Each year since 2009, the AASHTO Research Advisory Committee has held a competition to highlight high value research (HVR). All 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico can submit HVR entries. Each of the four regions within AASHTO then select four HVR projects, resulting in the top 16 HVR projects or the Sweet Sixteen. Since 2013, additional projects are chosen to highlight in two topical categories, one being safety and the other varying each year.

The Montana DOT has won a HVR award in 2009, 2014, 2018, and 2020. In addition, Montana DOT has been recognized in the supplemental HVR topics in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2021. The projects are linked below.

HVR Awards

2009: A Study of the Economic Effects of Reconfiguring Montana's Two-Lane Highways
2014: A Study of the Economic Effects of Reconfiguring Montana's Two-Lane Highways
2018: Rockfall Hazard Classification and Mitigation System)
2020: Guidelines for Chemically Stabilizing Problematic Soils

Supplemental Topic Recognition

2015: Concrete-Filled Steel Tube to Concrete Pile Cap Connections
2017: Speed Limits Set Lower than Engineering Recommendations
2019: Investigation of Prefabricated Steel Truss/Bridge Deck Systems
2021: Effective Production Rate Estimation and Activity Sequencing Logics Using Daily Work Report Data: Phases 1 and 2
2021: Testing Wildlife-Friendly Fencing Modifications to Manage Wildlife and Livestock Movements
2022: Feasibility of Non-Proprietary Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) for Use in Highway Bridges in Montana