In Puerto Rico, as part of the Nighttime Visibility for Safety initiative, several activities were carried out with the intention of improving safety for vulnerable users in low visibility conditions. An evaluation of the available data was conducted with the objective of analyzing the user profile. In addition, consultations were established with the municipalities, the metropolitan planning organizations of Puerto Rico, and the Highway and Transportation Authority (ACT), in order to define strategies and identify projects aimed at addressing the needs of this population. Informative seminars were also organized in which recommendations and key ideas were shared to implement or improve in vulnerable areas with low lighting.

Next-Generation Traffic Incident Management (Next-Gen TIM) focuses on the use of emerging technologies to save lives and improve road safety. These programs promote tools such as lighting systems and congestion warning solutions, which help mitigate the impact of incidents and optimize highway operations. New debris removal equipment facilitates the safe elimination of hazardous objects on the roads, while the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) is significantly reducing the time responders spend mapping accident scenes. In addition, advanced warning technologies, which include signs, alerts, and messages transmitted visually and audibly, contribute to a more effective response and greater protection for drivers. In Puerto Rico, tests with sequential lights (Pi-Lit) are being conducted as part of these innovations.

Internal curing of concrete improves its strength by reducing early shrinkage cracking through the release of moisture from within the mixture. This technique is easy to implement and can be used in bridges, pavements, and repairs, helping to extend the service life of structures. It also allows for the use of more sustainable mixes with lower water content and recycled materials, without compromising performance and efficiency, while reducing maintenance costs.

The EPD for Sustainable Delivery initiative in Puerto Rico was implemented through two main projects. Project 1 consisted of conducting two workshops on sustainable pavements where topics such as Life Cycle Analysis, Environmental Product Declarations (EPD), and Product Category Rules (PCR) were discussed. Project 2 focused on the creation of a Sustainable Pavements Initiative Development Plan, which included gathering lessons learned from other Departments of Transportation, identifying implementation alternatives, preparing a work plan and educational materials to support the local industry in the development of EPD. A survey was designed for contractors and suppliers regarding the current state of practices related to EPD.

In this Crowdsourcing initiative, information was distributed on how to manage incident data and how to quickly deliver it to the corresponding department or agency to improve the debris removal process and contribute to better traffic flow. The main idea of this project is to collect information on traffic incidents that occur in the state. This information could be provided by other users of the application, government agencies, or even by the first responders to these emergencies (such as firefighters, police officers, paramedics, etc.), who send this information to the corresponding center, which then distributes it in order to help with traffic flow in the affected area.

The implementation of e-Ticketing and digital as-builts in construction projects improves safety, quality, and generates cost savings by enabling real-time access to data. e-Ticketing allows for the electronic recording and sharing of material deliveries, reducing paper use and streamlining inspections and payments. Digital as-builts use 3D models and data to accurately document what has been built, making future maintenance and asset management easier. These tools optimize project delivery and are being adopted by various state departments of transportation.​

The implementation of e-Ticketing and digital as-builts in construction projects improves safety, quality, and generates cost savings by enabling real-time access to data. e-Ticketing allows for the electronic recording and sharing of material deliveries, reducing paper use and streamlining inspections and payments. Digital as-builts use 3D models and data to accurately document what has been built, making future maintenance and asset management easier. These tools optimize project delivery and are being adopted by various state departments of transportation.​

Modern pavement overlay solutions improve performance, reduce costs, and minimize traffic impact. New concrete and asphalt mixtures help extend the service life of roads, even under more demanding conditions. Innovations such as fiber-reinforced concrete and polymer-modified asphalt offer greater durability, crack resistance, and reduced maintenance needs. Thanks to ongoing research and advancements, these techniques are becoming standard practice in roadway preservation projects.​

Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is a fiber-reinforced composite material that offers superior durability and longer service life for bridge repairs. Thanks to its high strength, it can be used in place of conventional concrete, repair mortars, and even structural steel. Some examples of its applications include deck overlays, girder end repairs, expansion joints, and columns, allowing for extended bridge life with less maintenance and lower long-term costs.

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Virtual public involvement helps transportation agencies connect better with the community by using digital tools like online meetings, social media, surveys, and videos. These options make it easier to share information, hear public opinions, and consider community needs from the start. In addition to being more accessible and cost-effective, these strategies can speed up planning and lead to better projects by getting more people involved in the process.​

Proper site characterization is key to avoiding construction issues and reducing costs in transportation projects. Through the A-GaME initiative, geotechnical exploration technologies such as Measurement While Drilling, Cone Penetration Testing (CPT), seismic and electrical methods, and the use of televiewers are promoted. These tools provide more accurate data, which improves design, speeds up construction, and reduces risks associated with limited geotechnical information.​

Project bundling streamlines the preservation, rehabilitation, or replacement of multiple highways and bridges by combining them into a single contract. This approach reduces costs, accelerates project delivery, and helps address transportation backlogs. By improving efficiency, project bundling minimizes travel disruptions and enhances freight and emergency response times.​

In 2018, the United States recorded the highest number of pedestrian deaths since 1990, accounting for 17% of all roadway fatalities. Most of these incidents occurred away from intersections, where crossings tend to be less visible. To make street crossing safer, the FHWA is promoting solutions tailored to the problem, such as reducing lanes (road diets), installing pedestrian hybrid beacons, adding more refuge islands, building raised crosswalks, improving lighting and signage, and giving pedestrians a few seconds of head start at traffic signals, among others. These measures help drivers slow down and pay more attention, reducing pedestrian crashes and making roads more accessible for everyone.

