About SHRC

The Smart Highway Research Center (SHRC) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is a multidisciplinary research hub committed to advancing intelligent, sustainable, and resilient highway infrastructure systems through cutting-edge science, engineering, and technology integration.

SHRC’s mission is to create and disseminate knowledge and innovative solutions that transform how roads are designed, constructed, maintained, and managed—leveraging artificial intelligence, robotics, and sustainable materials to shape the future of highway systems.

Building on the foundation of the former Modified Asphalt Research Center (MARC), SHRC expands its focus beyond asphalt modification to include three core research thrusts:

• Artificial Intelligence and Data Science for predictive modeling, decision-making, and infrastructure digitalization
• Autonomy in material testing, pavement condition monitoring and maintenance using robotics and sensor systems
• Sustainability, Circularity, and Resiliency to enable better-performing and resource-efficient infrastructure solutions

SHRC conducts both fundamental and applied research in materials testing, AI-driven performance prediction, high-resolution data acquisition through sensing, autonomous repair technologies, and infrastructure lifecycle optimization. The center also actively engages in standards development, technology transfer, and workforce training through classes, seminars, student-led projects, and collaboration with government and industry partners.

By fostering interdisciplinary research and stakeholder engagement, SHRC aims to lead the transformation toward smarter, greener and resilient, and more connected transportation infrastructure.