The Innovative DOT: A Handbook of Policy and Practice

Due to limited resources and funding, state departments of transportation (DOTs) struggle to achieve their goals of improving safety, alleviating congestion, reducing environmental impacts, and helping to create healthier, more livable neighborhoods. In response to these challenges, DOTs across the country are reevaluating traditional practices, learning new skills, working more closely with stakeholders, and becoming more flexible in their approaches to problem solving. This handbook is a collection of case studies and innovative approaches DOTs have taken to make systems more efficient and effective under eight focus areas: revenue sources, revenue allocation and project selection, pricing, increasing transportation system efficiency, improving options for mobility and access, providing efficient, safe freight access, integrating transportation and land use decision-making, and improving DOT processes.