DelDOT’s newest tech works behind the scenes

The Delaware Department of Transportation has long used technology to make getting around in the state safer and easier, from its transportation apps to construction innovation Diverging Diamond Interchange to AI traffic monitoring.

The Austin-based software suite Aurigo Masterworks was recently added to DelDOT’s tech stack. It comes as the state plans on hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure projects under the 2021-2026 Capital Transportation Program. Projects statewide include improvements to the 12th Street Connector in Wilmington, North Main Street in Smyrna and Dewey Beach Pedestrian.

What does Masterworks do, exactly, and will you notice a change as you use the roadways, bridges and public transportation?

Put simply, the software prioritizes projects.

“While investment in capital infrastructure is increasing across the US, there is rarely ever enough public funding to carry out every single project,” Balaji Sreenivasan, CEO and founder of Aurigo Software, told Technical.ly. “It therefore falls to agencies like DelDOT to prioritize projects and allocate budgets accordingly. To manage this effectively, full visibility over the entire capital planning ecosystem is absolutely essential, ensuring that costs can be accurately estimated, and budgets allocated accordingly.”

So, while many of the technologies DelDOT touts is on the ground, Masterworks handles the business side, including automating the obligation and reimbursement process for federal funds.

“Considering our significant investment in capital construction projects throughout the state valued at over $600 million annually, DelDOT is pleased to be onboarding Aurigo to help modernize our budget and spend activities around these efforts,” said Todd Reavis, director of technology and innovation for DelDOT.

Will the everyday Delawarean notice the change? No, probably not. But the tech will ultimately impact residents.

“While much of the functionality of Aurigo Masterworks will happen behind the scenes, the overall benefits will be felt far and wide, including in local communities,” Sreenivasan said.  “People will get the capital improvement assets they need, such as roads, and they’ll get them faster and on budget.”

According to Delaware’s 2021-2026 transportation plan, DelDOT has projected more than $3 billion in capital spending over the next five years.