Challenge

The state of Oregon is experiencing unprecedented growth. Oregon tourism increased by 74% from 2003 to 2019; Central Oregon is rapidly urbanizing; and Portland area traffic now ranks as the 12th worst in the nation. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) created the Oregon Smart Mobility Network to apply smart technology in the state’s most congested areas and promote optimal mobility for all modes now and in the future. ODOT sought funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to deploy a suite of advanced technologies for The Oregon Smart Mobility Network.

Solution

Kittelson supported ODOT by gathering information and compiling a cohesive message on growth in Oregon and the need for technology funding to prepare for congestion, manage it in real time, and recover quickly from unexpected events. ODOT submitted this grant application to FHWA’s Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment (ATCMTD) program, along with key partners City of Portland, TriMet, and Washington County. Through graphical elements and organization of fact-based content, the application told the compelling story of the need for technology to ease the impacts of rapid growth and congestion throughout the state and equip these transportation systems for the future.