The Federal Highway Administration’s Office of Policy Information has published the latest edition of a compilation of facts and figures about the U.S. Highway System titled “Our Nation’s Highways 2008.” The report, which is based on 2006 data, includes sections on highway infrastructure; highway travel; vehicles; drivers; motor fuel; funding and expenditures; and highway conditions, performance, and safety. For more information, link to Our Nation’s Highways 2008. (8-26-08)

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The Federal Transit Administration has announced the availability of final guidance on policies and procedures for the New Starts and Small Starts programs. The guidance explains procedural changes applied to projects seeking to enter into New Starts preliminary engineering or final design or Small Starts project development after Aug. 8, 2008. For more information, link to the Federal Register notice. (8-8-08)

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The U.S. Department of Transportation, along with the California Fuel Cell Partnership, U.S. Department of Energy, National Hydrogen Association, and nine auto manufacturers are sponsoring a two week Hydrogen Road Tour across the country to showcase new hydrogen vehicles and fueling technologies. The tour will bring a fleet of hydrogen-powered consumer vehicles and transit buses and mobile refueling stations to 31 cities in 18 states from Aug. 11-23, 2008. For more, link to Hydrogen Road Tour ’08. (8-11-08)

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The Federal Highway Administration has published the Summer 2008 edition of its Environmental Quarterly newsletter. The latest issue features a wrap up of the FHWA National Environmental Conference as well as an interview with FHWA’s outgoing Director of the Office of Project Development and Environmental Review, Fred Skaer. Other features include an article titled “Tribal Representatives Conduct Sensitivity Training Sessions in ND,” and updates to the environmental calendar. For more information, link to Environmental Quarterly, Vol. 4, Issue 3. (8-6-08)

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The Federal Highway Administration’s Office of Real Estate Services is requesting stakeholder feedback on the 2009 Surface Transportation Environment and Planning Cooperative Research Program (STEP). Potential activities in support of achieving goals related to real estate through STEP research could include assessing and developing improved tools, techniques and procedures for real estate acquisition and outdoor advertising control; developing innovative information-sharing methods among practitioners; developing and enhancing communities of practice and websites for real estate and OAC professionals; and developing training and technical assistance. FHWA encourages stakeholders to visit the STEP website and provide input on the Feedback Form. (8-5-08)

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A study commissioned by the Federal Highway Administration documents the practice and application of transportation planning to meet growing concerns about the relationship between transportation and climate change. The report looks at integration of climate change considerations into long range transportation planning, including the experience of a number of DOTs and MPOs that are already incorporating climate change into their transportation planning processes. It identifies successes as well as challenges faced by these agencies. For more information, link to Integrating Climate Change into the Transportation Planning Process. (8-5-08)

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Americans drove nearly 10 billion fewer miles in May 2008 than in May 2007, according to estimates published in the Federal Highway Administration’s monthly Traffic Volume Trends report. The report finds Americans drove 9.6 billion fewer vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in May, a 3.7 percent decrease compared to May 2007 travel, representing the largest drop in VMT for any May, a month which usually reflects increased summer holiday traffic. The decrease continues a seven month trend for 2008, as Americans drive less in response to rising gas prices and increasingly use mass transit or other options. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters cited the decline as more evidence that additional funding sources for transportation infrastructure are needed to supplement the current federal gas tax. For more information, link to the press release. (7-28-08)

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The Federal Transit Administration has posted a circular containing updated guidance for research grants under the Metropolitan Planning Program and the State Planning and Research Program to reflect revised planning provisions in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). The document (FTA Circular 8100.1C) consolidates previous circulars on the same topic and includes information on Consolidated Planning Grants between FTA and the Federal Highway Administration. The effective date of the guidance is Sept. 1, 2008. For more information, link to the Federal Register notice. (7-23-08)

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A report on activities of the Surface Transportation Environment and Planning Cooperative Research Program (STEP) for fiscal years 2006 and 2007 has been posted by the Federal Highway Administration. The report includes an overview of the STEP program; lessons learned in its implementation; and recent accomplishments, stakeholder feedback, and research activities. For more information, link to STEP FY 2006/2007 Report. (7-22-08)

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The Federal Highway Administration’s Office of Real Estate Services has published information about its current research programs related to realty program management and outdoor advertising control. Research includes projects funded under the Surface Transportation Environment and Planning Cooperative Research Program (STEP) and through collaborative studies with the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP), AASHTO, and the Transportation Research Board. For more information, link to The Federal Highway Administration Research Programs for Realty Program Management and Outdoor Advertising Control. (7-11-08)

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According to the Federal Highway Administration’s monthly Traffic Volume Trends report, Americans drove 1.4 billion fewer highway miles in April 2008 than in the previous April, continuing a six-month downward trend. The report also shows a decline in yearly cumulative totals, with 20 billion fewer vehicle miles traveled so far in 2008 than the previous year. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters cited these changing driving patterns and increased transit ridership as reasons for finding a new funding source for highway and transit improvements than the current gasoline tax. For more information, link to the press release. (6-18-08)

