The U.S. Department of Transportation is considering lifting the deadlines it imposes on states to replace traffic signs, instead letting local and state transportation agencies decide when such markers should be upgraded. Currently, the DOT dictates how often traffic signs should be replaced, which can create a financial burden for states if new ones aren’t needed. The move could save local and state governments millions of dollars. Some deadlines deemed critical to public safety will be retained under the proposal. The FHWA also is soliciting Continue Reading

As Hurricane Irene churns ever closer to shore, carriers along the East Coast and particularly the Northeast, which is expected to bear the brunt of the storm, have their disaster preparedness plans already in motion. Carriers like UPS and FedEx are closely monitoring the storm and ready to take action needed to protect employees, vehicles and freight based on conditions. Ports in the areas that could feel the storm’s effects closed up shop early today ahead of Irene’s arrival, and in New York, the possibility of closing bridges and tunnels–and some even potentially Continue Reading

Though the latest numbers from the U.S. Department of Transportation indicate a significant increase in surface transportation trade between the U.S. and Canada and Mexico from 2009 to 2010, the value of North American surface trade remains below 2007 and 2008 levels. From 2009 to 2010, trade among North American Free Trade Agreement partners rose 24.3 percent, the largest year-to-year increase since the agreement took effect in 1994. U.S.-Canada surface transportation trade totaled $471 billion in 2010, an increase of 22.1 percent compared to 2009, while U.S.-Mexico surface Continue Reading

Using the latest record numbers of vehicle miles traveled from the Department of Transportation, Secretary Ray LaHood emphasized the need for repairing the nation’s deficient roads and bridges. In 2010, Americans travelled three trillion miles, the most since 2007 and the third-highest ever recorded. The most traveled areas include the South Gulf area, a bloc of eight states ranging from Texas to Kentucky, which showed the greatest regional increase in Continue Reading

President Obama delivered a tall order in his State of the Union address a few weeks ago, by stating his intention to “redouble” infrastructure rebuilding efforts in the country. And as the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee prepares to draft a new highway authorization bill, some groups are lobbying for the government to think big picture instead of short-term. A new report from the National Transportation Policy Project suggests that ideally funding and long-term job growth are tied together in the solution to the country’s aging infrastructure that, if not addressed, will crumble Continue Reading

Apparently, 2008 was a very good year. A little less congestion, maybe a little less frustration. The just-released 2010 edition of the Urban Mobility Report, published by the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) at Texas A&M University, attributes that to the economic downturn and higher fuel prices. But now that things are picking up, the traffic headaches are getting more severe. Congestion costs, wasted fuel and delivery delays are on the rise. And the report attempts to assign dollar values to the often priceless frustration. While these costs are understandably higher in Continue Reading

The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) has announced it will fund a study to determine what roundabout designs can support efficient trucking movement in the province. Generally, roundabouts are backed by civil engineers who find they help improve road safety and lead to more efficient traffic movement. The study will examine and recommend those configurations that don’t impede truck movement in the province’s municipalities. Government entities, associations or OTA members can request a copy of the research by Continue Reading

With the introduction of a new “safety culture” plan next year, the Federal Highway Administration hopes to continue to reduce the record low number of highway fatalities that were recorded in 2009, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics. By changing the fundamentals of the approach to vehicle engineering, roadway design, enforcement policies and attitudes, the FHWA’s goal is zero deaths, as evidenced in the title of its plan, “Toward Zero Deaths: A National Strategy on Highway Safety.” The approach is inspired by a long-range strategic plan introduced in Continue Reading

Just as happened in the first round of infrastructure funding requests, the demand of requests far exceeded the supply. Almost 1,000 applications for $19 billion of projects from all 50 states, U.S. territories and the District of Columbia exceeded the $600 million available, proof according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood that there is a serious need for highway improvements. The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants will be awarded based on potential economic impact, energy efficiency and safety improvements offered. DOT says it Continue Reading

Despite an increase in vehicular traffic, fatalities declined to record lows in 2009 and injuries from highway crashes continue to drop, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The number of highway deaths in 2009 fell to the lowest number since 1950. But for safety officials, the news kept getting better. Deaths across multiple categories, including truck-involved, motorcycles and alcohol-impaired driving, decreased. Though reduced travel due to the recession may have had some impact, traffic safety professionals felt these numbers reflected the efforts of Continue Reading