Since its creation by the legislature in 1986, the Louisiana Transportation Research Center (LTRC) has grown to national prominence through its efforts to improve transportation systems in Louisiana. The center conducts short-term and long-term research and provides technology assistance, engineering training and continuing education, technology transfer, and problem-solving services to DOTD and others in the transportation community.

The center is largely supported by funding authorized by the Federal Highway Administration. LTRC's goal is to merge the resources of state government and universities to identify, develop, and implement new technology to improve the state's transportation system. LTRC combines the efforts of DOTD and the state's universities to find innovative solutions to Louisiana's transportation problems.