November 30, 2017
Innovation of the Month:
e-Construction and Partnering: A Vision for the Future
Transportation agencies are using the synergy between e-Construction and construction partnering to enhance communication, collaboration, and transparency among project stakeholders.
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has a formal construction partnering program with a guidebook on partnering facilitation. Caltrans produced the guide to convey agency and industry commitment to partnering, define partnering responsibilities, and provide tools for partnering successfully. Caltrans uses web-based surveys and facilitated partnering meetings to improve communication assisted by e-Construction tools. The agency requires project and contract staff to meet if either party rejects a dispute review board recommendation to see if improving communication will reduce future disputes.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) created an e-Construction implementation team that includes representatives and “super users” from each region. CDOT launched a pilot on the use of mobile devices for project administration on 12 highway projects, 12 local agency projects, and seven bridge projects. The projects are designed to test apps that support access to information, calculation tools, and weather tools. For information on CDOT’s e-Construction initiative, contact CDOT_AASHTOWare_Support@state.co.us.
Read peer exchange reports on how other States use e-Construction and partnering. Watch e-Construction webinars on best practices. Plan to participate in the EDC-4 e-Construction and Partnering webinar series in 2018—details and registration coming soon.
For information and technical assistance on e-Construction, contact Kathryn Weisner of the Federal Highway Administration Resource Center.
For information and technical assistance on construction partnering, contact Chris Schneider or Richard Duval of the FHWA Office of Infrastructure.
Rhode Island Adaptive Signal Control Technology Project Recognized
The American Council of Engineering Companies recognized Rhode Island’s first adaptive signal control technology (ASCT) system with an Engineering Excellence Award. The project installed ASCT at eight signalized intersections on Airport Road in Warwick, a busy corridor that posed safety concerns. Data from the system are used to adjust traffic signals in real time, reducing delays, enhancing safety, and decreasing fuel consumption and emissions. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and Rhode Island Airport Corporation used Accelerated Innovation Deployment Demonstration and State Transportation Innovation Council Incentive funds on the project. For information, contact Russell Holt of RIDOT.
Send Us Your Innovation Ideas
FHWA is looking for game-changing innovations that can have a national impact on the transportation system. FHWA invites transportation stakeholders and the public to help identify proven innovations for deployment in EDC round five (EDC-5) in 2019–2020. FHWA seeks information on technologies and processes with the potential to transform the way the highway community does business by enhancing safety, shortening project delivery time, cutting traffic congestion, or improving environmental sustainability.
See the EDC-5 Call for Ideas web page for information on submitting suggestions by January 18, 2018. Contact Julie Zirlin of the FHWA Center for Accelerating Innovation with questions.
