The 2025 AASHTO Washington Briefing brought together transportation leaders and stakeholders to navigate the evolving landscape of the infrastructure industry. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials(AASHTO), a non-partisan association representing transportation departments across the U.S., facilitated discussions that yielded critical insights.
Here are 5 takeaways that are set to drive the future of transportation:
- The Imperative to “Build More with Less”
A dominant theme throughout the briefing was the pressing need to “build more with less—faster, better, and more beautifully.” This reflects the industry’s drive to optimize resource utilization and accelerate project delivery in an era of increasing demands and constraints.
- Prioritizing Safety, Resilience and Modernization
Enhancing safety for highway construction workers and improving the resilience of infrastructure projects emerged as crucial priorities. This encompasses not only traditional safety measures but also the modernization of infrastructure through the expansion of EV infrastructure and the strengthening of public transit systems.
- Emphasizing Efficient Project Implementation and Oversight
With the significant funding provided by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the briefing underscored the importance of efficient project implementation and rigorous oversight. This highlights the critical need for accountability, transparency and data-driven decision-making to ensure public funds are utilized effectively and deliver maximum impact.
- Streamlining Project Delivery and Cutting Red Tape
USDOT Secretary Sean Duffy’s call to streamline project delivery resonated strongly, with a focus on addressing bottlenecks in permitting processes and maximizing the impact of available funding. The need to cut unnecessary regulations and streamline processes, particularly in permitting and compliance, was identified as crucial to expedite the allocation of funds and accelerate the start of construction projects.
- Focusing on Funding Reliability and Data-Driven Decisions
Discussions around the reauthorization of transportation surface funding highlighted the bipartisan concern for ensuring a consistent and reliable flow of funds. There was widespread agreement on the need to prioritize formula funds over grant programs to reduce administrative burdens on states. Furthermore, data-driven decision-making in the procurement process was emphasized, with Senator Shelly Capito, Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, stressing the importance of reviewing project costs and ensuring cost-effectiveness.
The 2025 AASHTO Washington Briefing provided critical insights into the direction of the transportation industry. The focus on efficiency, safety, modernization, and responsible funding practices will be pivotal in shaping a more sustainable and resilient transportation future.
To learn more about how Infotech’s partnership with AASHTO helps power DOT infrastructure projects nationwide, visit: https://www.infotechinc.com/aashtoware-project/.
Authors
Meg The Losen
Senior Market Strategy Consultant
Meg has worked in the construction technology industry for over 20 years and enjoys seeing and learning from the results public and private sector organizations achieve when adopting new tools.