The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is modernizing its project delivery through the adoption of digital delivery methods. Recognizing the shift towards lifecycle data exchanges and open data standards in transportation infrastructure, ODOT aims to enhance its information-sharing practices. The ultimate goal is to implement new workflows and processes that lead to data-driven decision-making, improve asset management and enhance the overall efficiency of project delivery across the state.

Planning for a Digital Design Future

HDR has played a pivotal role in ODOT’s modernization effort as one of the consultants hired to advance the agency’s digital delivery transition. After conducting an initial gap assessment to identify areas needing improvement, we supported ODOT’s development of a successful application for an Advanced Digital Construction Management Systems grant. Awarded in November 2023, it is now helping to fund this digital delivery initiative.

With funding to accelerate the adoption of BIM for Infrastructure in the state, we developed ODOT's digital delivery strategic plan, published in May 2024. This plan serves as a blueprint for ODOT's vision and objectives, laying out tactical and strategic goals to achieve digital maturity by 2027. Our digital design experts collaborated with ODOT to draft, review and finalize the comprehensive document, which outlines the steps necessary to implement a sustainable digital delivery program.

The strategic plan emphasizes a lifecycle data management approach, detailing how ODOT will use digital technologies to create data-rich models that capture historical, present and future data. It also sets forth new information-management processes to enhance asset management systems and strategies for workforce development to keep pace with technological advancements.

Implementing the Vision

Building on the strategic plan, our team also developed the initial digital delivery implementation plan. This internal plan is a phased roadmap detailing the tasks and dependencies required to meet ODOT's targeted digital maturity levels. HDR’s expertise was crucial in assessing ODOT's current state, aligning identified needs with practical solutions, and advancing the organization through a detailed and agile roadmap.

The implementation plan outlines the steps for integrating BIM workflows and processes throughout the project life cycle, standardizing data and information management across the agency. 

An Ongoing Digital Transformation

ODOT's digital delivery initiative is not an isolated effort but part of a broader trend within the transportation industry. Agencies across the United States are recognizing the critical importance of digital transformation in enhancing project delivery and asset management. HDR is at the forefront of this movement, providing similar services to transportation agencies in Arizona, Iowa, Nebraska, North Carolina, California and Pennsylvania.

These efforts not only modernize infrastructure but also foster a culture of innovation and efficiency. By implementing advanced digital workflows and processes, transportation agencies can enhance project delivery, improve asset management and support long-term sustainability. ODOT's commitment to digital delivery is a testament to its forward-thinking approach and dedication to leveraging technology for better infrastructure management.