Case Studies
Transportation agencies across the United States are using INVEST to evaluate and improve sustainability within their agency and on their projects.
Case studies focus on the general use of INVEST and its implementation and/or scoring practices. Some focus more on process/application, some focus on a few select criteria, some focus on the overall experience of using INVEST. Case Studies are developed by the agency which submits them, with review and input by FHWA.
Use the map and filters below to find case studies relevant to your projects and/or agency.
Arizona DOT - I-11 Corridor Tier 1 EIS- The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), in partnership with the FHWA has utilized the latest version of INVEST (1.3) on numerous agency projects and programs in varying stages of development to document, explore, and identify sustainability elements of projects for incorporation, as well as provide feedback on the current INVEST 1.3 version of the tool. The goal of this I-11 INVEST case study is to document the use of INVEST on the three Build Corridor Alternatives currently under study as part of the FHWA and the ADOT Interstate 11 (I-11) Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and to explore and identify potential ways the INVEST tool can link sustainability and the NEPA process, inform future Tier 2 design efforts, and influence overall ADOT sustainable transportation program implementation processes.
Arizona DOT - LED Life-cycle Costing Analysis and Life-cycle Assessment- The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is engaged in the early stages of converting existing it’s High Pressure Sodium (HPS) roadway lighting system to Light Emitting Diode (LED). The existing roadway lighting system operated and maintained by ADOT features more than 28,000 luminaries with an operating cost of approximately 4 million dollars. The conversion is expected to produce energy, greenhouse gas emission, and cost savings over the lifespan of the LED system due to reductions in electricity demand and maintenance.
Arizona DOT - Roundabouts and Local Partnerships- The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) used all three INVEST modules to validate strategic directions, increase knowledge across core functions, and advance a decision-making framework around sustainability best practices. This case study focuses on ADOT’s use of the Project Development module to score and improve the sustainability of twenty roundabout construction projects as well as ADOT’s use of INVEST training workshops to facilitate collaboration internally and with local governments. Roundabouts have seen increased application across the United States and in Arizona due to their safety and congestion reduction benefits. Using INVEST, ADOT scored twenty planned or under construction roundabouts. ADOT found the scoring process helpful both in improving the sustainability of the individual roundabout projects and in understanding the sustainability of the state’s roundabout program as a whole.
Arizona DOT - Sonoran Corridor Study- In February 2017, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) initiated an environmental review process for the Sonoran Corridor, which would connect Interstate 19 and Interstate 10 south of the Tucson International Airport. A Corridor Selection Report (CSR) and Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) were prepared as part of this process in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other regulatory requirements. The project objective is to identify an appropriate and approximate 2000-foot corridor for a future roadway that would be subject to a detailed design and a Tier 2 environmental review to identify a final roadway alignment and necessary project mitigation treatments. At the direction of ADOT, this case study evaluates processes and methodologies used for development of the Sonoran Corridor Tier 1 EIS compared to INVEST guiding principles.
Arizona DOT - State Route 30 Sustainable Project Development- This case study describes the use of the INVEST PD module to analyze and score the ADOT State Route (SR) 30 project—an approximately 13-mile section of new freeway in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The new freeway would be built five (5) miles south of Interstate 10 and would run from Sarival Road in Goodyear east to Loop 202 (South Mountain Freeway) in the western section of Phoenix in Maricopa County, Arizona. SR 30 is a proposed new freeway managed by the ADOT that would eventually link with the proposed ADOT Interstate 11 project in western Maricopa County near Tonopah at its western terminus and with the existing Interstate 17 at the Durango Curve in Phoenix at its eastern terminus. The section of SR 30 analyzed and scored using INVEST is currently in the preliminary design and environmental assessment evaluation phase pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act.
Arizona DOT - Using INVEST to Benefit Planning, Programming, and Maintenance in Arizona- Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has been a front-runner in utilizing and embedding INVEST throughout the full lifecycle of its transportation services, including administration, project planning, design, construction, and systems operations and maintenance. INVEST has also been a keystone in the development of the agency’s Sustainable Transportation Program. This case study focuses on ADOT’s use of the Operations and Maintenance (OM) module.
