TxDOT launches pilot program to overhaul project delivery through digital innovation

Digital innovation and modernization are trending throughout the nation, with states like Texas leading the charge as the transition from outdated materials to cutting edge digital tools accelerates to guide infrastructure development. 

At the heart of Texas’ transition, the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) is shifting to digital delivery – a project delivery method built on digital tools. The department has already begun piloting digital delivery projects across the state through the Digital Delivery Program (DDP). Participants will test and validate new processes, tools and technologies on live projects before implementation on a larger scale. 

The core of these pilot projects is centered around transitioning state and local agencies away from traditional 2D paper plans to digital 3D design environments. Every aspect of the design process will be done through a computer, altering how contractors approach jobs for the foreseeable future. 

Alleviating the reliance on 2D planes will directly affect project capability for creating effective, data-driven designs for stable infrastructure. Through the new approach, engineers will be able to create digital twins – highly detailed 3D models – of roads and bridges in advance of construction. These models provide significant benefits over their 2D counterparts, providing insights into potential issues, single shared models between all contractors and improved visualization of the final product that can be modified as needed. 

TxDOT officials have highlighted the impacts that digital delivery will have on coordinating between all project participants. Consolidating all project schematics and materials to a single model waives overreliance on disconnected files, stacks of documents and other hurdles that impede communication and cost-efficiency. As a result, projects will benefit from streamlined development to take them from concept to construction, representing the next major advancement enabling TxDOT to keep pace with rapid growth. 

As the agency pilots projects across the state, TxDOT officials will evaluate each and use the results to inform the holistic program approach. The state anticipates awarding at least one project through the digital delivery method for all 25 TxDOT districts. 

For contractors, this delivery method is the vision of the future. As TxDOT continues to push alternative delivery contracting, prospective partners will need to adapt to stay competitive in an increasingly digital landscape. The DDP provides an ample opportunity to experiment with innovative technologies and approaches in a low-risk environment. Major opportunities made available through the program include: 

• Concept proving to confirm that TxDOT and its collaborators can complete a project through digital delivery. 
• Testing new technologies in controlled environments. 
• Identifying challenges and bottlenecks early on before they pose widespread real-world issues. 
• Demonstrating the worth and benefits of new digital methods or technologies. 
• Training and adaptation for staff to get accustomed to new methods in a low-stake environment. 
• Assessing scalability to see how the approach can be scaled up for larger, more complex initiatives. 

Projects approved for the piloting program will be separated across four distinct categories: Design, Project Delivery, Construction and Asset Management. Each category covers their own unique goals and objectives, serving as markers for project success and feasibility. 

The Design category will cover any initiatives that include model management, model development, model review and attribution tools. These may include building a digital delivery toolbox to properly manage file naming conventions or software access requirements, advanced 3D modeling for infrastructure and digital design tools enabling seamless collaboration between team members. 

Project Delivery will prioritize how designs are presented and delivered, using models as legal letting documents. By developing digital signing and sealing mechanisms alongside model development standards will enable contractors to innovate and integrate a range of potential deliverables, including: 

• Reduced plansets. 
• Large PDF rollplots. 
• Digital design files used for estimating. 
• Curated 3D Model Breaklines for Automated Machine Guidance and estimating. 

For Construction, contractors will test the use of new model types. Plans include replacing certain plansheets with 2D and 3D models. TxDOT considers 3D models to be of high importance for the program, potentially incorporating them into the construction process as visualization aids on project sites. Additional initiatives may include using e-ticketing solutions for materials documentation and digital construction management tools. 

For Asset Management, projects should evaluate item types for asset management tracking. Participants are also encouraged to explore digital-as-built solutions. 

All projects that progress through the piloting program will provide critical information for the DDP. Whether through failure or success, contractors will help inform the development of new processes, standards and policy. Plans include: 

• Create new and revised language for manuals, contracts and specifications. 
• Establish standard operating procedures for new design, construction and asset management processes. 
• Develop guidelines for models to move from design to construction to asset management. 

After TxDOT develops training programs to acclimate the workforce to new digital delivery solutions, the most impactful projects will advance toward official adoption. As the state seeks to evolve the project lifestyle by adapting to new technological advances, contractors will have the opportunity to define the future of infrastructure design, construction and implementation. 

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