Department of Transportation
The Department of Transportation partners with researchers across U-M to ensure a safe, efficient and modern transportation system, which improves quality of life and increases the productivity of workers and businesses.
$14 MILLION
Research Supported by DoT in FY24
48
Active Projects Supported by DoT
Improving traffic signal timing with a handful of connected vehicles
With GPS data from as little as 6% of vehicles on the road, University of Michigan researchers can recalibrate traffic signals to significantly reduce congestion and delays at intersections. In an 18-month pilot study conducted in Birmingham, Michigan, the team used connected vehicle data insights provided by General Motors to test its system, resulting in a 20% to 30% decrease in the number of stops at signalized intersections.
Women caregivers are stressed: Transportation infrastructure could help
Supporting independent travel for children, older adults and people with disabilities could give working women a break. Caregiving travel—such as taking a child to school or a parent to the doctor—can be associated with stress and decreased happiness among women but not men, according to a University of Michigan study.