Arizona DOT - Using INVEST to Integrate Sustainability- The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) decided to use all three modules of INVEST – System Planning, Project Development, and Operations and Maintenance – to help the agency meet its sustainability goals across the transportation life cycle. ADOT used INVEST to integrate and advance existing sustainability efforts and to push forward new efforts. INVEST’s comprehensive sustainability framework and criteria helped ADOT institutionalize sustainability across the agency and with local partners through inclusion in manuals, trainings, and awards. This case study focuses on ADOT’s use of the Project Development module.
Atlanta Regional Commission - Conducting a Comparison and Analysis of Decision Support Tools- In 2017, FHWA allocated funding to the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) to implement INVEST Version 1.2, and gather lessons learned. The general objective of this project was to conduct a thorough comparison and analysis of different ARC decision support tools with the INVEST Project Development module criteria. Each of the four ARC tools included in the comparison were originally planned to analyze or assess environmental impacts, potential scope of anticipated NEPA review, and project deliverability of proposed transportation projects. Because the objectives of the implementation were to compare the ARC tools with the INVEST PD module, and then enhance them with INVEST criteria, ARC did not conduct any INVEST scoring. Instead, ARC developed an analysis on the comparison between INVEST PD criteria and the four planning tools, as well as of detailed information on how ARC incorporated the INVEST PD criteria through its existing tools and its planning process.
Caltrans - Using INVEST to Benefit Planning, Programming, and Maintenance in California- Caltrans’ groundbreaking report, Smart Mobility 2010: A Call to Action for the New Decade, laid out a vision for developing a new approach to transportation that is multimodal, sustainable, and integrated with land use. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, and the California Department of Housing and Community Development jointly prepared this report, now known as The Smart Mobility Framework (SMF). As part of its preparation for implementing the SMF, Caltrans identified the sustainability tools, research, guidance, and best practices that have been developed or initiated since the publication of Smart Mobility 2010. After completing that investigation, Caltrans chose to test the use of INVEST statewide to see how the tool could benefit the planning, programming, and maintenance of the California state highway system. In total, Caltrans conducted four evaluations of different statewide plans using the SP module, four evaluations of specific projects using the PD module, and one INVEST evaluation of their Operations & Maintenance Programs using the OM module.
Cape Cod Commission - Improving Corridor and System Planning in Cape Cod- The Cape Cod Commission serves as the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for Cape Cod, Massachusetts, a coastal area of striking natural beauty. The Cape Cod Commission used the INVEST 1.0 Project Development module to evaluate the Hyannis Access Study and the INVEST 1.0 System Planning module to inform the development of the next Regional Transportation Plan. For both assessments, the Cape Cod Commission assembled an interdisciplinary team of eight staff members. Team members included specialists in energy, historic preservation, transportation planning, natural resources, economic development, and hydrology. At least two staff members were assigned to each criterion to analyze and score individually. Staff members then met together in workshops to discuss the scoring of each criterion, develop consensus, make recommendations, and document lessons learned.
Central Federal Lands - Knowledge Sharing and Lessons Learned Help to Institutionalize INVEST- The Central Federal Lands Highway Division (CFL) within Federal Lands Highway (FLH) is using INVEST as a knowledge transfer tool to better inform staff of sustainable highway practices and as a mechanism to share lessons learned to help identify improvements for future projects. In 2013, CFL used the Project Development (PD) module to carry out INVEST evaluations for three separate under-construction or recently constructed projects. These included Halstead Meadow Bridge, Taylor River Road, and Marshlands Road and La Riviere Bridge. For two of the three projects, Halstead Meadow Bridge and Taylor River Road, CFL created scoring teams consisting of staff members and partner agency representatives. Scoring team members were selected due to the wealth of knowledge and experience they had with each project (from project development through construction).
