FHWA
FHWA Proposes Changes to Highway Safety Requirements
The proposed rule change would require states to include vulnerable road users in their road safety plans.
Republican States Challenge Highway Emissions Plan
A federal proposal that would require states to monitor and set targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions, praised by Democrats, is being called “unworkable” by many Republican states.
Top Republicans Encourage Governors to Ignore FHWA Guidance
Senators McConnell and Capito reject the administration's efforts to steer federal funds to infrastructure projects that prioritize road maintenance and transit and pedestrian improvements over new road construction.
NACTO Suggests Changes to MUTCD
The association's proposed changes to the manual include a focus on eliminating road deaths, improving pedestrian safety, and creating a more inclusive public process.
2015 Sets New Record for Vehicle Miles Traveled
2007 had set the prior record, which sparked the term, "peak miles driven" or "peak car." Historically low gas prices and an improved economy have fueled more driving, resulting in a record of 3.148 trillion miles driven last year.
First There Were Electric Vehicles—Will Electric Roads Be Next?
Two Texas universities received a federal grant to embed sensors in road asphalt to create renewable electricity from the wind created by passing vehicles to power roadside lights and traffic signals.
Vehicle Miles Traveled Hits Record; Fuel Efficiency Decreasing Too
New figures from the Federal Highway Administration show no abatement in increasing vehicle miles traveled (VMT). While low oil prices have been beneficial for the environment on the production end, it is wreaking havoc on the consumption side.
Drivers Enjoy Lowest Gas Prices in 11 Years on Labor Day Weekend
Not since 2004 have gas prices been this low, an outcome of a glut of oil on the market from producers amidst a slowdown of demand from China. No surprise that driving is at all-time hime. Prices are expected to drop below $2 per gallon by Christmas.
The Case For and Against Red Light Cameras
Eric Jaffe of CityLab looks at what went wrong with what should have been a clear way to employ technology to reduce crashes and save lives, and what can be done to stem the tide of cities removing red light cameras.
Latest FHWA Data Shows Vehicle Miles Traveled Continue to Increase
Those who thought peak VMT was in the rear view mirror will be disappointed in new data from the Federal Highway Administration.
Record Memorial Day Travel Due to Low Gas Prices, Improved Economy
In addition to record travel this Memorial Day, the U.S. DOT reports that March broke the record for the most vehicle miles traveled (VMT). Gas prices, though rising since late March, are predicted to drop and remain low through the end of 2015.
Pop Quiz: What State Has Highest Percentage of Deficient Bridges?
Hint: It's also the smallest by area. And the next two on the "first is worst" list are in the Northeast as well. According to 2014 FHWA data, over 50 percent of this state's bridges are considered deficient, either structurally or functionally.
Revised Data Shows Vehicle Miles Traveled Increased in 2013
Peak VMT reportedly occurred in 2007, but that may not stand long according to updated DOT estimates of 2013 travel. According to the data, Americans drove nearly three trillion miles. Another finding is the large increase in number of vehicles.
Highway Trust Fund Insolvency 201: Impact on States
Ryan Holeywell writes a follow-up to the meeting of a House Transportation subcommittee on the impending insolvency of the Highway Trust Fund - looking at it from the states' perspective rather than from Capitol Hill's. They have a lot at stake.
In Key Ruling, Court Orders Study of Highway Expansion's Effect on Sprawl
A federal court has ruled that a proposed highway expansion said to be the largest single transportation project in Wisconsin history must consider regional impacts (on sprawl and transit-dependent populations) in its environmental analysis.
Driving Continues to Decline in U.S.
Federal data released last week shows that for the eighth straight year, per capita vehicle-miles traveled (VMT) has declined in the United States.
Federal Bike/Ped Pilot Project a Success
Included in the 2005 federal transportation bill was $100 million for four regions to invest in bike and pedestrian infrastructure to determine, essentially, if they build it, will they bike and ride more and drive less. The final results are in.
$417 Million To Fund Highway Projects
Last week, the Federal Highway Administration awarded discretionary highway grants in what could be among the last expenditures before the Sept. 30 expiration of the gas tax. Included were $8m for Value Pricing Pilot Program projects in 5 states.
Road Diet Crash Reduction Variations Studied By DOT
This 4-page summary report (PDF) is a summary of a technical paper attempting to show differences in the reduction in road crashes that result from road diets.
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
City of Cleburne
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
City of Laramie, Wyoming
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