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The Federal Highway Administration has issued a request for scan proposals under its International Technology Scanning Program, which seeks to connect domestic highway experts with their international counterparts in an effort to learn about the latest transportation technologies and practices. The program is conducted by FHWA in cooperation with AASHTO and the Transportation Research Board’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Project 20-36 “Highway Research and Technology – International Information Sharing.” Each of the over 75 international scans studies completed to date focuses on a topic of high interest to the domestic scan community, including infrastructure; operations; safety; planning, environment, and realty; and policy and administration. Proposals for scan topics may be submitted by FHWA, AASHTO, or NCHRP Project 20-36 and are due Sept. 30, 2008. For more information, link to the Call for FY 2010 International Scan Proposals. (6-9-08)

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The Federal Transit Administration has published a guide intended to help state transit program managers who administer several FTA grant programs. The programs covered are the Section 5310 Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities Program; Section 5311 Non-Urbanized Area Formula Program; Section 5316 Job Access and Reverse Commute Program; and Section 5317 New Freedom Program. For more information, link to the State Transit Program Manager’s Guide on Administration and Oversight of FTA Grant Programs. (May 2008)

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The Federal Highway Administration is requesting proposals for research and development projects that seek to advance U.S. highway engineering and intermodal surface transportation under its Exploratory Advanced Research Program. The program specifically funds ambitious “high risk, high payoff” projects addressing specific technology and knowledge gaps identified by FHWA. Topics areas include research on increase use of fly ash in concrete and methods to reduce U.S. carbon fuel emissions associated with freight movements. Proposals are due June 28, 2008. For more information, link to the FHWA Exploratory Advanced Research Program announcement. (5-23-08)

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The Federal Highway Administration has requested nominations for their biennial awards program to recognize projects, processes, groups, or individuals involved in projects receiving FHWA funding that make outstanding contributions to transportation an the environment. For 2009 awards will be presented in the following 12 categories: Air Quality Improvement and Global Climate Change; Cultural and Historical Resources; Ecosystems, Habitat and Wildlife; Environmental Leadership; Environmental Research; Environmental Streamlining; Context Sensitive Solutions; Nonmotorized Transportation; Recycling and Reuse; Roadside Asset Management and Maintenance; America’s Byways®; and Wetlands, Watersheds and Water Quality. Nominations are due Oct. 15, 2008. For more information, link to the 2009 Environmental Excellence Awards. (5-27-08)

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Americans drove 11 billion miles less in March 2008 over the previous March, according to estimates published in the Federal Highway Administration’s monthly Traffic Volume Trends report. The 4.3 percent drop is the first time estimated vehicle miles traveled (VMT) on U.S. public roads in March fell since 1979, and represents the sharpest yearly drop for any month in the agency’s history. The estimates also show that total VMT on U.S. public roads has dropped since 2006. Acting FHWA Administrator Jim Ray cites the trend as one of the challenges facing the Highway Trust Fund because of its reliance on the federal gasoline excise tax. For more information, link to the press release. (5-23-08)

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A series of measures announced by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters are designed to help the state of Michigan take advantage of over $400 billion in private sector infrastructure funds to help pay for needed improvements to highways and other transportation projects. The new federal measures include technical assistance for state and local officials and expedited federal reviews for proposed projects, including any proposal to widen Interstate 94. For more information, link to the DOT press release. (5-5-08)

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Acting Federal Highway Administrator Jim Ray has announced that a four-year pilot project to create high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes on highway SR 167 in Washington state will cut congestion in the Seattle Area and give drivers additional options to reduce their commuting time. FHWA provided $5.13 million in funding for the project, which will allow solo drivers to pay an electronic toll to use high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes when space is available, with the toll rising or falling depending on traffic levels. For more information link to the FHWA press release and the Washington State DOTs webpage for the SR 167 HOT Lanes Pilot Project. (5-2-08)

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U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters has launched a new blog, Welcome to the Fast Lane, to serve as an online forum for transportation officials, citizens, and members of the transportation community to discuss the future of the nation’s transportation system. The DOT also will use the official blog to break news stories and make announcements. For more information, link to Welcome to the Fast Lane! (4-29-08)

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The Federal Highway Administration has published the April 2008 edition of its Environmental Quarterly newsletter. The latest issue features information on a new collaboration training program offered by the U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution and articles on reuse and recycling of construction and demolition materials, sediment and erosion control on Tennessee highway projects, a new tribal consultation resource, and the National FHWA Environmental Conference in June 2008. For more information, link to Environmental Quarterly, Vol. 4, Issue 2. (4-25-08)

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The Federal Transit Administration has announced the availability of proposed guidance on policies and procedures for the New Starts and Small Starts programs. The guidance explains proposed changes to the programs as a result of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). The guidance includes minor changes in the project rating methodology and changes intended to streamline studies for projects seeking New and Small Starts funding. Comments are due May 19, 2008. For more information, link to the Proposed Guidance on New Starts/Small Starts Policies and Procedures. (4-18-08)

