NCDOT's 2026 Innovation Challenge
The 2026 theme, Every Dollar Counts, was crafted by Division 14 Resident Engineer, Kenny McCourt! Thank you Kenny! Whether in the field or the office, participants helped identify operational savings ideas that could improve efficiency, reduce waste, and leverage existing NCDOT resources.
Thank you to all who participated in the 2026 Innovation Challenge! An announcement of the winners will be released in the coming week.
NCDOT's 2025 Innovation Challenge Winners
NCDOT’s CLEAR Innovation team has announced the 2025 Innovation Challenge winners! The 2025 Innovation Challenge focused on breaking barriers with project delivery. Innovators were asked to identify process improvements from concept through maintenance that supported efficient project delivery, cost-effective solutions, and value-driven outcomes.
Chris Coughlin (State Relocation Director), Tracey Jackson (Carolina Land Acquisitions Contractor), and Tom Linsenmeyer (GFT Contractor) developed a cost estimate intake tool and approval workflow for Right of Way (ROW). Spencer McDonald (Division 14 Bridge Maintenance Engineer) used precast concrete blocks during Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.
