SPECIAL PROJECTS & INITIATIVES
KTC’s Special Projects & Initiatives research group brings together researchers all KTC program areas to address complex transportation problems — from environmental sustainability and workforce development to UAV usage and hazardous materials and supply chain security. Their multidisciplinary focus offers a diverse set of skills to clients and stakeholders who may have differing needs and various priorities. During collaborations with other KTC program areas on experimental or non-conventional projects, SPI researchers often oversee the details to ensure timely delivery. Because of their expertise in developing and delivering a variety of transportation projects, the group is increasing efforts to fine-tune the art of project management and recommend the best practices for delivering safe, efficient, timely projects.
Featured Projects below
Research In Progress

- Building a KYTC Mentoring Program (collaboration with Construction Engineering)
- Digital Project Delivery (collaboration with Project Development and Construction Engineering)
- Best Practices for Recruitment and Retention of Transportation Professionals (collaboration with Policy, Finance, and Economics)
- Accommodating Innovative Uses of Public Right of Way (collaboration with Policy, Finance, and Economics)
- Developing a Cross Asset Allocation Mechanism (collaboration with Policy, Finance, and Economics)
- Enhanced Pavement Prioritization (collaboration with Policy, Finance, and Economics)
- Impact of the New Context Classifications (collaboration with Project Development)
Recently Completed Projects
- Economic and Environmental Benefits of a Reduced Roadside Mowing Program for Kentucky Highways
- Design Myth Busters: Learning how and when to Apply Guidance and When to Leave it Behind
- Social Justice Mitigation in Transportation Projects: Why and How Lexington Fayette Urban County Government Can Support the Lexington Community Land Trust’s Path to Self-Sustainability
- Updating the Bridge Construction Cost Database (collaboration with Bridge Preservation)
- Electric Vehicles: Analysis of Revenue Issues and Charging Station Implementation
- Risk-Based Project Development (collaboration with Construction Engineering)
- Understanding and Efficiently Managing Right-to-Take Challenges in Kentucky
Special Projects & Initiatives Faculty & Staff
Rachel Catchings
Robin Baskette
Pam Clay-Young
David Moses
Jon Wilcoxson
Arlen Sandlin
Daryl Greer
Research Engineer