Office of Policy and Research (OPR)

The Office of Policy and Research (OPR) supports the mission of the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) by providing a central source of leadership to advise the Administrator and MDOT SHA on policy and legislative related issues, Public Information Act requests, external correspondence, ethics and knowledge management. OPR also manages MDOT SHA’s research program and Maryland participation in the AASHTO Transportation and Civil Engineering (TRAC) and Roadways in Developing Elementary Students (RIDES) programs.

Legislative Services Division

This division manages federal and State legislative policy and monitors and analyzes any changes that would impact MDOT SHA. 

PIA, Correspondence, & Ethics Division

This division coordinates all Public Information Act (PIA) requests received by MDOT SHA. It also ensures that MDOT SHA complies with ethics and correspondence policies. 

Programs for Future Engineers​

This division manages the unique TRAC and RIDES programs for middle school and high school students exploring a future as transportation engineers.

Research & Knowledge Management Division

This division delivers an annual Research Work Program (approximately $3.3 million) that supports MDOT SHA’s business needs. This division also serves as a hub for knowledge management and records retention.

Research Projects: Completed Reports and Requests for Proposals

For additional information contact: 


Hua Xiang
Deputy Director
Office of Policy and Research
410.545.2916 office
hxiang@mdot.maryland.gov​