Tag: Better Roads News: Page 59

Roadbuilding

TxDOT, GEICO launch Safe Phone Zones with WiFi at rest areas, travel info centers

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has launched Safe Phone Zones providing free WiFi at Safety Rest Areas and Travel Information Centers across the state. The Safe Phone Zones are sponsored by GEICO and are part of the agency’s Sponsor Acknowledgement Program, which is a trade-off program used to fund driver benefits in exchange for […]

December 26, 2016

Roadbuilding

MoDOT renames youth leadership program TRACTION

The Missouri Department of Transportation’s (MoDOT) Highway Safety Division has renamed its Youth Traffic Safety Leadership Training program to Teens Taking Action to Prevent Traffic Crashes—or TRACTION. The program was previously branded as TEAM SPIRIT. “The program has been in existence for over 20 years. It will have a new look, but the traffic safety […]

December 26, 2016

Roadbuilding

Virginia DOT names McGhee director of state’s Transportation Research Council

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has named Catherine C. McGhee as the new director of its Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC). “From driverless vehicles to roadway paving materials to bridges, the Virginia Transportation Research Council is committed to conducting research in order to find innovative solutions to transportation issues in Virginia and beyond,” says […]

December 23, 2016

Roadbuilding

Florida DOT, FHWA environmental review agreement to save time and money

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have signed an environmental review agreement that assigns FHWA’s responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for federally funded highway projects to FDOT. The environmental review process for these projects takes longer to complete than on state funded projects. FDOT says it […]

December 23, 2016

Roadbuilding

ACPA honors Pitcock with 2016 Hartmann-Hirschman-Egan Award

The American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA) has presented its 2016 Hartmann-Hirschman-Egan Award to James D. Pitcock Jr., owner, chairman and CEO of Williams Brothers Construction Company. ACPA presents the award annually to individuals or organizations for “unparalleled, long-term commitment, dedication, participation, and leadership in the concrete pavement community.” “It is a privilege that our association […]

December 22, 2016

Roadbuilding

DelDOT website aims to help develop non-traditional transportation projects

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has launched a website aimed at helping to develop non-traditional transportation projects to provide choices for cyclists and pedestrians. The site was developed for the state’s Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)—a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) program created through the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. Its purpose is to “encourage community-based […]

December 22, 2016

Roadbuilding

President-elect Trump looking to create task force for infrastructure plans

The Washington Post reports president-elect Donald Trump is looking to form a task force for his infrastructure plans once he takes office. Citing a “person familiar with the initiative,” the Washington Post says the individual to lead the task force would not be “Cabinet level” but still would be integral in working with officials from […]

December 21, 2016

Roadbuilding

Indiana task force proposes boosted gas taxes, user fees for transportation funding future

The Indiana general assembly’s group dedicated to finding long-term solutions for road and bridge funding in the state has issued a report determining that a combination of fuel taxes, road usage charges and ancillary fees is needed. The Funding Indiana’s Roads for a Stronger Safer Tomorrow Task Force (FIRSST) has met five times this year, […]

December 21, 2016

Roadbuilding

Georgia DOT awards 18 contracts valued at $44.5 million

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has awarded 18 contracts valued at $44.5 million in its most recent contract announcements. Nine of the contracts total $27.8 million and cover resurfacing and maintenance projects for 84 miles of state highways. Seven of the contracts are valued at $11.8 million and will take care of rehabilitation work on […]

December 21, 2016

Roadbuilding

Custom-built snowplows save Caltrans 33% in equipment costs

The California Department of Transportation’s (Caltrans) Division of Equipment has designed and custom built 14 snowplows, which it says has saved them 33 percent compared to purchasing commercial versions. To these trucks, the division added infrared pavement thermometers, backup cameras, high-speed attenuators, high-visibility striping and larger plows. Division employees also did all wiring and welding […]

December 20, 2016

Roadbuilding

East End Crossing opens to traffic, renamed as Lewis and Clark Bridge

The East End Crossing, the second half of the Ohio River Bridges project, has opened to traffic and has been renamed the Lewis and Clark Bridge. “Louisville and the surrounding region has needed these bridges for years,” says Deputy Federal Highway Administrator David Kim. “By reducing congestion, the East End Crossing and its massive partner […]

December 20, 2016

Roadbuilding

MnDOT adds personalization features to 511 traveler system

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has added several new features to its 511 traveler information system, including a personalization feature for specific travel routes. “Overall, the 511 traveler information system is getting better each year and more people are using it,” says Kelly Braunig, 511 program manager. “These new features will help the traveling […]

December 20, 2016