Transportation industry leaders, government officials, contractors, vendors, and interested citizens came together Aug. 24, 2005 to share their ideas for improving transportation in Missouri.  The first-of-its-kind meeting was hosted by the Missouri Department of Transportation in Columbia, MO.

The first Partnering for Innovative Efficiencies meeting brought together contractors, engineers, vendors, citizens and public agency leaders to discuss how to produce transportation projects faster, better and cheaper.   Discussion was open to every aspect of the design and construction process, including project planning, construction techniques, specifications, schedules and contracts.

"The event was a tremendous success," said MoDOT Director Pete Rahn.   "We can learn a lot from the experience of our private sector partners, as well as the citizens who use our highways.   The group had great suggestions that will help us do a better job of providing a world-class transportation experience for Missourians."

The group generated 128 ideas during the daylong meeting.   They then agreed on a smaller group of high-priority items to focus on.   The day concluded with the group selecting six actionable items for the department to pursue with the help of a number of participant volunteers. 

These ideas were the catalyst for four improvement teams looking at earlier completion of projects, alternate methods of project delivery, best practices and employee recruitment and retention.

Lead by MoDOT managers, these teams have been meeting since October to consider these weighty issues. Several of the teams have completed their work and submitted a list of actionable items to department leadership.