Miles of Roadway
Focus on Innovations
From our roads and railways to the air and water, PennDOT plays a vital role in connecting Pennsylvanians to their daily lives. Across every corner of the Commonwealth, our dedicated team of nearly 12,000 employees works tirelessly to ensure you have safe, efficient access to work, school, and essential services.
Pennsylvania’s transportation network is complex and maintaining it means evolving to meet new challenges. That is why PennDOT is deeply committed to continuous improvement. We look directly to our own people for the best ideas to move us forward, the best solutions to complex challenges, and the best practices to maximize efficiency, quality and safety.
Through employee-driven innovation councils and committees, the State Transportation Innovation Council (STIC), and the Federal Highway Administration’s Every Day Counts program, our team is constantly suggesting, testing, and launching smarter ways of doing business. By turning fresh ideas into everyday practices, PennDOT is delivering better value, increasing reliability, and ultimately driving Pennsylvania forward.
Here are just a few examples of what those efforts are yielding:
- The Scranton to New York City Corridor project is moving forward with the goal of connecting the region by rail to the NYC region, economically invigorating northeast Pennsylvania.
- PennDOT's electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure buildout, powered by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is expanding EV-charging-station availability for long-distance travel and in communities across the Commonwealth.
- PennDOT's digital transformation is continuing forward as we’ve begun completing 3D project designs using paperless technologies, completely reimagining the project delivery process.
- PennDOT is piloting tools like new barrier systems, lighting and smart message boards to protect work crews and travelers.
But the innovations highlighted in this publication are just the tip of the iceberg. The PennDOT team, in collaboration with our vast network of transportation partners, is always looking for new ideas and building around them whenever we can.
PennDOT will continue building on these innovations that will generate lasting impacts for everyone who interacts with our transportation network. Thank you for your interest in this progress, and an enormous thank you to the PennDOT team – and our partners – for working tirelessly to deliver these improvements to the traveling public.
Mike Carroll
PennDOT Secretary
40,000
25,400
Bridges
52
Transit Systems
120
Public-Use Airports
3
Ports
65
Operating Railroads
10.2 Million
Licensed Drivers & ID Card Holders
11.3 Million
Registered Vehicles
11
Engineering Districts
11,706
Total Employees
7,095
Maintenance Employees
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Advancing e-Construction: Inside PennDOT’s Project Delivery Collaboration Center
Advancing e-Construction: Inside PennDOT’s Project Delivery Collaboration Center
Award-Winning Innovative Intersection Project Improves Safety and Mobility
Award-Winning Innovative Intersection Project Improves Safety and Mobility
Building a Stronger Workforce: How PennDOT is Strengthening Its Pipeline for Long-Term Organizational Growth
Building a Stronger Workforce: How PennDOT is Strengthening Its Pipeline for Long-Term Organizational Growth
Collaborative Conservation: How PennDOT and Local Experts Protected Endangered Species During Bridge Rehabilitation Project
Collaborative Conservation: How PennDOT and Local Experts Protected Endangered Species During Bridge Rehabilitation Project
Coordinator Position Keeps Utility Work on Track and Projects Moving Forward
Coordinator Position Keeps Utility Work on Track and Projects Moving Forward
Debris and Dirt Screener Yields Cost Savings, Environmental Benefits
Debris and Dirt Screener Yields Cost Savings, Environmental Benefits
Debris Removal Systems Reduce Lane Closure Time and Improve Safety
Debris Removal Systems Reduce Lane Closure Time and Improve SafetyEnhancing Drainage Facility Inspections How PennDOT District 8 is Leveraging Innovative Camera Technology
