2026 ACECNJ Fall Conference

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are transforming traffic safety analysis by enabling faster, more scalable, and data-driven insights that extend beyond traditional crash-based approaches. In this case study, a New Jersey urban community explored how AI-powered analysis of near-miss events, instances where collisions were narrowly avoided, could supplement conventional safety evaluations in support of the City’s Vision Zero initiative and Complete Streets goals. Unlike crash data, which typically informs reactive improvements after incidents occur, machine learning-driven near-miss analytics provide a proactive lens by detecting patterns in frequent, high-risk interactions and identifying emerging hazards before crashes take place. Support was provided for the collection and evaluation of near-miss data from multiple vendors, leveraging AI and ML techniques to compare detection methodologies, data outputs, and analytical approaches. This evaluation identified strengths, limitations, and opportunities for application across platforms. The effort was conducted in parallel with multimodal safety planning initiatives, where AI-enhanced insights informed concept development focused on improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and motorists. The case study assessed how AI- and ML-enabled near-miss analytics could enhance routine traffic engineering practices, including warrant analyses, safety studies, and crash investigations, by providing a broader, more dynamic, and near real-time understanding of roadway risk. Findings highlighted the value of near-miss analytics in identifying conflict patterns at scale, while also identifying challenges related to data consistency, model transparency, interpretation, and integration into established workflows.

This project consists of the design and implementation of geothermal heating and cooling systems at NYCHA’s Eastchester Gardens and Jackson Houses developments. The systems replace aging fossil-fuel infrastructure with high-efficiency, all-electric ground-source heat pump systems, improving energy reliability, reducing emissions, and enhancing resident comfort. The project supports NYCHA’s long-term sustainability and decarbonization goals.

Learning Objectives:
Participants will gain an understanding of how geothermal systems can be implemented in dense urban environments,
the challenges of decarbonizing existing residential buildings, and strategies for integrating clean energy solutions into occupied developments. They will be equipped with practical approaches for managing stakeholder coordination, minimizing construction impacts, and advancing scalable electrification initiatives.

Highlights:
 Decarbonization challenges in existing buildings,
 Integration of geothermal systems within dense, occupied urban environments
 Transitioning from fossil-fuel heating systems to electrified solutions
 Managing construction impacts in occupied residential developments
 Coordinating multidisciplinary stakeholders
 Navigating regulatory and infrastructure constraints

This session presents a case study on the use of two-dimensional (2D) hydraulic modeling to evaluate urban flooding conditions and assess off site impacts which may extend beyond traditional regulatory frameworks. It highlights how system-wide analysis can improve culvert and stormwater design decisions and promote more resilient infrastructure in highly developed watersheds.

Learning Objectives:
Participants will be able to understand how two-dimensional hydraulic modeling can be applied to better represent urban floodplain behavior, including overland flow paths, flood extents, and downstream impacts that are not fully captured in one-dimensional analyses. Participants will also be able to recognize the importance of assessing system-wide and off site impacts which surpass traditional regulatory guidance when designing hydraulic structures.

Audience:
This session is intended for civil and environmental engineers, stormwater and floodplain professionals, transportation planners, and regulatory agency staff involved in the design, review, and management of urban drainage and hydraulic systems. It addresses challenges in aging and undersized stormwater infrastructure in highly developed watersheds, where constrained conveyance systems and changing rainfall patterns increase flooding and downstream impacts. The focus is on engineering design and regulatory decision-making, particularly the use of two-dimensional (2D) hydraulic modeling to evaluate retrofit alternatives, system-wide performance, and floodplain compliance.Key subject areas include urban stormwater management, flood risk and floodplain analysis, culvert and conveyance design, infrastructure retrofit, and downstream impact assessment. Keywords: 2D hydraulic modeling, urban flooding, stormwater infrastructure, flood risk, FHACA compliance, overland flow, and climate resilience.

Autonomous technologies are transforming how infrastructure is inspected, managed, and maintained. This session examines the use of drones, robotics, AI, and reality capture technologies to improve safety, inspection quality, and asset management. Through real-world applications and emerging trends, attendees will learn how infrastructure owners and engineers are leveraging technology-enabled inspections to support more efficient, data-driven decision-making and long-term asset performance.

Learning Objectives:
Explain how technology driven inspection methodologies are transforming infrastructure assessment and management.
Identify the benefits and challenges of deploying robotics, drones, AI, and reality capture in infrastructure programs.
Evaluate how advanced inspection data can support asset management, maintenance planning, and capital decision-making.
Develop strategies for incorporating routine and repeatible inspection technologies into existing organizational workflows and asset management practices.

Audience:
Infrastucture owners, engineers, asset managers, and public agencies.

The durability assessment of three NJTA’s culverts near Cherry Hill Township, New Jersey was a collaborative effort between durability specialists and structural designers. Designed initially for 75 years, the three culverts are required to last another 75 years, therefore doubling the service life. A condition assessment and residual service-life evaluation of the concrete guided the structural rehabilitation design, resulting in a strategy to extend the service life for the next 75 years. The project demonstrates how the service-life of satisfactory to good condition structures showing cracks, spalls, rust staining, and efflorescence while dealing with a structural apacity reduction can be extended.

Learning Objective:
Following the presentation, participants will understand alternative solutions to extend the service life of concrete box culverts. They will also understand the value of providing valuable scientific data to support the rehabilitation work selection with regards to sustainability and service life considerations.

Audience:
This session is designed for owners, infrastructure managers and engineers involved in the planning of rehabilitation of concrete structures. It addresses the growing need to balance durability, sustainability, and long-term performance in aging infrastructure. The session supports a lifecycle-oriented model, helping organizations move beyond prescriptive practices toward performance-based approaches that optimize service life, maintenance costs, and operational disruptions.