Training Materials to Implement Context Classifications (2026)
Chapter: Appendix B: Final Implementation of Research Findings & Products
Introduction
As stated in the NCHRP Project Request for Proposal, the objective of NCHRP Project 20-44(51): Developing Training Materials to Implement Context Classifications is to:
“develop training materials and resources for nationwide implementation of context classifications by state DOTs. These materials should be flexible enough to integrate context classifications with different processes at multiple state DOTs.”
The research team has prepared this stand-alone technical memorandum, “Implementation of Research Findings and Products.” The focus of the NCHRP Project 20-44(51) implementation plan is to support the efficient roll out of the training materials developed through this project.
Using the Training Materials
The training materials from NCHRP Project 20-44(51) are intended for state DOTs in the early stages of context classification implementation. The primary audience are state DOTs with an approved policy or leadership directive to explore context, who have not yet fully integrated context into their project development process. They may be at the very beginning stages or have completed some implementation activities but need additional support.
Materials may also be helpful for city, county, and tribal agencies wishing to integrate context classification into their plans and processes. While the specific examples are based on previous state DOT experience, most principles are still applicable at the local level. Local agencies using the training materials may wish to incorporate examples that better align with their agency’s processes.
The training materials have been set up to guide an agency through a workshop, or series of sessions. The first product, if needed, is a leadership briefing to help make the case to agency leadership to prioritize context classification implementation. Then, a draft survey allows staff to understand how context could fit into current agency practices and what challenges may arise along the way. The interactive training helps provide a baseline for agency staff in different departments to understand how context may impact their daily responsibilities. Finally, the action plan template helps agencies identify each step needed to successfully implement context, identify lead staff for each step, and prioritize the most important actions to start first.
The materials were originally intended to support a two-day workshop with agency staff. Materials can be used during a focused workshop or could be spaced out to more easily fit into agency workflows.
Application Leadership
State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) will be the primary implementers of the training materials. To support awareness and encourage active use of the training materials, the agencies listed in Table 1 have an important leadership role. The second column of this table identifies the specific activities envisioned for each agency.
Table 1. Recommended Implementation Activities and Agencies with Leadership Role.
| Agency with Leadership Role | Implementation Activity |
|---|---|
| NCHRP | Publish Final Report. |
| Post training materials on NCHRP website for download by potential agencies. | |
| Transportation Research Board (TRB) | Publicize the training on TRBs weekly e-newsletter. |
| Host a webinar providing an overview of products. | |
| Host a workshop at the TRB Annual Meeting, sponsored by the TRB Standing Committee on Performance-based Geometric Design. | |
| American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) | Advertise the training materials through the Technical Committee on Geometric Design. |
| Fund creation of recorded webinars for the interactive training modules. | |
| Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) |
Host a workshop at the ITE Annual Meeting, sponsored by one or more of the following ITE Councils:
|
Implementation Challenges and Recommended Actions
Potential challenges to applying the training materials include limited staff capacity and varying levels of organizational readiness. Following the process from getting leadership buy-in to agency survey to training to action plan development, requires dedicated time and sustained momentum from an agency champion. The training materials have been set up to take some of the initial burden off the agency staff and make it easier to get started.
Similarly, agencies may find they do not have the in-house staff to facilitate the training. The research team provided detailed speaker notes for all presentations, but training facilitation is not something all agency staff may feel comfortable with. Agencies may choose to partner with regional/metropolitan planning organizations, academic institutions, or consultants to help facilitate some or all of the training materials.
To help offload some of the facilitation duties from agency staff, TRB or AASHTO may choose to host online, recorded versions of the interactive training. Agencies could still choose to tailor the
training to their local audience but would have something to share with staff at the start of the implementation journey.
Measuring the Impacts
NCHRP could measure the impacts associated with implementing the findings and products of NCHRP Project 20-44(51) using the following metrics:
- Number of agencies who facilitated an interactive training
- Number of agencies who developed an action plan
- Number of agencies who have formalized context-based design criteria
