Montana Tech faculty recognized for Interstate 5 Transportation research
Montana Technological University Associate Professor of Computer Science Dr. Douglas Galarus co-presented research on improving winter travel safety along Interstate 5 in Northern California at the 21st Annual Western States Rural Transportation Technology Implementers Forum, held June 16–18 in Grass Valley, California.
Galarus joined engineers from Caltrans District 2 to present "Chain-Up Delay Tracking and Estimation for Interstate 5 in Northern California." The project examines how to provide more accurate travel delay estimates during winter chain requirements north of Redding, helping reduce traffic backups, improve safety and provide better information to motorists on Interstate 5.
“When chain restrictions are in place north of Redding, the backup can extend up to 20 miles and closures can last for several days,” Galarus said. “The affect is far-reaching, impacting travel on Interstate 5 from San Diego to Seattle. We have the potential here to make a big difference.”
The research also recognized the contributions of several former Montana Tech students, including Emily Martin, Jason Decker, Jacob Sriraman, Reese Lester, River Sheppard, Hunter Valdez, Dylan Williams, Avrey Coombe, and Parker Weber.
“The results of this research will be integrated into a regional winter travel time system to improve safety and mobility throughout the western states,” Chief of the Office of ITS Engineering and Support for Caltrans District 2 Jeremiah Pearce said.
Montana Tech sophomore Lucy Galarus also participated in the forum, serving as the event's official timekeeper. She has volunteered in the role since she was a high school freshman, helping keep presentations on schedule alongside forum coordinator Leann Koon of the Western Transportation Institute at Montana State University.
The annual forum brings together transportation professionals from across the western United States to share innovations in intelligent transportation systems and rural transportation. Galarus has attended every Western States Forum since it began in 2006 and is a longtime member of the forum's steering committee.
“The forum is unlike any other event I have been involved with. Our two-hour-long presentation is an example of what the forum is all about: nuts and bolts technical details presented in front of and reviewed by practitioners,” Galarus said. “Participants are encouraged to interrupt at any time to ask questions and provide suggestions. I am appreciative to Caltrans and the Western States Rural Transportation Consortium for keeping the forum going all these years and providing me and my students with the opportunity to help the traveling public and freight movement across the Western United States.”
The project highlights Montana Tech's commitment to strengthening America's infrastructure by pairing applied research with hands-on student experience to solve transportation challenges.