TxDOT's Role in the Transportation Industry and Innovation

Presented by:

Mike Arellano, P.E.,

Deputy District Engineer at TxDOT Austin District 

B.S., Civil Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin 

Abstract

Transportation is undergoing a significant technology revolution, reshaping the landscape of how we move people and goods. This revolution is driven by advancements in automotive, information, and communication technologies, which have become more sophisticated at an unprecedented pace. Emerging transportation technologies are creating disruptions in traditional business models and are expected to have dramatic impacts on safety, mobility, and system performance over the next 20 to 30 years. These technologies go beyond the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) investments of the past and present significant new opportunities to address previously unsolvable problems. However, they also bring new challenges that governments need to understand and mitigate including innovate ways to plan, fund, delivery and integration of unconventional systems and technologies. Government agencies, such as TxDOT, are transitioning from being leaders in the development and deployment of new technologies to facilitators of these innovations through partnerships and collaboration with the technology sector. In my presentation, I hope to share how TxDOT in the Austin area is advancing emerging technology to enhance safety, mobility and sustainability while tackling the larger governance challenges such as but not limited to funding, project delivering, cybersecurity and data management.

About the Speaker

Miguel “Mike” Arellano, P.E., serves as Deputy District Engineer for the TxDOT Austin District.  He has 28 years of experience in transportation engineering. Mike received a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin in 1997.  He started working for TxDOT as a contract employee through the Center for Transportation Research (CTR) of the University of Texas at Austin. Upon graduation, he started his TxDOT career with the Materials and Pavement section of Construction Division as a geotechnical engineer, specializing in forensics of earth and pavement structures. In 2006, he had the opportunity to become the Materials and Pavement engineer for the TxDOT Austin District. During his time as the materials and pavement engineer, he innovated new asphalt technologies and the first risk-based asset pavement management system at TxDOT. In 2014, Mike became the District Maintenance Engineer and two year later he became the Director of Maintenance for the Austin District. In March 2018, the Austin District merged maintenance and traffic operations, and Mike became the first Director of Operations for the Austin District. In September 2019, Mike assumed his current position as Deputy District Engineer.

Mike is currently leading efforts to implement emerging transportation and sustainability technology projects for the Austin District including the development of technology certification call Texas SMART Track in partnership with the University of Texas at Austin, leading the CAMPO subcommittee on regional implementation of transportation technology such the futuristic ITS architecture, implementing AI traffic management solutions, and initiating innovative usage of TxDOT ROW for solar generation and EV charging. In his time with the Austin District, he has led multiple humanitarian efforts such as TxDOT Initiative to Prevent Human Trafficking and the Mobility35 Initiative to Address Homelessness, a supportive transitional housing project called Esperanza Community. In 2021, Mike on the TxDOT Gibb Gilchrist Award for outstanding service to the State of Texas and outstanding career in highway engineering with the Texas Department of Transportation. Mike spends his most valuable time with his family camping, fishing, and attending UT sporting events.

Lunch will be provided by Chi'lantro.


Date: Tuesday, February 18
Time: 12:30 - 1:30 PM 
Location: ECJ 3.116

Questions? Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Event Coordinator

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