NTOC Talks, a Newsletter of the National Transportation Operations Coalition
Categories > Opportunity :: July 01, 2009 (ITE)
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) allocates significant funding to state transportation agencies for highway infrastructure investment projects. These funds are being used to rehabilitate roadway surfaces, build new capacity and deploy Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and other applications to improve operations. It is important to coordinate work zone planning and operations to avoid undue burdens on the traveling public and ensure safe and efficient traffic flow through individual work zones. The Web briefing will focus on ITS applications as a component of a larger work zone transportation management plan used to facilitate the coordination of multiple work zone projects as well as the planning, design and operation of individual work zones. It will highlight cost-effective technology applications available to state and local DOTs that can be rapidly deployed to improve work zone safety and mobility. See course details and learning objectives by accessing the link above. This event is sponsored by the U.S. DOT Research Innovative Technology Administration ITS Professional Capacity Building Program.
Date: Thursday, July 23, 2009
Credit: 1.5 PDH
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Eastern
Site Fee: $15.00 (Member/Non-Member/Full-time Student)
Intended Audience: Traffic/Transportation Engineers and Consultants
Categories > Opportunity :: July 01, 2009 (US DOT)
This free T3 Webinar, taking place July 23, 2009 from 1:00–2:30 p.m. ET, will explore Regional Traffic Signal Management Programs from an intuitional and organizational perspective. Over the last decade, Regional Traffic Signal Management Programs have developed in many metropolitan areas with the primary objective of improving traffic signal timing. How successful have these programs been at achieving and sustaining this objective? What types of organizational structures, funding, and technology facilitate the operation of the system? There are many approaches to starting, organizing, and sustaining regional programs; a cross section of these, will be explored from the perspective of State DOTs, Metropolitan Planning Organizations and Local Agencies. The activities, funding sources and champions that sustain regional programs are as diverse as the regions themselves; exploring and discussing these is an important step in improving and advancing traffic signal operations nationally.
For more information and to register, click on the link above.
T3 Webinars are brought to you by the ITS Professional Capacity Building Program (ITS PCB) at the U.S. Department of Transportation's (U.S. DOT) ITS Joint Program Office, Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA).
Categories > Now Available :: July 01, 2009 (FHWA)
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has released a report that explores practices that can be used by an analyst, researcher, or manager in charge of conducting a specific work zone analysis project or who has been charged with developing an overall work zone modeling program or approach. This document is the second volume in the FHWA Traffic Analysis Toolbox: Work Zone Analysis series.
Categories > Breaking News :: July 01, 2009 (FHWA)
FHWA estimates issuance of RFP DTFH61-09-R-00029 for the Michigan IntelliDrive Test Bed Operation and Maintenance within 60 days or later of this notice. A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held in Detroit, Michigan. Time and exact location will be specified in the RFP. Any questions pertaining to this notice shall be emailed to charles.kotch@dot.gov. Answers to all questions received, will be discussed and documented at the Pre-Proposal Conference. No questions will be answered prior to the conference.
Categories > Now Available :: July 01, 2009 (FHWA)
Please join a panel discussion on the Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Self Assessment at a Web conference on Thursday, July 30, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern. Panelists will present a discussion of the TIM Self Assessment process, success stories and best practices, cumulative results of the survey, the role in strategic performance metric measurements and potentially new criteria to capture incident performance collection activities. In addition, FHWA will present a demonstration of the new TIM Self-Assessment automated tool.
For more information and to register, click on the following link:
https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/web_conf_learner_reg.aspx?webConfID=17432
Categories > Opportunity :: July 01, 2009 (ITS America)
The Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) is pleased to announce a series of Webinars focusing on how climate change can affect surface transportation.
“What Does Climate Change Legislation Mean for Surface Transportation?” will be held from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8.
“How is California Addressing Surface Transportation Issues?” will be held from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15.
“What is Detroit Doing to Alleviate Environmental Concerns in Surface Transportation?” will be held from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22.
The registration fee for members of ITS America is $45 per Webinar (or $105 for the series) and $90 per Webinar for nonmembers or ($240 for the series).
To register, download the registration form through the link above.
Categories > Now Available :: July 01, 2009 (ITS America)
Brought to you by ITS America and seen at the 15th World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems, the “Transportation Management Center of the Future” was a 3,200 square foot exhibition that showcased the integration of active probe data into the most advanced applications of Transportation Management Center (TMC) systems. This one-of-a-kind exhibition is now available as a 45-minute DVD.
Categories > Breaking News :: July 01, 2009 (NTOC)
Speed limit signs tell the driver how fast they can legally drive. What if they actually told them something more useful — namely how fast to drive so that one is assured of not having to stop at the next light? Read the complete blog entry by Tom Vanderbilt through the link above.
Categories > Opportunity :: July 01, 2009 (TRB)
The Transportation Research Board (TRB) will conduct a Webinar on Tuesday, June 30, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EDT that will explore the fundamentals of climate change with Dr. Steven Davis-Mendelow. Dr. Davis-Mendelow is a spokesperson for The Climate Project, an international non-profit founded by former Vice President Al Gore. Participants must register at least 24 hours in advance of the start of the Webinar, space is limited, and there is a fee for non-TRB Sponsor employees.
