Drones could inspect bridges in Florida, saving divers from snakes and currents

Florida DOT is working with a team at Florida Atlantic University College of Engineering and Computer Science to develop autonomous, waterborne drone vehicles to aid in bridge inspections. Successful development of this technology could improve bridge inspection practice. Using drones to identify problem areas and conduct initial checks on the bridge means increased safety and efficiency for divers and less time in the water.

Crowdsourced data gives DOTs added insight on road conditions

The Oregon DOT recently announced a new partnership with Waze—a navigational app that collects crowdsourced traffic information from its users and employs the data in real time. Florida was among the first states to sign an agreement with Waze in May 2014, granting them access to the company’s data in exchange for information about road closures and other incidents in the state. Approximately 30 agencies around the world have partnered with the company, including cities, regional agencies and a handful of states.

Florida evaluating road design standards over safety concerns

During the past decade, cities across Florida have ranked among the most dangerous in the nation for pedestrians. Florida DOT hopes to change that. In 2011, Billy Hattaway rejoined the agency as a district secretary and head of its bicycle and pedestrian program after several years in the private sector. His efforts, focused largely on road design, recently earned him recognition from GOVERNING as a Public Official of Year.