News

GRS Model Helps Deploy Innovation

Posted & filed under Every Day Counts Initiative, Technical Articles.

Article from FHWA Innovator, Volume 7, Issue 40

A tabletop model is showing Pennsylvania audiences how geosynthetic reinforced soils can improve the way bridges are built.

The geosynthetic reinforced soil integrated bridge system, a Federal Highway Administration Every Day Counts innovation, uses geosynthetic reinforcement and granular soils as a composite material to build abutments and approach embankments that are less likely to settle and create a bump at the end of the bridge. The GRS-IBS is easy to build and maintain and more cost-effective than conventional construction methods.

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April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Posted & filed under Technical Articles.

New texting and mobile phone restrictions for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers

The FMCSA and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) have published rules specifically prohibiting interstate truck and bus drivers and drivers who transport placardable quantities of hazardous materials from texting or using hand-held mobile phones while operating their vehicles. The joint rules are the latest actions by the U.S. Department of Transportation to end distracted driving. Violations can result in fines and/or disqualifications and will impact a motor carrier’s and/or driver’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) results.

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2015 LRHIP Awards Announced

Posted & filed under Funding News, LHTAC News.

The Local Rural Highway Investment Program is a grant program that provides funding for road paving, drainage structure replacement, signage upgrades, transportation planning, reconstructing roadways, and most other types of construction on any public road.

The program is financed through an exchange of STP-Rural funds by LHTAC with the Idaho Transportation Department at $0.61 per $1.00 for $2.8 million in state funds.

You can find the full list of LRHIP applications awarded for 2015 at the link below.

2015 LRHIP Awards (PDF)

Welcome Megan Kautz!

Posted & filed under LHTAC News.

Please join LHTAC in welcoming Megan Kautz, EIT, as LHTAC’s new Construction Coordinator. She will be assisting LHATC’s Construction Section with the administration of projects.  Megan comes to us from the ITD District 2 office, where she was completing her EIT rotation. She will take over the construction administration of LHTAC projects in Districts 4, 5 & 6.

Steve Sprague has transferred sections to work with Laila Kral to assist with the construction oversight of the Local Highway Safety Improvement Program (LHSIP). Steve will be coordinating construction on safety projects.

For questions, please contact Todd Bartolome in the Construction department, or Laila Kral on Safety projects.