This page contains archived items from the FHWA Resources - News page. To view the most recent items, click here.
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Montana DOT Integrates Wildlife Accommodation Within Project Delivery (12-2018)
The Montana DOT has created a Wildlife Accommodation Process, a formalized approach within the project delivery process to address interactions between wildlife and vehicles. This process makes wildlife accommodation recommendations to reduce or eliminate the potential for wildlife-vehicle conflicts, minimize or eliminate barriers to wildlife movement, and protect important habitat components within the landscape.
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Transportation Resilience Webinar Series by AASHTO (12-2018)- content is no longer available
AASHTO held a series of five webinars in December 2018 as part of its Resilient and Sustainable Transportation Systems technical assistance program. The five webinars covered seismic resilience, organizational resilience, lessons learned from Hurricane Florence, cyber resilience, and a summary of the Transportation Resilience Innovations Summit and Exchange.
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Training Courses on National Historic Preservation Act (11-2018)
The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation is offering training courses for Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Courses include online and in-person classes.
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EPA
Initiative to Reduce Truck Pollution (11-2018)
The EPA recently established the “Cleaner Trucks Initiative” to reduce truck emissions. The program will focus on reducing smog-forming nitrogen oxide emissions from big rigs and their engines, and also includes provisions for future rulemaking that will update the current nitrogen oxide standard.
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2018 SmartWay Excellence Awards Announced (10-2018)
The recipients of the 2018 SmartWay Excellence Awards have been announced by the EPA. The program recognizes shipping and logistics companies for improving freight efficiency and reducing emissions in their supply chains. Fourteen companies will receive the awards on October 29th in Austin, Texas.
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International Conference on Ecology and Transportation Set for September 2019 (10-2018)
The International Conference on Ecology and Transportation (ICOET) will be held September 22-16, 2019, in Sacramento, California. The tenth biennial event will be hosted by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), with support from the Federal Highway Administration. The ICOET program includes podium presentations, posters, field trips, and exhibits on topics of interest to researchers, biologists, engineers, planners, project managers, administrators, and policy makers. The conference is organized by the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) Road Ecology Center, the UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies, and the National Center for Sustainable Transportation at UC Davis.
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City of Akron Converts Highway into Forest (9-2018)
The City of Akron, Ohio has transformed its Innerbelt Freeway into a temporary green space called the Innerbelt National Forest. The Forest offers spaces for community amenities, trails, play spaces, and an outdoor museum. This short-term project is part of the city’s program to engage the public to find permanent options to use the entire former freeway site.
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Recommendations for Cutting U.S. Transportation Energy Use in Half (9-2018)
The “50x50 Coalition” (comprised of utility companies, public interest groups, unions, public officials, technology companies, and vehicle manufacturers) has released a report containing strategies that the United States can implement to reduce transportation sector energy by 50% by 2050. These recommendations include accelerating electric vehicle proliferation, creating stricter fuel economy standards, enhancing the efficiency, service, and affordability of public transit systems, and increasing the research and development of alternative fuel vehicle infrastructure.
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Webinar Recording: Innovative Stormwater Management (7-2018)- content is no longer available
The recording of AASHTO’s webinar on best management practices (BMPs) for State DOT stormwater management is now available.
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Rhode Island Plans for Future Climate Realities (7-2018)
Rhode Island has released a report, “Resilient Rhody,” containing climate adaptation strategies that prioritize investments, identify actions, leverage planning, and provide resources and tools for practitioners to equitably reduce the impacts of climate change.
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Alternative Fuel Corridor Expansion in the Midwest (7-2018)
The first meeting of the Midwest Alternative Fuel Corridor Convening was held at the Minnesota DOT to discuss expanding alternative fuel corridors. An analysis of designated corridors and infrastructure was presented, along with strategies for enhancing multi-state collaboration, visibility, and revisions to the Alternative Fuels Data Center Station Locator Redesign and Corridor Tool.
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INVEST
for Bridge Replacement Project in Ohio (7-2018)
The Spring 2018 issue of Public Roads highlights Ohio DOT’s use of FHWA’s Infrastructure Voluntary Evaluation Sustainability Tool (INVEST) to help the agency consider sustainability issues when evaluating the new Cuyahoga River bridge. INVEST was utilized by Ohio DOT to track sustainability goals over the course of the project, and it helped the agency improve recycling practices, enhance the peregrine falcon habitat, and reduce energy consumption.
