Riding Out The Storm
FHWA is partnering with transportation agencies to develop and implement effective traffic management strategies during adverse weather.
Public Roads
Public Roads - May/June 2017
Motorcycle safety is a key concern for organizers of an annual Memorial Day gathering in Washington, DC. To address the issue, transportation agencies are implementing improvements at high-risk locations across the Nation. Strategies from rider education to debris control can help combat the grim statistics. For more information, see “Slamming on the Brakes on a Mounting Problem” on page 10 in this issue of PUBLIC ROADS.
Help Wanted
The transportation industry is leading the effort to recruit and train workers to fill a growing number of jobs. The future of transportation depends on these endeavors.
A Focused Approach to Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety
FHWA's technical assistance program helps communities protect their most vulnerable road users. Here's how three locations have met the challenge.
Public Roads - July/August 2017
With the roots of intelligent transportation systems reaching back more than 60 years, ITS technology today is transforming transportation by bringing connected and automated vehicles to everyday life. A survey of the evolution of ITS shows how the policies and key research came about. To learn more, see "ITS Is Changing the World," on page 18 in this issue of PUBLIC ROADS.
Accelerating Project Delivery With Innovative Finance
Doing more with less is a continuing reality for transportation agencies. As the need for infrastructure improvements continues to outpace available funding, agencies seek innovative ways to finance critical transportation projects to expedite delivery and manage their construction programs more effectively.
Evaluating Research and Technology
The Federal Highway Administration’s research results--when implemented appropriately--can save money and lives, extend the life of highway infrastructure, reduce congestion, improve travel time, and increase productivity. Through the FHWA’s Research and Technology (R&T) Program, FHWA partners with State departments of transportation, local agencies, industries, and academia to conduct research on issues of national significance and to accelerate adoption and deployment of promising research products.
Management and Administration
Along the Road is the place to look for information about current and upcoming activities, developments, trends, and items of general interest to the highway community. This information comes from U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) sources unless otherwise indicated. Your suggestions and input are welcome. Let’s meet along the road.
A Clear Resource for Older Road User Safety
Driving is a complex task. It depends on visual, cognitive, and physical functions that enable a person to see traffic and road conditions; recognize what is seen, process the information, and decide how to react; and physically act to control the vehicle. Functional decline associated with aging can affect driving ability.
Changing How Engineers Think About Bridge Maintenance
The United States has a problem with its bridges: More than 30 percent are reaching the end of their design lifespan and need repair or replacement. Meanwhile, travel demands and the costs of labor and materials are increasing, while many budgets stagnate or fall. Bridge owners have become more reactive than proactive in their approach to managing and addressing their bridge program needs, leading to a “worse first” management style. Unfortunately, this strategy leaves bridges in good condition neglected until they too become a public burden or safety hazard.