Establishing a Unified Data Governance Framework for Reliable Project Prioritization in Transportation Agencies

Project prioritization is a cornerstone of effective transportation planning and investment. However, many state departments of transportation (DOTs) struggle with fragmented data systems, inconsistent data definitions, and unclear data ownership. These challenges result in decision-making that is often delayed, misinformed, or misaligned with strategic goals. The absence of centralized, authoritative data source leads to duplication of effort, conflicting reports, and a lack of transparency. Moreover, undefined policies around data governance—such as who owns the data, who can access it, and how it should be maintained and secured—further exacerbate inefficiencies. To address the fragmented data ecosystem that hinders effective decision-making, this research will examine successful strategies from leading transportation agencies, drawing on case studies that highlight the importance of interagency coordination, standardization of data formats, and robust digital delivery workflows. The research will identify scalable solutions to common workflow and workforce challenges, including the need for clear roles and responsibilities in data stewardship, ongoing workforce training, and adoption of compatible software infrastructure. The resulting data governance model and blueprint will be informed by national and international best practices, positioning state DOTs to deliver efficient, transparent, and high-impact transportation investments. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to develop a unified data governance model and delivery framework that enables transportation agencies to provide timely, accurate, and reliable data for project prioritization.

• Record URL:
  • http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=6081
• Supplemental Notes:
  • In development. The first meeting is planned to be in-person on October 27-28, 2026, in Washington, DC.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Proposed
• Funding: $750,000.00
• Contract Numbers:

  Project 23-65

• 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:

  Wadsworth, Trey

• Start Date: 20261001
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Data management; Project delivery; Standards; State departments of transportation; Transportation planning
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Planning and Forecasting; Transportation (General);

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01992227
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Research Board
• Contract Numbers: Project 23-65
• Files: TRB, RIP
• Created Date: Jun 10 2026 11:26AM