Matthew Neeley, Washington Department of Transportation

Matthew Neeley is a transportation engineering leader with more than 29 years of experience delivering complex, high-profile projects that improve mobility, enhance safety and strengthen multimodal transportation systems. A licensed Professional Engineer, he is recognised for developing practical, innovative solutions that balance operational performance, public benefit and fiscal responsibility.

Mr. Neeley’s expertise spans highway operations, Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO), commercial vehicle operations and public transit systems. Throughout his career, he has led projects across the full infrastructure lifecycle – from planning and design to implementation and performance evaluation – ensuring operational reliability, regulatory compliance, and long-term sustainability.

A specialist in technology-enabled transportation, Mr. Neeley has led the deployment of AI-enabled operational systems and decision-support tools that harness real-time analytics, predictive modelling and intelligent automation to improve traffic management, network operations and traveller information services.

He has also played a significant role in advancing freight mobility through the development and implementation of Truck Parking Information and Availability Systems (TPIMS) and commercial vehicle e-screening solutions that enhance efficiency, safety and the movement of goods.

Mr. Neeley is known for his collaborative leadership, working closely with multidisciplinary teams that include engineers, planners, architects, technology providers, emergency responders and public agencies to deliver projects on schedule, within budget and with measurable results.

He remains actively engaged in the advancement of intelligent transportation systems (ITS), smart infrastructure and sustainable transport operations. His work is focused on applying innovation and sound engineering principles to create safer, more resilient and more efficient transportation networks that support economic growth and improve quality of life.