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.

Related Content

  • June 28, 2021
    Racial imbalance in US traffic fatalities
    American Indian/Alaskan Native people have highest per capita rate of traffic fatalities
  • September 17, 2019
    NACTO updates city micromobility guide
    The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) has updated a guide which it says helps US cities regulate and manage micromobility companies. NACTO president Seleta Reynolds says: “NACTO’s guidance provides crucial steps for cities to ensure that new mobility options benefit the public good, from best-practice data management to real-world examples on coordinating across neighbouring municipalities.” Guidelines for Regulating Shared Micromobility covers options for regulation for microm
  • June 26, 2018
    Managed lane operators: meet the CAV pioneers
    There is some controversy over the testing of connected and autonomous vehicles – but Robert Deans of Transurban North America explains how managed lanes could be vital in the development of CAVs, benefiting everyone. Managed lane operators have the opportunity to establish themselves as leaders in the testing and roll-out of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs), assisting and accelerating the transition of CAVs onto road networks to deliver economic and safety benefits. Managed lane facilities
  • July 29, 2016
    WSP/Parsons Brinckerhoff named general engineering consultant for US road extension
    The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has awarded a contract to WSP/Parsons Brinckerhoff to serve as general engineering consultant on a planned extension of SR 167 in Tacoma. The project will provide a better freight connection between the Port of Tacoma and the Puyallup/White River Valley and also link industrial and urban centres. SR 167 will be extended four miles westward to connect with I-5 and then continue an additional two miles as the SR 509 spur to connect with SR 509 near