Post-Implementation Evaluation of Transportation Projects: Conduct of Research (2026)
Chapter: Conclusions
Visit
NAP.edu/10766
to get more information about this book, to buy it in print, or to
download it as a free PDF.
Previous Chapter:
Overview of Final Products
Suggested Citation:
"Conclusions." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2026. Post-Implementation Evaluation of Transportation Projects: Conduct of Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
doi: 10.17226/29498.
Conclusions
The NCHRP Project 08-170 research effort was systematically conducted between February 2024 and February 2026. Throughout the work, the following primary lessons were learned and should be of interest for future researchers:
- Do not underestimate organizational challenges – Researchers are often so focused on advancing technical frameworks that they lose sight of the practical challenge of getting organizational buy-in to move forward. The main ‘pivot’ in this research effort was to face the adoption challenge head on and make the case for implementation. Without leadership and broader internal stakeholder approval, the most advanced technical framework in the world will not be of much use.
- Enable folks to get hands-on – It is important to recognize that end users of the research may have different learning styles. In this research effort, the team attempted to satisfy practitioners that want to skip the Guide and go straight to playing with data in a tool and those that want an in-depth discussion of framework concepts. No single product can satisfy everyone, but having multiple ‘entry points’ into the research can be helpful.
- Seek a diversity of perspectives – PIE takes a village. Given the diversity of individuals needed for a successful PIE implementation, the research team made it a point to get its draft framework/tool out into conferences/webinars that attract different audiences. The team was able to learn from state and regional planners and engineers by targeting both TPM and asset management events. Getting different folks in the room can highlight unique perspectives that will round out the final deliverables and ensure it helps as many practitioners as possible.
The research team is indebted to an engaged Panel and TRB program officer. We are proud of the final assortment of deliverables we developed together and look forward to seeing PIE more readily implemented across state DOTs and MPOs.
Subscribe to Emails from the National Academies
Stay up to date on activities, publications, and events by subscribing to email updates.