FDOT’s 2025 SWIFTT Challenge highlights connected and digital technologies for work zone safety

FDOT’s 2025 SWIFTT Challenge highlights connected and digital technologies for work zone safety

From automation to connectivity, SWIFTT finalists showcase innovative solutions designed to improve work zone safety and efficiency

The Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) 2025 SWIFTT Challenge, held Tuesday, in Orlando, Fla., alongside an Associated Contractors of America Florida (ACAF) event, highlighted technologies aimed at enhancing safety in construction zones through connected, automated and digital approaches.

The SWIFTT Challenge is an event where innovators present their solutions to improve safety and efficiency in work zones. A panel of judges evaluates the ideas for potential real-world impact. The event also serves as an opportunity for industry collaboration. The goal is to explore innovations that could inform the development of future specifications.

Several technologies presented at SWIFTT have also been featured in ATSSA’s New Products Rollout (NPRO), which highlights innovations shaping the future of roadway safety.

The five finalists in this year’s SWIFFT event demonstrated solutions combining digital tools, connectivity and advanced materials:

• Automated Pavement Marking Solutions – Truck-mounted robotic systems apply transverse pavement markings, legends, and symbols, improving accuracy, tracking material use and reducing the need for crews to work directly in live traffic.
• Digital Ticketing and Equipment Connectivity – Platforms digitize material delivery and inspection processes and integrate with equipment (heavy machinery) data, ensuring more consistent information flow between crews, contractors and agencies.
• High-Visibility Pavement Marking Materials – Wet-retroreflective tapes and durable markings maintain visibility in adverse conditions, supporting safer navigation through work zones.
• Connected Work Zone Safety Platforms – Connected devices provide real-time tracking of workers and temporary traffic control (TTC) devices, integrated with cloud software for centralized monitoring and management across the work zone.
• Digital Plan and Field Integration Tools – Solutions connect digital traffic control plans to field operations allowing crews to access updates, verify site conditions and streamline communication with project managers.

The Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) minimum retroreflectivity rule, effective since Sept. 6, 2022, requires states to adopt a maintenance method by Sept. 6, 2026. While the SWIFTT Challenge was not created specifically to address this rule, certain technologies—particularly automated pavement marking systems—could support improved roadway visibility and inform future practices.

The timing of an automated pavement marking solution taking center stage couldn’t be better. This technology can help agencies meet FHWA’s minimum retroreflectivity standards while supporting safety for workers and motorists.

The session concluded with last year’s SWIFTT Challenge winner sharing “Where are we now.” It reflected lessons learned, successes and challenges from applying new technologies in work zones.

Events like the SWIFTT Challenge provide a forum for exploring new approaches, sharing insights and testing emerging technologies. While participation does not guarantee adoption, the event sparks discussion and provides insight into innovations that may influence future practices.

– ATSSA Innovation & Technical Service Manager Nagham Matout El-Zine