Anthony "Tony" Sanger, CCM

I highly recommend reading the latest American Society of Civil Engineers article on the economic impacts of reverting to pre-IIJA infrastructure investment levels. The study highlights that such a snapback could cost the US $637 billion and each American household $700/year, emphasizing the need for sustained investment to continue saving American households significant costs. This is a crucial read for understanding the future of our infrastructure and the importance of ongoing federal action. Read the article here. https://lnkd.in/eqxeVrX3 #Infrastructure #CivilEngineering #ASCE #IIJA

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Somewhere along the way I heard about a state DOT doing a certification of firms that prove they’re qualified to do good active transportation work, or maybe they were requiring a specific training to be put on their list of pre-approved consultants. Does this ring any bells? #transportation #engineering #bicycle #pedestrian #ActiveTransport #ActiveTransportation

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"Replacing diesel school buses with electric school buses may yield up to $247,600 in climate and health benefits per individual bus" according to a new study by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Among the many benefits, the researchers calculated that, in a large city, replacing a 2005 diesel school bus with an electric bus would achieve $207,200 in health benefits per bus. Though the numbers are offered from the US context, extrapolating them for cities in the Middle East, particularly #Dubai (~3.5M population) or #Riyadh (~7.5 Million pop), it becomes be very compelling for leaders to initiate a fast-tracked scheme for transitioning the school bus fleets (& also the public transport fleet). More here: https://lnkd.in/dQYvtFMn #energytransition #publichealth #education #schooltransport #smartcities #urbanmobility #airquality #transport #airquality #publiceducation #innovation #electricbuses #energy #electrifyeverything

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Here is a great share by Shawn Milligan. This is a great article and highlights one problem with central planning by governments - it often doesn't work well. A huge portion of the housing shortage in California is the result of 2 factors: CEQA and zoning rules.

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To be sure, there are a couple U.S. routes that approach the accepted definition of a bullet train, of rail service that whisks people along at more than 150 miles per hour. But by far the world’s fastest bullet trains are in China, led by the Shanghai Maglev at the apex of the rail world with a top operating speed of 460 kilometers per hour, or 290 mph. Japan is building the much-anticipated Chuo Shinkansen line, to link Tokyo and Nagoya by 2027, and whooshing between destinations at speeds approaching 315 mph. Yet, like the nations of Africa and South America, America’s fastest trains can barely manage half of the Shanghai Maglev standard.

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The development of high-speed rail in the United States now also has legislative support. The American High-Speed Rail Act has the clear intention of building an infrastructure network for high-capacity, high-speed trains, with an investment of $205 billion over five years. This is one of the big projects to get America moving again. #Webuild

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Wes is an an outstanding leader for the transportation profession. He challenges us to think about why we do things, how we approach decision making, and what our foundational design guides are based upon. Thanks for hosting this discussion of his book which is a must read for the transportation engineering profession. The United States is an extreme, negative outlier in transportation safety compared to our peer nations for a reason. It is critical that we self reflect on the decisions that we have made to create this safety challenge so that we can make the decisions that are necessary to improve safety outcomes.

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With national safety statistics continuing to sit at overwhelming levels, sharing stories can be a powerful way to sustain inspiration in the quest for Vision Zero. Transportation professionals at this year’s NACTO Designing Cities Conference swapped ideas and examples of how their cities are tackling safety issues. For example, Washington, D.C. is reducing speed limits on local roads, piloting additional No Turn on Red (NTOR) implementation, and focusing on quick-build solutions, and seeing a measurable impact. 🚦 As smaller cities are benefitting from the tools and resources of their larger counterparts, the implementation of tactics like these is becoming more widespread. Read more about how transportation leaders are breathing life into Vision Zero here: https://lnkd.in/gGcwjA2c 🚌

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"Companies seeking to capitalize on the drive — and incentives — to rebuild damaged domestic supply chains are looking for states and localities that have proper infrastructure in place, said site selection consultant John Boyd, Jr., of The Boyd Company. This may help explain why infrastructure has become such a hot topic in the world of United States economic development. “Site readiness is a key component when we think about what distinguishes one market versus another, and it very often is such a critical factor, it could tip the scales for a project towards an overall less business-friendly state, if they have a certified site that’s ready to go,” he said. “A CNBC analysis of all 50 states’ economic development marketing materials shows that infrastructure is the most mentioned attribute by states marketing to attract companies. As a result, Infrastructure is the top-weighted category in CNBC’s annual state competitiveness rankings, America’s Top States for Business." #SiteSelection #EconomicDevelopment #IndustrialSites #SiteReadiness #Megasites #FDI #Infrastructure #SelectUSA SelectUSA #TopStates

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Here are three chances to provide input on the Strategic Trails Plan, Front Range Rail, and the regional Active Modes Plan. Take this opportunity to provide feedback to our regional partners. #trail #rail #activetransportation

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This, right here is why pedestrians are crossing at midblock locations and getting struck at higher speeds. 5 conflict points at intersection vs 2 at midblock. Add to that, long distances between signalized crosswalks, leads to more midblock crossings.

