About TERRA
The Transportation Engineering and Road Research Alliance is a dynamic partnership of government, industry, and academia that continuously advances innovations in road engineering and construction.
TERRA was conceived as a new road research governance structure that will facilitate a comprehensive research program, with strategic focus to take advantage of the MnROAD test facility and associated resources. TERRA was created in 2004 after a task force of government, industry, and academic representatives investigated road research governing structures and evaluated ways to broaden the use of the unique capabilities of MnROAD.
The MnROAD test facility is a comprehensive outdoor pavement research facility, distinguished by its network of electronic sensors embedded in 6 miles of test pavements. MnROAD features three distinct sections: the mainline section consists of 3.5 miles of working interstate freeway carrying more than 26,000 vehicles every day; the low-volume roadway is a 2.5-mile closed loop where controlled weight and traffic volumes simulate rural road conditions; and the short "farm loop" test track, which represents a typical low-volume rural road.
In addition to MnROAD, TERRA works with researchers and facilities at the University of Minnesota and across the world. TERRA's partnering efforts reach beyond Minnesota to include transportation organizations in other states and in Europe.
Mission
TERRA’s mission is to develop, sustain, and communicate a comprehensive program of research on pavement, materials, and related transportation engineering challenges, including issues related to cold climates.
Strategic and Business Plans
TERRA’s FY09-FY13 Strategic Plan (85 KB PDF) outlines five major strategic directions for the organization:
- Defining and launching a bold and synergistic research program
- Implementing research results “on the ground”
- Setting up activities that enhance TERRA’s role as a dynamic forum for research interchange
- Expanding TERRA’s membership proactively
- Developing governance and operating structures that assure a thriving, changing, and sustainable organization
Business Plan
Defines implementation strategies for goals in the Strategic Plan.
TERRA Business Plan for Fiscal Year 2011 (112 KB PDF)