Ensuring Equity in Pavement Rehabilitation Strategies

Project Abstract

Mobility from home to areas of work, education, and essential services is a serious concern for low-income families. It has been found that among households earning less than $25,000 per year, 47% were hindered from carrying out their normal activities due to a lack of available transportation. The study is driven by the recognition of historical injustices in housing finance and zoning regulations, which have unfairly burdened these families with extended commutes using either private vehicles or public transit systems. Despite these difficulties, local and state transportation agencies rarely consider these challenges when making decisions on asset management. Lower income neighborhoods often receive lower public funding for transportation projects. However, even the roads connecting such neighborhoods to critical areas often receive lower funding as well. This may force agencies to apply short-term maintenance to such corridors , resulting in repeated delays and increasing overall user costs. The research proposal delineates two primary objectives: identification and remediation. Centered on the case study of Pittsburgh, the project seeks to identify specific corridors that link low-income neighborhoods with essential services such as work, schools, universities, grocery stores, hospitals, etc. Historical practices pertaining to asset management will be evaluated for these corridors, juxtaposed against better-funded counterparts. Then, if necessary, remedies for inequity in asset management decisions will be proposed alongside suggested pavement rehabilitation and maintenance practices developed with a human-centered asset management framework.

Universities Involved

University of Pittsburg

Principle Investigators

Dr. Lev Khazanovich

Dr. Julie Vandenbossche

Funding Sources and Amounts

USDOT: $100,000

Start Date

September 1, 2023

Completion Date

September 1, 2024

Expected Research Outcomes & Impacts

The proposed project is aimed at cultivating an accessible transportation system for all by introducing innovative asset management strategies that improve transportation equity and inclusivity. Central to the project's transformative nature is its commitment to the development of a human-centered asset management framework advancing conventional asset management approaches but also fostering equity. This is essential for maintaining equitable serviceability and ensuring access to vital services through well-maintained roadway conditions. By leveraging data-driven insights, we intend to re-evaluate how transportation infrastructure is managed and allocated, ultimately paving the way for a more balanced and efficient multimodal system. Through an in-depth examination of historical practices and a comparative analysis of socio-economic factors, we aim to contribute to the broader scientific understanding of transportation inequities. The insights gained from this research endeavor will be disseminated through a report, fostering a body of knowledge that not only informs policy decisions but also serves as a foundation for future research initiatives.

Subject Areas

Infrastructure Design and Planning, Public Policy