Here are five things worth knowing today:
1. Long-term funding needed to maintain interstate mobility
A TRIP research group report finds that the Interstate Highway System faces “increasing congestion, unprecedented levels of travel – particularly by large trucks – and insufficient funding to make needed repairs and improvements.” AASHTO Journal reports that TRIP said 12% of the country’s interstate lanes are in poor or mediocre condition, while 3% of its bridges are structurally deficient, and another 18% are functionally obsolete. AASHTO Journal has more.
2. Trucking’s commitment to safety
According to a report released by the American Trucking Associations, the trucking industry invests at least $9.5 billion in safety. Industry Week reports that the annual figure breaks down over four categories: On-board technology, driver training, safety pay and regulatory compliance.
3. Volkswagen settlement brings billions into emissions reduction programs
Legal settlements that Volkswagen reached with U.S. and California agencies will generate billions in new funding to replace older diesel engine equipment across the country, AASHTO Journal reports. According to the report, “The new funding program could spur a wave of project requests by states, transit agencies, ports and tribes to use the money to replace aging diesel vehicles from school buses to heavy trucks … with cleaner-burning new models throughout the transportation system.”
4. U.S. traffic deaths jump in 2015
Reuters reports that U.S. traffic deaths were up 7.7% in 2015 over the previous year to 35,200. According to the report, that is the highest number of people killed on U.S. roads since 2008. The report, compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, shows an increase in vehicle miles traveled, lower gas prices and improving economic conditions as part of the reason.
5. FHWA talking freight webinar
The Federal Highway Administration’s Office of Freight Management and Operations and the Office of Planning are hosting “Talking Freight” seminars on a monthly basis throughout the year. Sustainable Freight Transportation Services will be the topic of the upcoming webinar on July 20 from 1-2:30 ET. Webinars are free. FHWA has registration information.