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Action Plan for Zero-Emission Vehicles (7-2018)
The Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management’s Multi-State Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Task Force has released an action plan for years 2018-2021. The plan includes methods to expand the ZEV market by using ZEV ‘ride and drive’ events to increase public awareness, and recommends that States enhance the recharging and fueling infrastructure network via public and private investment, the use of financial incentives, and the electrification of public and private fleets.
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Delaware DOT Acts to Protect Pollinators (6-2018)
Delaware DOT has implemented changes to its land use policies to benefit pollinators. Previously, medians of manicured turf grass were the norm along Delaware roads, creating food deserts for pollinators who depend on plant life. Now, Delaware DOT has begun incorporating more native plant species and clover into its seed mixes, and has reduced mowing frequency. This allows wildflowers an opportunity to thrive, which can benefit pollinators.
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Caltrans Issues Draft Guidance on Project-Level
GHG
Determinations (6-2018)
The California DOT has released draft guidance for making determinations for State highway project-level greenhouse gas emissions under the California Environmental Quality Act. The draft guidance outlines the process for making such determinations and identifying mitigation for significant impacts.
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Updated Automotive Systems Simulator from the Department of Energy (5-2018)
The Department of Energy has released an updated version of the Future Automotive Systems Technology Simulator. The update adds electric-drive vehicles and fuel-cell vehicles to the simulator, and allows users to compare powertrains and estimate the impact of technology improvements on light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicle efficiency, performance, cost, battery life.
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Evidence-Based Transportation Tool to be Developed by
ITE
and Streetsmart (5-2018)
A joint effort by the Institute of Transportation Engineers and Streetsmart seeks to develop a tool for making data on public health and transportation engineering more accessible. The tool will help integrate environmental and livability concerns into engineering and planning practice.
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New Tool Shows Need for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (5-2018)
A new tool, the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Projection Lite, has been released by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The tool was developed to assist states in planning for future electric vehicle demand by identifying existing infrastructure and projects, and analyzing them to see if they will be able to meet demand based on the anticipated numbers of electric vehicles.
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Results From Green Infrastructure Pilot Project in Mississippi (4-2018)
The Mississippi DOT is contemplating the use of green infrastructure features to better protect a Gulf Coast bridge that was severely damaged by stormwater current drag-forces caused by Hurricane Katrina. The pilot project, Henderson Point Connector (US HWY 90): Green Infrastructure Techniques for Coastal Highway Resilience, evaluated the use of vegetated berms which are designed to redirect floods and mitigate water flow velocities near the bridge abutment.
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Pilot Project for Resilience Assessment Tool Announced (4-2018)
Pilot projects for the State Resilience Assessment and Planning (SRAP) Tool have been announced by the National Governors Association. The SRAP Tool is a self-assessment to help governors understand their states’ resilience by identifying gaps in planning and preparedness. Idaho, Maryland, and Oregon will be participants in the test projects to identify best practices in adapting to, and recovering from, severe weather and other natural disasters.
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Evaluating Miami Beach’s Stormwater Management (4-2018)
The Urban Land Institute will be evaluating the city of Miami Beach’s stormwater management plan to mitigate the impacts of sea-level rise. The evaluation will analyze the effectiveness of elevated roads and the city’s modernized drainage system in addition to how recent regulatory changes have incorporated climate adaptation into development and land use codes.
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$84.45 Million Available under
FTA’s Low-No Emissions Program (4-2018)
$84.5 million in grants have been announced by FTA through the Low or No Emission Bus Program. The program funds the purchase and operation of buses that use battery electric power and hydrogen fuel cells. Applications are due June 18, 2018.
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Minnesota DOT Changes Roadside Grass Mowing Procedures to Encourage Conservation (3-2018)
MnDOT has developed new procedures to govern the mowing of roadside grass for the upcoming haying season. This solution gives farmers access to quality hay by allowing for flexible mowing dates and preserves corridors of habitat for wildlife movement patterns.
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FTA Selects Projects for Low or No Emissions Grants (3-2018)
51 projects from various State and local governments have been selected by FTA for the Low or No Emissions Grant Program. A total of $55 million in grants will be used to purchase battery electric buses and energy storage solutions, and charging equipment. Projects also address procurement, training, and facility maintenance.
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Agencies Show Increased Interest in Utilizing Recycled Concrete Pavements (2-2018)- content is no longer available
A report has been published by Iowa State University’s Institute for Transportation on a 2016 survey of state highway agencies and paving contractors. The report seeks to better understand applications, challenges, and opportunities for increasing the use of recycled concrete aggregate. The report found that agencies and contractors are interested in increasing their use of recycled concrete, but lack the expertise in its application.
