Build a Better Mousetrap

A celebration of local innovations

Build a Better Mousetrap celebrates innovative solutions for challenges that local and tribal transportation workers encounter. These innovations can range from the development of tools and equipment modifications to the implementation of new processes that increase safety, reduce cost, and improve efficiency of our transportation system.

The deadline for submitting nominations to the national competition in June 10. Click here for 2022 guidelines.

2021 Winners

Innovative Project Award:

The Hopper

Jones County, IA
Source: Jones County, IA

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Bold Steps Award:

Road Electric Training System (RETS)

Illinois Tollway
Source: Illinois Tollway

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Smart Transformation Award:

ADA Ramp Inspections Tracker

Seminole County, FL
Source: Seminole County, FL

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Pioneer Award:

Recessed Lane Indicator

Independent Highway District, ID
Source: Independent Highway District, ID

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Click here to listen to the 2020 winners discuss their innovations.

How does the Build a Better Mousetrap work?

* 'Centers' refers to Local Technical Assistance Program Centers (LTAP). For complete information, download PDF.

• Centers solicit their own nominations within their state.
• Centers select nominations they would like to move forward. Multiple nominations in multiple categories may be submitted.
• Centers submit their nominations to the Build a Better Mousetrap at CLAS@DOT.GOV under one of four categories:
  1. Innovative Project– Any solution that addresses any or all phase(s) of the ‘project’ life cycle – Planning, Design/Engineering, Construction, Operations and Maintenance. This project shall introduce new ideas, is locally relevant, original, and creative in thinking.
  2. Bold Steps– Any locally relevant high-risk project or process showing a break-through solution with demonstrated high-reward.
  3. Smart Transformation– A locally relevant significant change in any transportation activity or process that is SMART “Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound” in nature that results in improved efficiencies.
  4. Pioneer– A locally relevant product/tool that is among the first to solve a maintenance problem with a home-grown solution.

How are the honorees selected?

In each category, we are looking for original, innovative projects that provide long-term value to the transportation community. In making the selections, the following criteria are considered:

• recognized importance/ impact;
• originality;
• applicability to others;
• cost effectiveness;
• time savings;
• agency or community benefit;
• and the overall quality of the application.
• For additional guidance on submitting your nominations, please download the Build a Better Mousetrap Booklet.
  • PDF Download