Workforce Development in Digital Transportation and Infrastructure Technologies for State DOTs

State departments of transportation (DOTs) are undergoing rapid transformation as digital technologies—such as data analytics, sensor networks, connected and automated systems, artificial intelligence, and digital asset management—become integral to transportation systems. While these tools are reshaping how agencies plan, design, and operate infrastructure, they require new technical and interdisciplinary skill sets beyond traditional engineering roles. Many state DOTs face challenges in keeping pace due to workforce constraints, including skill gaps, an aging workforce, and difficulties recruiting and retaining talent with digital expertise. Legacy workforce structures and limited training capacity further hinder agencies’ ability to adapt, creating a gap between technological advancement and workforce capability. The objective of this research is to develop a framework and practical tools to help state DOTs plan, implement, and sustain workforce development strategies aligned with digital transformation. The research will assess workforce capacity and skill gaps and develop guidance to support recruitment, reskilling, retention, and long-term workforce readiness.

• Record URL:
  • http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=6071
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Contract to a Performing Organization has not yet been awarded.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Proposed
• Funding: $500,000.00
• Contract Numbers:

  Project 23-55

• Sponsor Organizations:

  National Cooperative Highway Research Program

  Transportation Research Board
  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

  444 North Capitol Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Project Managers:

  Nasri, Arefeh

• Start Date: 20260608
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Data management; Digitization; Personnel development; Recruiting; State departments of transportation; Training
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Education and Training; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01992193
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Research Board
• Contract Numbers: Project 23-55
• Files: TRB, RIP
• Created Date: Jun 9 2026 4:10PM