Research Office

Overview

The Research Office is in the Long Range Planning Division of the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). The Office is responsible for managing TDOT’s Research Program and other transportation research initiatives. The mission of the Research Office is to enhance Tennessee’s transportation system through high-quality research that leads to the adoption of efficient technologies, innovation, and best practices.

The Research Office plans, conducts, monitors, reviews, and coordinates the selection and completion of transportation research projects supported by TDOT. The Research Office ensures that program monitoring and reporting is completed as defined in 23 CFR 420.

TDOT contracts with state colleges, universities, and other research organizations to produce research that supports the goals and objectives of TDOT. The primary funding source for transportation research is the federal State Planning and Research (SPR) program. For more information regarding the Research Office’s plans and future efforts, see the Research Strategic Plan.

Primary Tasks

• Facilitate, monitor, and manage TDOT’s Research Program and all projects funded through SPR Part B funding. Learn more under the State Research Process and Submission section.
• Implement research findings and insights and incorporate into TDOT policy and practice.
• Coordinate research-related activities with FHWA, NCHRP, TRB, AASHTO, ATRI, and other transportation organizations. See the Research Programs section to learn more. Participate in and sponsor Transportation Pooled Fund (TPF) studies with other DOTs on research projects with widespread applicability. See the Research Programs page to learn more.