Skip to content

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.

Contact your state's LTAP Center for additional details.

2024 Winners

A street with cars and houses on the side

Innovative Project Award:

City of Moreno Valley, CA (CA LTAP). Innovation - "Slow and Safe, Save a Life." For more information

The City of Moreno modified speed cushions to address high speeds and increased traffic volumes through residential communities without impacting emergency response.

A picture containing yellow, orange, construction, equipment

Pioneer Award:

Town of East Hartford, CT (CT LTAP). Innovation - "Trackless Automated Loader" For more information

The Town of East Hartford, CT repurposed an old sander into a chute for easier load and dispense of sand mixture materials during winter operations.

A picture containing truck, trailer, trash

Smart Transformation Award:

McKenzie County Highway Department, ND. (ND LTAP). Innovation - "Fifth-Wheel Quick Attach Sander." For more information

The McKenzie County Highway Department utilized an attachment to modify semi-tractors to assist with salting and sanding hazardous, icy roads during the winter months.

A picture containing outdoor, sky, truck, trailer

Bold Steps Award:

West Lafayette Street and Sanitation Department, IN (IN LTAP). Innovation - "Street Sweeper Conversion to Leaf Vac Unit." For more information

The West Lafayette Street and Sanitation Department used street sweepers re-purposed for leaf pickup maintenance

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.
Explore LTAP

National Entry Booklets

The National Entry Booklet is a compilation of all entries submitted for Build a Better Mousetrap, representing LTAP/TTAP Centers from around the country.

View National Entry Booklets from prior years.

Stay connected with
Center for Local Aid Support (CLAS)

Sign up to receive the CLAS quarterly e-Newsletter.

back to top