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Maryland DOT Plans to Utilize Solar Power (2-2018)
The Maryland DOT has created a plan for a public-private partnership to convert their facilities to run on solar power. The plan calls for solar panels to be installed at up to 35 sites within 18 months, and private contractors will operate the system under terms that supply energy to Maryland DOT below their current bills, saving taxpayer money and reducing emissions.
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Smart Cities Grant Program Launched in Georgia (2-2018)
The Georgia Smart Communities Challenge, created by Georgia Tech University, will award grants of up to $50,000 to governments exploring smart/connected city projects around themes such as mobility, equity, or resilience. Webinars will be held throughout March and April to help communities prepare their proposals, which are due May 1st.
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EPA Awards Millions in Grants to Cut Diesel Emissions (2-2018)
Millions of dollars in EPA grants were awarded to ports, transit operators, and other agencies across the country to aid in retrofitting older heavy trucks, buses, ferries, and transportation equipment with cleaner, more efficient engine models. These grants were used by a variety of governments to replace short-haul trucks of model year 2006 or older with newer vehicles, electrifying public transit vehicles, and rebuilding roads.
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Low-Carbon Transportation Plan Created by California Air Resources Board (1-2018)
The California Air Resources Board recently approved a $663 million low-carbon transportation plan to increase the use of clean cars, heavy-duty trucks, buses, and freight equipment in the state. The funding will help the state cut emissions while promoting technologies that reduce harmful diesel emissions, particularly in disadvantaged and low-income communities.
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Cameras On Underpasses Film Passing Wildlife (1-2018)
Cameras that sense movement are capturing a wide variety of wildlife using two wildlife tunnels under Montana Highway 200 near Lincoln including birds, bears, bull elk, and bighorn sheep not to mention moose, mountain lions, and deer. These cameras can help DOTs learn movement patterns of these species, and how best to construct projects to not interfere with their migrations.
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Supercomputers To Improve Transportation Energy Efficiency (1-2018)
The Vehicle Technologies Office within the Department of Energy’s National Laboratories will utilize its supercomputers as part of the Energy Efficiency Mobility Systems Program, which will create solutions to increase mobility while improving energy efficiency in all modes of transportation. These computers can predict the energy impacts of emerging mobility solutions (such as autonomous vehicles), reducing fuel costs and associated emissions of inefficiencies.
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New Sustainability Tools for Transit Agencies (12-2017)
A report by
TRB
describes the development of two new tools for sustainability managers at transit agencies. The Sustainability Routemap is an interactive document which guides users to improve the agency’s sustainability through various strategies, including change management principles, best practices, and online tools. The “S+ROI
Calculator” is an Excel workbook that quantitatively evaluates the economic, social, and environmental return of potential sustainability projects. These tools are available for download courtesy of TRB.
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Webinar Recording: Meaningful Community Engagement (12-2017)- content is no longer available
AASHTO’s Environmental Justice Community of Practice held a webinar on November 17 centered on meaningful community engagement. The webinar discussed examples of resources, case studies, and successful processes used to increase the quantity and quality of community engagement from DOTs,
MPOs, and FHWA.
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Reimagining the State DOT (12-2017)
This article highlights the strategies that the former Colorado DOT Executive Director, Shailen Bhatt, used to encourage innovation within the State DOT. He describes how all State DOTs should use these approaches to adapt to the needs of the future, with more resilient transportation networks and new technologies to create more sustainable and efficient means of transporting people and goods.
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Wisconsin Highway Culvert Reimagined to Improve Aquatic Habitat (12-2017)
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker recently approved a Box Culvert project on State Route 67 in the town of Osceola, WI to restore an aquatic habitat which historically had much higher aquatic-life populations. This project will restore the spawning grounds of local fish species, allowing their populations to increase.
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Bus Lane Pilot Project Launched in the Boston Area (12-2017)
Communities in the Greater Boston area (Cambridge, Arlington, Watertown and Everett) are partnering with the
MBTA
in a pilot project for dedicated bus lanes that seek to improve speed and reliability for 30,000 bus riders. Dedicated bus lanes can improve traffic congestion, thereby reducing idling times and their associated emissions, and provide space for future electrification of bus routes.
