Local Road Research Program
The goal of the CRA-led Local Road Research Program (LRRP) is to fund academically disciplined road-related research that results in new specifications, best practices and other actionable outcomes that enhance local road agencies’ ability to sustain a high-quality road and bridge network for the people of Michigan.
Funding for the pilot Program comes from a Michigan legislative grant issued FY2025.
Click or tap the headers below to expand for more information.
LRRP Work Group Members
- Chair: Darrell Cass, PE, Menominee
- Tim Haagsma, PE, Kent
- Bill Hazelton, PE, St. Clair
- Garrett Myland, PE, St. Joseph
- Kristine Parsons, PE, Calhoun
- Steve Puuri, PE, CRA and MML
- Linnea Rader, Van Buren
- Administrator: Joanna I. Johnson
Advisors
- Dr. Tim Colling, PE, Michigan Technological University
- Michael Townley, PE, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Research Administration
Contact
Click here to email the Local Road Research Program, or call 517.482.1189.
Learn more about the LRRP
CRA / LRRP seeks proposals for Chip and Fog Seal Operations by 5/15/2026
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
Material Selection and Application Rates for Chip and Fog Seal Operations
Issued by: County Road Association (CRA) of Michigan / Local Road Research Program (LRRP)
The CRA, through its LRRP, invites qualified Michigan universities with ABET‑accredited engineering programs to submit research proposals for the 2026 LRRP project:
“Material Selection and Application Rates for Chip and Fog Seal Operations.”
This statewide research effort will develop standardized, data‑driven guidance to help Michigan’s 83 county road agencies select optimal chip‑seal and fog‑seal materials and application rates—improving performance, cost‑effectiveness, and consistency across regions. As noted in the RFP, “Michigan’s county road agencies lack unified guidance… leading to inconsistent performance outcomes and inefficiencies.”
Key Dates
- Advertised Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026/CRA LRRP Website
Questions Due Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Questions regarding this RFP must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. EST on April 22, 2026.QUESTIONS CLOSED.Response Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026. CRA/LRRP will publish responses or clarify this RFP in response to questions submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. EST on April 29, 2026.RESPONSES BELOW.- Click here for Michigan Local Road Research Program (LRRP) Responses to Questions Material Selection and Application Rates for Chip & Fog Seal Operations Request for Proposal (RFP).
- Proposal Due Date: Friday, May 15, 2026. Research proposals must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. EST on May 15, 2026.
Project Overview (see RFP for full description)
The selected research team will:
- Document current chip‑seal and fog‑seal practices across all 83 counties
- Identify the most common aggregate/emulsion combinations in each CRA region
- Conduct laboratory testing to evaluate bond strength and aggregate loss
- Develop regionalized material‑selection guidance and recommended application rates
- Produce a final report following the LRRP template and present findings to CRA
Eligibility
Proposals must be led by a Michigan public university with an ABET‑accredited engineering program and demonstrate prior experience with chip‑seal and fog‑seal operations, including direct observation of county practices.
Submission Instructions
Proposals must be submitted electronically in a single searchable PDF, signed by an authorized official, and delivered to the CRA procurement inbox: ddonohue@micountyroads.org
Submission Email: ddonohue@micountyroads.org
Questions Email: ddonohue@micountyroads.org
Late submissions will not be accepted.
Evaluation
Proposals will be evaluated using LRRP’s best‑value scoring system. CRA/LRRP will make the final selection recommendation, which will be announced in mid-June 2026.
CRA / LRRP seeks proposals for Unpaved Road Surfacing Guidelines by 6/12/26
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
Unpaved Road Surfacing Guidelines for Michigan County Road Agencies (Phase 1)
Issued by: County Road Association (CRA) of Michigan / Local Road Research Program (LRRP)
The CRA, through its LRRP, invites qualified Michigan universities with ABET‑accredited engineering programs to submit research proposals for the 2026 LRRP project:
“Unpaved Road Surfacing Guidelines for Michigan County Road Agencies (Phase 1).”
This statewide research effort will support the development of standardized material selections and best practices that enhance durability, cost efficiency, and safety on unpaved road surfaces to help Michigan’s 83 county road agencies. As noted in the RFP, “The development of a statewide gravel surfacing best practices guidance document, supported by regional performance verification and maintenance evaluation, would provide a consistent, performance-based framework for unpaved roads across Michigan.”
Key Dates
- Advertised Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026/CRA LRRP Website
- Questions Due Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Questions regarding this RFP must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. EST on May 20, 2026.
- Response Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026. CRA/LRRP will publish responses or clarify this RFP in response to questions submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. EST on May 27, 2026.
- Proposal Due Date: Friday, June 12, 2026. Research proposals must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. EST on June 12, 2026.
Project Overview (see RFP for full description)
The LRRP is looking for a research team to support the development of a standardized, data-driven framework to guide county road agencies across Michigan in selecting and specifying surfacing aggregates for unpaved roads, recognizing variability in locally available materials and regional producibility constraints.
Eligibility
Proposals must be led by a Michigan public university with an ABET‑accredited engineering program.
Submission Instructions
Proposals must be submitted electronically in a single searchable PDF, signed by an authorized official, and delivered to the CRA procurement inbox: ddonohue@micountyroads.org
Submission Email: ddonohue@micountyroads.org
Questions Email: ddonohue@micountyroads.org
Late submissions will not be accepted.
Evaluation
Proposals will be evaluated using LRRP’s best‑value scoring system. CRA/LRRP will make the final selection recommendation, which will be announced in mid-July 2026.