MaineDOT’s Office of Research and Innovation, located in the Bureau of Project Development, manages all efforts and funding related to internal and external research projects, innovation deployments, and the maintenance of the department’s qualified products processes. Through collaboration with staff, industry partners, and stakeholders, the office identifies and evaluates opportunities to address real-world challenges affecting travelers in the state of Maine. This work helps MaineDOT build a safer, more reliable, and more resilient transportation network for the future.
Research
MaineDOT’s Research Program functions as the department’s driving force for problem-solving and decision support, transforming data and research into practical solutions that strengthen and improve public transportation systems. It supports staff across all offices and bureaus by helping them identify, understand, and resolve challenges that don’t have clear existing solutions. In providing this support, the program evaluates, introduces, and advances new technologies, while collecting research ideas. Selected research ideas are managed as projects by the program and results are translated into practical, real-world applications.
Innovation
MaineDOT’s Innovation Program is committed to advancing practical, forward-thinking solutions that improve how we deliver transportation services across the state. As Maine’s transportation needs continue to evolve, innovation plays a key role in helping us enhance safety, strengthen infrastructure, and make the most of available resources. This program promotes a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging employees and partners to explore new ideas, test emerging technologies, and implement proven best practices. From modernizing project delivery and materials to improving data-driven decision-making, MaineDOT is focused on finding smarter, more efficient ways to serve the people of Maine. Selected innovations are piloted, refined, and scaled to maximize their impact across the transportation system.
MaineDOT is hosting its first annual Innovation Showcase on October 27, 2026, at the Augusta Civic Center. For more information on the event, registration, and submission, please visit the Innovation Showcase page
Qualified Products
MaineDOT maintains a robust process for the evaluation, qualification, and recertification of products used for work performed by the department.