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Ohio DOT Tests Autonomous Vehicle Truck Platooning on Smart Mobility Corridor (12-2017)
The Ohio DOT will continue their Smart Mobility Initiative work by testing truck platooning applications of autonomous vehicle technology on US Route 33, Ohio’s designated Smart Mobility Corridor. This technology will yield improvements to the safety of freight activity, and increase the fuel efficiency of the trucks.
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Indiana DOT Releases Mobile App (12-2017)
The Indiana DOT has developed their own mobile app, which seeks to help drivers with their commute by improving communication of traffic information, and streamlining communications to the DOT itself. The app includes notifications for weather, construction, and emergency road closures, as well as travel maps, a “Report a Concern” feature, and DOT contact information.
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Baltimore Invests in Relieving Traffic Congestion (12-2017)
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has announced an investment of $461 million in new traffic relief initiatives for the Baltimore region. These initiatives include three innovative design-build projects to provide the greatest possible amount of peak-hour congestion relief. These projects will reduce emissions from idling cars while in traffic, and improve the air quality of the surrounding areas that experience high emissions from the idling traffic.
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Series of Three TRB Reports on Improving Transit System Resiliency to Natural Disasters (12-2017)
TRB’s Transit Cooperative Research Program has released a series of three documents on improving the resilience of transit systems to natural disasters. Volume 1 is a guide to these principles, Volume 2 is an overview of research, and Volume 3 is a literature review and contains case studies.
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Electrification of Hawaii Transportation Systems (11-2017)
A workshop hosted by Hawaiian Electric brought together local and national energy and transportation experts, including representatives from Ford, Lyft, and Proterra, to discuss Hawaii’s electrification of transportation infrastructure.
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Causes and Effects of Climate Change Explored in Report by U.S. Global Change Research Program (11-2017)
The 4th National Climate Assessment was published by the U.S. Global Change Research Program. The report highlights new findings in climate change science, and concludes that it is extremely likely that human activities are the predominant cause of global warming since the mid-20th century, and shows the probability of climate-related events such as simultaneous extreme weather events, sea level rise, wildfires, floods, and droughts. The report also details the physical drivers of climate change and shows the change in precipitation trends across the U.S.
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Florida DOT (FDOT) To Use Award For Advanced Congestion Management Technologies (10-2017)
FDOT will be using a $12 million grant from FHWA’s Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment program to implement four intelligent transportation technologies (PedSafe, SmartCommunity, SunStore, and Greenway) that aim to reduce congestion and improve safety. PedSafe develops pedestrian and bicycle collision avoidance by connecting vehicles, people, and traffic lights. SmartCommunity creates a one-stop shop for trip planning by combining data from different transportation options. SunStore will be FDOT’s central data storage system. GreenWay uses new traffic signal technology to help the transportation system adapt to real-time traffic conditions.
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Environmental Justice Webinar Series (9-2017)- content is no longer available
A series of six webinars on environmental justice in transportation were launched by AASHTO’s Environmental Justice Community of Practice. The first webinar included a review of past environmental justice work, as well as a discussion on analysis and planning. As part of the series, DOTs and MPOs will share lessons learned and best practices.
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Arizona DOT Report On Wildlife Crossings (9-2017)
The Arizona DOT (ADOT) created a report focused on the need for elk and deer crossings along a rural highway. The report provides details on the information collected and evaluated to determine ways in which ADOT could reduce the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions. The report is a joint research project conducted by ADOT and the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
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Case Study on Renewable Natural Gas for Vehicles (9-2017)
A case study by the Department of Energy details the closed-loop process of transforming food waste into renewable, compressed natural gas for the use of vehicle fuel. The report covers the economic, energy security, and climate benefits, as well as the existing infrastructure for natural gas vehicles.
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Report on Trend of GHG Emissions in the U.S (9-2017)
A report by the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions studies reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the U.S and details GHG emission trends since 2005. The trends show that improved vehicle fuel efficiency and associated policy have contributed to emissions reductions.
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New Report on Nature-Based Solutions for Protecting the Oregon Coast Highway (9-2017)
The Oregon Department of Transportation DOT released a final report, Green Infrastructure Techniques for Resilience of the Oregon Coast Highway, documenting the results of an FHWA-sponsored pilot project. Oregon DOT developed conceptual designs for three locations along coastal highway US 101 vulnerable to storms and coastal bluff erosion. These designs include cobble beaches, artificial dunes, sand tubes, mechanically stabilized earth, rip rap, and planted terraces. Oregon DOT analyzed the coastal protection potential of these designs using wave runup analysis. Oregon DOT also engaged land use and permitting agencies on design options. The Oregon project was one of five green infrastructure pilots sponsored by FHWA to assess the potential for nature-based solutions to protect coastal roads and bridges from flooding.