Enhancing Drainage Facility Inspections How PennDOT District 8 is Leveraging Innovative Camera TechnologyEnhancing Public Engagement PennDOT Uses Public Comment Tracking Application for 12-Year Program Feedback
Enhancing Public Engagement PennDOT Uses Public Comment Tracking Application for 12-Year Program Feedback
Enhancing Work Zone Safety PennDOT Piloting Tools to Protect Work Crews and Motorists
Enhancing Work Zone Safety PennDOT Piloting Tools to Protect Work Crews and Motorists
From Paper Trails to Smarter Planning: The Tool That Turned Complexity Into Efficiency
From Paper Trails to Smarter Planning: The Tool That Turned Complexity Into Efficiency
Game Show Program Challenges Teens to ThinkFast About Traffic Safety
Game Show Program Challenges Teens to ThinkFast About Traffic Safety
Innovative Collaboration Leads to Swift Reopening of Somerset County Bridge
Innovative Collaboration Leads to Swift Reopening of Somerset County Bridge
Innovative Low-Cost Safety Improvement Project Pays Big Dividends in District 8
Innovative Low-Cost Safety Improvement Project Pays Big Dividends in District 8Low-Cost Hitch Pin Solution Making Trucks Safer in PennDOT District 10
Low-Cost Hitch Pin Solution Making Trucks Safer in PennDOT District 10
Maintenance Innovations: Optimizing Processes, Creating Efficiencies and Improving Safety
Maintenance Innovations: Optimizing Processes, Creating Efficiencies and Improving Safety
Microsurfacing: A Cost-Competitive Alternative to Traditional Mill and Resurfacing Methods
Microsurfacing: A Cost-Competitive Alternative to Traditional Mill and Resurfacing Methods
Mini Mill, Mini Patcher Pilot Program Yields Huge Results
Mini Mill, Mini Patcher Pilot Program Yields Huge Results
New Program Helps Local Partners Address Bridge Preservation and Rehabilitation
New Program Helps Local Partners Address Bridge Preservation and Rehabilitation
Passing the Torch: Seal Coat Day Trains Next Generation of Maintenance Forces
Passing the Torch: Seal Coat Day Trains Next Generation of Maintenance Forces
PennDOT District 4 Project Receives Award for Best Use of Technology and Innovation
PennDOT District 4 Project Receives Award for Best Use of Technology and Innovation
PennDOT District 4 “Road Tests” Preservation Process to Extend Life of Existing Pavement
PennDOT District 4 “Road Tests” Preservation Process to Extend Life of Existing PavementPennDOT Piloting Industry Foundation Class Models to Streamline Project Delivery Process
PennDOT Piloting Industry Foundation Class Models to Streamline Project Delivery ProcessPennDOT Projects Receive AASHTO High Value Research Awards
PennDOT Projects Receive AASHTO High Value Research Awards
Powering Forward: PennDOT Continues to Invest Funds to Expand Pennsylvania’s Electric Vehicle Charing Network
Powering Forward: PennDOT Continues to Invest Funds to Expand Pennsylvania’s Electric Vehicle Charing Network
Remote Learner’s Permit Knowledge Testing Pilot Expands Access to Driver Licensing Services
Remote Learner’s Permit Knowledge Testing Pilot Expands Access to Driver Licensing ServicesRevolutionizing Project Delivery PennDOT District 1 Leading the Way in 3D Modeling Initiatives
Revolutionizing Project Delivery PennDOT District 1 Leading the Way in 3D Modeling Initiatives
Scranton to New York City Corridor Project Aims to Grow Economy and Mobility in Northeastern Pennsylvania
Scranton to New York City Corridor Project Aims to Grow Economy and Mobility in Northeastern Pennsylvania
Selling Timber: A Promising Partnership Looks to Yield Big Benefits
Selling Timber: A Promising Partnership Looks to Yield Big Benefits
Spill Drills Provide Unique Approach to Increasing Environmental Awareness and Engagement
Spill Drills Provide Unique Approach to Increasing Environmental Awareness and Engagement
STIC Incentive Program Funding Moving the Needle on Innovation in Pennsylvania
STIC Incentive Program Funding Moving the Needle on Innovation in PennsylvaniaAdvancing e-Construction: Inside PennDOT’s Project Delivery Collaboration Center
Advancing e-Construction: Inside PennDOT’s Project Delivery Collaboration Center
Collaborative Conservation: How PennDOT and Local Experts Protected Endangered Species During Bridge Rehabilitation Project
Collaborative Conservation: How PennDOT and Local Experts Protected Endangered Species During Bridge Rehabilitation Project
Coordinator Position Keeps Utility Work on Track and Projects Moving Forward
Coordinator Position Keeps Utility Work on Track and Projects Moving Forward
Innovative Collaboration Leads to Swift Reopening of Somerset County Bridge
Innovative Collaboration Leads to Swift Reopening of Somerset County Bridge
Award-Winning Innovative Intersection Project Improves Safety and Mobility
Award-Winning Innovative Intersection Project Improves Safety and Mobility
New Program Helps Local Partners Address Bridge Preservation and Rehabilitation
New Program Helps Local Partners Address Bridge Preservation and Rehabilitation
PennDOT District 4 Project Receives Award for Best Use of Technology and Innovation
PennDOT District 4 Project Receives Award for Best Use of Technology and InnovationPennDOT Piloting Industry Foundation Class Models to Streamline Project Delivery Process
PennDOT Piloting Industry Foundation Class Models to Streamline Project Delivery ProcessRevolutionizing Project Delivery PennDOT District 1 Leading the Way in 3D Modeling Initiatives
Revolutionizing Project Delivery PennDOT District 1 Leading the Way in 3D Modeling Initiatives
Remote Learner’s Permit Knowledge Testing Pilot Expands Access to Driver Licensing Services
Remote Learner’s Permit Knowledge Testing Pilot Expands Access to Driver Licensing Services
Debris and Dirt Screener Yields Cost Savings, Environmental Benefits
Debris and Dirt Screener Yields Cost Savings, Environmental BenefitsEnhancing Drainage Facility Inspections How PennDOT District 8 is Leveraging Innovative Camera Technology
Enhancing Drainage Facility Inspections How PennDOT District 8 is Leveraging Innovative Camera Technology
From Paper Trails to Smarter Planning: The Tool That Turned Complexity Into Efficiency
From Paper Trails to Smarter Planning: The Tool That Turned Complexity Into EfficiencyLow-Cost Hitch Pin Solution Making Trucks Safer in PennDOT District 10
Low-Cost Hitch Pin Solution Making Trucks Safer in PennDOT District 10
Maintenance Innovations: Optimizing Processes, Creating Efficiencies and Improving Safety
Maintenance Innovations: Optimizing Processes, Creating Efficiencies and Improving Safety
Microsurfacing: A Cost-Competitive Alternative to Traditional Mill and Resurfacing Methods
Microsurfacing: A Cost-Competitive Alternative to Traditional Mill and Resurfacing Methods
Mini Mill, Mini Patcher Pilot Program Yields Huge Results
Mini Mill, Mini Patcher Pilot Program Yields Huge Results
Passing the Torch: Seal Coat Day Trains Next Generation of Maintenance Forces
Passing the Torch: Seal Coat Day Trains Next Generation of Maintenance Forces
PennDOT District 4 “Road Tests” Preservation Process to Extend Life of Existing Pavement
PennDOT District 4 “Road Tests” Preservation Process to Extend Life of Existing Pavement
Selling Timber: A Promising Partnership Looks to Yield Big Benefits
Selling Timber: A Promising Partnership Looks to Yield Big Benefits
Spill Drills Provide Unique Approach to Increasing Environmental Awareness and Engagement
Spill Drills Provide Unique Approach to Increasing Environmental Awareness and Engagement
Scranton to New York City Corridor Project Aims to Grow Economy and Mobility in Northeastern Pennsylvania
Scranton to New York City Corridor Project Aims to Grow Economy and Mobility in Northeastern PennsylvaniaEnhancing Public Engagement PennDOT Uses Public Comment Tracking Application for 12-Year Program Feedback
Enhancing Public Engagement PennDOT Uses Public Comment Tracking Application for 12-Year Program FeedbackPennDOT Projects Receive AASHTO High Value Research Awards
PennDOT Projects Receive AASHTO High Value Research Awards
Debris Removal Systems Reduce Lane Closure Time and Improve Safety
Debris Removal Systems Reduce Lane Closure Time and Improve Safety
Enhancing Work Zone Safety PennDOT Piloting Tools to Protect Work Crews and Motorists
Enhancing Work Zone Safety PennDOT Piloting Tools to Protect Work Crews and Motorists
Game Show Program Challenges Teens to ThinkFast About Traffic Safety
Game Show Program Challenges Teens to ThinkFast About Traffic Safety
Innovative Low-Cost Safety Improvement Project Pays Big Dividends in District 8
Innovative Low-Cost Safety Improvement Project Pays Big Dividends in District 8