Dr. Davis-Mendelow will provide an engaging presentation about the fundamentals of climate change to help the transportation community better plan policy and projects. Mr. William Malley, partner at the law firm of Perkins Coie LLP, will provide comments after Dr. Davis-Mendelow’s presentation. This Webinar is based on a 2009 Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting session.
Categories > Now Available :: July 01, 2009 (TRB)
TRB’s Executive Committee periodically identifies a set of critical issues in transportation to focus attention on their likely impact on the nation’s economy and quality of life. The 2009 Critical Issues update elevates the importance of energy and environmental issues to reflect the prominence that these topics have gained in national debates about energy security and climate change. Greater emphasis also is given to the issues of the condition and financing of infrastructure, to help policy makers prepare for the reauthorization of federal surface transportation programs that expire in 2009.
The urgency of addressing the critical issues has never been greater. The Executive Committee hopes that readers of this list will become aware of and concerned about these issues, and will join in addressing the problems in transportation so that society and the economy can reap the many benefits.
To order free copies of Critical Issues in Transportation, please contact Russell Houston, TRB's Senior Communications Officer, at rhouston@nas.edu or 202-334-3252. In your correspondence, please include the number of copies of the publication you need, the audience you are going to be sharing them with and your full mailing address.
Categories > Now Available :: July 01, 2009 (TRB)
Make plans now to join the Institute of Transportation Engineers at the 2009 Annual Meeting and Exhibit, August 9–12, 2009, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
San Antonio, TX, USA. Click here to see the video about the meeting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rSh1j6GED8.
Categories > Breaking News :: July 01, 2009 (AMPO)
The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure released the Committee Print of the next surface transportation authorization bill, "The Surface Transportation Authorization Act of 2009." The Subcommittee on Highways and Transit was scheduled to mark up the Committee Print on June 24. The completed bill will be introduced at a later date.
“The Committee lays out a plan to transform our surface transportation system so that it can meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges,” said Chairman James L. Oberstar (Minn.). “It restructures surface transportation programs to a performance-based framework to cut fatalities and injuries on our highways, bring highway, bridge, and public transit systems to a state of good repair, reduce congestion and greenhouse gas emissions, and support robust investment in our nation’s infrastructure.”
“The Surface Transportation Authorization Act of 2009 provides our nation a vision and a path towards a 21st Century transportation system. It will make our highways safer, improve our roads and transit systems, make our businesses more competitive by reducing their costs due to time spent in traffic, and reduce the amount of time the average person spends in gridlock,” said Rep. Peter DeFazio (Ore.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit. “This is an opportunity to move past broken policies of the past and move toward a more accountable and efficient future.”
A white paper outlining the organizational and policy reforms that will be contained in the new bill was also released. The white paper, entitled “A Blueprint for Investment and Reform,” and the Committee Print released are posted on the Committee’s Web site, http://transportation.house.gov.
Categories > Opportunity :: July 01, 2009 (NTOC)
This free Talking Operations Web cast, taking place August 6, 2009 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time, will describe the work that Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has done in Traffic Management Center (TMC) weather integration, including the development of the Self-Evaluation and Planning Guide. For complete details and to register, visit the link above.
Categories > Opportunity :: July 01, 2009 (ITE)
This Web briefing is a showcase of selected presentations from the 2009 ITE Technical Conference and Exhibit, Transportation Operations in Action, held in Phoenix, AZ in March 2009. The Web briefing is being offered with support from the Federal Highway Administration’s Office of Operations.
Dates: Tuesday, June 30, 2009, Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Credit: 1.5 PDH/.2 IACET CEU
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Eastern
Site Fee: $15.00 (Member/Non-Member/Full-time Student)
Intended Audience: Transportation Planners, Traffic/Transportation Engineers and Consultants
Categories > Opportunity :: July 01, 2009 (ITE)
This suite of courses includes six learning modules on traffic operations studies, traffic devices, elements of design, traffic safety, incident management and transportation management. See course details and learning objectives by accessing the link above.
Dates: Wednesday, August 19-September 23, 2009 (Modules 1-6 )
Credit: 9 PDH/.9 IACET CEU
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Eastern
Intended Audience: Transportation Planners, Traffic/Transportation Engineers, Consultants and prospective TOPS exam takers
Categories > Breaking News :: June 22, 2009 (FHWA)
Open to All U.S. Citizens: The Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center is looking for someone to provide leadership in the development and implementation of a national highway research agenda that has broad-based constituent support.
FHWA's Office of RD&T is recruiting a Program Manager (Management & Program Analyst GS-343-13/14) at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center in McLean, Virginia. This position provides high-level representation for FHWA's Research & Technology (R&T) program to a wide variety of outside organizations including American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Transportation Research Board (TRB), State DOTs, and Congressional staff. This includes outreach to the Transportation Research Board's Research and Technology Coordinating Committee and developing partnerships related to developing a Nationally Coordinated R&T Agenda. Within FHWA, this position serves as advisor to the R&T Leadership Team for issues related to R&T, providing expert advice and necessary policy, budget, and analytic support. In addition, the employee provides leadership to the goal owners in development and execution of an R&T program.