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Registration for TRB Annual Meeting (8-2017)
Registration is now open for TRB’s 97th Annual Meeting on January 7-11, 2018, in Washington, D.C
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The Ray: Sustainable Highway of the Future (6-2017)
An 18-mile stretch of Interstate 85 in Georgia is where a new sustainable, highway of the future, called “The Ray,” is being tested. The goal is to create a highway that can produce its own renewable energy, sell power to utility companies, produce no stormwater runoff or emissions, and eliminate traffic fatalities. This project is a collaboration between the state of Georgia, private companies, and a family foundation.
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Sustainable Transportation Grants Awarded by Caltrans (5-2017)
Caltrans awarded $9.2 million in sustainable transportation planning grants. The grants were used to encourage regional agencies to partner with Caltrans to improve the state highways, and to address mobility issues in environmental justice in disadvantaged communities. The awards also support local governments in planning and studying for complete streets, connectivity, multimodal transportation, corridors and transit hubs.
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The Ray: Sustainable Highway of the Future (6-2017)
An 18-mile stretch of Interstate 85 in Georgia is where a new sustainable, highway of the future, called “The Ray,” is being tested. The goal is to create a highway that can produce its own renewable energy, sell power to utility companies, produce no stormwater runoff or emissions, and eliminate traffic fatalities. This project is a collaboration between the state of Georgia, private companies, and a family foundation.
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Sustainable Transportation Grants Awarded by Caltrans (5-2017)
Caltrans awarded $9.2 million in sustainable transportation planning grants. The grants were used to encourage regional agencies to partner with Caltrans to improve the state highways, and to address mobility issues in environmental justice in disadvantaged communities. The awards also support local governments in planning and studying for complete streets, connectivity, multimodal transportation, corridors and transit hubs.
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Evaluation of Roadway Vegetation Management Practices in Ohio (5-2017)
The Ohio DOT conducted an evaluation of their vegetation management practices. Recommendations stemming from the report included developing routine educational and training programs, creating an inventory of roadside vegetation, and using cultural practices to deter invasive species.
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Maine DOT’s Atlantic Salmon Programmatic Featured in FHWA Newsletter (5-2017)
The May issue of FHWA’s Successes in Stewardship newsletter focuses on Maine DOT’s Atlantic Salmon programmatic. It details the programmatic’s biological assessment (BA) and the programmatic biological opinion (PBO). This programmatic has reduced project approval time by 75% and will improve informal consultation completion to 2 weeks, and formal consultations to 1 month.
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New Transportation Center Focuses on Emissions, Health Impacts (3-2017)
The Texas A&M Transportation Institute has created a new university transportation center to study the health effects of transportation emissions. The Center for Advancing Research in Transportation Emissions, Energy and Health (CAR-TEEH) will study the entire tailpipe-to-lungs spectrum, bringing together experts in the areas of transportation emissions and public health.
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Evaluation of Using Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure to Grow Plug-In Market (2-2017)
A study of public charging infrastructure for plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), including a forward-looking case study in Massachusetts, has been conducted by the Energy Department’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The study includes a literature review on PEV infrastructure, a case study focused on supporting 300,000 PEVs by 2025 in Massachusetts, and a discussion of a potential methodology for estimating economic impacts of PEV infrastructure growth.
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Six State DOTs Join Forces to Build “Monarch Highway” (2-2017)- content is no longer available
A coalition of six state transportation agencies are working together to help monarch butterflies on their migratory journeys by establishing a continuous “Monarch Highway” stretching along Interstate 35.
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FTA Selects Five Cities for Transit-Oriented Development Support (12-2016)
The U.S. Federal Transit Administration has selected the cities of Birmingham, Charlotte, Albuquerque, Omaha, and Tacoma for support in planning development near transit systems as part of the second round of its Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Technical Assistance Initiative. This program supports efforts to create mixed-use, walkable communities near transit with a focus on economically disadvantaged populations.
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Colorado DOT Sets a Vision for Power-Coil Roads (12-2016)- content is no longer available
Officials at the Colorado Department of Transportation are considering locations for a new-era infrastructure pilot project, “RoadX.” This could lead to more use of heavy-duty trucks that generate zero emissions and that are charged by the roads they travel on. The idea is to build power coils into public roads that specially-equipped electric vehicles could draw from to recharge as they are driving so that the vehicles can maintain effective travel range for commercial operations without making frequent stops to recharge.
