Innovation Description and Benefit:

The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle program leverages innovative UAV technology to engineer out risk to employees, enhance emergency response capabilities, and improve infrastructure management. The UAV program was developed as a strategy in the Safety Response Team to find ways to limit time on the roadway for our staff, while still completing key responsibilities. By utilizing UAVs, MoDOT can collect real-time aerial data, conduct structural inspections, and monitor incident sites more effectively and safely. This approach not only increases operational efficiency but also reduces costs.  The UAV Program has developed an operation manual, safety program, and comprehensive training program to ensure our team is skilled in UAV operations, safety protocols, and mission planning, as they pertain to MoDOT. The program is centralized to ensure consistent standards, responsible procurement, and compliance with federal regulations. This program provides continual support to the UAV pilots and provides oversight of all UAV operations around the state. This comprehensive approach ensures that MODOT gains the highest level of benefits in safety and effective use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.