The ideal candidate has expertise in developing and implementing research programs with a broad-based constituent support and has experience communicating this knowledge to a variety of audiences as a regular part of his/her job.
This position is ideal for a mid-career professional looking to work on innovative and meaningful programs and policies related to transportation research.
This position will be filled at either the GS-13 or GS-14 position (salary range: $86,927 - $133,543)....application deadline is June 24, 2009.
The position announcement can be found at: http://www.usajobs.gov/
If you are NOT currently a Federal Employee, look for Announcement No. FHWA.HRT-2009-0030
If you ARE currently a Federal employee (or have status), look for Announcement No. FHWA.HRT-2009-0029
Categories > Opportunity :: June 17, 2009 (NTOC)
This free Talking Operations Web cast, taking place August 6, 2009 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time, will describe the work that Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has done in Traffic Management Center (TMC) weather integration, including the development of the Self-Evaluation and Planning Guide. For complete details and to register, visit the link above.
Categories > Opportunity :: June 17, 2009 (ITE)
This Web briefing is a showcase of selected presentations from the 2009 Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Technical Conference and Exhibit, Transportation Operations in Action, held in Phoenix, AZ in March 2009. The presentations are representative of each track: Planning, Safety, Traffic Engineering/Design and Transportation Operations. The Web briefing is being offered at a discounted rate with support from the FHWA Office of Operations.
Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Time: 3:00 - 4:30 PM Eastern
Site Fee: $15.00 (Members/Non-Members/Full-time Students)
Credit: 1.5 PDH
For more information and to register, click on the link above.
Categories > Now Available :: June 17, 2009 (FHWA)
The FHWA Road Weather Management Program recently developed a self-evaluation and planning guide to help Transportation Management/Operations Centers integrate weather information in their daily operations. The Guide consists of a manual document and an electronic tool to assist TMCs in identifying their weather integration needs and selecting appropriate strategies to meet those needs. FHWA is now working with several TMCs around the country in conducting the self-evaluation using the Guide.
Categories > Breaking News :: June 17, 2009 (NTOC)
At one time or another, just about everything we own, from the clothing we wear to the food we eat, spent time as freight. Manufacturers, shippers and businesses rely on the Nation's seaports, highways, railroads and airports to get their raw materials and manufactured goods to the marketplace. America's economy depends on the ability to move freight quickly and efficiently; that's why the Freight Stakeholders Coalition (FSC)—a 17 member organization, which includes the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)—has released its 2009 Surface Transportation Reauthorization Platform. Read the platform through the link above.
Categories > Now Available :: June 17, 2009 (NCSL)
As of March 31, 2009, at least 1/3 of the states that have submitted highway project lists for federal recovery act (ARRA) funding have gone beyond traditional construction by choosing to invest in "intelligent transportation systems" (ITS) technology projects that will enhance the capacity and performance of existing highway infrastructure. This National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) brief describes ARRA surface transportation provisions and makes the case for ITS projects as innovative, cost-effective alternatives for ARRA highway infrastructure and grant funds. To access the brief, click on the link above. For further information please contact Jaime Rall at jaime.rall@ncsl.org.
Categories > Breaking News :: June 17, 2009 (US DOT)
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson announced an interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities to help improve access to affordable housing, more transportation options, and lower transportation costs while protecting the environment in communities nationwide.
Testifying together at a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing chaired by U.S. Senator Christopher J. Dodd, Secretary LaHood, Secretary Donovan and Administrator Jackson outlined the six guiding ‘livability principles’ they will use to coordinate federal transportation, environmental protection, and housing investments at their respective agencies.
Earlier this year, HUD and DOT announced an unprecedented agreement to implement joint housing and transportation initiatives. With EPA joining the partnership, the three agencies will work together to ensure that these housing and transportation goals are met while simultaneously protecting the environment, promoting equitable development, and helping to address the challenges of climate change.
DOT Secretary LaHood said, “Creating livable communities will result in improved quality of life for all Americans and create a more efficient and more accessible transportation network that serves the needs of individual communities. Fostering the concept of livability in transportation projects and programs will help America’s neighborhoods become safer, healthier and more vibrant.”
Categories > Breaking News :: June 17, 2009 (NTOC)
Information Display Company has launched Traffic Calming Matters, a blog for traffic engineers and other industry professionals interested in traffic related issues. The blog provides industry experts with a forum to discuss experiences, ask questions and share opinions on all subjects related to traffic management.
"New technologies and a growing list of newly published reports are helping to change the way professionals address traffic-related concerns," said Gary ODell, president of Information Display Company. "This new blog is intended to help traffic engineers and safety professionals keep abreast of the latest developments and exchange ideas with each other."
The content of Traffic Calming Matters is provided by a variety of guest writers including experts at IDC and its partner companies. Those wishing to contribute opinions or engage in dialogue with other professionals can do so through the blog's comment section or by submitting topic ideas directly to the blog administrator.
Current posts address a variety of subject matter including the effectiveness of radar speed check signs vs. speed bumps, the benefits of traffic light synchronization and thoughts on federal stimulus money projects.