CHCNGA - Evaluating Regional Transportation Planning and Financial Sustainability Using INVEST- In May of 2015, the Chattanooga-Hamilton County/North Georgia Transportation Planning Organization (CHCNGA TPO) used INVEST Version 1.1 to evaluate its 2040 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and identify areas of improvement for the 2045 RTP Update. Through a workshop, TPO staff and other stakeholders scored the 2040 RTP and developed recommendations for improving areas where the plan did not score as well. The TPO is now developing the 2045 RTP Update, which incorporates several of the recommendations from the INVEST evaluation.
DelDOT - Using INVEST to Measure Sustainability for the DelDOT Pavement and Rehabilitation Program- DelDOT used the INVEST Operations and Maintenance (OM) module to score its Pavement and Rehabilitation Program and other OM activities. By using INVEST, DelDOT was able to measure the sustainability achievement of its Pavement and Rehabilitation Program and identify areas for improvement across many aspects of project delivery.
Eastern Federal Lands- Promoting Wider Application of INVEST Through Sustainability Training- The Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division (EFL) within Federal Lands Highway (FLH) has provided training on sustainability and livability for a number of years. Recently, EFL decided to embed concepts from INVEST’s Project Development (PD) module into their Construction Winter Training Program. The aim of this training is to increase awareness and facilitate greater discussion about sustainability and to further integrate sustainability considerations into project planning, design, and construction. In addition to utilizing trainings to promote INVEST, EFL has also used INVEST to evaluate a variety of different under-construction or recently constructed projects.
Illinois Tollway - Integrating INVEST Throughout Illinois- The Illinois Tollway integrated INVEST throughout its processes and is using all three INVEST modules to improve the sustainability of its fifteen-year, $12 billion capital program, Move Illinois. For Illinois Tollways's system planning and operations & maintenance programs, the agency instituted a program-level process for improving sustainability. This process begins with setting goals, evaluating the program using the corresponding INVEST module, and conducting quality control for consistency. To provide a Project Development baseline, the Illinois Tollway scored over thirty-five projects constructed between 1998 and 2014, ranging in cost from $400,000 to $134 million. Projects were roughly equally distributed amongst bridge, asphalt, and cement project types.
KACTS- Using INVEST to Showcase Sustainability Activities through the Long Range Transportation- Kittery Area Comprehensive Transportation System (KACTS) is the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the Maine portion of the Kittery-Portsmouth and Dover-Rochester, New Hampshire urbanized areas. KACTS used the INVEST System Planning (SP) module to score their approved 2010 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and used the results to identify opportunities to better integrate and showcase sustainability principles in their 2014 LRTP. After drafting the 2014 LRTP, KACTS then used the SP module to evaluate the draft plan and compare the results with the 2010 LRTP.
MassDOT - Assessing Challenges and Opportunities of Planning for Sustainability in Roadway Projects- MassDOT used the INVEST Project Development (PD) module to evaluate the Casey Arborway Project. This project replaces a 1950s-era elevated highway with an at-grade roadway and provides strong multimodal connectivity. Through the INVEST evaluation, MassDOT gained insight into the challenges and opportunities of planning for sustainability in roadway projects. This case study focuses on MassDOT’s use of the PD module to assess the Casey Arborway Project and highlights ways in which MassDOT can improve the sustainability of future projects.
MassDOT - Evaluating the Sustainability of Operations and Maintenance Policies and Procedures- MassDOT used the INVEST OM module to evaluate the sustainability of its operations and maintenance policies and procedures across the state, which is divided into six MassDOT highway districts. MassDOT held a total of three OM INVEST workshops distributed geographically for attendee convenience, so that staff from two districts participated in each session. Eighty-seven participants attended the three sessions with represented employees including engineers and other staff from traffic, bridge, facilities, materials, and equipment operations and maintenance, construction, environmental services, environmental management systems, and the MassDOT GreenDOT program.
