U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
202-366-4000


Skip to content U.S. Department of Transportation/Federal Highway AdministrationU.S. Department of Transportation/Federal Highway Administration

Construction

<< PreviousContents 

ACTT Workshop: Oregon
Paving The Way

[Archived] Appendix B: Background of ACTT

ACTT is a process that brings together public- and private-sector experts from across the country in a setting that encourages flexibility and innovation. The goal is to recommend technologies that will accelerate construction time while reducing user delay and community disruption. This necessitates a thorough examination of all facets of a highway corridor with the objective of improving safety and cost effectiveness while minimizing adverse impacts to the traveling public.

The ACTT concept was originated by the Transportation Research Board (TRB) in conjunction with FHWA and the Technology Implementation Group (TIG) of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Following the completion of two pilot workshops, one in Indiana and one in Pennsylvania, the originating task force, A5T60, passed the concept off to FHWA and TIG to continue the effort. They have done so by coordinating a series of ACTT workshops around the country, with several more pending in 2006.

More information on the ACTT program is available online at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/construction/accelerated/.

ACTT Skill Sets

Innovative Financing. The team's primary goals are to align potential financing options with project goals; match anticipated cash flow with project management; and provide options for managing competing priorities for existing resources.

ROW/Utilities/Railroad Coordination. The ROW group's primary role is to ensure that ROW, utilities and railroad work comply with state laws and procedures. They must also consider the numbers and types of businesses and residences impacted by a project and evaluate the ready availability of additional right-of-way.

Geotechnical/Materials/Accelerated Testing. The geotechnical team explores subsurface conditions to determine their impact on the project; pursues options for expediting materials acceptance and contractor payment; and evaluates the use of innovative materials in accordance with project performance goals and objectives.

Traffic Engineering/Safety/ITS. The traffic engineering team strives to enhance safety; improve traffic management; and explore technologies, including ITS systems, that will communicate real-time construction information to the public.

Structures (Bridges, Retaining Walls, Culverts, Miscellaneous). The structures skill set focuses on accelerating the construction of structures. Their task is to identify the most accommodating types of structures and materials that will meet design requirements and minimize adverse project impacts.

Innovative Contracting. The innovative contracting group explores state-of-the art contracting practices and strives to match them with the specific needs of the project.

Roadway/Geometric Design. The roadway team evaluates proposed geometrics and identifies the most accommodating product with the minimum number of adverse impacts.

Long Life Pavements/Maintenance. The maintenance skill set identifies pavement performance goals and objectives and explores future maintenance issues for the project corridor, including winter service, traffic operations and preventative maintenance.

Construction (Techniques, Automation and Constructability). The construction crew explores techniques that will encourage the contractor to deliver a quality product within a specific timeframe while maintaining traffic.

Environment. The environment team ensures that the scope of work and construction activities reflect local environmental concerns. Their goal is to provide the most accommodating and cost effective product while minimizing natural and socio-economic impacts.

Public Relations. The public relations skill set discusses ways to partner with local entities and effectively inform both local communities and the traveling public about the project before, during and after construction. Their role is to put a positive spin on the project.

<< PreviousContents 
Updated: 02/20/2020
Federal Highway Administration | 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE | Washington, DC 20590 | 202-366-4000