Highway Research Center (HRC)

The Highway Research Center (HRC) was established in 1985 with a mission to support Alabama’s highway industry through coordinated research programs.

Part of the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, the HRC is leading the charge to ensure industry professionals have the latest technologies and guidelines for designing, constructing, and maintaining highways and bridges. An advisory committee, which includes six Alabama Department of Transportation professionals and eight industry leaders and faculty members, helps focus the Center’s efforts on current industry needs.

Research conducted through the HRC includes improving the safety, user-friendliness, sustainability, longevity, and return on investment of highway infrastructure.

While focused on the needs of the Alabama Department of Transportation, regional and national research programs—such as the National Cooperative Highway Research Program and the Federal Highway Administration—are also significant partners, along with other universities, county and municipal agencies, and material suppliers and contractors.

• In FY23, the HRC led or partnered on projects that brought in more than $4.9 million in external research awards.

• Areas of expertise include construction, environmental, geotechnical, hydraulics and hydrology, pavement and materials, structures, and transportation.

• Leverages the world-class Advanced Structural Engineering Laboratory, a 45,000-square-foot state-of-the-art research and testing facility.

• Conducts full-scale testing at the Stormwater Research Facility to develop sustainable construction practices.

• Offers a graduate student scholarship in honor of Buddy Cox, a U.S. Air Force veteran, Auburn alumnus, and 25-year ALDOT engineer.

• Organizes the Alabama Transportation Conference, a 67-year-long event that hosts approximately 1,000 transportation professionals annually.