Transportation Radio

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) mandates federal agencies evaluate the environmental impacts of their actions, crucially influencing transportation projects like road construction and bridge expansions. Our guest on The Stream by AASHTO is Ted Boling, a partner at Perkins Coie with over 30 years of public service. He discusses NEPA’s role in promoting sustainable development within the transportation sector.

Kathy Falk, a vice president with Kimley-Horn, joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to discuss the newly released edition of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). She discusses the significant changes within the 11th edition, and highlights how the manual addresses safety concerns surrounding pedestrians and bicyclists, including bicycle lanes. She covers other new parts of the MUTCD, including provisions for setting non-statutory speed limits, and shares more about ITE's delegation to the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and what this body does. 

Often, the highway infrastructure of the state is taken for granted. We hop in our cars and drive from place to place with little thought of what’s necessary to let it happen. When something goes wrong, however, we quickly realize how fragile our infrastructure can be.

Chris Feinthel, Assistant Commissioner for Operations in the New Jersey Department of Transportation, grew up in Cranford never thinking he would be in charge of operations for a massive roadway system stretching from High Point to Cape Map Point. On this joint production of Cranford Radio and Transportation Radio, I talk with Chris about his job, what happens when weather throws a wrench into transportation and how NJDOT is making adjustments as climate change impacts the transportation infrastructure.

This episode marks the conclusion of a two-part series delving into effective management strategies during a solar eclipse. Specifically, we focus on emergency transportation management during and following the event. With contributions from Brandon Keller, Emergency Coordinator at Illinois DOT, we glean valuable insights into navigating the seamless transition from preparation to action. This discussion underscores the pivotal role of emergency transportation management in ensuring a smooth and effective response during and after a solar eclipse.

Rachel Carpenter, Chief Safety Officer at the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to discuss why the department adopted the Safe System Approach in an effort to reverse traffic fatality rates and address speed, among other safety improvements. She also explains their work with the Safe Systems Pyramid which takes a public health approach to safety, and elaborates on some of the specific strategies Caltrans implemented to win the National Roadway Safety Award. Rachel was a keynote speaker at the ITE Virtual Spring Conference in March. 

This is the first episode of a two-part series on The Stream by AASHTO where we explore effective management during a solar eclipse. This episode highlights the significance of preparation, planning, training, and effective communication. Featuring insights from Michael White, Assistant Director of the Safety and Emergency Management Division in the Missouri Department of Transportation, we gain valuable perspectives on advancing safety protocols and bolstering resilience to ensure operational continuity during celestial events.

Odessa L. Phillip, P.E., President and CEO of Assedo Consulting, LLC, joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to discuss community engagement as part of the decision-making process for transportation planning and project design, addressing the challenges of this process as well as the most effective strategies she's found. She also speaks to the importance of equity considerations when having these critical conversations, as well as what she sees as some of the emerging trends in community involvement.

As the newly elected president of AASHTO, Wisconsin DOT Secretary Craig Thompson is committed to fortifying the workforce to construct a modern and efficient transportation system that centers the needs of all citizens. Recognizing the profound impact of transportation on our daily lives, the economy, and society at large, President Thompson looks forward to collaborative efforts to propel the transportation system into the future.

In this podcast interview, President Thompson shares insights into his presidential emphasis areas. Listen to this episode to gain a deeper understanding of this year's AASHTO president and explore how his extensive experiences have shaped AASHTO's strategic focus for the 2024-2025 year.

FHWA Administrator Shailen Bhatt joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to talk about the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and how it will impact communities taking advantage of the various funding opportunities it provides. He also discusses safety and why it’s his top priority in his role, and what it will take to see improvement in this area. He also shares his views on leadership and its importance in his career and beyond.

Listen to ITE Talks Transportation podcast

This episode concludes AASHTO's four-part series on equity, where we've focused on transportation professionals' work towards building an equitable transportation system. This episode is brought to you from the AASHTO 2023 Annual Meeting where we spoke with guests and attendees from all over the country.  Our guests today join us from the audience and the panel of the annual meeting knowledge session titled "Stop, Look, Listen: Engaging Communities to Put Equity into Action!"  We speak to them today about their immediate thoughts and reactions on the knowledge session and get their perspective and opinion on what equity looks like in transportation.