Traffic Calming Matters can be found at http://www.informationdisplay.com/traffic_calming_blog/.
Categories > Breaking News :: June 17, 2009 (NTOC)
A growing number of cities across the U.S. are finding the use of timed traffic signals can dramatically improve traffic flow and reduce fuel consumption. The Institute of Traffic Engineers reports that a comprehensive signal timing program can reduce overall travel time by 7-13 percent, reduce delays by 15-37 percent and reduce fuel usage by 6-9 percent.
Information Display Company, a leading developer and manufacturer of radar speed sign technology, announced the launch of TrafficFlow Manager™, a driver alert display that works with traffic signal timing to alleviate traffic congestion. When mounted along a route with timed traffic signals, the display informs drivers that the lights are synchronized and lets them know the proper speed they must maintain in order to avoid having to stop for a red light.
"TrafficFlow Manager can be a key component of a total traffic signal synchronization strategy," said Gary ODell, president of Information Display Company. "Studies have shown that comprehensive programs that include both operational and technical components such as TrafficFlow Manager, can significantly increase the benefits these programs provide."
A report issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation showed that a traffic light synchronization program in Texas reduced delays by 24.6 percent and fuel consumption by 14.2 percent. A similar program in Austin Texas saved commuters 2.3 million hours of their time and 1.2 million gallons of fuel usage.
Categories > Opportunity :: June 17, 2009 (APWA)
The U.S. American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) included $3.2 billion for states, local governments and tribes for energy efficiency and conservation projects under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program (EECBG). A total of $1.9 billion is allocated to eligible cities and counties. This is a block grant program, so for cities of 35,000 or more population and counties of 200,000 or more population (or the top ten highest populated cities and counties in each state, regardless of population) funds are allocated on a formula basis. In addition, $456 million is set aside to fund other local energy efficiency projects through a competitive solicitation process.
There are numerous “public works” related projects that can be funded under this new program. It is a tremendous opportunity to advance energy efficiency and conservation projects in local communities. If your city or county is allocated funds directly and has not yet completed its application, you are encouraged to do so by the June 25 deadline. For public works departments that may not typically apply for this type of federal grant funding, we encourage you to take this opportunity to reach out to other departments within your city or county and work with them to take advantage of the federal resources that are available.
Of note to NTOC members, the following are eligible activities under the program: transportation programs to conserve energy and installation of energy efficient traffic signals and street lighting.
Comprehensive information on the EECBG program is at: http://www.eecbg.energy.gov/. Contact your State Energy Office for information on criteria for eligibility as it may differ from state to state. For more information, please see the Web site noted above; smaller communities may contact your State Energy Office. If APWA can be of assistance, please contact Colene Roberts in Kansas City at croberts@apwa.net.
Categories > Now Available :: June 17, 2009 (JPO)
The ITS Joint Program Office (JPO) Lesson of the Month is, “Use the Electronic Freight Management (EFM) system as a supplement to existing systems and design the EFM system flexible enough to accept and provide data about any partner within the supply chain.” This lesson describes Columbus, Ohio’s experience in the electronic freight management system deployment test. To read the complete lesson, click on the link above.
Categories > Opportunity :: June 17, 2009 (ITE)
The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) is offering the following upcoming Webinars:
Urban Street Geometric Design Web Seminar Series
http://www.ite.org/education/webinars_usgdh.asp#URBAN_STREET_SERIES
This suite of courses includes seven (7) learning modules that serve as a training supplement to the recently released ITE Urban Street Geometric Design Handbook. Course titles include: Introduction to Geometric Design, Design Philosophy and Controls, Geometric Design Consideration for Local and Collector Streets, Challenges of Urban Intersection Design, Access Management Techniques for the Design of Safe and Efficient Urban Streets, Successful Design of Urban Arterial Streets and Keys to Safe and Efficient Roadside Design. While the courses can be taken separately, participants are encouraged to take advantage of the series discount.
Dates: June 9-August 20, 2009
Credit: 10.5 PDH/1 IACET CEU
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Eastern
Intended Audience: Traffic/Transportation Engineers and Consultants
Roundabout Design and Construction: Key Issues and Solutions Web Seminar
http://www.ite.org/education/webinars_construction.asp
Background: The design and construction phases of roundabout development are the most critical with respect to safety and proper operations for modern roundabouts. The construction phase is integrated closely with final design documents. Construction inspectors also play a role in the interpretation of the final design drawings to ensure consistency with what is on the ground.
Date: July 29, 2009
Credit: 1.5 PDH/.2 IACET CEU
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Eastern
Intended Audience: Traffic/Transportation Engineers and Consultants
Categories > Opportunity :: June 03, 2009 (NTOC)
A few spots are still available for this free Talking Operations, taking place from 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time today, June 3. To register, click here: https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/web_conf_learner_reg.aspx?webConfID=17182
Description: The Value Pricing Pilot Program has demonstrated that the long-range planning process conducted by Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) can be an excellent way to begin the discussion about congestion pricing in large metro areas with environmental and financial constraints. Corridor studies offer another opportunity. This webinar will focus on how pricing can be incorporated into the planning process and considered more widely in more metro areas. Speakers from Texas and Washington will present the state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organization perspectives. These states have successfully used the planning process to deploy congestion pricing. Factors that will be discussed include: what was behind the decision to consider congestion pricing early in the planning process; how transportation agencies in these states routinely assess congestion pricing and managed lanes as possible solutions to congestion problems; and, some of the reasons pricing was considered for implementation. In addition, speakers will share information about the process they use to screen potential pricing strategies and models and other analytical tools they relied on to evaluate potential strategies.
