Iowa DOT Research’s innovative use of virtual reality to increase community engagement was recognized in the March/April issue of Innovator, the Federal Highway Administration’s bimonthly newsletter.
Public engagement is essential to developing transportation projects that reflect the needs and interests of the local community. Traditionally, details about a project’s scope and shape are communicated through maps and artists’ renderings – 2D visuals that don’t always evoke excitement or interaction among community members. To increase participation and help members of the community become more actively engaged in the project development process, Iowa DOT Research partnered with researchers from Iowa State University to create a one-of-a-kind, virtual reality demonstration – a 3D, immersive experience of the I-74 Mississippi River Bridge replacement project. By providing users with the ability to explore the bridge and surrounding areas virtually, the technology helped to showcase project details, increase public engagement and generate valuable feedback.
The success has inspired Iowa DOT to consider using virtual reality for a variety of interactive and educational demonstrations in the future, such as driving near work zones or flooded roadways and passing bicycles safely.
Learn more about how Iowa DOT is using virtual reality to increase safety and enhance community engagement in the new issue of Innovator.
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