The use of crowdsourced data allows transportation agencies to improve their operations in real time by integrating information gathered from social media, apps, and third-party providers. These data such as speed, traffic conditions, and more, help detect incidents, identify traffic irregularities, reduce congestion, and enable faster response times. In addition to being more cost-effective than traditional sensors, crowdsourced data can cover rural or hard-to-reach areas, enhancing safety, efficiency, and operational cost savings.​

Traffic signal retiming is typically done every 3-5 years, with data being limited due to the short measurement period. Automated Traffic Signal Performance Measures (ATSPMs) are transforming this signal timing practice by adding high-resolution data logging capabilities to existing traffic signal infrastructure and data analysis techniques. This cost-effective technology provides agencies with the necessary information to improve signal performance and service.​

Data-Driven Safety Analysis (DDSA) allows agencies to make road safety decisions by analyzing crash data and roadway characteristics. It uses predictive approaches to estimate the safety performance of existing or planned roads and systemic approaches to identify high-risk areas for severe crashes. States like Louisiana, Minnesota, and Ohio have applied DDSA in road expansion projects and crash hotspot identification, noting improvements in both safety and infrastructure.​

Traffic incidents are unplanned events that disrupt the normal flow of traffic and pose a risk to both drivers and response teams. Traffic Incident Management (TIM) is a multidisciplinary process aimed at quickly detecting, responding to, and clearing these incidents to safely restore traffic flow. An effective TIM improves safety, reduces secondary crashes, and enhances the reliability of the transportation system. The FHWA’s TIM program focuses on five key areas: national leadership, data and performance management, technology development, training, and policies.​

Advances in highway safety analysis can provide transportation agencies with reliable information to make effective investments in safety improvements. Data-Driven Safety Analysis (DDSA) uses predictive and systemic approaches to optimize safety investments and reduce crashes and fatalities. Predictive approaches utilize crash data and traffic volumes to more accurately estimate safety performance. The results support roadway safety management and decision-making in project development.​

This bridge system features a simple, adaptable design that accommodates various environmental conditions and unexpected site changes. It ensures a smooth transition from roadway to bridge, reducing impact loads and maintenance needs. Built for durability, it can withstand seismic activity and fluctuating water levels.​

Improved collaboration among agencies can reduce the time needed to review transportation projects under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). There are strategies and tools, such as the eNEPA platform, that support online interagency collaboration and enable faster, more transparent, and concurrent reviews—saving resources and improving documentation quality. The Implementing Quality Environmental Documentation (IQED) initiative aims to simplify these documents by clearly telling the project’s story while ensuring legal compliance, and allowing for real-time tracking of project progress.

Road Diets enhance safety and reduce congestion by reconfiguring four-lane, undivided roads into three lanes with a center turn lane. This design lowers vehicle speeds, reduces collisions, and creates space for bike lanes, pedestrian areas, or transit. As a low-cost solution, Road Diets improve mobility, access, and overall community quality of life.​

Smarter Work Zones (SWZ) improve traffic management during construction, reducing congestion and enhancing safety for motorists and workers. Using intelligent transportation systems and strategic project coordination, SWZ dynamically manage traffic and minimize disruptions. These innovations help complete roadwork efficiently while maintaining access and improving traveler satisfaction.​

Intelligent Compaction (IC) enhances pavement durability by ensuring proper compaction through real-time monitoring and adjustments. Using GPS, accelerometers, and onboard reporting, IC improves efficiency, reduces costs, and minimizes fuel use. This technology leads to longer-lasting roads and more effective project management.​

Programmatic Agreements (PAs) streamline environmental reviews for transportation projects by setting standardized procedures for compliance with Federal, Tribal, State, and local laws. They improve efficiency, enhance environmental outcomes, and support better project delivery. FHWA promotes PAs through initiatives like EDC and the FAST Act, enabling broader, landscape-scale environmental planning.​

Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) reduces project time, traffic disruptions, and costs while delivering safer, more durable bridges. Techniques include Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil-Integrated Bridge System (GRS-IBS) for smoother transitions and lower maintenance, Prefabricated Bridge Elements and Systems (PBES) for faster, offsite-built components, and Slide-In Bridge Construction (SIBC) for quick bridge replacements with minimal traffic impact. These methods enhance efficiency and safety in bridge construction.​

Improved collaboration among agencies can reduce the time needed to review transportation projects under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Tools such as the eNEPA platform support online interagency collaboration and enable faster, more transparent reviews, saving time and improving the quality and organization of documentation. The Implementing Quality Environmental Documentation (IQED) initiative aims to simplify these documents by clearly telling the project’s story while maintaining legal compliance, and allowing real-time tracking of project progress.​

Traffic incidents are unplanned events that disrupt vehicle flow and increase the risk of secondary crashes, posing a danger to both responders and the public. Traffic Incident Management (TIM) is a planned and coordinated process involving multiple disciplines to detect, respond to, and clear incidents quickly and safely, in the shortest time possible. Effective management reduces the impact of these events, enhances the safety of everyone involved, and helps prevent additional crashes. The TIM program aims to strengthen safety, improve response efficiency, and ensure traffic continuity.

