Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026

This bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to carry out activities related to surface transportation research, development, and deployment, including updates to existing programs and new studies.

Sec. 2, Technology and innovation programs: Extends the authorization for certain highway and intermodal transportation technology and innovation programs from fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to fiscal years 2027 through 2031.

Sec. 3, Update to transportation statistics programs: Amends the Bureau of Transportation Statistics to require the Director to be located within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, gives the Director exclusive authority over certain statistical activities, and requires the Secretary to ensure data collection for statistical purposes protects confidentiality and follows best practices.

Sec. 4, Transportation Statistics Coordination Council: Establishes a council within 90 days to coordinate statistical activities across the Department, composed of representatives from each operating administration, chaired by the Director, with duties including reviewing data inventory, reducing duplication, and advising on data standards. Requires a report to Congress within three years.

Sec. 5, University Transportation Centers program: Amends the program to remove a limit on the number of centers and extend the authorization from fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to fiscal years 2027 through 2031.

Sec. 6, Open research initiative: Changes the reporting frequency for the advanced transportation research pilot program from biennial to as directed, extends authorization to 2031, and requires the Secretary to develop an implementation plan to transition the pilot to a sustained open research initiative, with a report to Congress within two years.

Sec. 7, Study on emerging headlamp technologies: Requires the Secretary to seek an agreement with an expert entity within 180 days to study the effects of high-intensity LED and other headlamp technologies on driver visibility, glare, and safety, and make recommendations. A report must be submitted to Congress and made public within two years of the agreement.

Sec. 8, Strategy on reclaimed asphalt pavement: Requires the Secretary to submit a strategy within one year to encourage standardization and use of reclaimed asphalt pavement nationwide while ensuring quality, including a review, cost analysis, and recommendations. The Secretary must consult with various stakeholders.

Sec. 9, Rail research programs: Expands the rail research program to address safety challenges with modern and future infrastructure and technology for commuter, passenger, freight, and other rail networks, adds a new purpose to review hazardous materials safety standards, and extends authorization from 2019 to 2031 and from 2010 through 2013 to 2027 through 2031.