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The Federal Highway Administration has published the April 2008 issue of its Centered on Service Newsletter, which includes a special feature highlighting the agency’s leadership in the Green Highways Partnership, a voluntary public/private initiative to promote environmental stewardship and streamlining for transportation infrastructure. The issue also includes articles on recycling of construction and demolition materials, communities of practice (CoP), financing pooled-fund transportation projects, and others. For more information, link to Centered on Service, Vol. 4, Issue 2. (4-10-08)

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The Federal Highway Administration has published a document describing two methods by which highways or future highways are designated as future Interstate corridors. The document describes two general paths for such designations: an “administrative” path and a “Congressional” path, and provides tables summarizing the differences between the two. The document is intended to assist FHWA division offices and state DOTs with discussions about Interstate designations. For more information, link to Designation of Future Interstate – Two Methods With Some Discussion of Consequences. (3-31-08)

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A report published by the Federal Highway Administration documents the findings of a team of materials experts that visited four European countries in May 2007 to assess and evaluate the use of various warm-mix asphalt (WMA) technologies, which allow a reduction in the temperatures at which asphalt mixes are produced and placed. The report highlights several benefits of WMA technologies, including reduced fuel usage and emissions in support of sustainable development, paving benefits, and better working conditions. For more information, link to Warm Mix Asphalt: European Practice. (February 2008)

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The Federal Highway Administration has launched a new website providing information on tolling and pricing programs and provisions under Title 23 following enactment of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). The new website, which consolidates information previously available on separate websites regarding the Tolling and Pricing Opportunities and Value Pricing Pilot programs, also provides information on submitting Expressions of Interest from states or other public entities and includes key contacts and resources. For more information, link to the FHWA Tolling and Pricing Program. (3-18-08)

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The Federal Highway Administration’s Highways For LIFE program has published the fifth issue of its Innovator newsletter for advancing implementation of innovative technologies and processes in the highway industry. The current issue includes articles on the program’s plans for 2008, a Q&A session with Utah DOT Executive Director John Njord, and testing of five new innovative technologies. The issue also explores the relining of highway culverts instead of replacement to reduce traffic delays and a W.Va. workshop on ``Best Solutions.” For more information, link to the Innovator, Issue 5. (February/March 2008)

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The Federal Transit Administration has announced the availability of fact sheets developed for the Transit Core Suite of Technologies, a list of 11 technologies determined to be the most basic and useful technologies for public transportation agencies to deploy. Transit fact sheets are being developed for transit modes under each core technology; fact sheets currently are available for seven of the 11 technologies, with the rest to be added as they are completed. For more information, link to FTA’s Transit Technologies Fact Sheets webpage. (2-27-08)

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The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced the Record of Decision for the southern portion of the Interstate 73 project in South Carolina, completing the environmental review process for the project. According to a press release, the state now can begin exploring financing options for construction of the project. U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters said the I-73 project was the first to have a slot reserved under the new Interstate System Construction Toll Pilot Program. For more information, link to the press release. (2-8-08)

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In testimony before a hearing of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters repeated her disagreement with a proposed increase in the federal fuel tax recommended by the Jan. 15, 2008, Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Commission Report. Secretary Peters noted that while there has been a substantial increase in transportation spending over the last 25 years, much of it funded by fuel taxes, highway congestion has continued to grow rapidly. Peters called for a greater focus on public-private investment and variable tolling in lieu of gas tax increases. For more information, link to Secretary Peters’ Statement. (2-6-08)  

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The Federal Transit Administration has issued its annual report to Congress on funding recommendations for design and construction of fixed guideway New Starts and Small Starts capital investments for fiscal year 2009. President Bush’s FY 2009 budget includes $1.62 billion for transit construction, including new projects in nine cities. For more information link to the Press Release and the New Starts Report for 2009. (2-5-08)

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The Federal Highway Administration is requesting applications under its pilot Express Lanes Demonstration program that allows tolling on selected interstate lanes to manage high levels of congestion, reduce emissions in nonattainment or maintenance areas, or finance additional interstate lanes to reduce congestion. The demonstration program, which is authorized under Section 1604(b) of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), provides for up to 15 demonstration projects through 2009 that allow states, public authorities, or public or private entities designated by states to collect tolls from motor vehicles at eligible facilities. Applications are due May 31, 2009. For more information, link to the Federal Register notice and FHWA’s Express Lanes Demonstration Program website. (2-4-08)

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The Federal Highway Administration’s Highways For LIFE program has published the fourth issue of its Innovator newsletter for advancing implementation of innovative technologies and processes in the highway industry. The December 2007 issue includes articles on the use of new technologies to accelerate a bridge replacement project in Utah, incentives to speed construction of a highway reconstruction project in Arizona, and the use of self-propelled modular transport vehicles to reduce traffic disruption during bridge projects. For more information, link to the Innovator, Issue 4. (December 2007)

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