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Department of Energy (DOE) Will Invest Nearly $20 Million to Accelerate Energy Efficient Transportation and Systems (12-2016)- content is no longer available
The DOE announced $19.7 million, subject to appropriations, to support research and development of advanced vehicle technologies, including batteries, lightweight materials, and advanced combustion engines, as well as innovative technologies for energy efficient mobility. Investments in advanced, energy efficient transportation technologies and systems will improve our nation’s energy security, support energy independence, reduce transportation emissions, and strengthen U.S. economic competiveness.
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USDOT Issues Report on LadderSTEP Pilot in Seven Cities (12-2016)
The Department of Transportation has issued a report concerning progress under the Ladders of Opportunity Transportation Empowerment Pilot LadderSTEP Program. The report describes the achievements made under the pilot program in Atlanta, Baltimore, Baton Rouge, Charlotte, Indianapolis, Phoenix, and Richmond. Projects developed under the program were aimed at improving access to transit and employment centers, developing bus rapid transit and light rail systems, and creating successful bicycle and pedestrian plans.
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DOE Awards $18 Million for Propane, Plug-In Electric Vehicles (12-2016)
The Department of Energy has announced awards of $18 million for projects aimed to accelerate the adoption of plug-in electric vehicles and other alternative fuels. Projects include the development of plug-in hybrid work trucks, plug-in electric school buses, and a propane direct injection engine and emission control system that will be demonstrated on a delivery vehicle.
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Utah DOT Reveals Initial Plans For a Wildlife Overpass on I-80 (12-2016)
In as early as the fall of 2017, the Utah DOT could begin constructing the state’s first wildlife overpass on Interstate 80 near Parley’s Summit. UDOT recently completed the installation of one mile of permanent wildlife fencing along Interstate 80. Members with Save People, Save Wildlife also presented UDOT with a $42,000 check as part of their contribution toward the project.
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Remote-monitoring system helps keep city of Maricopa traffic flowing (12-2016)
Arizona DOT officials are increasing their use of remote technology to help keep traffic moving on portions of highways that pass through various communities across the state. ADOT reports that it has installed a wireless communication system that allows technicians in Phoenix to monitor conditions on State Route 347 in Maricopa and to adjust signal timing accordingly. This technology will also lead to fewer emissions, as car engine idling time will be reduced by keeping vehicles moving.
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New Bicycle Route 41 in Minnesota Adds 315 Miles to the U.S. Bicycle Route System (12-2016)
U.S. Bicycle Route 41 was approved last month by AASHTO, and is now part of the U.S. Bicycle Route System (USBRS), a developing national network of officially recognized and numbered bicycle routes. The newest designation brings the total miles in the system up to 11,563 through twenty-four states, and connects St. Paul to Grand Portage State Park.
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Wisconsin DOT Reveals That Performance Management Initiatives Have Saved $1.5 billion Since 2011 (12-2016)
The Wisconsin DOT released a new report itemizing numerous initiatives that have been implemented to enhance performance and reduce cost in all of the department’s functional areas including highways,
DMV, and State Patrol. Since 2011, the performance management measures have saved $1.5 billion, including nearly $100 million in the 2016 state fiscal year.
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Smart Mobility Corridor Initiated by Ohio DOT (11-2016)
The State of Ohio is investing $15 million to install advanced highway technology along its “Smart Mobility Corridor” - a 35-mile stretch of U.S. 33 northwest of Columbus. It was used Wednesday, Nov. 30 for a demonstration run by Otto, a developer of self-driving vehicle technology. This Smart Mobility Corridor hopes to lessen traffic and increase the efficiency of how people travel in the area.
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I-70 will be first “connected” highway in Colorado (11-2016)
Colorado DOT and Panasonic have teamed up to create a connected transportation plan. Vehicles will be able to share data to other cars and the transportation system about crashes, slowing traffic, and other issues. This will better inform drivers of alternative routes and increase safety.
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Energy Department Awards $32 Million For Connected, Automated Vehicle Efficiency (11-2016)- content is no longer available
The Department of Energy, Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), has announced $32 million in funding for 10 projects as part of the Next-Generation Energy Technologies for Connected and Autonomous On-Road Vehicles (NEXTCAR) Program. The program enables technologies that use connectivity and automation to co-optimize vehicle dynamic controls and powertrain operation to reduce energy consumption of the vehicle. The selected projects build upon connected and automated vehicle (CAV) technologies to enhance vehicle safety, add driving convenience, and ultimately, reduce vehicle energy use.
