STATE DOTS EXPAND DRONE PROGRAMS, TRANSFORMING INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT

DRONE XL

By Haye Kesteloo

January 1, 2025

Alabama‘s Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has launched a formal drone program that signals the growing maturation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) deployment across state transportation agencies. The initiative, which places dedicated personnel in charge of drone operations, represents a shift from experimental projects to systematic integration of UAS technology into core infrastructure management operations.

Long-time agency veteran John D’arville reportedly heads the program as UAS Administrator, working alongside UAS Manager Jonathan Woodham to oversee operations that span construction monitoring, infrastructure inspection, and environmental assessment. Their approach emphasizes both operational efficiency and regulatory compliance, requiring two-person crews to maintain visual line of sight during all flights.

The program’s impact on bridge inspection illustrates the practical benefits driving drone adoption. Using specialized mapping drones capable of capturing imagery within 6 inches of structures, ALDOT can now generate detailed 3D models for remote inspection. This capability eliminates up to four hours of travel time for inspectors examining bridges in remote locations, while maintaining safety standards and reducing traffic disruption.

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