Research projects

Explore projects

For more information about the proposal submission process, refer to the University Handbook.

Open research request for proposals

The Research Program has open solicitations for six projects. We are committed to work with Texas state supported universities with a signed Cooperative Research and Implementation Agreement (CRIA).

Interested researchers should coordinate with their university liaisons to respond to this solicitation. Submissions, questions and enquiries must be through the Bonfire website.

Project Statements

No.	Project Statement Title
1.	26-020 Synthesis: Assess Transportation Agency Approaches to Training and Developing Hydrology and Hydraulics (H&H) Staff
2.	26-025 Assessing Residual Strength of Post-Tensioned Elements with Corrosion-Induced Tendon Failure
3.	26-031 Develop Best Practice to Improve CRCP Performance near Transverse Construction Joints
4.	26-107 Synthesis: Evaluate Effectiveness of Pedestrian Elements Constructed through Competitive Funding Mechanisms
5.	26-119 Cost Effective Roundabouts: Evaluate Options for Reducing Roundabout Footprints and Construction Costs
6.	26-199 Video Summary Report (VSR) Production

Research program timeline

Date	Milestone
May, 2025	FY'26 RFP #2 Go-Live: Wednesday, May 14 at 1:00 PM Deadline for questions from universities: Friday, May 23, at 12:00 PM CT
June, 2025	Universities proposals due to RTI via Bonfire: Thursday, June 5, at 12:00 PM CT Proposals in review: Friday, June 20 at 5:00PM CT

All dates are approximate and subject to change
Universities begin work on projects in FY2026: Anticipated start date is Sept. 1, 2025

How does a problem statement become a research project?

TxDOT reviews submitted problem statements before approving them for research:

Problem statements are reviewed and prioritized with project recommendations for each functional area.
Top recommended problem statements across all five functional areas are converted into project statements.
Project statements are submitted to the Federal Highway Administration and the TxDOT Executive Review Board for final approval.
The Request for Proposal for selected project statements are announced.

Functional area committees

The Functional Area Committees consist of subject matter experts from TxDOT districts, divisions, and universities. The five committees are:

Construction, Maintenance, and Materials.
Planning and Environmental.
Safety and Operations.
Structures and Hydraulics.
Strategy and Innovation.