The Center for Transportation Research has had a threefold mission: to undertake relevant transportation research, to provide significant educational opportunities for University of Texas students, and to provide a public service by conducting research that responds to the transportation needs of Texas and other U.S. travelers.

The Superpave Asphalt Research Program is aimed at providing engineering expertise on issues pertaining to Superpave and other areas of asphalt pavement technology. It is located at the University of Texas at Austin. Projects are currently supported by the Texas Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration.