MTI News

Dear Alverina,

This month, we celebrate student innovation while highlighting new research and conversations shaping the future of transportation. We announce the winners of the 2026 Garrett Morgan Sustainable Transportation Competition, where middle school students from across the U.S. developed creative campaigns promoting safe e-bike riding. We also share new research from MTI and highlights from recent and upcoming Trailblazer Tuesday webinars featuring transportation industry leaders.

In this issue:

MTI is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Garrett Morgan Sustainable Transportation Competition, which challenged middle school students nationwide to create peer-to-peer campaigns promoting safe e-bike riding through this year’s theme: “Ride On, Ride Safe—E-Bike Style!”

This year’s competition featured 16 teams from across the country, showcasing innovative ideas and creative storytelling to promote safer, more sustainable transportation in their communities.

Exploring the Stress-Strain Relationship of Lightweight Concrete to Enhance the Lifecycle Performance of Transportation Highways and Bridges

This research examines lightweight aggregate concrete (LWC) and internally cured concrete (ICC) as durable and sustainable alternatives to conventional concrete used in transportation infrastructure. Through laboratory testing, computer modeling, and lifecycle analysis, researchers evaluated the materials’ strength, flexibility, durability, cost, and environmental impact.

The study found that LWC and ICC can reduce cracking, improve durability, and better withstand harsh environmental conditions while still meeting required strength standards. Researchers also found that lightweight concrete may significantly extend infrastructure lifespan while lowering maintenance costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions over time. Finally, the report recommends updates to current design models, which may underestimate the performance of lightweight concrete materials.

Equitable Estimation of Accurate High Injury Networks (HINs) for Vulnerable Road Users

A new MTI-led California State University Transportation Consortium study examines whether communities may be undercounting serious traffic crashes by relying solely on police-reported data to identify High-Injury Networks (HINs). By comparing police records, EMS data, and San Francisco 911 call data collected through PulsePoint, researchers found that many traffic incidents reported to 911 operators do not appear in official crash databases.

The study also identified geographic patterns in missing crash data, with lower-density police districts showing more incidents reported through 911 calls but absent from official records. Researchers concluded that no single data source fully captures the extent of traffic collisions and recommended integrating alternative data sources into Vision Zero safety planning efforts. The project also developed a process that allows the research team to continuously collect and analyze scraped 911 call data, enabling future research beyond the scope of this report. 

What Holds High-Speed Rail Back: Lessons from Global Systems and California’s Experience

This report examines the challenges and opportunities of integrating California High-Speed Rail (CHSR) with existing rail systems. Drawing comparisons with international high-speed rail systems and U.S. examples, the study highlights differences in costs, operations, and integration approaches, while also exploring tools like value capture and land assembly.

Findings point to recurring barriers such as funding gaps, permitting delays, cost escalation, and land acquisition issues. The research emphasizes that stable funding, streamlined processes, and stronger coordination across agencies are essential to advancing HSR. Overall, the report underscores that successful rail integration depends on effective governance and policy, with recommendations including expanded partnerships, innovative financing strategies, and reforms to permitting and land acquisition practices.

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Online

12:00-12:30p.m. (PT) | Link to register.

*[0.5] PDH credit available.

Trailblazer Tuesday with Nadine Lee

The Mineta Transportation Institute is hosting a series of virtual fireside chats featuring influential women leaders in transportation. These successful women—representing academia, public and private industries, and the nonprofit sector—will share their compelling personal narratives and leadership journeys. Gain valuable insights into their strategies for balancing assertiveness with emotional intelligence, overcoming stereotypes, and leading with intention. Join us to explore the profound impact of reshaping perspectives and championing women's roles within the transportation industry and beyond.

Featured Guest: Nadine S. Lee, President & CEO, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)

Moderator: Dr. Karen Philbrick, Executive Director, MTI

This webinar is co-sponsored by COMTO.

Trailblazer Tuesday with April Rai

As part of MTI’s Trailblazer Tuesday series, MTI Deputy Executive Director Dr. Hilary Nixon hosted a conversation with April Rai, President & CEO of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO).

During the webinar, Rai shared insights from her leadership journey and discussed the importance of coalition building, mentorship, and advancing diversity within the transportation industry. Drawing from her experience, she reflected on the role of inclusive leadership in shaping the future of transportation.

The discussion also explored opportunities for women and underrepresented professionals in transportation, as well as strategies for supporting the next generation of industry leaders.

This webinar was co-sponsored by COMTO.