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Foxx: Vehicle Communication Rule Expected by January (10-2016)- content is no longer available
Review by federal regulators has begun on a draft vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication rule that could be released in January, Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said.
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Freight lab tackles urban delivery tangles - University, Seattle team up to study traffic issues (10-2016)
The city of Seattle and the University of Washington are working together to solve the problem of truck deliveries in the city, which is experiencing growing congestion as its population grows.
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Secretary Foxx Discusses America’s Transportation Future (10-2016)- content is no longer available
Interview with Secretary Foxx about the next generation of infrastructure, his vision for the future of transportation, and how inclusive transportation can be a means for achieving socioeconomic growth and equality
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USDOT Launches New Automated Transportation Technology Advisory Committee (10-2016)
The new committee will be tasked with informing national policy about the fast-developing autonomous vehicle economy. The advisory committee will be essential to understanding and informing public policy about the consequences, opportunities, and problems associated with this new technology.
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ATSSA
to Sponsor Forum to Explore Data Analysis/Infrastructure Safety Connectivity With Goal to Move Toward Zero Deaths (10-2016)
This forum will focus on two new DOT safety initiatives, with presentations discussing the current impact of enhanced road safety data on the development of state-level strategic highway safety plans, and a presentation on how data can be used to better understand the impact of connected automated vehicles (CAVs) on future infrastructure planning.
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Honolulu creates new Complete Streets Design Manual (10-2016)
Honolulu’s acting city director of transportation services, Mark Garrity, is championing the use of a new design manual for Complete Streets. He hopes that its use will help making Complete Street design practices more prevalent in any development project in Honolulu.
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Walsh, Baker sign orders to create self-driving car regulations (10-2016)
In order to build a framework for success of autonomous vehicles, Mayor Walsh and Governor Baker both signed two executive orders to make guidelines and regulations for
AVs.
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Highway, wildlife officials team to help monarch butterflies (9-2016)
State officials plan to use a $21,500 federal grant to plant native plants to attract pollinating insects along roadways to help offset the loss of their regular habitats.
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America’s Top Transportation Projects Competing For Final National Awards (9-2016)- content is no longer available
Vote for the People’s Choice in the best transportation projects in the country. The Grand Prize and People’s Choice winners will each receive a $10,000 donation from AASHTO to a charity or scholarship fund of their choosing.
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Hawaii DOT to test mileage user fee to supply highway fund, replace fuel tax (9-2016)
Hawaii is introducing a pilot project for mileage-fee across four counties, which might serve as a replacement for the gas tax.
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Climate Change Is Hell on Alaska’s Formerly Frozen Highways (8-2016)
The Alaska Highway is built on permafrost that is melting due to climate change and causing significant challenges for road maintenance. The article outlines the history of the highway and potential solutions to address the problem. The challenges are applicable to many of the roads throughout Alaska.
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MoDOT
to test feasibility of solar roads (6-2016)
The Missouri DOT (MoDOT) is testing solar sidewalk at a rest area on I-44 near Conway to assess how well the hexagonal pavers work. MoDOT officials hope the solar pavers will provide enough electricity to meet many of the rest area’s power needs. Ideally, a successful test could lead to savings that help pay for future infrastructure needs and potential use on roadways.
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Earth Day: State DOT Green Initiatives Demonstrate a Healthy Commitment to Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship (4-2016)- content is no longer available
Across the United States, State Departments of Transportation are adopting policies and taking action to make transportation more sustainable. AASHTO provides a brief summary of such efforts in an Earth Day press release.
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VDOT
Pollinator Projects Receive Virginia Green Travel Start Award (3-2016)
Virginia DOT’s Pollinator Habitat Program won the agency recognition for its commitment to green tourism practices. VDOT was awarded the Virginia Green Travel Star Award for Most Innovative Green Project. The program began in 2014 in collaboration with the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy with four pilot plots in northern Virginia at park and ride lots in Centreville, Woodbridge, and Sterling, and the Dale City Rest Area on Interstate 95 south.
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Caltrans Looking to the Sun for Transportation (3-2016)
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) announced on March 29, 2016 that it will explore SolaRoad Dutch technology, which implements the use of solar panels in roadway projects. The concept of SolaRoad is that sunlight falling on the road surface is converted into electricity by concrete panels with solar cells and a translucent top layer of tempered glass. The electricity generated by the road can be used for a number of needs, including street lighting, traffic systems, electric vehicles, and households. Caltrans’ District 7 (Los Angeles and Ventura counties) will explore the Dutch technology at its maintenance rest area in Lebec along Interstate 5 in Kern County.
