Ignition Magazine: News from TRB's IDEA Programs - Fall 2005

The latest issue of Ignition, a quarterly news magazine from TRB's Special Programs Division, examines innovations sponsored by the IDEA program on electric motor technology for railroad locomotives, a formula for reinforcing steel, railroad at grade crossing safety, low-temperature limits of asphalt binders, and video and data recorders for vehicles.  In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Interstate System, this issue also explores highway research needs for the next 50 years.

Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) programs provide start-up funding for promising but unproven innovations in surface transportation systems. The programs’ goal is to foster ingenious solutions that are unlikely to be funded through traditional programs.  Managed by the Transportation Research Board, IDEA programs are supported by the member state departments of transportation of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, the Federal Transit Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.