MDT - Focusing on Efficiency and Cost Savings- The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) evaluated the agency’s operations and maintenance practices using two criteria from the INVEST Operations and Maintenance (OM) Module: OM-2 Electrical Energy Efficiency and Use and OM-3 Vehicle Fuel Efficiency and Use. MDT focused on these sustainability areas because they are efficiency practices that can result in direct cost savings. MDT scored 5 out of 15 for OM-2 and 11 out of 15 for OM-3. MDT also conducted a benefit-cost analysis related to OM-4 Recycle and Reuse, evaluating a potential pilot for incorporating recycling at MDT rest areas in MDT District 1. As a result of the INVEST evaluation, MDT developed recommendations including to maintain MDT’s excellent sustainability for light vehicle purchase and monitoring, to consider implementing improvements to MDT’s processes for documenting continuous progress toward sustainability, to consider enhancing MDT planning to support continued energy efficiency progress, and to consider conducting a complete MDT Operations and Maintenance scoring.
MetroPlan Orlando - Integrating Health and Sustainability Principles into Transportation Planning- MetroPlan Orlando, the metropolitan planning organization for Central Florida used FHWA’s INVEST Version 1.2 to guide an 18-month applied research project into how health and sustainability principles can be incorporated into regional transportation planning. In April and May 2017, MetroPlan Orlando evaluated its existing Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and other assorted work using the INVEST Systems Planning for Regions (SPR) module. The results informed the rest of MetroPlan Orlando’s INVEST project – a summit that gathered 60 community leaders and the publication of three white papers.
NCTCOG - Pilot Test Use of INVEST for Long-Range Planning- North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) serves as the council of governments for a 16-county region centered on Dallas and Fort Worth. NCTCOG, one of the agencies that pilot tested INVEST, assessed its adopted long-range transportation plan (LRTP), Mobility 2035, using the INVEST System Planning module.
NCTCOG - Using INVEST to Advance Performance Measurement and Improve Long-Range Planning- The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) serving the 12-county, 9,400 square mile region encompassing the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area, one of the fastest growing urban regions in the nation. NCTCOG first used INVEST in 2012 to assess its adopted long-range transportation plan (LRTP), Mobility 2035, using the System Planning (SP) module. More recently, the agency rescored Mobility 2035 with INVEST Version 1.0 to create a baseline with which to compare and inform NCTCOG’s next LRTP, Mobility 2040.
NCTCOG - Using INVEST to Bridge Sustainability and Transportation Needs in the Denton Greenbelt- The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) sought to incorporate sustainability best practices into a feasibility study for a planned roadway expansion in the Denton Greenbelt. Staff reviewed System Planning for Regions and Project Development criteria from FHWA's INVEST. These criteria were modified to develop a menu of best practices appropriate to the corridor scale. The best practices were used to score an existing feasibility study to test the applicability of the new menu. Refinements were then made to the menu. Finally, NCTCOG applied the menu to the Denton Greenbelt Corridor Feasibility Study. Inclusion of the menu’s criteria yielded content not included in past feasibility studies. Some of the criteria provided quantifiable results that could be used to compare alignments in the study. NCTCOG also utilized an existing method to apply the agency’s Regional Ecosystem Framework to analyze and compare alignments in the Denton Greenbelt Corridor Feasibility Study.
NOACA - Evaluation of Regional Safety Program Using INVEST- The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordination Agency (NOACA) is the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the Greater Cleveland area. NOACA used the INVEST self-assessment tool to evaluate its current Regional Safety Program (RSP), to identify improvements, and to identify where sustainability principles can be better incorporated. The ultimate goal was to improve the region’s sustainability by reducing fatal and serious injuries that negatively impact the social and economic principles through loss of life, injury and damages to personal and public property. Since 2008, NOACA has been actively analyzing crashes in the region and conducting road safety audits at various intersections. The Cleveland metropolitan region does not currently have an adopted goal or performance target related to transportation safety. To better focus efforts on reducing fatal and severe injury crashes in the Cleveland metro region, NOACA began revamping its Regional Safety Program (RSP) in the fall of 2013. To assist with the changes to the RSP, NOACA applied for an INVEST grant.
