Idaho Transportation Department, New Mexico Department of Transportation and Washington State Department of Transportation, in collaboration with the Western Transportation Research Consortium (WTRC), hosted a peer exchange on May 19-21, 2026, in Boise, Idaho.
The event focused on three themes:
- Emerging Technologies and Future Research Trends: The host states shared experiences and insights on emerging technologies and their research programs. This included state DOT research into new technologies, as well as how agencies use new technologies to conduct research.
- Preparing for FHWA Management Process Reviews of SPR-B Programs (“Desk Reviews”): The host states shared their experience going through, or preparing for, an FHWA Desk Review, highlighting tools and strategies to help with preparation and next steps following the review. Attendees provided their own examples of tools and processes they have, or are planning for, should they undertake an FHWA Desk Review.
- Anatomy of a Successful Implementation Through Completed Research: For the last theme, host states highlighted recent successful research implementations and associated processes. They discussed program successes and best practices, strategies they have used to overcome obstacles, and current program challenges.
Based on presentations and group discussions, participants shared what they saw as the strengths, challenges, and opportunities for the host agencies in the areas discussed, and takeaways for their home agencies.