Categories > Breaking News :: June 03, 2009 (ITS America)
The IntelliDriveSM (formerly VII) research program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) combines leading edge technologies to provide the capability for vehicles to identify threats and hazards on the roadway and communicate this information over wireless networks to give drivers alerts and warnings. The program is intended to accelerate the development and market adoption of IntelliDriveSM capabilities, whether they emerge through federally funded research initiatives or as a result of independent research activities in the academic, non-profit, or private sector.
In support of this initiative, U.S. DOT and the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) believe that real progress can happen only if there is widespread understanding of the nature and extent of IntelliDriveSM related research (federally funded or not) and of its emerging application and deployment.
To increase this awareness, ITS America invites you to participate in a survey authorized by U.S. DOT, to:
• Identify non-federally funded IntelliDriveSM research initiatives underway throughout North America
• Explore the research needs of the ITS stakeholder community
• Identify ways in which the ITS stakeholder community can be better supported in its collaboration efforts to develop and deploy ITS technologies
A key outcome of this survey will be the development of a Web-based application that routinely identifies IntelliDriveSM research from non-federally funded sources to augment the more widely known research occurring under federal sponsorship. The application will also promote knowledge transfer and collaboration to enhance greater deployment of IntelliDriveSM in support of our nation's 21st century surface transportation system. To participate in this survey, please visit: http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/survey.zgi?p=WEB2296PFTCMBE.
We would like your responses by Friday, June 12. If you have any questions, please contact Brei Whitty at bwhitty@itsa.org.
Categories > Breaking News :: June 03, 2009 (ITS America)
ITS America honored the organizations and agencies that demonstrated the most innovative and effective uses of advanced technologies in surface transportation. The awards were presented this week before more than 1,000 of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) leaders during the opening session of ITS America’s 2009 Annual Meeting & Exposition at the Gaylord National Hotel & Resort in National Harbor, Maryland.
In the “Best New Practices” category, the public agency winner was the Mississippi Department of Transportation’s Traffic Engineering Division for its project “Saving Lives Through Innovative Partnerships – the msTraffic/MED-COM Project.” The private sector company winner was Kapsch TrafficCom won top honors in the “Best New Practices” category for its Smart Road Technologies for Safety and Mobility Travelers” project.
In the “Best New Innovative Products or Services” category the public agency winner was the Florida Department of Transportation for its Office of Motor Carrier Compliance and FreightDesk Technologies for its Truck Control System in Aqaba, Jordan.
For more information on the winning practices, products and services, go to http://www.itsa.org/amawards.html.
Categories > Breaking News :: June 03, 2009 (US DOT)
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced the availability of $1.5 billion in Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Discretionary Grants for capital investment in surface transportation projects. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis to projects that have a significant impact on the nation, a region, or metropolitan area and can create jobs and benefit economically distressed areas.
The grants can range from $20 million up to $300 million to support high impact transportation projects. Secretary LaHood can waive the minimum grant requirement for beneficial projects in smaller cities, regions, or states. The U.S. Department of Transportation will require rigorous economic justifications for projects over $100 million. To ensure responsible spending, the department will require all fund recipients to report on their activities on a routine basis.
Applications for TIGER discretionary grants must be submitted by September 15, 2009, from state and local governments, including U.S. territories, tribal governments, transit agencies, port authorities and others. Comments on the criteria must be received by June 1, 2009. The Federal Register notice can be accessed at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-11542.pdf.
Categories > Breaking News :: June 03, 2009 (US DOT)
Motorists who traveled through Nashville, TN, USA this past Memorial Day holiday had an open road and a new tool to help avoid traffic tie-ups. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) suspended all lane closure activities on state roads and interstates and launched TDOT’s first Twitter page to help keep motorists up to date about problems on volunteer state roadways.
According to TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely, “Twitter is one more way TDOT can help travelers stay informed about road conditions in the volunteer state.”
People wishing to receive TDOT’s Twitter updates can now follow TN511 on Twitter. Motorists can also obtain traffic information on the TDOT Web site and by calling 511 from any land line or cellular phone or by tuning into one of several Highway Advisory Radio stations located in most urban areas.
Categories > Opportunity :: June 03, 2009 (ITE)
The Institute of Transportation Engineers is offering the following upcoming Webinars:
Professional Traffic Operations Engineer® (PTOE) Refresher Courses
http://www.ite.org/education/webinars_ptoe.asp#PTOE__SUITE
Background: The suite of courses includes five (5) learning modules on traffic engineering studies, traffic operations analysis, operational effects of geometric design, traffic safety and traffic control devices. See individual modules below for course details and learning objectives.
