BACKGROUND
Since the mid-1990s, state departments of transportation (DOTs) have conducted research peer exchanges focused on their research, development, and technology (RD&T) programs. The peer exchange requirement was included in the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) and has been included in subsequent legislation codified in the Federal Code of Regulations for State Planning and Research (SP&R) programs [23 CFR 420.207/420.209]. Research peer exchanges are not to be confused with topical peer exchanges in programmatic areas. This report focuses on research program peer exchanges. Topical peer exchanges in a variety of subject areas have been completed by state DOTs with Federal support. Samples of these topical peer exchanges include peer exchanges on connected and automated vehicles, work zone management, asset management, transportation performance management, environmental NCHRP Project 20-111(G) Best Practices for State DOT Peer Exchanges 2 planning, and other discipline or topic specific discussions engaging peers from various states and local governments
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this project was to produce a comprehensive document on best practices for conducting state DOT peer exchanges. The panel overseeing the discussion identified three areas of particular interest: (1) planning for peer exchanges, (2) conducting peer exchanges, and (3) implementing the products of peer exchanges.