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) for major projects, but these reviews can delay implementation for more than 60 months. To accelerate the process, FHWA developed tools to improve interagency coordination and streamline approvals. In Puerto Rico, PRLTAP advanced this effort through the “Implementation of Programmatic Agreements (PAs) in Puerto Rico” conversatory, fostering collaboration with local and federal agencies such as ICP, OGPe, SHPO, USACE, USFWS, and the Planning Board. PRLTAP and FHWA also provided technical guidance to PRHTA on agreements with PRASA, PREPA, and PRT, and promoted solutions to EIS delays during the “Research-to-Practice Symposium” in the US Virgin Islands.

Some roadway projects require acquiring right-of-way, which must follow the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act when federal funds are involved. This ensures fair compensation and assistance for property owners and tenants. FHWA right-of-way flexibilities help agencies streamline the acquisition process, reducing time and costs while staying legally compliant. To support this effort, PRLTAP organized EDC Exchange No. 3, “Flexibilities in Right-of-Way: Are There Ways to Expedite this Delivery Phase?” and included the initiative as part of the “Research-to-Practice Symposium” at the University of the Virgin Islands in St. Thomas.

About half of federally funded highway and bridge projects involve utility relocations, often leading to higher costs and delays. To address this, State DOTs can create master agreements with utility owners and use project-specific agreements to streamline coordination and approvals. Federal funds may also cover relocation costs, with reimbursement depending on the utility type and facility. In Puerto Rico, the PRLTAP Center advanced this strategy through the seminar “Basic Concepts of Coordinate Systems for Utility Relocation in Roadway Projects,” which introduced key FUR concepts to help agencies improve planning and execution of utility relocations.

The design-build (D-B) method is an alternative contracting approach used by state agencies to accelerate project delivery and ensure cost certainty from early stages. In D-B, a single company is responsible for both the design and construction, which improves communication and enables innovative solutions. It offers advantages over traditional methods such as design-bid-build or CM/GC. D-B allows for overlapping phases, greater flexibility, time and cost savings, and improved quality thanks to the direct collaboration between the designer and the contractor.​

Warm-Mix Asphalt (WMA) is a pavement technology that reduces the temperatures needed for mixing, transporting, and compacting asphalt compared to traditional hot-mix methods. This improves compaction and performance, lowers costs and labor time, enables longer transport distances, and enhances working conditions by reducing emissions and odors. In Puerto Rico, PRLTAP supported WMA through demonstration projects with local asphalt companies, a laboratory study on binder additives, and technical assistance to update specifications for PR and the USVI. The initiative was also featured in regional symposia and presented internationally at the 2012 LACCEI conference in Panama.

The Safety Edge is a paving technique that shapes pavement edges at a 30-degree angle, eliminating vertical drop-offs and creating a safer, more durable transition for vehicles. This design reduces run-off-road crashes and allows drivers to re-enter the roadway smoothly, even at high speeds. In Puerto Rico, the LTAP Center advanced this initiative through the FHWA Safety Edge Loan Program in 2011, testing specialized equipment on PR-182 in Yabucoa, training and installation efforts in St. Croix, USVI, and a symposium in Ponce that combined technical presentations with live demonstrations of the method.

Adaptive Signal Control Technology (ASCT) is a system that automates data collection and adjusts traffic signals in real time to optimize vehicle flow. By adapting to changing traffic conditions, it improves travel time reliability, reduces congestion, and maximizes the efficiency of existing roads. In Puerto Rico, ASCT has been advanced through technical assistance, workshops for PRHTA officials, site visits to the PR-2 Corridor and the Mayagüez Traffic Management Center, and collaboration with Purdue University for training and technology transfer.

Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) is a method that shortens project time and minimizes traffic disruptions by using prefabricated bridge elements. This approach enhances quality, reduces costs, and lowers environmental impact, resulting in faster and longer-lasting structures. In Puerto Rico, ABC has been promoted through the “Prefabricated Bridge Elements & Systems Workshop,” highlighting successful U.S. case studies, and through technical articles in the El Puente newsletter, such as “ABC Toolkit: A Single Design and 10,000 Bridges” and “ABC: The Way Bridges are Meant to be Built.”

The Geo-synthetic Reinforced Soil – Integrated Bridge System (GRS-IBS) is an accelerated bridge construction method that uses alternating layers of compacted soil and geotextile to form a strong, stable foundation. This approach creates a smooth transition between the bridge and roadway, eliminating the common access bump. GRS-IBS offers flexibility, adaptability to site conditions, and ease of construction, while reducing costs by 25–60% compared to conventional methods. In Puerto Rico, the LTAP Center supported this innovation through a specialized seminar led by geotechnical engineers Carlos Pérez and Rommel Cintrón.