Trump’s Transportation Department launches a $20 million program to share real-time highway safety data across state lines

The Great American Digital Corridors Program will pay for public data feeds along multi-state interstate routes, with a focus on work zones, traffic congestion, freight bottlenecks and emergency response.

By Alex National Affairs & Economic Correspondent Nov. 13, 2026 · WASHINGTON

Published at 6:45 PM Pacific on Nov. 13, 2026. Updated at 6:45 PM Pacific on Nov. 13, 2026.

The Department of Transportation on Friday started the Great American Digital Corridors Program. It is a $20 million investment to help states share live highway safety information with one another along the nation’s interstate highways.

The department’s Office of Research and Technology said the money will pay for projects that set up public data feeds along highways that cross more than one state. The goal is to make roads safer and smoother for travelers and businesses.

The program will put first the proposals that use live data for safety in work zones, less traffic and smoother flow, and fixing freight bottlenecks. It will also favor proposals that help coordinate emergency response and send first responders where they are needed.

Projects will not need to put up matching money. The department said states and other applicants do not have to pay a share of the cost this year. The federal government may cover 100 percent of a project’s cost.

“The Great American Digital Corridors Program unleashes cutting-edge innovation and promotes open-data sharing across public, private, and academia to eliminate traffic bottlenecks, elevate safety, and power autonomous transportation,” said Seval Oz, the department’s assistant secretary for research and technology. “Under Secretary Duffy, USDOT is uniting our states, industry, and academia to build the world’s most advanced mobility network along our national interstates—empowering the U.S. economy and bringing American families safely home.”

Federal Highway Administrator Sean McMaster said the program would create a more connected transportation network. “Reliable information on real-time traffic conditions benefits America’s drivers and truckers, facilitating mobility and ultimately promoting safety on the roads and our national economy,” he said.

States, local and tribal governments, transit agencies, public toll authorities and metropolitan planning organizations are among those who can apply. Private companies, nonprofit groups and colleges may take part as members of a team with a public partner that can apply.

According to the federal grant listing, applications are due Dec. 28. The department expects to make about eight awards. It will hold an online meeting for applicants on Nov. 23 and expects to announce its choices in early 2027.