Itiner-e is a comprehensive, high-resolution digital dataset mapping nearly 300,000 km of Roman roads across the empire, created from archaeological, historical, and remote sensing sources, revealing significant gaps in certainty and coverage that can inform future research on ancient mobility and infrastructure development.
The Trump administration plans to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule, which protects nearly 60 million acres of national forests from road construction, arguing it will aid wildfire suppression. However, experts warn that more roads could increase wildfire risks, as roads are common ignition points and can alter vegetation. The move has sparked controversy, with environmental groups opposing it and some former officials suggesting that targeted, 'surgical' road building might be beneficial for firefighting and forest health. The public comment period on this proposal ends September 19.
Lake effect snow is expected to impact Central New York, including Syracuse, from now until Tuesday, causing snow-covered and slippery roads, particularly in Wayne, Cayuga, and Onondaga counties. The cold air crossing the Great Lakes is contributing to the snowfall, with significant accumulations expected overnight and throughout Monday. The weather will remain cold and windy, with additional light snowfall possible later in the week.
The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for areas in the foothills and Front Range mountains, with winds between 35 and 45 mph and gusts of up to 80 mph expected. This could lead to reduced visibility and snow-covered roads, prompting the Colorado Department of Transportation to urge caution for drivers on Interstate 70 and U.S. Route 6. Some areas have already experienced strong gusts, with wind speeds reaching 88 mph in Coal Creek Canyon and 74 mph in Berthoud Pass.
This Labor Day weekend is expected to be busy for travel, with the Federal Aviation Administration predicting it to be the third-busiest holiday weekend of the year. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen over 14 million passengers, while AAA anticipates increased traffic on the roads. Hurricane Idalia's impact and potential strikes by airline workers may cause disruptions. Travelers are advised to arrive early, pack properly, and check airport status and delays. For those driving, AAA recommends planning drives during off-peak hours and preparing vehicles with maintenance checks and emergency kits.
The Illinois Department of Transportation is investing over $40 billion in infrastructure improvements across the state as part of the Rebuild Illinois program. The six-year program will focus on upgrading roads, bridges, public transportation, airports, railroads, and ports. Projects are already underway and will be completed by June 2029. Specific projects include the replacement of the Quincy Memorial Bridge, resurfacing and improvements in Adams County, vertical realignment and bridge replacement in Hancock County, and resurfacing and utility adjustments in McDonough, Fulton, and Knox Counties.
Minnesota passed a transportation bill that includes close to $9 billion in investment on roads, bridges, and transit infrastructure. The bill includes revenue generated from tab fee increases, a hike in the sales tax on vehicles, an increase in the gas tax, and a new delivery fee. The Twin Cities will also be getting its own transportation sales tax. The bill allocates $205 million in the next two years to expand the state’s intercity rail program. The Metropolitan Council will get $230.3 million to build out and operate the Twin Cities’ transit system over the next two years.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has released its list of construction projects for 2023, which includes 211 projects across the state. The projects will focus on improving roads, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure. MnDOT is encouraging drivers to plan ahead and be aware of potential delays and detours during the construction season.
Denver might see some snow showers Sunday night with a 40% chance of snow after 5 p.m. The city could see about an inch of accumulation overnight, and the snowy weather could continue Monday morning. The plains to the northeast and east of Denver might see heavy snow Sunday and Monday, and roads in that area could be snow-covered and slippery. Temperatures Tuesday will be warmer with highs in the 50s.