State Smart Transportation Initiative

WSDOT is working with tribal communities to improve fish migration by removing barriers and restoring habitats under the state highway. thedailyworld.com/2026/03/04/fis…

Safer intersection designs, like roundabouts, are mostly found in wealthy neighborhoods, leaving minority and low-income communities behind. doi.org/10.17615/nn7z-…

StreetLight’s new analysis ranks metro areas by roadway safety and finds that how much people drive is a key predictor of risk. Larger cities often have safer streets, likely because better transit and walkable destinations reduce the need to drive. ssti.us/2026/03/17/roa…

Downtown freeways are a big redevelopment opportunity. Across 142 U.S. cities, highways occupy around 66,000 acres, representing over $500 billion in potential development and roughly $5 billion in lost tax revenue. bloomberg.com/news/articles/…

Researchers at MIT have created the first comprehensive model of pedestrian traffic across New York City. The model gives planners detailed insights to guide safety improvements and infrastructure investments that affect walkers. news.mit.edu/2026/new-model…

Lowering speed limits alone isn't enough: in Milan and Amsterdam, narrower streets and more densely built environments were associated with lower speeds, while lowering posted limits had only a small effect. doi.org/10.1016/j.trc.…

The federal government revoked the endangerment finding that vehicle emissions contribute to climate change, which allowed it to regulate those emissions. However, states still have opportunities for action outside of vehicle emissions standards. ncelenviro.org/articles/the-e…

Caltrans released a new Director's Transit Policy focused on incorporating public transit elements into the state highway system. The goal is to improve connectivity and enhance transit access statewide. dot.ca.gov/programs/trans…

Oregon’s transportation funding challenges offer a lesson for the nation: too many large projects and not enough funding to build them while maintaining the existing system. t4america.org/2026/02/17/ore…

Wealthy Dallas-area suburbs threatened to leave the regional transit system over a 1% sales tax. To avoid a crisis, DART agreed to give cities partial refunds and more representation on its board, highlighting Texas's limited support for transit. usa.streetsblog.org/2026/02/19/whe…

Grandma can’t drive forever. As the population ages, transportation systems designed around driving risk leaving older adults without safe ways to get around. Safer streets and stronger transit networks can help improve mobility for people of all ages. ssti.us/2026/03/02/a-t…

A national survey found that 77% of families rely on cars to get their children to and from school. Working mothers are most likely to handle daily transportation. hopskipdrive.com/blog/how-the-s…

New research shows that cyclists feel safer at roundabouts when cars are required to yield, when there are fewer vehicle entry points, and when bike infrastructure is consistent from one roundabout to another. doi.org/10.1016/j.trf.…

The Ohio DOT tested AI-powered vehicle sensors to detect damaged infrastructure and road safety issues in real time. engadget.com/transportation…

After a major winter storm, Tennessee's governor gave the green light for state DOT workers to clear and repair local roads through an executive order. tennessean.com/story/weather/…

State DOTs can cut transportation emissions. Our new brief with the Georgetown Climate Center shows how states like California, Oregon, and Minnesota are changing planning, funding, and project decisions to drive measurable climate results. ssti.us/2026/02/16/sta…

SSTI and Smart Growth America produced a new resource for transportation planners who want to incorporate arts & culture strategies to improve public involvement, build trust, and connect with their community. smartgrowthamerica.org/knowledge-cent…

People with disabilities in rural areas were more likely to forgo needed medical care when rideshare was the only option for transportation, according to a study in Texas. doi.org/10.1016/j.tbs.…

Traffic deaths from alcohol impaired driving are rising again in the United States, and awareness alone isn’t enough to prevent them. Roads need to be designed to protect everyone, even when people make mistakes. ssti.us/2026/02/16/add…

High Road Strategy Center's 2025 Year in Review highlights key accomplishments from our work with cities and states across the country. From transportation reform to small business growth, explore what we accomplished in 2025.⤵️ highroad.wisc.edu/2025-year-in-r…