Ohio DOT - George V. Voinovich Bridge/Cleveland Innerbelt Corridor- When building the largest bridge project in its history, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) turned to INVEST to make sure they made this massive project as sustainable as possible. ODOT replaced the Cleveland Innerbelt Bridge on I-90, now called the George V. Voinovich Bridge in two phases – the first was construction of the westbound bridge, completed in 2013; the second phase, design and construction of the eastbound bridge, began in 2014 and finished in 2017. ODOT used FHWA’s sustainability self-assessment tool, INVEST, to score the first phase to see if the project was meeting its goals. ODOT found the process so valuable that for the second phase of the project they included sustainability, as measured by INVEST, as one of the criteria for scoring contractor proposals for the design-build contract. This provided a strong incentive for bidders to incorporate sustainability while keeping costs competitive. In fact, the winning bidder committed to an “INVEST Platinum” level of sustainability with a bid $19 million below the ODOT engineer’s estimate.
Paraguay - An International Application of INVEST- The Ministry of Public Works for the Republic of Paraguay (MOPC), working with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on an IDB-funded project, used INVEST to score a 97 kilometer (km) road project that passes near indigenous communities and wildlife refuges. The MOPC found that their technical specifications on environmental aspects for road projects brought them an increased level of sustainability, but that there was still further to go.In total, the project received 32 points on the Rural Extended scorecard, which is only 3 points shy of the number needed to achieve the Bronze level of sustainability as measured by INVEST.
PennDOT - Evaluating the Sustainability of PennDOT’s Statewide Operations and Maintenance- The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), in partnership with the Pennsylvania Division of the Federal Highway Administration, utilized the OM module of INVEST version 1.0 to evaluate the sustainability of PennDOT’s statewide operations and maintenance programs. The INVEST 1.0 OM evaluation was coordinated by PennDOT’s Bureau of Maintenance and Operations (BOMO).
PennDOT - Laurel Valley Transportation Improvement Project- The Project Development module of INVEST was used to evaluate the application of “triple bottom line” sustainability principles during the Preliminary Engineering (PE) phase of PennDOT’s SR 981 Section Q20 project. This analysis required the project team to evaluate several multi-disciplined components of the design throughout the PE phase, as well as considering activities that could apply to later phases of the project development process. As part of this process, the design team developed a custom INVEST scorecard to help determine the success of the project team in addressing sustainability within Preliminary Engineering.
Puget Sound Regional Council - Improving Long Range Planning with INVEST- PSRC used the INVEST 1.0 System Planning module to evaluate the update to Transportation 2040, the region’s long-range transportation plan, to better understand where sustainability principles can be better incorporated into the planning process. PSRC then developed approaches to improve in two particular focus areas identified through the INVEST evaluation – transportation demand management (SP-9) and linking asset management and planning (SP-13). Transportation 2040 scored nearly 80% of available points to achieve a “Platinum” designation.
RIDOT - Optimizing Economic, Social, and Environmental Sustainability in Project Planning- RIDOT used the INVEST, Version 1.2 Project Development (PD) module to evaluate the social, economic, and environmental sustainability of its Dexter Street rehabilitation project. After the Dexter Street roadway project was completed in July 2016, RIDOT determined that assessing the sustainability of its project development and construction process would provide substantial value to the project team and the agency by helping to guide future projects in a more sustainable direction. Specifically, RIDOT used INVEST to identify areas of strength in its current project planning and construction process, as well as areas in need of improvement. By highlighting and noting the criteria that did not achieve full scores for the Dexter Street project, RIDOT is now in a better position to improve on these areas for future projects.
SCAG - Assessing Sustainable Planning in Southern California- SCAG is the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for six Southern California counties. In response to the region’s challenges and the sustainability requirements of California's SB 375, SCAG developed the 2012 Regional Transportation Plan/ Sustainable Communities Strategy. INVEST provided an instrument by which 2012 RTP/SCS could be evaluated for sustainability performance.
