The Federal Communications Commission adopted new rules for the 5.9 gigahertz (GHz) wireless communications spectrum on November 18, opening up the lower 45 megahertz portion of the band to unlicensed uses, such as WiFi, while reducing spectrum available for transportation safety needs to the upper 30 megahertz portion of the band. [Above graphic via the […]
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The Federal Highway Administration issued $12 million in “quick release” emergency relief on November 13 to help begin repairs on the Brent Spence Bridge after it suffered damage by a fire resulting from a commercial truck crash. [Above photo via the KYTC.] The Brent Spence Bridge is a double decker cantilevered truss bridge that transports […]
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Sheehan: ‘Transportation Provides Access to Opportunity for all’
editor@aashto.org November 20, 2020 0 COMMENTSRe-emphasizing the value of transportation investments to American society will be a key emphasis are for Victoria Sheehan (seen above), recently elected to be 2020-2021 president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Yet that process also requires, in her words, the need to “listen to the other side, and in some […]
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AASHTO Passes Resolution Addressing Race, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
editor@aashto.org November 20, 2020 0 COMMENTSOn November 13, the board of directors for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials unanimously passed a resolution pledging to address issues related to race, equity, diversity, and inclusion. The organization also agreed to address those efforts within the transportation industry with “humility, introspection, and respect, being mindful of the importance of […]
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Incorporating Civil Rights Principles into State DOT Operations
editor@aashto.org November 20, 2020 0 COMMENTSEngineering firm HDR hosted a knowledge session at the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials annual meeting that examined how several state department of transportation executives are incorporating the “fundamental pillars” of civil rights – equity, diversity, and inclusion – more deeply into their operations. “Our work impacts virtually everybody every day,” explained […]
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State DOTs Organizing for the Testing/Deployment of Autonomous Vehicles
editor@aashto.org November 20, 2020 0 COMMENTSAs expectations for automated vehicles or AVs are becoming more realistic in terms of technical challenges, capabilities, and deployment horizons, state departments of transportation are stepping up their involvement to test and prepare AVs for broad deployment on U.S. roads. A knowledge session hosted by CDM Smith during the 2020 annual meeting of the American […]
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FTA Providing Transit Grants to 25 Tribal Governments
editor@aashto.org November 20, 2020 0 COMMENTSThe Federal Transit Administration is providing $7.7 million in Tribal Transit Program grant awards to 25 tribal governments for projects to improve public transportation on tribal lands. [Above photo via the FTA.] “These federal grants will help American Indian and Alaskan Native tribal governments provide public transportation in rural areas, connecting tribal residents with jobs, healthcare and other essential […]
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The Federal Aviation Administration and NASA recently concluded the second phase of its unmanned aircraft system traffic management or UTM Pilot Program. [Above photo via the FAA.] That program provided a proof of concept for a UTM ecosystem for uncontrolled operations that is separate from, but complementary to, the FAA’s Air Traffic Management system – serving […]
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The California Transportation Commission released recommendations on November 16 for a $2 billion three-year program to fund new projects to reduce traffic, improve goods movement, increase transit service, and invest in bicycle and pedestrian improvements across the state – projects that also would create more than 100,000 jobs statewide. [Above photo via Caltrans.] The commission […]
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New Jersey Planning Port of New York/New Jersey Projects
editor@aashto.org November 20, 2020 0 COMMENTSNew Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (D) and the New Jersey Department of Transportation jointly announced a series of infrastructure projects to enhance safety and vehicle movement at the Port of New York and New Jersey during a November 17 event. [Above photo via the New Jersey DOT.] “For decades, New Jersey and our ports have […]
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