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Can A 16-Mile Stretch Of Road Become The World’s First Sustainable Highway? (2-2016)
The Ray C. Anderson Foundation, which promotes sustainable societies, has provided seed funding to convert a stretch of Georgia Highway into the world’s first sustainable highway. The project to convert the 16 mile stretch of road, referred to as “The Ray” after the foundation’s namesake, has the vision to fully rethink the road. It aims to keep the thoroughfare’s vital components while improving them through the use of innovative technologies.
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Maine Department of Transportation Teams Up with Climatologists, Engineers to Address Sea-Level Rise (2-2016)- content is no longer available
As part of the 2016 omnibus budget bill that passed in December, Congress approved strengthening flood standards in the construction of roads, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure. Any new federally funded construction, or re-construction after a storm, that is located in flood-prone areas will need to meet the new standards. The Maine DOT is working with the Infrastructure & Climate Network and university researchers to understand how the new standards affect the state’s transportation infrastructure and prepare addressing climate change.
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Sustainable Cleveland: 2016 is the Year of Sustainable Transportation (1-2016)
Sustainable Cleveland has declared 2016 the Year of Sustainable Transportation and celebrating through a series of initiatives to get Clevelanders biking, walking, taking transit, carpooling, car sharing and more in the name of healthier forms of mobility.
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New Signs Provide Comparison Travel Times for I-35, SH 130 in Austin, TX (10-2015)
TXDOT
is using real time travel information to let drivers know travel time differences for Interstate 35 or State Highway 130. The system uses Bluetooth detector technology that wirelessly transmits data to signage along the highways at major junctions. The goal of the signs is to share real-time data with users to promote better travel decisions, including routes, travel modes, and timing of trips, which increases reliability of the overall network.
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MassDOT
Completes Initial Phase of Right-of-Way Solar Energy Program (10-2015)
Massachusetts DOT completed Phase IA of the state’s Highway Right of Way Solar Photovoltaic Energy Program. The program is installing photovoltaic solar arrays along state highways using a public-private partnership with a 20-year contract. Five additional projects in Phase IB will begin in the spring of 2016. Once built, the 10 Phase I sites will generate an estimated 7,100,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year.
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Virginia DOT’s Pollinator Habitat Program Moves Toward Statewide Implementation (9-2015)
Virginia DOT has partnered with other state and local agencies to plant native pollinator habitat species at four interstate rest areas, with an additional site planned for spring. The areas provide “waystations” or refuges for threatened pollinators, such as butterflies and bees. VDOT provided project management, site preparation, and volunteers for the project in Dale City.
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Texas Transportation Institute 2015 Urban Mobility Scorecard (8-2015)
The annual Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) Urban Mobility Scorecard shows that traffic congestion has returned to where it was prior to the recent recession. The recent research estimates an average of 42 hours of lost time per commuter at a cost of $960 per commuter.
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Maryland Uses Flower Plantings to Aid Bees, Butterflies While Curbing Mow Operations (7-2015)- content is no longer available
The Maryland State Highway Administration (MDSHA) is taking several steps to improve pollinator habitat along roadsides by reducing mowing and planting native plant species that attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.
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State DOT Programs Help Communities Become More Livable and Transportation Systems More Sustainable ‐ Content is no longer available (4-2015)
The AASHTO Center for Environmental Excellence recognized several State DOT initiatives for livable and sustainable transportation programs.
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ADOT
receives environmental award for San Pedro bridge replacement near Sierra Vista (4-2015)
The Arizona Department of Transportation has been recognized for its environmental protection efforts while rebuilding the San Pedro Bridge through a sensitive conservation area on State Route 90 east of Sierra Vista.
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Colorado: Will I-70 Congestion Efforts Bear Fruit? (3-2015)
News article summarizes a set of strategies Colorado DOT is using to help disperse traffic to and from popular ski destinations.
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Secretary Foxx Unveils “Beyond Traffic: Trends and Choices,” a 30-Year Outlook on the Future of Our Nation’s Infrastructure (2-2015)
Secretary Foxx unveiled Beyond Traffic, a new forward-looking analysis from the U.S. Department of Transportation outlining the trends that are likely to shape the needs of our transportation system over the next three decades.
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