The nation¿s economic vitality and the quality of life depend on the availability, dependability, and security of its surface transportation (ST) network of roads, railways, ports, and transit systems. For the past several decades, demand has outpaced the capacity of the ST system. Furthermore, fed. ST programs are not effectively addressing key challenges, such as congestion, or ensuring that transportation dollars are well spent. This report: (1) identifies key themes emphasized in proposals by stakeholders, incl. assoc. and research org., for restructuring and funding ST programs; and (2) discusses the extent to which various recommendations align with principles developed for evaluating proposals to restructure and fund ST programs. Illus.

NCHRP Report 662 describes how selected transportation agencies have reduced the time required to complete the project delivery process. This process takes new or renewed transportation facilities and services from conception to completion, ready for users. Project delivery is a primary indicator of an agency's effectiveness. Individual highway and other transportation projects are developed under programs intended to implement agency and legislative initiatives and other public policy. The way programs are organized and managed can determine the speed and efficiency of project development. Accelerating program functions can speed up project delivery. This report describes the experiences of eight state departments of transportation (DOTs) that made improvements in their project delivery and the lessons to be learned from their experiences. The information will be useful to DOT managers seeking to ensure that their agencies' organization, policies, and program operations facilitate project delivery.