The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is sponsoring a Technical Assistance (TA) effort to support states in applying Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) to challenges they face in the transportation sector. FHWA is also inviting states that have completed a CSS process to join a virtual peer exchange where they can share information and lessons learned. Each state and state agency faces unique issues, but the results and key findings of these CSS efforts can offer valuable insight to other states.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) was an original adopter of CSS and participated in the initial pilot conducted by FHWA. Since the early 2000s, MnDOT has championed the integration of CSS into all of its business practices and phases of decision-making. To this end, MnDOT has developed policies, guidance, process improvement approaches, and training, all in support of CSS integration efforts. In 2009, MnDOT considered CSS one of its flagship initiatives. Most recently, MnDOT has focused on applying performance-based, data-driven practical design process that maximizes performance outcomes in a cost-effective manner.
MnDOT and FHWA division representatives proposed focusing the TA on refining MnDOT’s 2.5-day “Advanced Flexibility in Design” workshop. The intention was for two subject matter experts (SMEs) to attend, review, and then provide general feedback on the workshop and recommendations to the instructors.
