About Us

Center Vision and Objectives

The mission of the Center for Transformative Infrastructure Preservation and Sustainability (CTIPS) is to revolutionize the preservation of existing transportation systems through the integration of advanced sensing technologies and automation in data collection and analysis. The center's research will also address systemic equity issues in the region, especially those stemming from the relatively poor quality of Tribal and rural roads.

Through it's two-Tribal-serving institutions and a collaborative agreement with the North Dakota Tribal College System, CTIPS has deep connections to Tribal communities, allowing the Center to reach Native American leaders and practitioners.

CTIPS's initiatives represent a transformative approach to preserving the transportation system. By integrating advanced technologies, automation, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence, CTIPS's programs are revolutionizing infrastructure condition monitoring and assessment, leading to safer, more reliable, and more sustainable transportation infrastructure. In partnership with state departments of transportation, transportation companies, and technology firms, CTIPS research, technology transfer and workforce development programs are transforming asset management while preparing transportation workers to function in a dynamic highly-automated work environment. Some areas of early implementation include management of non-highway assets, fault detection of rail lines and yard infrastructure, more frequent and cost-effective monitoring of low-volume roads and remote highway facilities, and disaster assessment and response.