Writing for Public Roads:

How-To Guide

FHWA-HRT-22-076
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You should write for Public Roads!

Cover and page 2 images: 

© taniasv / AdobeStock.com.

Unless otherwise noted, 

all other images in 

this document are 

owned by FHWA.
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This booklet will introduce you to options for writing for Public Roads, enabling you 

to reach the magazine’s wide readership. In these pages, you will find descriptions 

of article types, as well as submission deadlines and requirements for each type.

Public Roads is the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) premier magazine that presents 

information of interest to highway industry professionals including:

• Advances and innovations in highway and traffic research and technology.

• Critical national transportation issues.

• Developments in FHWA policies and programs.

• Important activities and achievements of FHWA and others in the highway community.

With a readership that spans over 80,000 individuals1

 across the United States and more than 7 countries 

(including Australia, Canada, China, Germany, India, Russia, and the United Kingdom), Public Roads offers 

FHWA and State department of transportation (DOT) staff2 an avenue for communicating both technical 

and general-interest topics with peers (e.g., engineers, scientists, and economists) and other stakeholders 

across the highway industry.

1 Internal data obtained from web tracking.

2 Other Federal agencies, local and Tribal DOTs, field researchers and practitioners, and academia may also submit 

content for Public Roads but are encouraged to collaborate with FHWA and State DOTs.
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There are many ways you can contribute to 

Public Roads. From full-length feature articles to 

200-word summaries and advertisements, choose the 

option that best fits the information you want to share.

Feature 

Article

A detailed, substantive article 

that typically spans two to 

six magazine pages with 

photographs and graphics. 

Each magazine issue 

contains between four and 

six feature articles. Special 

themed issues may have up 

to seven feature articles.

Guest

Editorial

A one-page article, typically 

drafted by a senior leader 

within FHWA or another 

transportation agency, that 

briefly introduces high-profile 

initiatives or shares agency 

goals. Guest Editorials may 

focus on a topic related to a 

feature article in the issue.

Departments

Recurring sections with 

summaries of topics of 

general interest, and programs 

and courses offered by the 

National Highway Institute.

Advertisement

A one-page promotion of 

a program or initiative in a 

visual format. Ads do not 

need to be tied directly 

to any article featured 

in the issue and can 

announce an event, FHWA 

milestone, new program 

offering, or future article.

View past issues of the magazine for samples of each writing option: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/publicroads/past.cfm
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Feature Articles

Detailed, substantive articles
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A feature article is a longer, more detailed piece that typically spans two to six pages but may run 

longer on occasion if appropriate per the topic and as space allows. Each issue of Public Roads

contains between four and six feature articles. Special themed issues may contain up to seven 

feature articles. The Public Roads Editorial Board (which consists of the FHWA Executive Director 

and several Associate Administrators) reviews all suggested story ideas for feature articles, selecting 

topics that align with agency goals and the scope and intended audience of the magazine.

The process for developing a feature article includes four main steps.

Step 1. Prepare a proposal of your story 

idea for review by the Editorial Board.

A story idea is a brief (one page) summary about the topic 

of your article and should include the following information:

• A brief introduction to the project, program, or 

milestone (such as an anniversary).

• Bullet points—about four to six—noting any results or 

data points, challenges identified during the project 

and the solutions identified to solve them, project 

benefits, and/or next steps.

• Anticipated authors (no more than five bylined 

authors).

Step 2. Wait for approval from 

the Editorial Board.

The Marketing and Communications Team in the Office 

of Corporate Research, Technology, and Innovation 

Management submits batches of story ideas to the Editorial 

Board approximately every two months for review and 

approval. Once the Editorial Board approves a story idea, 

the editorial team will work with you to determine in which 

issue your article will be published. The issue in which your 

article will appear is a decision that depends on articles that 

are already scheduled and your availability. The editorial 

team will also provide you with author guidelines, templates, 

and other helpful information to support the development 

of your outline and subsequent article.
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More information on the format of an article, as well as detailed guidelines for submitting photos, can be found here: 

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/publicroads/author.cfm

Step 3. Prepare and deliver an 

outline of your article.

Expand your story-idea proposal into an article outline and 

email it to the editorial team by the predetermined deadline 

(see table 1). The editorial team will provide feedback to help 

you develop and refine your article.

Step 4. Prepare and deliver 

your article manuscript.

Produce a draft manuscript and deliver it to the editorial 

team by the predetermined deadline.

Recommendations

• Avoid obvious opinions or statements that are difficult 

to back up.

• Include URLs to sources for any data cited.

• Refrain from promoting a particular brand of material 

or equipment; for example, use generalized terms such 

as “asphalt paver” instead of “Caterpillar” or “loader” 

instead of “Komatsu.”

• Avoid identifying contractors and consultants by name, 

noting “engineering consultant” instead.

