Beautifying Transportation Infrastructure Challenge

Transportation infrastructure connects the Nation, shaping the physical character of our communities and the daily experience of the American public. While functionality and safety remain key for America’s infrastructure, there is a renewed opportunity to ensure these essential systems also rise to a level of aesthetic beauty that reflects the promise of the American people.  

This challenge invites citizens from all levels of expertise across professional, public, and student populations to submit visionary proposals for transportation infrastructure projects. As directed by Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, these concepts should demonstrate how infrastructure can "uplift and beautify public transportation spaces, inspire the human spirit, and ennoble the United States." 

The challenge seeks visual and conceptual renderings that reimagine essential transportation infrastructure such as bridges and overpasses, transit and mobility hubs, corridors and streetscapes, transportation-connected public spaces and plazas, gateways and entries, rural and small community transportation-related features, and intermodal or infrastructure connections. 

Key Dates

Challenge Submission Period: March 13, 2026 - May 13, 2026

Informational Webinar: An informational webinar will be held on Wednesday, March 25th at 3:30-4:30 PM ET for those interested in applying or learning more about the Challenge. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Resources

Challenge Statement: For the complete official terms and conditions, please download the Beautifying Transportation Infrastructure Challenge document. 

Frequently Asked Questions: The Challenge FAQs page will be updated periodically during the submission period.

How to Enter

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the document for the full description of the Challenge, including the requirements. 

1. Complete the Official Challenge Intake Form.
2. Prepare Your Submission Package.
3. Submit Your Files via Email to BeautifyTransportation@dot.gov .

For questions related to the Challenge, please  email BeautifyTransportation@dot.gov .

Important Note on Scope: This competition is a design challenge; it is not a funding opportunity for physical infrastructure projects. The Department is not looking for actual infrastructure project proposals for construction. Rather, we are seeking grounded, realistic design concepts that align with Executive Order 14344 – Making Federal Architecture Beautiful Again, the Presidential Memorandum on Promoting Beautiful Federal Civic Architecture, and the "America 250" vision. These concepts should demonstrate how future investments can be aesthetically elevated while remaining functionally viable. These concepts should demonstrate how future investments can be aesthetically elevated while remaining functionally viable.