TravelAid: Collaborative Donation App
Integrated.Travel Research and Development aims to enhance community engagement and support through the creation of a mobile application, TravelAid, designed to facilitate collaboration among users and enable seamless donation processes. The app will serve as a platform where travelers and local communities can connect, share resources, and support each other. The primary goal is to create a user-friendly interface that allows users to easily collaborate on travel plans, share experiences, and contribute to community-driven projects through donations. The project will focus on integrating secure payment gateways for donations, ensuring user data privacy, and providing a seamless user experience. By leveraging classroom knowledge in app development, user interface design, and data security, learners will have the opportunity to apply their skills in a real-world context.
Shelby Rail Connectivity Enhancement
The project focuses on improving the north-south rail connectivity in Shelby, Montana, specifically addressing the challenges faced by passenger trains utilizing the Teton Wye and the track near the fairgrounds. Currently, trains stopping at the Amtrak platform may need to reverse to access the crossover west of the overpass, which is not an ideal solution. The goal is to assess the feasibility of short-term improvements and propose solutions to enhance the service for north-south passenger trains. Key considerations include evaluating the need for a new right-of-way alignment that connects directly to the platform track and the potential addition of an extra platform to facilitate smoother operations. This project aims to provide practical recommendations that can be implemented within a limited timeframe and budget. MARIAS FAIR
Helena to Great Falls Railroad Reactivation Feasibility Study
The Helena to Great Falls railroad has been embargoed due to various structural and logistical issues. This project aims to assess the current state of the railroad and determine the feasibility of its repair and reactivation. The primary objectives include identifying existing issues with the track, locating wash-outs, and evaluating the necessity for remediation. Additionally, the project will assess the number of tunnels requiring upgrades and estimate the costs involved in reactivating the railroad. Finally, the project will explore potential financial partnerships that could support the reactivation efforts. By applying classroom knowledge in civil engineering and project management, learners will gain practical experience in infrastructure assessment and strategic planning. Montana official asks BNSF to reopen Great Falls-Helena line | Trains Magazine Road closures continue along I-15 between Great Falls and Helena
Optimal Station Location Analysis for Belgrade-Bozeman-Yellowstone Airport
The project aims to identify the optimal location for a new transportation station that will effectively serve the Belgrade, Bozeman, and Yellowstone Airport areas. The goal is to enhance connectivity and accessibility for travelers and residents, ensuring efficient transportation links between these key locations. The project involves analyzing demographic data, traffic patterns, and existing infrastructure to determine the most strategic site for the station. Learners will apply geographic information systems (GIS) and urban planning principles to evaluate potential sites. The project will also consider environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, and future growth projections to ensure a sustainable and practical solution. Key tasks include: - Collecting and analyzing demographic and traffic data. - Evaluating existing transportation infrastructure. - Identifying potential station sites using GIS tools. - Assessing environmental and economic impacts of each site. - Recommending the optimal location based on comprehensive analysis.
Great Falls Station Siting Analysis
The project involves analyzing potential locations for a new train station in Great Falls, focusing on optimizing the north-south train route without the need to cross the Missouri River. Historically, stations were located on the east side, but current infrastructure changes, such as the removal of the wye track west of the golf course, necessitate a reevaluation of station placement. The project will explore the feasibility of reestablishing the west leg of the wye and consider alternative sites, such as the west side or Marketplace near the Hampton Inn south of 10th Ave S. Key considerations include logistical challenges, accessibility, environmental impact, and community integration. The goal is to recommend the most efficient and practical location for the new station, ensuring it meets the needs of both the railway operations and the local community.
Helena Trench Feasibility Study
The Helena Trench Feasibility Study aims to explore the technical and financial viability of constructing a train trench along Montana Avenue in Helena. This project stems from the need to improve transportation infrastructure by eliminating three grade crossings and enhancing street grid connections. Inspired by the Reno ReTRAC project, the study will assess the potential to lower the tracks at Roberts Street, impacting the west end of the existing yard. The project will focus on determining the feasibility of the trench, estimating costs, and identifying potential funding sources. The study will cover the area from approximately 700 feet west of N. Last Chance Gulch to Hannaford Street. By conducting this study, learners will apply their classroom knowledge in civil engineering, urban planning, and transportation systems to a real-world scenario.
Rio Grande Valley Passenger Rail Feasibility Analysis
The Rio Grande Valley Passenger Rail Feasibility Analysis project aims to explore the viability of introducing a new passenger rail service in the Rio Grande Valley region. This project will provide learners with the opportunity to apply their knowledge of data analysis and cost estimation to a real-world transportation study. The primary goal is to assess potential ridership by analyzing population data and to estimate the financial implications of the proposed rail service. The project is designed for students in transportation engineering or urban planning programs, allowing them to engage with practical challenges in regional transportation development. Learners will work closely with a mentor from Mission, Texas, who will provide guidance and insights throughout the study.
Feasibility Analysis of Long-Distance Rail Service: Montana to Colorado
Integrated.Travel Research and Development seeks to explore the feasibility of establishing a long-distance rail service connecting Montana and Colorado, with key stops in Sheridan, Gillette, and Cheyenne in Wyoming. The project aims to assess the potential demand, economic viability, and logistical considerations of this proposed rail service. Learners will apply their classroom knowledge in transportation planning, economic analysis, and geographic information systems (GIS) to evaluate various aspects of the project. The goal is to provide a comprehensive analysis that will inform Integrated.Travel's decision-making process regarding the potential implementation of this rail service. The project will involve data collection, stakeholder analysis, route planning, and cost-benefit analysis.
Optimizing Desalination and Pipeline Systems for South Texas
The South Texas Water Development Private Utilities LLC (STWDPULLC) is initiating the construction of a large-scale regional seawater desalination plant and a 54” pipeline system from Brownsville to Laredo, Texas. This project aims to address the urgent water needs in Region "M" by leveraging existing data on desalination water quality and optimizing processes for cost-effectiveness. The project involves researching the chemical composition of Gulf of Mexico seawater, determining which chemicals can be utilized or sold, and identifying cost-effective specifications for the pipeline distribution system. Additionally, the project will assess the environmental impact of building a large-scale desalination plant. The goal is to provide a comprehensive analysis that will guide the construction and operation of the desalination plant and pipeline system.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) - Creating a Comprehensive BIM Model for a Mid-Sized Transportation Hub in LA
The main goal of this project is to create a comprehensive Building Information Modelling (BIM) model for a passenger Transportation Hubs in Great Falls Montana and Lethbridge Alberta. The central stations will incorporate a link to the Airport, Regional Rail to Yellowstone & Calgary, etc. Preference is for the team to identify up to 3 suitable sites for the integrated Travel center. .This includes developing a detailed digital representation of the building's physical and functional characteristics, integrating various systems (architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing), and ensuring the model is coordinated and clash-free.