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Build a Better Mousetrap recognizes state and local government and tribal agencies who use homegrown innovations to improve safety in their transportation programs. Many of these ideas come from the front line workers who are looking for better ways to get the job done while saving money, time and improving efficiency.
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Last year's Build a Better Mousetrap highlighted 53 innovations that can be found in the 2023 booklet. The top winning innovations included a road diet to preserve an old bridge, a mobile sensing unit to improve rural road safety, software to improve maintenance of traffic signals, and solar-powered remote cameras for monitoring road conditions during winter storms.
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FHWA's Local Aid Support team is currently taking nominations through Friday, June 7. Agencies must contact their state's Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) Center or regional Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP) Center for more information and assistance on the application.
Build a Better Mousetrap Booklet, Winners Video and more
The Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Build a Better Mousetrap national competition celebrates innovative solutions for challenges that local and tribal transportation workers encounter. These innovations can range from the development of tools and equipment modifications to the implementation of new processes that increase safety, reduce cost, and improve efficiency of our transportation system.
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Download the 2024 Build a Better Mousetrap” book highlighting the 4 national winners and all 46 entries receiving honorable mentions. Click here
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See how the 4 winning innovative solutions transformed transportation for communities in California, North Dakota, Connecticut, and Indiana. Click here
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Do you have an innovative solution that you would like to share for Build a Better Mousetrap 2025? Contact your state LTAP Center for details. Find an LTAP center at this link. You can also visit https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/clas/babm/ for more information on the FHWA’s Build a Better Mousetrap national competition.
