The U.S Department of Transportation’ Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has announced a new slate of innovations available to state agencies through its Every Day Counts (EDC) program.
The initiative is designed to modernize state transportation processes, improve maintenance practices and accelerate project delivery by identifying and scaling proven strategies already implemented across the country, according to a FHWA press release.
This marks the program’s eighth round since its launch in 2011. Previous EDC rounds have advanced innovations such as Warm Mix Asphalt, Accelerated Bridge Construction and e-Ticketing, according to the program’s website.
FHWA provides technical assistance to state and local agencies interested in adopting the latest innovations.
The eighth round includes six focus areas:
- Improving nighttime work-zone safety – This initiative supports deployment of technologies such as automated intrusion alarms that alert crews when vehicles enter work zones, anti-glare lighting systems, enhanced barriers and upgraded traffic control devices.
- Revolutionizing the contracting process – This effort promotes alternative delivery and procurement strategies that streamline bidding and accelerate project timelines. Strategies include allowing agencies to order work on demand, involving contractors earlier in the design phase and maximizing available budgets.
- Creating connected corridors – This strategy strengthens data sharing among local, state and federal partners to improve coordination during delays, incidents and other disruptions.
- Centralizing project delivery – Agencies are encouraged to implement Advanced Digital Construction Management Systems to better connect personnel, data and tools across all project phases, reducing redundancy and improving information access.
- Locating underground utilities – This program promotes use of advanced detection technologies to identify subsurface utilities — a frequent source of cost overruns and schedule delays.
- Enhancing infrastructure management and maintenance – Agencies are supported in deploying drones to inspect hard-to-reach areas and improve worker safety. Innovations include built-in drone lighting for nighttime inspections and precision herbicide spraying to reduce overspray and the associated labor costs.
FHWA also offers several competitive funding opportunities to support implementation including the State Transportation Innovation Councils Incentive Program, Accelerated Innovation Deployment Program, Accelerated Market Readiness Program and increased federal cost share for certain projects, according to the federal agency’s website.
In November 2024, the Biden-Harris administration announced $7.6 million in innovation grants across eight states, according to a press release.
Sources: FHWA press release, EDC program website
