Moving Research into Practice

Implementation is the routine use of a SHRP 2 product by users in their regular way of doing business.

Users can include state DOTs, MPOs, resource agencies, and other highway stakeholders.

There are a number of strategies and tactics that can be used by FHWA, AASHTO and NHTSA to help agencies implement SHRP 2 products.

Research Development Deployment

Study, experimentation, testing to develop new knowledge, tools, methods

Additional lab and field testing, improvements to increase usability (reliability, cost, complementary products, training, etc.)

Routine use by ordinary users

Innovators …………. Early Adopters ….…Early/Late Majority ...

Development involves taking research results and converting them into usable products

Examples: development of a web tool, a software application, a guidebook or handbook, a specification, or a training module from research results; pilot tests of a new process and modifications based on what is learned from the pilot test

TRB is in the lead for most of these activities.

Acceptance of products that are tested and ready to be used by implementing agencies

May involve demonstration projects, adoption of standards or specifications, use of IT products that have been through a beta test, changes in business practices by implementing agencies

Although additional refinements may occur as a result of experience in using the products, they are in mainstream use and not expected to have major changes

Guides, Syntheses, Handbooks Models and Methodology Databases and Datasets Web tools Software Application Model Specifications, Technical

Guidance & Strategic Plans Technical Training Materials Videos

Bridges

Nondestructive Testing Techniques

Pavements

Project Delivery

Utilities and Railroads

Collaborative Decision Making

Economic Impact Analysis

Dynamic Integrated Models & Networks

Integrating Conservation, Highway

Planning & Environmental Review

Planning for Freight Demand

Data & Analysis for Travel Time Reliability Performance

Reliability in Planning, Programming & Geometric Design

Organizing Transportation Agencies to Improve Reliability

Preparing for the Future

Reliability IDEA Program

Data to Improve Highway Safety

Tools for Data Analysis

Advancing the State of the Art

A concentrated effort to assist a limited number of volunteer states or agencies to adopt and use the highest priority SHRP 2 products

Early implementers will serve as “role models” who will demonstrate and promote use of the products to their peers.

This approach is based on SHRP 1 experience and research from the field of technology deployment and marketing

Multiple tactics will be used to encourage implementing agencies to adopt priority SHRP 2 products:

Demonstration projects

Evaluations

Training/technical assistance

Showcases

Seminars

Workshops

Webinars

Marketing and communication

Funding will depend on decisions that Congress will make regarding reauthorization; the amount of funding is highly uncertain.

$70 million is currently available to FHWA. A continuation at current funding levels through FFY

2015 would provide $170 million. The highest potential level is $250 million. If all products were to be implemented, the

estimated cost is $400+ million. Therefore there is a need to prioritize which

products would be implemented.

Seven products that were completed early and identified as priorities by AASHTO and FHWA were selected to demonstrate how implementation would occur and to show the value of SHRP 2 products.

The implementation process is just getting under way on these products.

Five are from Renewal and two are from Reliability

Due to limited and uncertain funding, FHWA and AASHTO are undertaking prioritization processes all anticipated products.

The FHWA process is evaluating relevance, readiness, risks, resources and roles and rank orders products in each focus area.

An AASHTO SHRP 2 Implementation Task Force will identify highest priority products on March 22-23.

The need is being addressed by the product Resource requirements for implementation Difficulties expected in implementation Benefits relative to resource requirements How much of an improvement will result in

practice Priority and interest expressed by states &

AASHTO committees Likelihood that state DOTs will implement the

product

Establish costs and schedules for implementation of priority products

Reach consensus between FHWA and AASHTO on priorities and responsibilities for implementation

Develop strategic implementation plan

Develop implementation plans for individual products

Marketing and communication plan

IT Plan

Successful implementation of SHRP 2 products will require a partnership among FHWA, AASHTO and other implementing agencies

The ultimate test of the program will be the degree to which users of the highway system experience improvements

SCOR members represent “innovators” within state DOTs, and I hope that you volunteer to be among the early implementers of SHRP 2 products.