Improving connectivity on interstate corridors – such as I-80, which runs through 11 states - was cited as a key issue by the panel. “If you’re travelling from California to New Jersey you need connectivity,” said Tracy Larkin Thomason of Nevada DOT. “Cellular, satellite, broadband, it doesn’t matter. We need to take what we have and connect those dots.”
Carlos Braceros of Utah DOT agreed: “Connecting the I-80 across the country is so important. Most Americans will presume we’re already doing something about this; that’s something we need to do a better job of. At times you have to find a big, bold vision. Think about what you’re going to need in the next 20-30 years. Don’t let your vision be too small to meet the future.”
Thomason added: “Be open, don’t be stuck in ‘it must be this way’, be willing to meet people halfway. Call up your neighbour and open up a conversation.”
Also, be sure that you know what you’re trying to achieve, warned Brad Wieferich from Michigan DOT. “There’s a lot of really cool tech out there, but let’s think about the problems we have,” he said.