EDC News http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/everydaycounts/edcnews/02052015.cfm
Geosynthetic reinforced soil-integrated bridge system technology is an Every Day Counts innovation that can help reduce bridge construction time and cost. Because they are easy to build and use common equipment and materials, GRS-IBS projects can be built in weeks instead of months. (more…)
From EDC News
The Chehalis-Western Trail “Bridging the Gap” project in Olympia, Washington, demonstrates that roundabouts aren’t just for cars. The $4.5 million project includes the state’s first-ever bicycle roundabout, built to enhance safety at the intersection of the Chehalis-Western and Woodland Trails. The project provides for a bridge across Pacific Avenue to close the last gap of the Chehalis-Western Trail from south of Yelm Highway north to Woodard Bay. The Thurston Regional Planning Council opened the third and final leg of the project in December.
www.trpc.org/regionalplanning/transportation/projects/Pages/BridgingtheGap-PacificAve.aspx
By Nicholas K. Geranios
SPOKANE, Wash. — Researchers at Washington State University are working on environmentally friendly ways that use less salt to reduce snow and ice on roads. (more…)
ACTION: Please be sure that your State and local transportation agencies are aware of this matter.
Requests are being made of State and local transportation agencies and municipalities to substitute the International Symbol of Accessibility with alternative “dynamic” designs created by advocacy groups. One group is encouraging citizens to cover existing symbols on signs and pavement markings with their alternative graphic and, in some cases, has used alternative colors.
These alternative symbol designs are not authorized for use in traffic control device applications, nor have they been adopted or endorsed by the U. S. Access Board, which reports to the U.S. Department of Justice and is responsible for issuing Federal regulations on accessibility. Additionally, the International Organization for Standards does not support the alternative symbol design. The only symbols allowed for use in traffic control device applications are those found in the MUTCD.
The official International Symbol of Accessibility adopted by the MUTCD for use in traffic control device applications is illustrated below. Fabrication details can be found in the MUTCD and Standard Highway Signs. Additional information on this matter is available in the MUTCD technical area of the operations discipline support site.
National Safety Council
In 2011, the back was the body part involved in the largest percentage of injuries involving days away from work, according to the 2014 edition of the National Safety Council’s “Injury Facts.” Although many events can lead to back injuries, OSHA notes that lifting loads that are too heavy can be especially hazardous. (more…)