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Below is a list highlighting the Kane County Division of Transportation's (KDOT) major construction projects of 2024. Drivers are reminded to use caution and obey speed limits when driving through work zones. And, remember, using handheld phones is illegal when driving anywhere in Illinois Longmeadow Parkway Bridge Corridor – This year KDOT will finish paving the last mainline roadway section from Sandbloom/Williams Road to the Bolz Road Connector. This work is anticipated to get started in May and has a Sept. 15, 2024 contract completion date. At the completion of this contract, Kane County will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to open the new (toll free) bridge over the Fox River and last roadway segment to the travelling public. This project is considered a "once in a lifetime" project for the staff at KDOT because of its scope. This is the second such project bringing a new bridge over the Fox River, the Stearns Road Bridge Corridor being the first. See https://lnkd.in/gCfpnmCQ for additional information.   Dauberman Road Extension from US 30 to Granart Road – This project will construct a new grade separated structure over the BNSF RR and over US 30. At the completion of this contract this fall, KDOT will be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony to open this new roadway extension which will improve safety, access and system continuity. See https://lnkd.in/g--6fRgs for additional information.   Plank Road from Engel Road to Waughon Road federal safety-funded improvement – This project will include the addition of wider paved shoulders, wider edge lines, centerline and edge line rumble strips, and associated ditch/drainage improvements with a fall 2024 target completion. See https://lnkd.in/g_Gjqg59 for more information.   ​Fabyan Parkway at Western Avenue - Work will include earth excavation, roadway reconstruction, HMA pavement, storm sewer facilities, drainage structures and landscape restoration. Also included is the reconstruction of the existing multi-use path along the south side of Fabyan Parkway from Western Avenue to IL Route 31. Anticipated completion in fall 2024 For more information on all of KDOT's projects, both past, current and future, go to https://lnkd.in/gx6SXYEz. #whykane #KDOT #roadprojects

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It's #TransportationTuesday! Today we are spotlighting our Shellhorn Road Extension project in Loudoun County.🛣 J2 is playing a pivotal role in the extension and realignment of Shellhorn Road, which, once completed, will ease congestion and improve accessibility to the region, including Dulles International Airport, the Loudoun Gateway Metro Station, and its parking facility. This project will enhance mobility within the heavily traveled area and offer alternative routes for local travelers who wish to avoid the Dulles Greenway while still reaching their destinations. Check out more about this project below, and how we met their challenges with solutions! #J2Projects #ProjectHighlights #LoudounCounty #ConnectingtheCommunity #DesignWithYourFutureinMind

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How do laws shape engineering practices? 🚗 In this week’s Engineering Management Institute blog, Nick H., breaks down parking garage inspection laws and how public safety is an essential part of the engineering process. Check it out ➡️ https://lnkd.in/ei9xYzFz #Engineering #Engineer #PublicSafety #Compliance #Automotive

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All 50 states have developed plans for building the necessary EV charging infrastructure in their jurisdictions, but meeting those anticipated needs within six years calls for a cumulative investment of between $31 million and $55 billion in publicly accessible charging infrastructure. More w/Fac.Dive: https://ow.ly/yuO730sBEg0 #evinfrastructure #infrsaturcture

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Per ENR: [Calling the Key Bridge incident “a sober reminder” of the risks large vessels post to critical infrastructure, Adm. Gautier says he will convene a nationwide board of inquiry to assess the efficacy and use of the Coast Guard’s suite of risk management tools for port access, with an eye toward establishing “a holistic national-level approach to develop risk profiles, identify ways to address vulnerabilities, and propose actions to reduce risk of major incidents.” The dynamic nature of the issue was evidenced by the fact that while the House committee hearing was taking place, an untethered barge struck the pillar of a 64-year-old bridge in Galveston, Texas. Damage was limited to an unused rail section of the structure, which the Texas Department of Transportation has already slated for replacement. In early April, a flood event on the Ohio River unmoored several barges wedged, some of which struck a bridge and a lock and dam structure. No significant damage was reported.] #keybridge #francis_scott_key_bridge #NTSB #dali #baltimore #impact #crashprotection #vessel #impact #bridgecolapse #servicelife

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This is a great reminder for Civil Engineers and other survey clients to remember the "golden rule" ... treat others as you would want to be treated. Surveying is a profession, not a commodity. Build relationships with Professional Surveyors you trust, don't just go "phishing" for the cheapest price. You not only risk getting-what-you-pay-for, you might also be breaking a "Qualification Based Selection" law if the project is publicly funded. I would not chose my doctor or my mechanic based on who is the cheapest, but on who I trust.

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As we transform our grid, we can learn a few things from how the national highway system was built. This article by Christina Hayes does a nice job of highlighting how Portland Cement and advanced conductors have more in common than you might think! https://lnkd.in/gW-C7QQZ

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