Requirements

Your feature article draft manuscript must include the 

following:

• 500 words per page (1,000–3,000 words). 

• Include up to five named authors. 

• A brief bio (25 to 50 words) for each bylined author.

• 6 to 8 high-resolution digital photos or graphics (300-dotsper-inch (dpi) JPEGs of 4 by 6 inches at a minimum).

• A title, a single sentence summarizing the article (known as 

“deck copy”), and recommended subheadings.
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* Deadlines for the Winter issue are set earlier to ensure more time to complete the issue before the Transportation 

Research Board Annual Meeting, which typically takes place mid-January. For the Winter issue to be available 

for distribution at the Annual Meeting, draft manuscripts are due seven months before (i.e., July).

Deadlines for Feature Articles 

Deadlines for feature articles are set by working backward from the publication date of the 

magazine. In general, draft manuscripts are due six months before the print date of the magazine. 

For example, the draft manuscript for an article in the Autumn issue, which is printed in October, 

would be due in May. Outlines are due two months before the manuscripts, allowing time for the 

editorial team to review proposed articles and provide suggestions and feedback. The suggested 

deadlines for story ideas in table 1 will ensure you receive approval from the Editorial Board before 

you invest resources in writing the outline and manuscript.

Table 1. Deadlines for feature articles.

Issue (Months) Deadline for 

Story Ideas

Deadline for 

Outlines

Deadline for 

Manuscripts Estimated Print Date

Winter (January–March) April 1 * May 1 * July 1 * January

Spring (April–June) August 1 September 1 November 1 April

Summer (July–September) October 1 December 1 February 1 July

Autumn (October–December) February 1 March 1 May 1 October
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Guest Editorials

Short articles presenting high-profile 

initiatives or sharing agency goals 
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See samples from previous issues: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/publicroads/past.cfm

Recommendations

• Avoid using first person (e.g., me, I, us, we, our) and instead 

use third person (e.g., the Nation, the agency, FHWA).

• Reference one or more articles scheduled for the issue, if 

appropriate. 

• Avoid obvious opinions or statements that are difficult to 

validate.

• Include URLs to sources for any data cited.

Requirements

Your Guest Editorial must include the following:

• 550 words, maximum.

• A title that introduces the theme or topic of the editorial.

• Your full name and title as it should appear in the magazine.

• A high-resolution headshot and an opening photo (300-dpi 

JPEG of 4 by 6 inches at a minimum).

• An electronic image of your signature (300-dpi JPEG).

A Guest Editorial is typically drafted by a senior leader within FHWA or another transportation 

agency. This one-page piece is a great way to briefly introduce high-profile initiatives or share 

agency goals. Guest Editorials may also focus on a topic related to a feature article in the issue. 

Drafts for Guest Editorials are due at least three months before the print date of the magazine 

(see table 2).

Table 2. Deadlines for Guest Editorial submissions.

Issue (Months) Deadline for Content Estimated Print Date 

Winter (January–March) September 1 * January

Spring (April–June) January 1 April

Summer (July–September) April 1 July

Autumn (October–December) July 1 October

* Deadline is set earlier to ensure more time to complete the Winter issue before the Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting.
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Departments

Recurring sections with summaries of topics of general 

interest, and available programs and courses
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Public Roads has a number of departments, which are recurring sections of the magazine with 

summaries of topics of general interest; notices of recent publications in research, development, and 

technology applications; internet-related information applicable to transportation professionals; and 

programs and courses offered by the National Highway Institute. While some of these departments 

are reserved for specific authors, most are available to you as another way to share your content. 

 What’s New

One-page article intended to 

accommodate important subjects 

that are of particular interest near 

the print date of an issue.

 Innovation Corner

Highlights of new innovations; this 

department is written by the FHWA Office 

of Transportation Workforce Development 

and Technology Deployment.

 Along the Road

Information about current and upcoming activities, developments, trends, 

and items of general interest to the highway community. Formerly 

called Internet Watch, this department will also showcase a brief 

summary of new web resources courtesy of FHWA and its partners.

 Training Update

Programs and courses currently 

offered by the National Highway 

Institute; these updates are written 

by the National Highway Institute.
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Requirements

Your What’s New draft must include the following:

• A title that introduces the theme or topic of the article.

• 500–550 words that describe the subject.

• A high-resolution image (300-dpi JPEG of 4 by 6 inches at a 

minimum), such as a photo or graph, that is related to your 

topic; a logo or screenshot may be used if suitable imagery 

is not available.

Requirements

Your Innovation Corner draft must include the following:

• A title that introduces the theme or topic of the article.

• 500–550 words that describe the subject.

• A high-resolution image (300-dpi JPEG of 4 by 6 inches at a 

minimum), such as a photo or graph, that is related to your 

topic. A logo or screenshot may be used if suitable imagery 

is not available.

