Skip to main content

New communications guide for state DOTs released

A research study conducted on behalf of the National Cooperative Highway Research Program concludes that now more than ever public agencies should communicate under an integrated structure using strategic communications planning to effectively engage with stakeholders, customers and the public. Sponsored by the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and led by WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff, the two-year research study is condensed in a Communications Guide for State Department
February 23, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
A research study conducted on behalf of the National Cooperative Highway Research Program concludes that now more than ever public agencies should communicate under an integrated structure using strategic communications planning to effectively engage with stakeholders, customers and the public.

Sponsored by the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and led by 8556 WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff, the two-year research study is condensed in a Communications Guide for State Departments of Transportation that is available free through AASHTO and from WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff.

AASHTO says the guide can be an important tool for any transportation agency looking to align its public outreach with its organisational goals and priorities. By capturing best practices and sharing success stories, this guide provides an in-depth look at strategies for both the organisational leader and the practitioner that can streamline and improve communications programs.

The research project involved a series of surveys; personal interviews with communicators, outside experts, public agency CEOs, and other leaders in state departments of transportation; as well as a review of effective communications practices in the public and private sector. The guide includes resources such as templates, graphics, and other tools to illustrate the strategies and practices that have been or may be used successfully by communications teams. The guidelines also include the role, purpose, and importance of communications functions and how these functions should be organizationally structured, coordinated, and aligned with agency leadership and goals.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • How ITS can help world out of lockdown
    June 2, 2020
    Ticketing, reallocation of street space, transport’s place in urban ecosystems – it's all up for grabs as we emerge from pandemic
  • Stocchi takes on transatlantic tolling tasks
    March 20, 2017
    We talk to Emanuela Stocchi, the first overseas-based female president of IBTTA and well placed to view tolling on both sides of the Atlantic. As incoming president of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA), Emanuela Stocchi aims to bolster the ‘international, mobility and connections’ elements of the US-based tolling organisation.
  • FEHRL and FHWA sign memorandum of cooperation
    April 19, 2012
    The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) of the US Department of Transportation and the Forum of European National Highway Research Laboratories (FEHRL) located in Brussels, Belgium have signed a six-year memorandum of cooperation. This agreement complements the role of the FHWA as an associate of FEHRL, which aims to increase cooperation and coordination in road research, development and deployment, taking into account the shared challenges faced by the FHWA and the members of FEHRL, and the authority pro
  • Interoperable electronic payment systems begin testing
    January 31, 2012
    OmniAir's Tim McGuckin writes about progress with the Electronic Payment Services National Interoperability Specification, which aims to provide the US with payment capabilities at lane level using any ETC component protocol. The OmniAir Consortium was founded to advance US national deployment of open, effective and interoperable transportation technology systems. Through its member-defined programmes, companies and individuals join to work for open standards, interoperability, third-party certification and