State governments continue to ratchet back current spending and projected budget outlays due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; reductions that are starting to include planned transportation infrastructure investments. [Above photo by the New York State DOT.] “The coronavirus outbreak has quickly upended state budgets with states now facing significant revenue declines and […]
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The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute initiated a three-year study of “dynamic scenarios” involving automated driving systems on April 24 that will examine in part at how self-driving vehicles communicate with roadway and other related physical infrastructure. [Above photo via the VTTI.] The study – funded by a $7.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, one […]
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The U.S. Department of Transportation unveiled a plan on April 29 to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on air carriers participating in the Essential Air Service or EAS program – issuing a notice to all EAS air carriers indicating how they may adjust their schedules and seek compensation due to the fiscal impact […]
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A 16-page report issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation on April 15 believes blockchain technology can help deliver an operational framework for the commercial drone industry, as it can ensure security and provide for identity management as well as providing a supporting role in aircraft traffic management, drone conflict management, and flight authorization. Along […]
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Several states participating in the annual National Work Zone Awareness week, April 20-24, took the opportunity to remember the men and women killed or injured while working on state roadways. [Above photo by Caltrans.] The Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Colorado Department of Transportation held special one-day events, while the California Department of Transportation Caltrans […]
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For the past five years, the Iowa Department of Transportation – with the assistance of a consultant – has been developing a virtual public involvement management application to increase the amount of citizen input into transportation projects, reduce the manual processes, and improve the consistency of data collection for both in-person and online public meetings. [Above photo […]
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The Colorado Electric Vehicle Plan 2020 unveiled on April 23 seeks to transition the state’s transportation system to all-electric and zero emission vehicles – with the Colorado Department of Transportation expected to play a key role in that process. Issued by the Colorado Energy Office, major long-terms goals within the 32-page plan include: increasing Colorado’s […]
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The South Dakota Department of Transportation began accepting applications for $2.1 million worth of Transportation Alternatives or TA program grants on April 29; an annual effort that uses a set-aside of the Surface Transportation Block Grant to fund projects that enhance the intermodal transportation system and provide safe alternative transportation options. [Above photo by the […]
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The Trump Administration authorized disaster assistance for more than 27 Kentucky counties and cities on April 24 affected by a weather system that produced extended episodes of strong winds and torrential rain – triggering flooding, flash flooding, landslides and mudslides – between Feb. 3 through Feb. 29. Highways, bridges, plus local and electrical infrastructure suffered […]
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The Arizona Department of Transportation is deploying a couple of new online efforts focused on two distinct groups affected by the COVID-19 pandemic: home-bound school kids and Mexican truck drivers. The agency has developed an array of transportation-related online activities and information for school kids, including: videos about snowplows; zoom virtual backgrounds featuring heavy equipment, […]
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