OBJECTIVE

State departments of transportation (DOTs) face a complex landscape, complicated by challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring a careful balance between long-term planning and immediate operational needs. Since 2004, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has actively supported agencies by developing tools and reports such as VisionEval and scenario planning guidebooks. Additionally, the Transportation Research Board (TRB) highlighted the need for agility and preparedness by organizing scenario planning conferences in 2016 and 2022, underscoring the importance of being ready for disruptions.

Despite the availability of resources, the adoption of scenario planning has been slow, largely due to a lack of expertise, capacity, and executive focus. These gaps hinder the effective navigation of the rapidly changing transportation landscape. Moreover, state DOTs face challenges in keeping pace with these changes, highlighting the growing importance of scenario planning. However, there is a significant opportunity to implement a robust strategy that promotes the adoption of scenario planning and agile decision-making, both essential for connecting communities and addressing evolving transportation needs

NCHRP 20-44(57) will develop targeted activities and resources that will facilitate improved decision-making and encourage greater adoption of scenario planning methods by state DOTs.

TASKS

The project will be delivered through the fulfillment of the following tasks:

1. Within two weeks of receiving the Notice to Proceed (NTP), schedule a kickoff meeting with NCHRP. The Principal Investigator will prepare a detailed agenda covering project objectives, scope, deliverables, timelines, roles, communication protocols, and initial NCHRP feedback. Relevant past project progress will be reviewed, and pre-meeting materials will be distributed to ensure informed discussions.
2. Collect, extract, and curate relevant resources and tools at the nexus of scenario planning and transportation from peer-reviewed, industry, and government published sources, which will provide a concise guide outlining the key tools and their best uses.
3. Engage state DOT leadership, management, operations staff, and stakeholders to identify specific challenges, needs, and communication pathways in current scenario planning efforts, enhancing adoption and effectiveness.
4. Develop a draft Implementation Plan and Interim Report that includes research results, analyses to date, and preliminary technology transfer plan to be tested during the Co-Design Workshop.
5. Develop three practical, real-world case studies to explore and implement scenario planning approaches, each containing Scenario narratives based on real-world events, Impact analyses on transportation systems, Implementation recommendations for improving resilience, and visual aids and supporting materials to enhance understanding.
6. Develop user-centered, accessible materials using plain language to support knowledge transfer and active engagement with scenario planning techniques.
7. Develop and conduct workshops to co-design and refine scenario planning tools and strategies tailored for transportation resilience and disaster management.
8. Develop materials and approaches to integrate scenario planning materials into training programs, ensuring sustained adoption and expanding the reach of scenario planning practices.
9. Prepare a conduct of research report that documents the results of the project.