Program Objectives

The Canadian Strategic Highway Research Program (C-SHRP) is funded by the Council of Deputy Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety and, on behalf of the Council of Deputy Ministers, is managed by the C-SHRP Executive Committee. The program’s objective is to improve the performance and durability of highways and to make them safer for motorists and highway workers by extracting the benefits of the United States Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP). As well, the program strives to solve highway problems, which are of a high priority in Canada, that are related to, but not duplicates of, SHRP research projects.

Program Schedule

Phase I: Research

C-SHRP was launched in 1987 in direct response to the establishment of SHRP in the United States. Phase I, often referred to as the "research phase," involved coordinating Canadian involvement in the SHRP research activities and conducting independent Canadian research related to SHRP. At the end of Phase I in 1993, SHRP research had produced 130 new products including new equipment, processes, test methods, manuals and specifications for the design, maintenance and operation of highways. C-SHRP research provided an additional eight products. Phase I also saw the initiation of the Long Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) programs in both Canada and the United States. Phase I was completed in March of 1994.

Phase II: Follow-On Program

C-SHRP entered Phase II, referred to as the "follow-on" program in April of 1994. The follow-on program was aimed at the evaluation of SHRP and C-SHRP products and applying those findings into Canadian practice through technology transfer activities. In addition, the LTPP studies continued with the primary focus of data collection and management, with performance analysis and evaluation of current practices. Phase II was recently completed in March of 1999.

Phase III: