Lessons for the Reform of State DOTs

An article by Daniel C. Vock notes the increasing number of controversies surrounding the practices of state departments of transportation designing roads that cut through communities:

As urban areas have become more popular, so-called smart growth advocates who want walkable neighborhoods, vibrant shopping districts and safe passage for cyclists and pedestrians frequently criticize state DOTs -- which were originally called “highway departments” -- for allowing fast vehicle speeds to take precedence instead.

Vock's work here is to amplify the messaging of advocates at Smart Growth America, which recently published a series of blog posts sharing research to inform the reform of state DOT practices.

Vock lists the lessons from Smart Growth America's research as follows:

1. Keep it simple.
2. There Are Drawbacks to 'On Time, Under Budget.'
3. You're Measuring Success Wrong.
4. Community Relations -- and Who Handles Them -- Matter.
5. Don’t Ignore Land Use.
6. No, Really, Don’t Ignore Land Use.
7. It’s Not Always the DOT’s Fault.
8. Change Has to Be Intentional.