CALIFORNIA INNOVATION

See how other California agencies are working smarter and safer, or let us know about your own innovation!

California Innovation

Across California, local public agencies are developing practical solutions to everyday transportation challenges. From improving work zone safety to traffic calming measures to making maintenance more efficient, these solutions are helping public works crews be more effective at serving their communities.

Some ideas involve new technology. Others might be simple improvements to familiar procedures. The best ones have something in common: they solve real problems and are worth sharing.

Innovation Spotlights

Start with a challenge. See how another agency approached it. Take away an idea that may work in your own community.

Walnut Creek innovation story
Simple Tools. Safer Field Work.

A smartphone and open-source software helped automate signal sight-distance reviews, reducing field time and improving staff safety.

Read the story →

Moreno Valley innovation story
Slow and Safe, Save a Life

Speed cushions provided a cost-effective way to address speeding concerns in residential neighborhoods.

Read the story →

Sample image for the Portable Crosswalk Visibility Kit story
Portable Crosswalk Visibility Kit

A reusable kit combines portable lighting, reflective signs, and temporary markings to improve visibility during short-term street work.

Read the story →

Sample image for the Quick-Build School Zone Gateway story
Quick-Build School Zone Gateway

Flexible posts and high-visibility pavement markings create a stronger visual gateway that encourages lower speeds near schools.

Read the story →

Explore the Innovation Library

Browse practical transportation innovations by topic. Open a section below to view its stories.

Safety & Traffic Calming — 3 stories
Moreno Valley innovation story
Slow and Safe, Save a Life

Speed cushions provided a practical and cost-effective way to address speeding concerns in residential neighborhoods.

Read the story →

Sample image for the Portable Crosswalk Visibility Kit story
Portable Crosswalk Visibility Kit

A reusable kit combines portable lighting, reflective signs, and temporary markings to improve visibility during short-term street work.

Read the story →

Sample image for the Quick-Build School Zone Gateway story
Quick-Build School Zone Gateway

Flexible posts and high-visibility pavement markings create a stronger visual gateway that encourages lower speeds near schools.

Read the story →

Technology & Data — 3 stories
Walnut Creek innovation story
Simple Tools. Safer Field Work.

A smartphone and open-source software helped automate signal sight-distance reviews, reducing field time and improving staff safety.

Read the story →

Sample image for the QR-Code Sign Inventory story
QR-Code Sign Inventory

Durable QR labels connect field staff directly to sign records, installation dates, inspection notes, and replacement history.

Read the story →

Sample image for the Dash-Camera Pothole Mapping story
Dash-Camera Pothole Mapping

Existing fleet cameras help staff document pavement problems during routine trips and organize them on a shared map.

Read the story →

Field Operations — 3 stories
Sample image for the Fold-Flat Cone Retrieval Rack story
Fold-Flat Cone Retrieval Rack

A vehicle-mounted rack allows crews to collect traffic cones more efficiently while reducing repeated lifting and roadside exposure.

Read the story →

Sample image for the One-Person Culvert Inspection Cart story
One-Person Culvert Inspection Cart

A lightweight wheeled platform carries cameras and inspection tools, reducing setup time and the number of staff needed in the field.

Read the story →

Sample image for the Color-Coded Work Order Boards story
Color-Coded Work Order Boards

A visual board gives crews a shared view of assignments, priorities, equipment needs, and completed work without specialized software.

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Maintenance & Materials — 3 stories
Sample image for the Reclaimed Asphalt Cold-Patch Blend story
Reclaimed Asphalt Cold-Patch Blend

Reclaimed pavement material is processed into a lower-cost patching mixture for temporary roadway repairs.

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Sample image for the Modular Drain Inlet Screen story
Modular Drain Inlet Screen

Replaceable screen panels simplify debris removal and allow damaged components to be replaced without rebuilding the entire unit.

Read the story →

Sample image for the Solar-Powered Equipment Battery Station story
Solar-Powered Equipment Battery Station

A small solar charging station keeps handheld maintenance equipment ready for use at remote facilities.

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Cost & Efficiency — 3 stories
Sample image for the Regional Small-Equipment Library story
Regional Small-Equipment Library

Neighboring agencies share specialty tools that are useful but too infrequently needed for every agency to purchase separately.

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Sample image for the Route-Based Fuel Tracking story
Route-Based Fuel Tracking

Simple route and fuel-use comparisons help supervisors identify unnecessary travel and improve daily crew assignments.

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Sample image for the Standardized Emergency Repair Kit story
Standardized Emergency Repair Kit

Prepacked repair kits place commonly needed tools, materials, and checklists together so crews can respond without repeated supply trips.

Read the story →

Back to innovation topics ↑

Award-Winning California Innovations

  • 2024: Slow & Safe, Save a Life (SSSL) — City of Moreno Valley
  • 2023: Safe Sightings of Signs & Signals (SSOSS) — City of Walnut Creek

All winners & entries →

What is BABM?

Build a Better Mousetrap (BABM) is a recognition program for practical transportation innovations created by local and tribal agencies.

It helps share ideas that improve safety, save time, reduce costs, or make everyday work easier, so other agencies can adapt what works.

Build a Better Mousetrap innovation graphic

What Makes a Strong Innovation?

BABM-recognized innovations are often evaluated for benefits such as cost savings, time savings, impact, ingenuity, and whether other agencies can adapt the idea.

  • What problem does it solve?
  • What was done differently?
  • What improved as a result?
  • Could another agency use it?

Who Can Share?

California public agencies are invited to share practical transportation solutions, process improvements, tools, and approaches that could help others across the state.

Share an innovation →

Need More Help?

California LTAP Center

Phone: (562) 985-2872

admin@caltap.org