Research at Federal Lands Highway
What is Research?
Research helps us respond to changes in transportation systems and vehicle technologies, as well as develop new technologies and systems that promote safety, durable infrastructure, mobility, and organizational excellence. Research plays an important role in managing the roadway network by creating a deeper understanding of best practices, and how or what new technologies should be deployed.
The Office of Federal Lands Highway (FLH) at the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is committed to continuous improvement to meet the unique transportation needs of access to and from Public Lands across the country.
Research is a logical first step in the development and deployment of new technologies, and FLH is committed to promoting research and technology transfer. Further, FLH is committed to supporting research that includes deployment activities and a communications component, moving beyond the development of static research reports.
Research conducted by FLH is directly connected to research conducted by its Partners through the Innovation and Research Council (IRC). FLH and FLMA staff members serve on the research Heightened Utility and Deployment committee (rHUD) to support strategic investments in research activities. Visit the IRC Research Program Application and Process page for information on how to apply for research support.
FLH Research Projects and Resources
Visit these sites to view active and completed research projects funded by FLH:
Technology Readiness
The Innovation and Research Program uses the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) to assess the maturity of a technology throughout its life cycle, from planning activities to research activities and, eventually, to practice in the field. TRL is an industry standard that NASA developed to reference technology evolution and is measured from TRL-1 for early planning and research through TRL-9, when the technology has been proven and is ready to be used broadly.
The FLH Research Program promotes development from TRL-3 through TRL-6, whereas the FLH Innovation Program promotes development from TRL-7 through TRL-9.
Other Resources
There are many other resources to learn about research being done across the Federal government. The links below will take you to more extensive lists of research programs and laboratories.
Last updated: Tuesday, July 29, 2025