MoDOT Hears Improvement Suggestions

From Citizens, Industry Leaders

COLUMBIA - Transportation industry leaders, government officials and interested citizens came together Aug. 24 in Columbia to share their ideas for improving transportation in Missouri.   The first-of-its-kind meeting was hosted by the Missouri Department of Transportation.

"The event was a tremendous success," said MoDOT Director Pete Rahn.   "We can learn a lot from the experience of our private sector partners, as well as the citizens who use our highways.   The group had great suggestions that will help us do a better job of providing a world-class transportation system for Missourians."

Called "Partnering for Innovative Efficiency," the meeting brought together 80 contractors, engineers, vendors, citizens and public agency leaders to discuss how to produce transportation projects faster, better and cheaper.   Discussion was open to every aspect of the design and construction process, including project planning, construction techniques, specifications, schedules and contracts. The intent was to look for any idea that can help improve performance, reduce costs and delight more customers.

The group generated 128 ideas during the daylong meeting.   They then agreed on a smaller group of high-priority items to focus on.   These ideas include making better use of technology, examining ways to get projects done quicker, and using innovative methods for project delivery and contracting.   MoDOT will investigate these ideas further, in conjunction with meeting participants who volunteered to help.

Editor's note:   Recorded comments on this topic from Director Pete Rahn are available at MoDOT's new sound bite service.   Call 1-866-847-7173.