What’s New

The What’s New department, formerly Hot Topic, is intended 

to accommodate subjects that are of particular interest near 

the print date of a magazine issue. Hot Topics are one page in 

length, and as such, they do not require the longer lead time 

needed for lengthier pieces, such as feature articles. See table 

3 for submission deadlines.

Innovation Corner

The Innovation Corner department is intended to highlight 

new innovations and technology by FHWA and its partners 

that are available on the web, such as software tools or 

resource portals. This department is one page in length and 

does not require the longer lead time needed for lengthier 

pieces. See table 3 for submission deadlines.

Table 3 contains suggested deadlines for department submissions.
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Requirements

Your Along the Road draft must include the following:

• A title that introduces the topic of your summary.

• 200–300 words that summarize the latest developments in 

your topic.

• A high-resolution image (300-dpi JPEG of 4 by 6 inches at a 

minimum) to accompany your summary.

• A URL or contact name and email address where readers 

can get more information.

Requirements

Your Training Update draft must include the following:

• A title that introduces the theme or topic of the article.

• 500–550 words that describe the subject.

• A high-resolution image (300-dpi JPEG of 4 by 6 inches at a 

minimum), such as a photo or graph, that is related to your 

topic; a logo or screenshot may be used if suitable imagery 

is not available.

Along the Road

The Along the Road department provides short summaries 

about current and upcoming activities, developments, trends, 

and technology of interest to the highway community. The 

Along the Road department is a great place to share success 

stories and technical news. See table 3 for submission 

deadlines.

Training Update

The Training Update department is written by the National 

Highway Institute and is a one-page feature that provides 

details on course and training offerings. See table 3 for 

submission deadlines.

Table 3. Deadlines for department submissions.

Issue (Months) Deadline for Content Estimated Print Date 

Winter (January–March) September 1 * January

Spring (April–June) January 1 April

Summer (July–September) April 1 July

Autumn (October–December) July 1 October

* Deadline is set earlier to ensure more time to complete the Winter issue before the Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting.
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Advertisements

One-page visual promotions 

of a program or initiative
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A one-page ad is a great way to promote a program or 

initiative in a more visual format. An ad does not need to be 

directly tied to an article in the issue. Public Roads has run 

ads to promote Work Zone Awareness Week, the Professional 

Development Program, Federal Aid Essentials, the Eisenhower 

Transportation Fellowship Program, CARMASM, the National 

Roadway Safety Awards, and National Roundabouts Week, 

among others. If your ad is tied to an observance month or 

week, it is best to run the ad in the issue printed closest to 

that date.

There is often room for one or two ads per issue. The process 

of creating an ad is relatively simple and involves submitting 

content (see Requirements) to the editorial team, who will 

work with you to design the ad. Content for ads is due at least 

three months prior to the print date of the issue. See table 4 

for submission deadlines.

Requirements

Your draft ad content must include the following:

• Bullet points—about four to six—highlighting the program, 

event, or reason for the ad.

• A URL that provides readers with further information.

• Several high-resolution images (300-dpi JPEGs of 4 by 6 

inches at a minimum) that are original (preferred) and owned 

by FHWA or stock photography.

• High-resolution program or event logo(s), if applicable (be 

sure that your logo has been approved by Public Affairs 

before submission to the editorial team).

Table 4. Deadlines for advertisement submissions.

Issue (Months) Deadline for Content Estimated Print Date 

Winter (January–March) September 1 * January

Spring (April–June) January 1 April

Summer (July–September) April 1 July

Autumn (October–December) July 1 October

* Deadline is set earlier to ensure more time to complete the Winter issue before the Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting.
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Public Roads offers many options for writers, so there is surely an option best suited to 

your content or the information you would like to share. If you are interested in writing an 

article or contributing to a department, send your content to PublicRoads@dot.gov.

We look forward to working with you!
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Notice

This document is disseminated under the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Transportation 

(USDOT) in the interest of information exchange. The U.S. Government assumes no liability for the 

use of the information contained in this document. The U.S. Government does not endorse products 

or manufacturers. Trademarks or manufacturers’ names appear in this booklet only because they are 

considered essential to the objective of the document. 

Quality Assurance Statement

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) provides high-quality information to serve 

Government, industry, and the public in a manner that promotes public understanding. Standards 

and policies are used to ensure and maximize the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of its 

information. FHWA periodically reviews quality issues and adjusts its programs and processes to 

ensure continuous quality improvement.

Image Sources

Page 1: © taniasv / AdobeStock.com.

Page 2: © taniasv / AdobeStock.com.

Page 4: Source: FHWA.

Page 18: Source: FHWA.
FHWA-HRT-22-076

HRTM-20/07-22(WEB)E

Recommended citation: Federal Highway 

Administration, Writing for Public Roads: 

How-To Guide (Washington, DC: 2022) 

https://doi.org/10.21949/1521879