The growth in commercial truck freight could be put at risk by inadequate highway capacity; lack of funding for improving the freight network and a shortage of truck drivers. [Above photo by the Virginia DOT.] That’s according to a new 37-page report issued October 3 by the national transportation research firm TRIP, which projects that […]

A state-level infrastructure report is reflecting in detail a growing national trend that links the ability to expand broadband access to leveraging assets such as highway rights-of-way – especially for rural residents. [Above photo by the Ohio DOT.] InnovateOhio, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Transportation, issued a 16-page broadband access report on September […]

A September 25 hearing held by the House of Representatives Committee on the Budget examined the need for increased across-the-board infrastructure funding – including more money for roads and bridges – while also touching on the need to beef up revenue flows into the Highway Trust Fund and repeal the $7.6 billion rescission in Federal-aid […]

The Federal Highway Administration published a final rule on September 27 to give states more “flexibility and choice” to use proprietary or patented materials on federally funded highway projects. The new rule will take effect on October 28. [Above photo by the Ohio DOT.] The agency said in its regulatory filing that the final rule […]

The U.S. Senate passed a Continuing Resolution or CR on September 26 by a vote of 81-16, extend government funding through November 21. That measure – crafted in the House of Representatives and passed by a vote of 301-219 on September 19 – now awaits President Trump’s signature to take effect. “I’m glad the continuing […]

Drones, a virtual reality bicycle simulator, mobile roadway material testing labs, plus a bevy of autonomous vehicle projects were just some of the highlights of the 2019 Federal Highway Administration research showcase; a first-of-its-kind event held at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., on September 18. Transportation TV toured the event to […]

A continuing resolution or CR  from the House of Representatives that would extend federal government funding through November 21 and avoid a government shutdown at the end of September passed on September 19 by a vote of 301-123. “While the House did its work, the Senate appropriations process is far behind. Because of this delay, […]

Drones, a virtual reality bicycle simulator, 3-D printers, and new roadway materials, plus a bevy of autonomous vehicle or AV projects formed just some of the highlights of the 2019 Federal Highway Administration Research showcase; a first of its kind event at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., on September 18. [Left […]

The Senate Appropriations Committee on September 19 approved $86.6 billion in fiscal year 2020 funding for the U.S. Department of Transportation, which is $167 million above the FY 2019 enacted level, by a vote of 31-0. That closely matches the “minibus” package passed by the House of Representatives in June. “This legislation prioritizes funding for […]

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency took another step toward finalizing the proposed Safer, Affordable, Fuel-Efficient or SAFE Vehicles Rule by issuing a “final action” on September 19 entitled the “One National Program Rule” that enables the federal government to provide nationwide uniform fuel economy and greenhouse gas emission or […]