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Congress takes summer recess without acting on transportation legislation
AASHTO Journal Share 
The House of Representatives and the Senate both recently recessed until after Labor Day, leaving only 24 days when lawmakers return to the Capitol on Sept. 6 to introduce and clear legislation reauthorizing federal highway and transit programs, which are set to expire Sept. 30 at the end of this federal fiscal year. More
Obama targets trade, infrastructure to boost economy
Journal of Commerce Share
President Barack Obama recently urged Congress to quickly settle differences on aviation legislation to unblock air construction projects, and to pass legislation on trade pacts and an infrastructure bank after lawmakers return from summer recess. "We've got to do everything in our power to grow this economy and put America back to work," Obama said after learning the Senate had followed the House in approving legislation to raise the federal debt ceiling and cut spending. More
Congestion pricing webinar: Pay as you drive insurance
Federal Highway Administration Share
This webinar will describe how pay as you drive insurance currently is being implemented, why it has been successful with drivers, data analysis needs and synergies with mileage based user fees, and how federal and state governments can work with insurers to implement PAYDI programs. More
The Bridge: Summer 2011
Transportation Research Board Share
The National Academy of Engineering has released the latest issue of its quarterly magazine that presents thoughtful opinion and analysis on engineering research, education and practice; science and technology policy; and the roles of engineering and technology in all aspects of society. More
From sprawling New Jersey, a new way forward for state DOTs
Streetsblog Capitol Hill Share
Despite the rather obvious link between transportation investments and development patterns, land use planning is simply not a consideration at your average state DOT. Most state DOTs — and there are notable exceptions — see their primary responsibility as building highways, never mind that highways are likely to spur outward development, which leads to the need for more highways. What comes after the highways are built is considered by many to be beyond the state transportation agency's scope. More
AED: Without highway bill, industry could lose $5.4 billion
Roads&Bridges Share
Congress' failure to maintain highway funding could cost the construction equipment industry more than $900 million in lost market opportunity nationwide in 2012 and $5.4 billion over the next six years, a new analysis by Associated Equipment Distributors finds. More
Highway contractor: Warm mix asphalt rolls into place
Better Roads Share
There is little doubt that even the most staid and traditional of road agencies and contractors are at least warming to the idea of a cooled-down approach to asphalt production and application only unveiled to the United States nine years ago. The ability to cut fuel consumption, greenhouse emissions and employee risk has that effect. More
Growing demand for private-sector construction helps employment
Pit&Quarry Share
Construction employment increased in 149 out of 337 metropolitan areas between June 2010 and June 2011, declined in 141 and stayed level in 47, according to an analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that the local employment data posted slightly stronger gains largely because of growing private sector demand for construction. "A lot of metro areas appear to be benefitting from growing demand from the private sector for new construction," said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. "Declining public sector demand is clearly taking a toll on just as many metro areas, however." More
