New Mexico State Transportation Innovation Council-STIC Overview

Documents

External Resources

• FHWA EDC
• FHWA STIC
• FHWA AID

2025-STIC

Utilizing historic geotechnical data for the development of state-specific design correlations – Part 1: Data Entry – The purpose of this innovative project is twofold, and the project will be broken into two parts. The first purpose is to organize historical geotechnical borehole data into a usable format. For each proposed bridge replacement that involves new foundation construction, the NMDOT Geotechnical Exploration Section typically completes at least one geotechnical boring at each substructure element (i.e., each pier and abutment). Approximately 2,000 digital files in the form of PDFs or Excel files, dating back to the early 2000s, can be found in the NMDOT Geotechnical Section share folder. However, the files are not in a format that can be easily tied to a geographic location or specific formation. This project will organize the historical data into the OpenGround database, currently used to log new boreholes or another DIGGS-compatible database. This could be incorporated into preliminary desk studies that are conducted in the early stages of new construction projects (Geotechnical Scoping Reports). It could also be used to supplement and support the data that is collected during the exploration phase of a design project, help fill in gaps in the data, and provide greater context for the type of material that is anticipated to be encountered during construction. Therefore, having this data available in the existing internally accessible OpenGround database would be a great asset to the Department.

Rockfall Hazard Assessment and Monitoring Program for New Mexico’s Transportation Infrastructure – The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) Geotechnical Team proposes to develop and implement a geotechnical asset management program that integrates remotely sensed drone data (including photogrammetry, LiDAR, and thermal imagery) with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to enhance the state’s rockfall monitoring program. Historically, rockfall events have been documented using paper records and Excel spreadsheets. This initiative will modernize data collection and management practices, improving the accessibility, consistency, and utility of rockfall monitoring across New Mexico. Recent advancements in remote sensing and geospatial analytics will equip NMDOT to conduct proactive maintenance, inform planning, and implement long-term risk mitigation strategies for transportation corridors susceptible to rockfall and other slope failure hazards – particularly those exacerbated by changing climate conditions.

Location-Based Technology for Construction Project Record & Activity Efficiency – This project will fund a pilot project using the collaborative digital stationing program, OnStation, to complement existing NMDOT e-Construction technologies.  The digital stationing software will be deployed in two districts for use on multiple construction projects for two years. The software will be deployed on mobile electronic devices for use by field inspectors, supervisors, and project managers. Software users will receive training before usage. Users will have the ability to access digital stationing and software features in the field and the project offices. The software deployment and usage will be a complete project. By piloting this software in two of the six Districts in New Mexico, the NMDOT can ensure that the software will be fully functional and a good fit for use in the state of New Mexico. In the future, if the deployment is successful, the software will be used in all six NMDOT Districts. 

2024-STIC

Debris Removal System – The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) is responsible for maintaining safe roadways for the motoring public. 67-3-16 requires the State Highway Commission, the governing body of the NMDOT, to construct, repair, and maintain highways within the state, as in their judgment will best serve the interest of the general public. Part of maintaining the roadways in good operation is to clear debris that can be hazardous to the public. Currently, NMDOT personnel are required to close traffic lanes as well as leave the safety of their vehicle, putting themselves in harm’s way,  to remove roadway debris. A safer and more effective way for the Department to meet this statutory requirement would be to use devices to clear the roadway.

The Department is currently conducting a Debris Removal System pilot study with vendors J-Tech (Lane Blade) and IC Innovations (Incident Clear). The units selected are equipped on the front of the vehicles and are truck-mounted hydraulic-actuated blade attachments to collect litter. This will allow the NMDOT personnel to remove hazardous road debris without leaving the safety of their vehicle. At the end of the pilot study, the Department will select the best Debris Removal System to ultimately provide safer roadways and reduce delays for the Department and the motoring public of New Mexico.

2023 – STIC

e-Ticketing Portal – As part of Everyday Counts 6 initiative from FHWA, this project will advance e-Ticketing beyond the pilot stage by developing an Agency Portal specifically designed to meet the DOT needs.  Both transportation agencies and the private sector spend considerable resources producing, sorting, recording, and achieving paper tickets. Collecting paper tickets from hauling vehicles also exposes construction inspectors and contractor personnel to safety hazards in work zones.  The end goal is to develop, test and institutionalize e-Ticketing over the next 2 years.  The Department will have its own customized agency portal for field material deliveries. Small companies will be able to use our system if they don’t have the means or trained personnel to use other e-Ticketing vendors.  This will be at no additional cost to them or the department. E-Ticketing will mitigate the challenges of paper tickets through a safer, faster, less resource intensive, more sustainable and streamlined process using digital technology.