SJATSO - Assessing Sustainability in Long-Range Planning- SJATSO first evaluated the regional long-range plan, the 2040 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), using the System Planning Module. The purpose of the 2040 MTP evaluation was to provide feedback on areas of opportunity for improvement in the 2045 MTP update, currently underway and due to be completed Fall 2019. By identifying areas for improvement staff was able to provide recommendations for increasing sustainability considerations within the long-range plan, which drives the implementation of transportation projects at the local level. The Project Development Module was also used to evaluate three design concepts for the I-229 double decker bridge which is due for major repairs.
Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC): Using INVEST to Evaluate Long-Range Plans- The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) is the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the 10-county area surrounding Pittsburgh, PA. SPC has used INVEST to evaluate the sustainability of its two most recent long-range plans. Using INVEST helped SPC assess strengths and challenges and evaluate progress from one plan to the next.
SSRPC - Visualizing Sustainability in the Historic Route 66 Corridor Project- The metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for Springfield, IL, the Springfield Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission (SSRPC), applied 23 of the 29 criteria from the INVEST Project Development (PD) module to a corridor improvement project along the Peoria Road / Route 66 Corridor. This corridor includes the historic Route 66, the state fairground, the SHEA's Museum, transit service, and a mix of residential and commercial development. The MPO held a workshop with stakeholder agencies in the region, including city officials and the state department of transportation. Planners explained how the INVEST tool measures sustainability and how it could be applied to the Peoria Road / Route 66 Corridor Improvement Project. Using the INVEST criteria, planners identified improvements that could be made to the corridor that would enhance sustainability.
Transportation Agency for Monterey County - Evaluating and Enhancing Sustainable Transportation- Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) is the regional transportation planning agency for Monterey County, California, responsible for developing and updating a long-range vision of the regional transportation system. TAMC used the INVEST System Planning for Regions (SPR) module to review a broad spectrum of its planning efforts – including its 2014 Regional Transportation Plan – and evaluate how well-defined and comprehensive its sustainability efforts have been.
Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon - Engaging INVEST for a Light Rail- TriMet engaged INVEST 1.0 to evaluate the Portland Milwaukie Light Rail (PMLR) transit project. Given the absence of a singular, exhaustive set of metrics or indicators for the transit industry, the INVEST 1.0 tool for evaluating highway projects offered a worthwhile opportunity to use a federally-tested set of metrics to understand, improve on, and communicate about transportation infrastructure. PMLR is a 7.3-mile light rail corridor providing access for residents of Portland and Clackamas County. The INVEST 1.0 tool provides a comprehensive framework for TriMet to assess the effectiveness of its sustainability strategies and their integration into the PMLR project.
TxDOT - Embedding INVEST in Contracting for the Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge- The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) used INVEST during the procurement process for the Harbor Bridge Project in Corpus Christi. TxDOT’s request for proposals (RFP) required that bidders describe how their proposal would meet a “Platinum” rating on the INVEST PD module and a “Silver” rating on the INVEST OM module. The sustainability score, along with price and other factors, was part of the total score for selecting among the four bidders. This provided a strong incentive for bidders to achieve high sustainability at low cost. The winning bidder committed to a range of sustainability practices that will bring tangible benefits to the community.
Utah DOT - Saving Money and Improving Operations and Maintenance with INVEST- Using the pilot version of INVEST, UDOT developed specific recommendations for sustainability improvements to its operations and maintenance program. UDOT then performed a new self-evaluation in 2014 using INVEST 1.0 to measure progress and identify room for improvement.
Washington State DOT - Applying INVEST to Corridor Studies and the SR 520 Bridge Project- The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) used the INVEST System Planning (SP) module to score three corridor planning studies and the INVEST Project Development (PD) module to evaluate the SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Program. WSDOT is committed to sustainability, as evidenced by the WSDOT Secretary of Transportation’s executive order for Moving Washington and WSDOT's strategic plan, Results WSDOT. The INVEST process helped WSDOT assess how the agency is doing with respect to sustainability and where it could improve.
