Step Into the Future of Transportation
Be part of the national movement shaping the golden age of road safety.
See the technology, test innovations, and connect with the leaders saving lives on American roads.
Date: September 18, 2026 | Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM ET |
Why You Must Attend
Join the U.S. Department of Transportation on September 18, 2026, for an unprecedented, hands-on exploration of the next generation of life-saving transportation technology. Designed to elevate the awareness of safety technologies and implement the National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS), this immersive one-day event brings together state DOT executives, local leaders, industry pioneers, safety advocates, students and lawmakers to focus on opportunities to eliminate roadway fatalities.
- Five Themes, 14 Immersive Experiences, and 40+ Exhibits: Explore dynamic indoor and outdoor exhibits across the DOT HQ complex—from darkroom visibility lab to how robots like “Spot” handle critical infrastructure tasks.
What You Will See & Experience
| Themes | Interactive Highlights & Key Experiences |
|---|---|
| Crash Dynamics & Vehicle Engineering | Compare 30 years of vehicle crashworthiness evolution (1996 vs. 2026 side-by-side crashed vehicles), inspect sensor-loaded dummies, and receive on-site VIN recall checks. |
| Infrastructure, Nighttime Visibility & Smart Work Zones | Step inside a darkroom experience testing reflective pavement markings, AI-driven pedestrian detection, solar lane markers, smart barrels, Automated Truck-Mounted Attenuators and Positive Train Control integration. |
| AI, Data & Predictive Analytics | Interact with dynamic 'Digital Twin' highway models forecasting real-time black ice and hydroplaning risks and test-drive AI platforms that isolate work-zone threats. |
| Commercial Fleets, Freight, and Hazardous Materials | Sit in the cab of a commercial semi-truck to experience massive 'No Zone' blind spots, test AI fatigue-detection apps, and watch live TSA hazard-detection canine team. |
| Human Factors, Virtual Reality, and Emergency Response | Navigate high-risk traffic, impaired driving, and emergency scenarios using 3D VR headsets, occupant monitoring systems, wearable haptic alert systems and hazmat drone deployment. Observe live emergency medical demonstrations spotlighting pre-hospital blood transfusions engineered to dramatically reduce crash scene fatalities. Inova Blood Donor Services will be on site for participants to donate blood. Schedule a blood donation here. |
Check out our Roadway Safety Innovation Expo social media posts:
A Visitor’s Guide to the U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Avenue S.E.
Washington, DC 20590
The U.S. Department of Transportation Headquarters is located in the Capital Riverfront next to Yards Park and is housed in two connected buildings – the West Building and the East Building. The main visitor's entrance is located in the West Building on New Jersey Avenue SE and M Street SE. Upon entering the lobby, visitors must report to the security desk. There is also a smaller visitor's entrance on the 4th Street SE side of the East Building.
PLANNING YOUR ARRIVAL
Please plan your arrival at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment to ensure you have time to process with building security. Haveyour government issued photo ID and the name and phone number of your U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) contact readily available upon request.
BUILDING ENTRANCES
There are two visitor entrances to the DOT Headquarters. The primary visitor entrance is located on New Jersey Avenue SE, and the secondary visitor entrance is located on 4th Street SE, across from Harris Teeter.
METRO RAIL
The DOT Headquarters building is on the DC Metro Green Line at the Navy Yard Station, located on the corner of M Street SE and New Jersey Avenue SE. Follow the signs in the Metro to the Dept. of Transportation exit. When you exit the Metro Station, you will be across from CVS Pharmacy, to the right across M Street SE will be Starbucks and a ramp to the main visitors entrance at DOT Headquarters.
BICYCLE
DOT is well served by several bicycle routes and trails. Bike racks are located on the corner of New Jersey Avenue SE and M Street SE; New Jersey Avenue SE and Tingey Street SE as well as on 4th Street SE and M Street SE. There are two Capital Bikeshare stations in the vicinity of DOT, one just outside the main entrance on the corner of New Jersey Avenue SE and M Street SE and the second located at the corner of 3rd Street SE and Tingey Street SE.
PARKING
There is NO visitor parking available at the DOT Headquarters building; however, there are several parking garages, street parking and lots in the vicinity that offer hourly parking.
NOTE: Due to multiple on-going construction projects in the area of the U.S. Department of Transportation Headquarters, metered street parking is often limited and difficult to find, which may cause unexpected delays. Please plan accordingly.
This 2026 USDOT Roadway Safety Innovation Expo is conducted in the interest of information exchange. The selection for appearance, and the appearance or demonstration of products, trademarks, or manufacturers’ names at the Expo, does not reflect a preference, approval, or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) of any product or entity.
The U.S. DOT assumes no liability for the content of the products displayed or demonstrated at the expo or their fitness for any particular use. Appearance, demonstration, or operation of products does not establish certification or compliance with any standard, specification, or regulation, including but not limited to AASHTO's A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, FHWA's Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, or other standards or policies of the U.S. DOT.