I have done a bit of work on optimizing the design of transportation networks, mostly under the theme of usability. In a project funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, we examined how to optimally retrofit a transportation network to make it more pedestrian-friendly (Rashidi et al., 2016). To accomplish this, we formulated an optimization model for optimally allocating limited resources to different traffic calming actions such as adding sidewalks and crosswalks. In another paper, we developed a model for designing a transportation network to make it more accessible to pedestrians (Li, Medal, and Qu, 2019).

Selected Publications

  1. Connected Infrastructure Network Design Under Additive Service Utilities
    Li, X. and Medal, H.. Connected Infrastructure Network Design Under Additive Service Utilities. Transportation Research Part B 120, 99–124.
    Publication Year: 2019
    [Link to Article] Abstract
  2. Optimal traffic calming: A mixed-integer bi-level programming model for locating sidewalks and crosswalks in a multimodal transportation network to maximize pedestrians’ safety and network usability
    Eghbal Rashidi, Mohsen Parsafard, Hugh Medal, Xiaopeng Li. Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Volume 91, Pages 33–50
    Publication Year: 2016
    [PDF]   [Link to Article] Abstract

Funding

Optimizing the mobility and safety of walk-and-ride systems

Agency: National Center for Intermodal Transportation and Economic Competitiveness (funded by US Department of Transportation)Researchers: Medal, H.R. (PI) and Li, X.
Amount: $99,954 ($55,036 Medal share) with $102,988 cost share from Mississippi State University
Abstract:

In the project, we investigate the effect of traffic calming measures, such as crosswalks and sidewalks on the overall cost and safety of a multimodal transportation network system design. Our design problem includes auto, transit, and walking as modes of transportation. We propose a new method for multimodal user equilibrium (UE) traffic assignment with network reconstruction, which allows for mode switching. We propose a bi- level mathematical programming model that integrates multimodal user equilibrium traffic assignment in the lower level and the network design in the upper level. The model tries to optimally implement and locate sidewalks and crosswalks considering limited financial resources to provide city planners with a comprehensive tool for planning. Due to the complexity of the problem, it requires a large amount of computational resources and therefore cannot be solved efficiently for large scale problems using state of the art solvers; hence we develop a greedy heuristic and a simulated annealing algorithm to solve large problems. The algorithms use a nonlinear complimentary algorithm to solve the UE traffic assignment. The computational results show that implementing sidewalks and crosswalks both reduces the overall transportation cost and improves pedestrians’ safety.

Mississippi transportation infrastructure improvement opportunities

From the Hearin Foundation (through the Mississippi Economic Council)

Researchers: Li, X., Breen, D., French, E., Medal, H.R. (Co-PI)

Amount: $225,000 ($57,500 Medal share)

Abstract: This project aims to identify strategies and policies that will ensure that an adequate level of resources will be available to address the transportation infrastructure funding gap that undermines economic development and job creation in the state of Mississippi. Research activities conducted with funding for this project include:

  • Assessment of the current transportation infrastructure performance in the state of Mississippi
  • Identification of opportunities to improve the current transportation infrastructure
  • Study and development of new funding mechanisms, to include potential public-private ventures
  • Synergy between activities funded under this project and ongoing work of Mississippi State University’s National Center for Intermodal Transportation for Economic Competitiveness
  • Comparison and evaluation of alternative state policies for reducing transportation funding gaps and identification of alternative realistic strategies, policies, and funding mechanisms that are required to meet the future revenue demands to fund transportation infrastructure in the state of Mississippi
  • Identification of projects that represent opportunities for improvement to the current infrastructure
  • Examination and prioritization of projects, innovative strategies, policies, and funding mechanisms linked to cluster-related multimodal investments that focus on the targeted industries identified in Blueprint Mississippi and Mississippi employment centers