________________________Photo courtesy of UAF University Relations.

The Alaska University Transportation Center (AUTC) focuses on “Transportation Safety, Security and Innovation in Cold Regions”, a theme selected to complement the mission and direction of the University of Alaska.  This focus also meets the needs of the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, the Alaska Railroad Commission, the Alaska Oil and Gas Industry and the Alaska transportation community.  AUTC research fills a national gap in addressing transportation needs in cold regions. 

Photos Courtesy of AKDOT

         AUTC addresses issues related to key research and technology themes as these are identified in the Highway Research and Technology Report (April, 2002), including:  the impact of climate change on permafrost, reducing construction and maintenance costs of transportation infrastructure, improving air quality during the winter months, and other measures to address multi-modal issues facing Alaska and the nation’s transportation community. Our approved Strategic Plan is available here.

            Alaska’s unique climate, cultural diversity, population density and transportation requirements call for specialized expertise not readily available elsewhere.  AUTC’s goal is to develop that expertise through education and outreach programs as well as through research.  For example, damage to our highways, railways, airports and pipelines cost the transportation industry millions of dollars annually. Through education and research, these costs can be reduced. By becoming a world leader in cold regions infrastructure, AUTC will attract students to the University of Alaska from within the state, as well as the nation and the international community.