Building a Stronger Workforce: How PennDOT is Strengthening Its Pipeline for Long-Term Organizational Growth
Building a Stronger Workforce: How PennDOT is Strengthening Its Pipeline for Long-Term Organizational Growth
Powering Forward: PennDOT Continues to Invest Funds to Expand Pennsylvania’s Electric Vehicle Charing Network
Powering Forward: PennDOT Continues to Invest Funds to Expand Pennsylvania’s Electric Vehicle Charing Network
STIC Incentive Program Funding Moving the Needle on Innovation in Pennsylvania
STIC Incentive Program Funding Moving the Needle on Innovation in Pennsylvania
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Step 1: Inspiration strikes!
An employee or project team recommends improving a process or service or adopting an innovation at PennDOT. The employee suggests their idea through an employee suggestion system, employee committees or other employee work groups. Proven innovations also find their way into PennDOT through the award-winning State Transportation Innovation Council (STIC).
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Step 2: Could this work?
Ideas move through a research and analysis phase where subject matter experts explore opportunities and define metrics to track the impact of the idea. Research may include customer feedback surveys, data analysis, or collaborating with other transportation partners and stakeholders.
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Step 3: What did we decide?
Following the research and analysis phase, a determination is made.
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Step 4: Let's do it!
When approved, PennDOT leadership and employee teams work to adopt the idea and make it common practice. Publications, manuals, and policy documents are updated, training is provided, and other steps are taken to ensure success.
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Step 5: Moving the needle
In a spirit of continuous process improvement, many innovations are monitored to measure their effectiveness and make sure the right changes were made at the right time to ensure success.
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Step 6: Employee recognition
Employees are recognized for their contribution to innovation at PennDOT. An annual department-wide ceremony celebrates the "best of the best" innovations, and PennDOT local offices regularly celebrate innovative employees.
- Pathway 1: Inspiration strikes!
- Pathway 2: Could this work?
- Pathway 3: What did we decide?
- Pathway 4: Let's do it!
- Pathway 5: Moving the needle
- Pathway 6: Employee recognition
Innovation is derived from the Latin innovare (to renew). It is the introduction of something new – an idea, product, method or tool. Innovation is not simply about having an idea, but the act of taking that idea from inception to implementation, of creating value, solving a program, or improving a situation. It involves transforming creative concepts into tangible outcomes that improve efficiency and effectiveness or address unmet needs.
PennDOT’s mission is to enhance, connect and add value to our communities by providing a sustainable, equitable transportation system and quality services for all. To uphold this mission, PennDOT must continue to focus on assessing, exploring, risk-taking, adapting and embracing opportunities to improve the work we do each day to deliver the best transportation services across Pennsylvania.
With this work comes the importance of collaboration among PennDOT and its transportation partners to exchange ideas, engage in meaningful dialogue and work together to develop and implement the best possible solutions to improve the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians.
This publication celebrates the spirit of innovation among PennDOT employees and the countless transportation partners we work with each day to advance initiatives and yield innovation successes. The innovations highlighted in this publication demonstrate an unwavering commitment to making Pennsylvania's transportation system safer, smarter and more sustainable for all.
To view previous Focus on Innovations publications, visit the Innovation page on PennDOT's website. For more information about innovation at PennDOT, email DOTInnovations@pa.gov.