The Kansas Department of Transportation recently issued more than $4.5 million to 20 projects statewide via its annual transportation innovation funding program.
[Above photo by Kansas DOT]
The agency said the projects supported by that funding span various aspects of transportation, including aviation, roadway safety, infrastructure assessment, and traffic management. Project examples include the development of an unmanned aerial system or UAS flight operations and simulation center; pilot testing an artificial intelligence or AI-powered blocked railroad crossing alert system; and the implementation of an AI-driven street inventory and assessment initiative.
“Investing in innovation is crucial for the future of transportation in Kansas,” said Governor Laura Kelly (D) in a statement.
“These awarded projects highlight the ingenuity and dedication within our state to improve safety, efficiency, and infrastructure through the adoption of new technologies and approaches,” she noted. “This program is a testament to our commitment to building a stronger, more resilient transportation network for all Kansans.”
“This year’s selected projects represent a commitment to leveraging technology to address the evolving needs of our transportation system,” added Calvin Reed, Kansas DOT secretary. “From enhancing aviation research capabilities to implementing smart solutions for safer roadways, these initiatives will have tangible impacts for communities across Kansas. We are excited to partner with these innovative organizations and see their projects come to fruition.”
Across the country, state departments of transportation support a wide range of transportation innovation efforts.
For example, in December 2024, the Vermont Agency of Transportation – known as VTrans – issued 14 grants worth a combined $1.3 million through its Mobility and Transportation Innovation or MTI program to “incentivize” innovative strategies that improve mobility and access for transit-dependent Vermonters, reduce the use of single occupancy vehicles for work trips, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions or GHGs.
And in May 2024, the Utah Department of Transportation – in collaboration with Utah State University – conducted a successful test of the state’s first air taxi launch from a “vertiport” using a Bell 505 Helicopter.
A “vertiport” is a defined area used for aircraft that will carry packages and people in the future. They can be in places such as parking lots, the tops of office buildings, airports, and industrial complexes and the agency said that demonstration showcased how aircraft can take off and land near homes and businesses with minimal impacts.