Dates: Tuesdays, June 2-30, 2009 (Modules 1-5)
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Eastern
Intended Audience: Transportation Planners, Traffic/Transportation Engineers, Consultants and prospective PTOE exam takers
Traffic Operations Practitioner Specialist® (TOPS) Refresher Courses
http://www.ite.org/education/webinars_tops.asp#Suite%20REFRESHER
Background: The suite of courses includes six (6) learning modules on traffic operations studies, traffic devices, elements of design, traffic safety, incident management and transportation management. See individual modules below for course details and learning objectives.
Dates: Wednesday, August 19 - September 23, 2009 (Modules 1-6 )
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Eastern
Intended Audience: Transportation Planners, Traffic/Transportation Engineers, Consultants and prospective TOPS exam takers
Urban Street Geometric Design Web Seminar Series
http://www.ite.org/education/webinars_usgdh.asp#URBAN_STREET_SERIES
Background: The suite of courses includes seven (7) learning modules that serve as a training supplement to the recently released ITE Urban Street Geometric Design Handbook. Course titles include: Introduction to Geometric Design, Design Philosophy and Controls, Geometric Design Consideration for Local and Collector Streets, Challenges of Urban Intersection Design, Access Management Techniques for the Design of Safe and Efficient Urban Streets, Successful Design of Urban Arterial Streets and Keys to Safe and Efficient Roadside Design. While the courses can be taken separately, participants are encouraged to take advantage of the series discount.
Dates: June 9-August 20, 2009
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Eastern
Intended Audience: Traffic/Transportation Engineers and Consultants
Categories > Opportunity :: June 03, 2009 (FHWA)
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Exploratory Advanced Research Program has posted its spring Broad Agency Announcement covering 12 topics in four focus areas: nanoscale research; concepts for integrated highway safety and systems operations; new technologies and advanced policies for energy and resource conservation systems; and macro, mega and national scale modeling systems. Proposals are due Wednesday, June 24, 2009. Please see http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/advancedresearch/index.cfm.
Categories > Opportunity :: June 03, 2009 (ITE)
The ITE 2009 Annual Meeting and Exhibit will take place August 9–12, in San Antonio, TX, USA. For a copy of the preliminary program, visit: http://www.ite.org/annualmeeting/prelimprogram.pdf)
You can earn IACET Continuing Education Credits (CEU) and Professional Development Hours (PDH) by attending ITE’s high-quality, in-depth technical sessions and tours. To help you fulfill your professional development requirements for licensure, PTOE and PTP certifications, ITE has:
• Created a technical program with enough sessions to fulfill an entire year of professional development requirements.
• Developed an easy to use electronic professional development tracking form with pre-filled information from the meeting.
• Provided a dedicated Web site (http://www.ite.org/pdrks) to keep track of all your professional development, not just ITE training.
Register at the non-member rate and receive a free membership for the remainder of 2009. For more information, please contact Christina Garneski, Marketing and Membership Services Senior Director, at cgarneski@ite.org.
Also keep in mind, if three or more people from your company register you receive a 20 PERCENT DISCOUNT off the total registration price. For more information and to register online, visit http://www.ite.org/annualmeeting. To take advantage of the 20 percent discount for signing up three individuals, please fill out the form on the site.
With these tools in place to help you succeed, now is the time to register for the 2009 Annual Meeting and Exhibit. The early-bird registration fee ends on July 9, 2009.
Categories > Now Available :: May 20, 2009 (FHWA)
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has created a new Web site to provide information on FHWA research, publications and resources related to climate change science, policies and actions. Check out the new site at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep/climate.
Categories > Opportunity :: May 20, 2009 (NADO)
Plan now to attend the 2009 National Rural Transportation Peer Learning Conference, to be held October 28–30, 2009 in Savannah, Georgia. This year’s conference will feature mobile workshops, peer training, and networking opportunities specifically designed for rural and small metropolitan regions.
Training sessions will cover such policy and technical issues as transportation and economic development, land use, climate change, relationships with state departments of transportation and other planning partners, planning for regional transit and coordinated human services transportation, GIS and technology applications, safety planning, freight and intermodal transportation, finance and other topics.
National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) member organizations are encouraged to submit abstracts of presentations online until May 30, 2009 at http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB228TVR2RJRU.
This year’s conference will also include special networking and learning events held jointly with the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO) Annual Conference. This will provide an opportunity to share practices with transportation professionals from medium and large metropolitan regions as well as rural and small metropolitan regions.
For more information, contact NADO Program Manager Carrie Kissel at ckissel@nado.org or 202.624.8829. For more details on the conference, visit http://www.RuralTransportation.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=59355.
Categories > Opportunity :: May 20, 2009 (AMPO)
Save the date for the upcoming Webinar entitled “Climate Change Is Heating Up: The Latest Information and Resources for Transportation Planning Agencies in Rural, Small- and Medium-sized Regions,” which will take place on Thursday, May 21, 2:00–3:30 p.m. This Webinar will be offered free of charge, and AICP Certification Maintenance credits may be offered to attendees.
