Examples of Innovations by Local Agencies
Beaver Pipe Cage
This creative solution cost the town of Niles less than $500. Patrick’s advice to other agencies is to “Work smarter, not harder.” He says, “If there’s a problem, sit back and think it through. If it doesn’t work the first time, keep at it. Stick with it and don’t give up.”
Jaws of Life
The idea was to use some sort of a hydraulic ram to open the crushed culverts. The Arapahoe County leadership team discussed feasibility of the idea and decided to conduct some additional research that led them to a tool that is widely used among fire departments all over the country.
Spring Load Arm Enhancement for Gravel Saver
The Spring Load Arm Enhancement gives the gravel saver disc flexibility due to its angled positioning. The rocks and vegetation can flow more freely with less clogging and breaking to the Gravel Saver Disc.
CONTEST
Build a Better Mousetrap
Have you or one of your co-workers built an innovative gadget or developed an improved way to do a job? The “Build a Better Mousetrap” (BABM) competition offers you the chance to show off your creativity. TTAP’s efforts are part of the FHWA Center for Local Aid Support’s BABM competition. Scroll down for details and visit the national competition site in link below.
Purpose
The purpose of the Build a Better Mousetrap program is to collect and distribute real world examples of best practices, tips from the field, and assist in the transfer of technology for local and county transportation workers and other LTAP/TTAP clients.
We are looking for projects that you, your employees or or your crew designed and built. Projects may include the development of tools, equipment modification, and/or processes that increase safety, reduce cost, improve efficiency, and improve the quality of transportation.
Benefits
The benefits to local road agencies:
- The Build a Better Mousetrap program provides recognition for local road agencies and their employees, shows them that their ideas have value, and recognizes them on a national stage. This recognition can benefit them locally as well, by showcasing the agency to the county and/or the state.
- Shows respect for the individuals and teams that do more than put in their 8 hours each day, no matter how significant an improvement seems in a national context.
Attributes
Winning innovations:
- Move the needle a little bit in the right direction— producing small but important savings in cost and time, increased safety, increased durability, greater reliability, and less downtime.
- Made someone’s job easier, stretched dollars further, or resulted in better roads for their community;
- And/or allowed someone to do more with less.
How Do I Share My Innovative Solution? Reach out to us at TTAP@utk.edu or call Matt Cate at (865) 974-4614 and we’ll take a look at your innovation. Not sure if your solution is a good fit for the BABM program? We’ll be happy to talk to you about your potential entry.
View Entry Booklets 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024