Western Federal Lands - Annual Sustainability Award Process Utilizes INVEST- The Western Federal Lands Highway Division (WFL) within the Federal Highway Administration uses the INVEST Project Development (PD) module to score, rank, and select the recipient of its Annual Sustainability Award. Starting in 2012, WFL instituted an Annual Sustainability Award to better market and showcase WFL sustainability efforts. During the first year, WFL compiled a list of 17 eligible (under-construction or recently constructed) projects including new construction and rehabilitation projects. As part of the scoring process, WFL met with each of the project managers to discuss the scope of the projects and identify sustainability features. After some projects were removed from the list due to their lack of sustainability elements, WFL staff evaluated the remainder of the projects using the Rural Extended Scorecard for the INVEST PD module.
Western Federal Lands - Going-to-the-Sun-Road Rehabilitation Project- The Going-to-the-Sun Road (Sun Road) is the first American roadway designated both a National Historic Landmark and a National Civil Engineering Landmark. Going-to-the-Sun Road is the only road through the heart of Glacier National Park in Montana. It was completed in 1932, and it is the only road that crosses the park, going over the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. Sun Road has more than 475,000 vehicles traveling it during peak visitor season from June to October, or about 3,500 vehicles per day. The Western Federal Lands Highway Division (WFL) within the Federal Highway Administration used the INVEST Project Development (PD) module to evaluate the Sun Road Rehabilitation Project. Stand out criteria included PD-03: Context Sensitive Project Development, PD-07: Habitat Restoration, PD-18: Site Vegetation, PD-19: Reduce and Reuse Materials, and PD-28: Construction Quality Control Plan.
Western Federal Lands - Highlighting Best Practices and Identifying Areas for Improvement- Starting in 2012, the Western Federal Lands Highway Division (WFL) within the Federal Highway Administration used the INVEST Project Development (PD) module to evaluate the sustainability of its projects, increase awareness, and identify areas of improvement for current and future projects. As part of this process, WFL compiled a list of eligible projects and selected three projects that were representative of WFL work on various Federal lands to evaluate. The three projects, Powers to Agness Road, Grand Loop Road, Canyon to Tower, Phase 2, and Teton Pathways, Phase 1 and 2, averaged a score of 49 (Silver level) using the INVEST Rural Extended Scorecard. With assistance from the project managers, WFL staff carried out desktop assessments for all of the projects and field assessments for the Grand Loop Road and Teton Pathways projects. This initial year of project evaluations was mostly retrospective, and as a result, sustainability improvements were limited. However, WFL staff became more proficient and efficient at evaluations. Based on the 2012 review and how informative and educational the INVEST evaluation process was, WFL decided to select a representative sample of projects to assess in 2013.
Western Federal Lands - Using INVEST to Enhance Sustainable Operations and Maintenance at Denali- The Western Federal Lands Highway Division (WFLHD) and the National Park Service (NPS) used INVEST to evaluate the operations and maintenance policies and procedures at Denali National Park and Preserve (DNP), specifically on Denali Park Road. The park achieved the platinum level for the INVEST evaluation, and identified many sustainable operations and maintenance practices that it plans to continue moving forward. WFLHD also identified several INVEST criteria that were not relevant to the park because its context and mission are different from that of a traditional transportation agency.
Western Federal Lands – Evaluating Sustainability in Federal Lands Long‐Range Transportation- The Western Federal Lands Highway Division (WFLHD) used INVEST to evaluate the extent to which sustainability was incorporated into two long-range transportation plans: the Alaska Federal Lands Long-Range Transportation Plan (Alaska LRTP) and the Northwest Collaborative Long-Range Transportation Plan (Northwest CLRTP). The INVEST scoring for the Alaska LRTP took place after the development of the plan, and was used to assess future opportunities for incorporating sustainability into LRTPs, as well as which INVEST criteria are and are not applicable to Federal Lands. WFHLD used INVEST at several stages of the development of the Northwest CLRTP, and based on the results of the evaluation refined the initial goals and the draft plan to better incorporate sustainability.
