AASHTO'S NATIONAL COOPERATIVE HIGHWAY RESEARCH PROGRAM: SOLVING PROBLEMS IN HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATION FOR A QUARTER OF A CENTURY

This article describes the mission and objectives of the National Cooperative Research Program (NCHRP), a unique contract research effort designed to respond quickly and efficiently to the needs to state highway and transportation departments through the solution of pressing operational problems in highway transportation. NCHRP's activities are carried out in coordination with the Transportation Research Board's research correlation services visit program, conferences and workshops, and other related services. NCHRP has been sponsored since 1962 by the American Association of State and Transportation Officials in cooperation with the Federal Administration. NCHRP work is conducted through its project panels, the members of which are drawn from state departments of transportation, federal and local government, industry, and the universities. NCHRP research is generally focused on problems of immediate concern that can be solved through applied research. In 1985, NCHRP research culminated in the publication of the Highway Capacity Manual. Another NCHRP effort that has had major impact is the publication, Guide for Design of Pavement Structures. Funding for NCHRP efforts is discussed. It is noted that the Strategic Research Program and NCHRP are compatible programs. The article also discusses who benefits from NCHRP research efforts. Examples are given of the number and type of completed research projects. NCHRP's efforts in disseminating useful research findings, and its initiation of a project called Synthesis of Information Related to Problems are noted.