AASHTO Journal - TxDOT Updates Artificial Intelligence Strategic Plan

The Texas Department of Transportation has significantly changed its year-old artificial intelligence or AI Strategic Plan to account for “rapid changes” in the technology’s capabilities.

[Above photo by TxDOT]

Originally rolled out in December 2024, TxDOT’s AI Strategic Plan helps guide the agency’s use of AI to improve safety and efficiency on state highways.

Ther agency noted that it has already realized significant benefits from completed AI projects, such as an AI-driven incident detection system in the Austin area that improved how quickly crashes and roadway hazards are identified.

TxDOT said the 2026 update to the plan is meant to address the rise of more complex AI systems that are capable of reasoning, planning, and executing far more “human level” tasks while firmly reinforcing a “human-led, AI-supported” governance philosophy.

“AI is no longer experimental at TxDOT,” noted Marc Williams, TxDOT executive director, in a statement. “It is a strategic asset that is now embedded in our workflows and delivering measurable results.”

Williams – who also serves as the 2025-2026 vice president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials – has asked all TxDOT district and division leaders to identify AI leads on their teams, employees who will help expand adoption of the new technology and determine ways it can help improve operations.

“Our goal is to remain at the forefront of innovation while upholding our commitment to ethical and responsible AI adoption,” he noted.

TxDOT stressed that while AI tools are used to accelerate analysis, data processing, and workflow execution, human professionals remain accountable for all final decisions and outputs. Mandatory “human-in-the-loop review” is required for AI-assisted work, the agency emphasized – reinforcing professional judgment and ethical oversight.

Going forward, TxDOT plans to use a “Readiness Scorecard” to evaluate and prioritize more than 200 potential AI use cases. Projects will be assessed based on data availability, technical feasibility, business sponsorship, impact, and ethical risk, the agency said.

“This is a pivotal year for TxDOT’s AI adoption,” Williams pointed out. “By combining strong governance, high-quality data and workforce engagement, we are positioning AI as a force multiplier that helps us deliver a safer, more reliable transportation system for Texas.”