knowledge in not only their own field, but other water-related disciplines. Learn more.