Build a Better Mousetrap

A celebration of local innovations

The Build a Better Mousetrap (BABM) national recognition program highlights locally relevant, innovative solutions and provides a platform to share innovations to everyday challenges that local and tribal transportation professionals encounter on local roads. These local road solutions range from the development of new project delivery or design processes to the invention of new tools, equipment, or modifications that increase efficiency, enhance safety, reduce cost, and/or improve the quality of transportation on local roads.

2024 Winners

Innovative Project Award:

City of Moreno Valley, CA (CA LTAP). Innovation - "Slow and Safe, Save a Life." For more information

The City of Moreno modified speed cushions to address high speeds and increased traffic volumes through residential communities without impacting emergency response.

Pioneer Award:

Town of East Hartford, CT (CT LTAP). Innovation - "Trackless Automated Loader" For more information

The Town of East Hartford, CT repurposed an old sander into a chute for easier load and dispense of sand mixture materials during winter operations.

Smart Transformation Award:

McKenzie County Highway Department, ND. (ND LTAP). Innovation - "Fifth-Wheel Quick Attach Sander." For more information

The McKenzie County Highway Department utilized an attachment to modify semi-tractors to assist with salting and sanding hazardous, icy roads during the winter months.

Bold Steps Award:

West Lafayette Street and Sanitation Department, IN (IN LTAP). Innovation - "Street Sweeper Conversion to Leaf Vac Unit." For more information

The West Lafayette Street and Sanitation Department used street sweepers re-purposed for leaf pickup maintenance

How does the Build a Better Mousetrap work?

* 'Centers' refers to Local Technical Assistance Program Centers (LTAP). For complete information, download PDF.

• Centers solicit their own nominations within their state.
• Centers select nominations they would like to move forward. Multiple nominations in multiple categories may be submitted.
• Centers submit their nominations to the Build a Better Mousetrap at CLAS@DOT.GOV under one of four categories:
  1. Innovative Project– Any solution that addresses any or all phase(s) of the ‘project’ life cycle – Planning, Design/Engineering, Construction, Operations and Maintenance. This project shall introduce new ideas, is locally relevant, original, and creative in thinking.
  2. Bold Steps– Any locally relevant high-risk project or process showing a break-through solution with demonstrated high-reward.
  3. Smart Transformation– A locally relevant significant change in any transportation activity or process that is SMART “Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound” in nature that results in improved efficiencies.
  4. Pioneer– A locally relevant product/tool that is among the first to solve a maintenance problem with a home-grown solution.

How are the honorees selected?

In each category, we are looking for original, innovative projects that provide long-term value to the transportation community. In making the selections, the following criteria are considered:

• recognized importance/ impact;
• originality;
• applicability to others;
• cost effectiveness;
• time savings;
• agency or community benefit;
• and the overall quality of the application.
• For additional guidance on submitting your nominations, please download the Build a Better Mousetrap Booklet.
  • PDF Download