The Webinar will feature presentations by Cindy Burbank, National Planning and Environment Practice Leader for PB Americas, and Harrison Rue, Principal for ICF International. Burbank and Rue will provide an overview of climate change information and its relationship to transportation planning, discuss potential regulatory and legislative issues, economic impacts and prospects for addressing climate change, opportunities to adapt to and mitigate climate change, and provide additional resources.
For more information and to register, visit http://www.ruraltransportation.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=69578.
This Webinar is supported in part by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under Agreement No. DTFH61-06-H-00029. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of FHWA.
Categories > Opportunity :: May 20, 2009 (JPO)
This Talking Technology and Transportation (T3) Webinar will take place on May 21, 2009, from 10:30–11:30 a.m. ET. This Webinar will provide a briefing on the status of the NG 9-1-1 Initiative and other development efforts and describe the transition to the National E-911 Implementation Coordination Office that is currently underway.
T3 Webinars are sponsored by the ITS Professional Capacity Building Program at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s ITS Joint Program Office. For more information and to register, click on the link above.
Categories > Opportunity :: May 20, 2009 (JPO)
This T3 Webinar will take place on June 3, 2009, from 2:00–5:30 p.m. ET. Within a workshop setting, Transportation Safety Advancement Group members and other public safety professionals review actual public safety related events or incidents for the purpose of identifying management strategies and technology-based applications and corresponding successes, failures and lessons-learned. This Webinar will review the 2007 I-35 (MN) Bridge Collapse.
Case Studies Workshop presenters walk the audience through the tragic events of the day, focusing on 9-1-1 operations, Police, Fire and EMS response, as well as the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activation and management. Presenters will share lessons learned and highlight the performance of the Minneapolis 911 Center, of local emergency responders and of operations strategies and technologies at the time of and responding to the incident.
T3 Webinars are sponsored by the ITS Professional Capacity Building Program at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s ITS Joint Program Office. For more information and to register, click on the link above.
Categories > Breaking News :: May 20, 2009 (ITS America)
A coalition of transportation and technology leaders – including state and local officials, industry and academic leaders and prominent stakeholder organizations – is calling on Congress to focus federal funding in the surface transportation authorization bill on the deployment of smart technologies and innovative solutions in order to create a performance-driven, intermodal transportation system that is safer, cleaner, more efficient and more financially sustainable for communities, businesses and the traveling public.
“As a result of successful research initiatives and private sector innovation, technologies are here today which can help increase safety, reduce congestion and emissions, boost competitiveness, improve system performance, and create more livable and sustainable communities,” the coalition wrote today to House transportation leaders. “While a continued and strengthened research role is still needed, it is critical that state and local agencies and private sector partners make better use of technology to modernize today’s infrastructure and optimize existing capacity, while building smart and efficient roads, bridges, transit systems, and multimodal transportation options for tomorrow’s transportation users.”
ITS America’s complete authorization recommendations are available here: http://www.itsa.org/itsa/files/pdf/ITSAmericaAuthorizationProposal-FINAL.pdf.
Categories > Now Available :: May 20, 2009 (AASHTO)
Driving on rough roads costs the average American motorist approximately $400 a year in extra vehicle operating costs. Drivers living in urban areas with populations over 250,000 are paying upwards of $750 more annually because of accelerated vehicle deterioration, increased maintenance, additional fuel consumption, and tire wear caused by poor road conditions.
Rough Roads Ahead: Fix Them Now or Pay for It Later, a report released by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and TRIP, reports that one-third of the nation's major highways, including Interstates, freeways, and major roads, are in poor or mediocre condition. Roads in urban areas, which carry 66 percent of the traffic, are in much worse shape.
The full report is available at http://roughroads.transportation.org, along with charts, photographs, and examples from states working to improve their highway systems. Rough Roads is part of Are We There Yet? We Can Be!, AASHTO's effort to build awareness and support for the nation's transportation system.
Categories > Breaking News :: May 20, 2009 (US DOT)
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced the availability of $1.5 billion in TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) Discretionary Grants for capital investment in surface transportation projects. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis to projects that have a significant impact on the nation, a region or metropolitan area and can create jobs and benefit economically distressed areas.
“TIGER discretionary funding will open up the door to many new innovative and cutting-edge transportation projects,” said Secretary LaHood. “This is exciting news and I believe that these projects will promote greater mobility, a cleaner environment and more livable communities.”
The grants can range from $20 million up to $300 million to support high impact transportation projects. Secretary LaHood can waive the minimum grant requirement for beneficial projects in smaller cities, regions or states. The U.S. Department of Transportation will require rigorous economic justifications for projects over $100 million. To ensure responsible spending, the department will require all fund recipients to report on their activities on a routine basis.
Applications for TIGER discretionary grants must be submitted by September 15, 2009, from state and local governments, including U.S. territories, tribal governments, transit agencies, port authorities and others. Comments on the criteria must be received by June 1, 2009. The Federal Register notice can be accessed by clicking here: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-11542.pdf.
Categories > Opportunity :: May 20, 2009 (TRB)
Transportation Research Board standing committees have issued more than 40 calls for papers for the TRB 89th Annual Meeting, January 10-14, 2010, in Washington, D.C, and the Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board (TRR). While papers addressing any relevant aspect of transportation research will be considered, some committees are soliciting papers in specific subject areas to help potential authors identify topics for their papers. Committees will be producing calls for papers through June, so authors should visit this site periodically.
