What is EDC?

EDC is a State-based model that identifies and rapidly deploys proven, yet underutilized innovations to shorten the project delivery process, enhance roadway safety, reduce traffic congestion, and integrate automation. Proven innovations promoted through EDC facilitate greater efficiency at the State and local levels, saving time, money and resources that can be used to deliver more projects. EDC is Innovation for a Nation on the Move.

FHWA works with State transportation departments, local governments, tribes, private industry, and other stakeholders to identify a new collection of innovations to champion every two years that merit accelerated deployment. After selecting EDC innovations, transportation leaders from across the country gather at regional summits to discuss and identify opportunities to implement the innovations that best fit the needs of their respective State transportation program. Following the summits, States finalize their selection of innovations, establish performance goals for the level of implementation and adoption over the upcoming two-year cycle, and begin to implement the innovations with the support and assistance of the technical teams established for each innovation.

The EDC program has made a significant positive impact in accelerating the deployment of innovations and in building a culture of innovation within the transportation community. Since the inception of EDC, each state has used 20 or more of the 52 innovations promoted through Every Day Counts, and some states have deployed more than 45. Many of these innovations have become mainstream practices across the country. By advancing 21st century solutions, the transportation community is making every day count to ensure our roads and bridges are built better, faster, and smarter.

EDC-8 Innovations (2026-2027)

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Advancing Nighttime Work Zone Safety

Nighttime work zones present challenges and high safety risks for agencies, workers, and drivers. Because agencies use different nighttime procedures, the safety and traffic results can be inconsistent. FHWA’s Advancing Nighttime Work Zone Safety initiative aims to offer tools to help transportation agencies adopt safer, more innovative nighttime work zone practices.

Beyond Bid-Build: Innovative Project Delivery Methods

Many agencies struggle with tight budgets, staff shortages, and rising costs, making project delivery more challenging. Beyond Bid-Build aims to use alternative contracting methods to offer flexible tools that bring in expertise earlier and reduce risks, helping agencies deliver projects faster, smarter, and with better long-term outcomes.

Connected Corridors

The National Highway System is vital to our economy, safety, and daily travel, but planned and unexpected disruptions can cause significant delays. Transportation workers and travelers need accurate, up-to-date information. Connected Corridors helps states work in a coordinated, shared approach, while ensuring each agency retains control over its own data and platforms. It augments safety and efficiency through actionable insights driven by reliable data sharing and common quality standards, and supports further innovation with interoperable services that are nationally scalable.

Integrated Digital Project Delivery

Integrated Digital Project Delivery helps transportation agencies improve the way they plan, build, and maintain projects by connecting people and information in one system. With shared digital models and easy-to-use online tools, teams can quickly find accurate data, solve problems sooner, and deliver safer and more reliable projects.

Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE)

Unexpected utility hits are a major cause of delays, added costs, and safety risks on highway projects. Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) helps fix this problem by using proven tools to locate and map utilities early in the planning process. With better information upfront, agencies can avoid surprises and keep projects on schedule.

UAS 2.0: Innovative Infrastructure Management

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) 2.0: Innovative Infrastructure Management offers transportation agencies new opportunities to improve how they inspect and maintain critical infrastructure. Building on the nationwide success of earlier UAS adoption, these next-generation tools help agencies work more safely, efficiently, and consistently. This innovation supports better decisions and stronger infrastructure management over time.

Disclaimer: Except for the statutes and regulations cited, the contents of this document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the States or the public in any way. This document is intended only to provide information regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies. The U.S. Government does not endorse products or manufacturers. Trademarks or manufacturers’ names appear in this document only because they are considered essential to the objective of the document. They are included for informational purposes only and are not intended to reflect a preference, approval, or endorsement of any one product or entity.