BOSTON - Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy today announced that Northeastern University will receive $1,647,068 over the next five years in federal funding to develop advanced sensing technologies that would enable timely and detailed monitoring and inspection of the structural health of our nation's bridges, roadways and water systems.

The funding was awarded as part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology's new Technology Innovation Program (TIP).

Specifically, Northeastern, in conjunction with UMass Lowell, Written Technologies of Somerville and the University of Vermont, plans to eliminate the need for setting up hazardous and congestion-prone highway work zones to conduct roadway inspections. Instead under the leadership of Dr. Ming Wang they plan to develop an automated "drive-by" inspection system that uses ordinary vehicles in the course of regular, everyday driving.

"The technologies Dr. Wang is developing at Northeastern will help our economy, lead to cost efficiencies for states, provide a safer working environment for inspectors and a safer driving environment for everyone," said Senator Kerry.

"Northeastern is leading the way in improving the safety and efficiency of our nation's roads and bridges, and Senator Kennedy commends the University and its partners for this well-deserved federal grant," said Kennedy spokesman Keith Maley.

Nine grants were awarded nationwide, totaling $88.2 million over the next five years.

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