Research Type: Synthesis

Buy America Build America (BABA) Compliance Across State DOTs: Barriers, Best Practices, and the Case for Uniformity

Background State DOTs are required to comply with the 2022 Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act, ensuring that federally funded infrastructure projects use domestically produced materials. The Federal Highway Administration announced additional rules impacting state DOTs in 2025: For projects obligated on or after October 1, 2025, final assembly of all manufactured projects must occur … Read more

Documenting the Research Study Process

The Member State Research Programs database (development in progress) will highlight the policies and practices used by WTRC member states to manage their research programs and the research projects they fund. Using an easy-to-search visual display, the database will provide a wealth of information about the critical elements of members’ research programs. Please check this … Read more

Estimating Bridge Scour During Hydrological Disaster and Extreme Weather Events

Need Bridge scour is a leading cause of bridge failure in the United States. While state DOTs have established methods for evaluating scour under normal flow conditions, assessing scour during hydrological disasters and extreme weather events remains a significant challenge. High-flow turbulence, debris, and safety risks often prevent direct measurements, so instead agencies rely on … Read more