The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) wants to leverage the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to help make Texas roads safer and enhance mobility across the state.

TxDOT has released its Artificial Intelligence Strategic Plan marking a step toward enhancing processes, policies and the responsible management of Texas' transportation investments through AI, according to the agency. The plan identifies key use cases and provides recommendations to prepare TxDOT for adopting technological innovations.

"TxDOT is committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancements, and AI offers tremendous potential to improve safety and streamline operations," said Marc Williams, TxDOT executive director, in a statement. "By utilizing AI in a secure and responsible manner, we are revolutionizing the way we monitor and manage traffic, detect incidents in real time and streamline how we work to help get projects delivered more efficiently."

The 230 potential AI-use cases identified in the plan will guide the department over the next three years. TxDOT engineers, IT experts, planners and multiple other employees across the state helped create these use cases.

The plan also lays out multiple recommendations to help enhance data quality and train employees on AI.

Key focus areas of the AI Strategic Plan include:

Optimizing infrastructure: AI will help improve the efficiency and resiliency of the state's transportation network.

Data-driven decision making: AI-enabled analytics will enhance how staff can make decisions regarding roadway operations and maintenance.

Ensuring security: Incorporates security and data privacy safeguards to protect the agency, while also keeping humans in the loop with all AI processes

TxDOT has developed an Acceptable Use of Artificial Intelligence Policy and established an AI Risk Management Workgroup that will identify, assess and manage the risks associated with AI systems and projects.

Source: Texas Department of Transportation