A movement is happening across the transportation community. Federal, state, local and industry
experts are changing the way business is done.
Shorter construction time, less traffic congestion, safer roads--all while saving billions of
dollars. Thanks to the Federal Highway Administration's "Every Day Counts" initiative, transportation
experts from every State are developing efficiency through technology and collaboration.
Every Day Counts, or EDC, began in 2009. The State-based model identifies and rapidly deploys
proven but underutilized innovations. This means roads, bridges, and traffic systems
are installed faster, often saving time, money and even lives.
FHWA works with State and local transportation agencies and industry stakeholders to select
a new collection of innovations every two years.
Once chosen, transportation leaders from around the country meet at regional summits to discuss
the innovations and share best practices.
EDC-3 features 11 innovations. While many of them incorporate new technology, all rely
on building strong relationships. Here's a look at how you can develop efficiency through
technology and collaboration in your State.
Regional Models of Cooperation help State and local transportation experts develop plans
and agreements across jurisdictional boundaries. This means faster construction, less traffic
congestion and better freight movement.
Stakeholder Partnering encourages States to form committees to bring local, State, and
federal representatives together to streamline federal-aid project development and delivery.
Many States already use 3-D Models but EDC-3 will focus on new ways to use them such as
adding schedule and cost information to the models.
EDC-3 seeks to improve transportation department and railroad coordination by encouraging agencies
and railroads to identify issues and negotiate agreements. This streamlines development of
projects involving railroad rights-of-way.
Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Integrated Bridge Systems are quick and easy to build with common
equipment and materials. The system produces a smooth transition that can improve long-term
bridge performance. Plus, GRS-IBS is up to 60 percent more cost-effective than conventional
construction.
Instead of cumbersome paper, the Electronic Project Document Management System or e-construction
uses digital data, file sharing and portable devices. The system enhances communication,
improves workflow, and saves time and money.
Smarter Work Zones synchronize multiple projects in an area and coordinate rights-of-way acquisitions
and utility work. Through technology applications, drivers are alerted to work zone back ups and speed limits are managed
in real time.
Data-driven safety analysis uses crash and traffic data to estimate safety performance
of roads. High-risk features such as intersections near curves are also used.
A classic Road Diet converts a four-lane undivided highway to a three-lane consisting of two
through lanes and a two-way left turn lane. Space can be reallocated for bike lanes or
pedestrian refuge islands. This innovation reduces crashes and improves mobility for
all users.
Ultra-high performance concrete connections are made from a high-strength steel fiber-reinforced
composite that's much stronger and more durable than traditional concrete. They are cast in
the field with prefabricated components resulting in strong, simplified connections.
The improving collaboration and quality environmental documentation, or IQED effort, helps streamline
the development and review of National Environmental Policy Act known as "NEPA" documents. IQED
ensures a project's story is told and that it meets legal requirements. However, no good
document can be produced without a good process. eNEPA is an innovative online tool designed
to improve management and collaboration of the environmental document development process.
Over the next two years, the FHWA will work with transportation agencies and their partners
to create a network of professionals who embrace innovation as the standard way to do business.
Together we are creating efficiency through technology and collaboration.
Better, faster, smarter for America's traveling public.