The calls for papers can be sorted by major subject area, title, or sponsoring committee. Solicited and unsolicited papers for presentation and/or publication as part of the 89th TRB Annual Meeting and the TRR must be submitted directly to TRB via the online paper submission Web site by August 1, 2009. The paper submission Web site will open in June. By late October, TRB communicates the results of the initial review to the corresponding author indicated on the paper submission form.
Categories > Opportunity :: May 20, 2009 (IBTTA)
Join the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) in Denver, CO to learn about best practices from around the world in Incident Management and Emergency Response. Sessions will explore the most effective tools and communication methods available to promote toll facility safety and security; maintain operations in the face of disruption; and effectively communicate with customers during all phases of an incident, from prevention to recovery. Other topics include crisis management during special events, Post Traumatic Distress Disorder and psychological impacts to employees, the role of engineering and maintenance in prevention and safety, and business continuity during disasters. Visit the link above to view the preliminary agenda and register today!
Categories > Now Available :: May 20, 2009 (JPO)
The ITS JPO Lesson of the Month for May 2009 is, “Use a common Concept of Operations for evacuation operations that clarifies stakeholder roles and defines coordination activities for all operational phases of the evacuation.” This lesson discusses the usefulness of a shared transportation operations plan in emergency evacuations with advance notice. To read the lesson, click on the link above.
Categories > Opportunity :: May 20, 2009 (ITE)
The Institute of Transportation Engineers is offering the following upcoming Webinars:
Access Management at Intersections Part II
http://www.ite.org/education/webinars_accesste.asp#ACCESS_PART_II
Background: Building from the “Access Management at Intersections Part I" web seminar, this web seminar will highlight major classifications of access management techniques at intersections, such as objective of separating conflicts, geometric access management and operational techniques.
Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Eastern
Traffic Signal Operations Specialist® (TSOS) Refresher Courses
http://www.ite.org/education/webinars_tsos.asp#TSOSSuite
Background: The suite of courses includes five (5) learning modules on traffic signal control, signal design and installation, signal phasing and timing, signal system timing and operations and signal operations and safety review. See individual modules below for course details and learning objectives.
Dates: Thursdays, May 28- June 25, 2009 (Modules 1-5 )
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Eastern
Professional Traffic Operations Engineer® (PTOE) Refresher Courses
http://www.ite.org/education/webinars_ptoe.asp#PTOE__SUITE
Background: The suite of courses includes five (5) learning modules on traffic engineering studies, traffic operations analysis, operational effects of geometric design, traffic safety and traffic control devices. See individual modules below for course details and learning objectives.
Dates: Tuesdays, June 2-30, 2009 (Modules 1-5)
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Eastern
Traffic Operations Practitioner Specialist® (TOPS) Refresher Courses
http://www.ite.org/education/webinars_tops.asp#Suite%20REFRESHER
Background: The suite of courses includes six (6) learning modules on traffic operations studies, traffic devices, elements of design, traffic safety, incident management and transportation management. See individual modules below for course details and learning objectives.
Dates: Wednesday, August 19 - September 23, 2009 (Modules 1-6 )
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Eastern
Categories > Opportunity :: May 20, 2009 (FHWA)
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Exploratory Advanced Research Program has posted its spring Broad Agency Announcement covering 12 topics in four focus areas: nanoscale research; concepts for integrated highway safety and systems operations; new technologies and advanced policies for energy and resource conservation systems; and macro, mega and national scale modeling systems. Proposals are due Wednesday, June 24, 2009. Please see http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/advancedresearch/index.cfm.
Categories > Now Available :: May 06, 2009 (NTOC)
Each year, approximately 1,000 fatalities and 43,000 serious injuries occur in the United States as a result of vehicle accidents in work zones. NTOC Talks interviewed Jawad Paracha, Assistant Division Chief of the Traffic Development and Support Division, and Michael Paylor, Team Leader of the Traffic Policy and Management Team, from the Maryland State Highway Administration (MD-SHA) Office of Traffic and Safety to discuss the state’s work zone safety and mobility efforts.
To read the article about the office’s development of a Work Zone Safety and Mobility Policy, click on the link above. To listen to the audio recording of the NTOC Talks interview, visit:
http://www.ntoctalks.com/recordings/default.php
Categories > Opportunity :: May 06, 2009 (NTOC)
This free NTOC Webinar will address the rationale for work zone performance monitoring and discuss some specific measures, data, and methods that can be used to monitor work zone performance. Speakers will share examples and lessons learned from a pilot test of performance monitoring at five work zones and from several years of experience collecting and analyzing data at a State DOT. Presentations will include: Work Zone Performance Monitoring and the Safety and Mobility Rule (Tracy Scriba, FHWA); Results of Work Zone Performance Measures Pilot Test (Jerry Ullman, Texas Transportation Institute); and Collection and Use of Work Zone Performance Measurement Data in Ohio (Dave Holstein, Ohio Department of Transportation).
The Webinar will take place May 28 from 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time. To register, click on the link above.
