All articles tagged with #transportation infrastructure
The New York State Department of Transportation has begun construction work under the elevated I-81 in downtown Syracuse, marking the start of tearing down the highway and creating a new street-level route called Business Loop 81, with plans including roundabouts at Van Buren and Almond Streets.
Union Pacific is in early talks to acquire Norfolk Southern, aiming to create a $240 billion transcontinental freight network in the U.S. The deal could generate significant synergies and cost savings, but faces regulatory and engineering challenges, with potential benefits estimated between $4 billion and $5 billion.
The Biden administration has awarded $830 million in grants to fund 80 projects aimed at strengthening the nation's infrastructure against the harmful impacts of climate change, particularly in areas affected by extreme weather events. The funds, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will improve bridges, roads, ports, rail, and transit across 37 states, Washington, D.C., and the Virgin Islands. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the need for climate resilience, citing examples of infrastructure damage from extreme weather. The grants will support projects such as flood control, bridge replacement, stormwater infrastructure upgrades, and coastal management plans.
The collapse of the Key Bridge has caused significant disruptions to Baltimore-area commuters, leading to increased traffic congestion and longer commute times. While transportation experts believe the road network can handle the displaced traffic, the closure has put pressure on alternative routes, tunnels, and highways. State officials are monitoring commute times along alternate routes and have made adjustments to traffic signals to ease congestion. Commuters are exploring various options, including carpooling and public transit, while hoping for more flexible work schedules. The impact of the bridge collapse on commuting may persist until the bridge is rebuilt, which is expected to take years.
The Biden administration is allocating $970 million for upgrades at 114 airports across the US, with projects including wider concourses, new baggage-handling systems, and new terminals. The funding comes from a $5 billion grant program aimed at modernizing airport terminals, with the largest sums going to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and O’Hare International Airport. The administration received over 600 applications totaling $14 billion in requests, and is emphasizing the importance of investing in physical infrastructure to improve the travel experience for air passengers.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has approved an additional $2.5 billion in private activity bonds for the Brightline West high-speed rail project, adding to the $3 billion federal grant awarded last month. This brings the total federal support to $6.5 billion for the rail line connecting Southern California and Las Vegas, which is estimated to cost $12 billion. The project, which will run mostly parallel to Interstate 15, aims to allow trains to travel at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, with an end-to-end trip of approximately two hours and thirty minutes.
New York City drivers may face a $15 toll to enter Manhattan's busiest streets under a congestion pricing proposal expected to be filed with MTA officials. The Traffic Mobility Review Board (TMRB) is set to recommend the fee for passenger cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs driving south of 60th Street between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. The toll would only be charged once per day, with a $5 discount during peak traffic hours for motorists using the Hudson and East River tunnels. The congestion pricing program is scheduled to begin in May 2023.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has announced a plan to repair tracks across its system and lift speed restrictions by the end of 2024, aiming to improve the efficiency and reliability of public transit in the region. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to upgrade the transportation infrastructure and address issues that have caused delays and disruptions in the past.
The Seattle City Council has passed a resolution supporting the development of freeway lids in the city, marking a significant step in reconnecting neighborhoods divided by freeways. The resolution aligns with the federal government's increased investment in mitigating negative impacts of freeways through the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant Program. The resolution was sponsored by Councilmember Andrew Lewis and supported by Councilmembers Dan Strauss and Lisa Herbold, while Councilmembers Debora Juarez, Kshama Sawant, Teresa Mosqueda were absent, and Councilmembers Alex Pedersen and Sara Nelson abstained. The resolution builds on a 2022 decision to adopt amendments supporting freeway lids in Seattle's Comprehensive Plan. The Lid I-5 campaign, which advocates for lidding I-5, is gaining momentum and seeking funding through the Reconnecting Communities grant program.
Ukraine and Romania have signed an agreement to boost Ukraine's grain exports through Romanian territory after Russia terminated a key wartime shipping agreement that allowed safe passage through the Black Sea. The two countries aim to improve transportation infrastructure, including river, rail, road, and sea routes, to facilitate the smooth transport of goods. Romania intends to transport over 60% of Ukraine's grain exports and aims to double the amount from 2 million to 4 million tons per month. The Black Sea port of Constanta and the Sulina Channel will play crucial roles in transporting Ukraine's goods to the international market. The agreement comes amid Russian strikes on Ukraine's grain storage and port facilities along the Danube River.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the state's Department of Transportation (TxDOT) have announced a record $142 billion investment in Texas' transportation infrastructure, including a $100 billion 10-year statewide roadway construction plan. The plan aims to improve safety, reduce congestion, and preserve roadways. Among the projects is the "Downtown 10" project in El Paso, which is halfway funded at $750.5 million. The investment includes funding for widening I-10, extending FM 2185, and improving US 54 and SH 178, among other projects. Governor Abbott stated that this investment will strengthen Texas' roadways and build a next-generation transportation network.
Six trail projects in the Washington D.C. region are set to receive a total of $25 million in federal funding under the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (Raise) program. The projects aim to improve pedestrian and bike connections in historically disadvantaged communities, filling gaps in the existing trail network and enhancing connectivity to public transit and commercial districts. The funding will be used to repair existing trails, build new paths, and improve safety at intersections and road crossings. The projects include the construction of a bridge over the Anacostia River, the extension of the Suitland Parkway Trail, and the rehabilitation of the popular Sligo Creek Trail. The grants highlight the importance of connected trails and transportation infrastructure in underserved communities and will contribute to the development of a 900-mile trail network in the region.
Amtrak's St. Louis-to-Chicago route began running most daily trains at speeds of up to 110 mph after a four-year delay due to GPS-related safety technology installation and testing. The passenger rail line plans to operate with the new speeds for several weeks before changing schedules based on the old 90 mph maximum. The goal is to achieve a demonstrably and reliably shorter travel time than the driving time between the two cities of about 4.5 hours. The upgrade of the St. Louis-to-Chicago Amtrak corridor was funded largely by economic stimulus money allotted in the Obama administration.
Amtrak's St. Louis-to-Chicago route began running most daily trains at speeds of up to 110 mph after a four-year delay due to GPS-related safety technology installation and testing. The passenger rail line plans to operate with the new speeds for several weeks before changing schedules based on the old 90 mph maximum. The upgrade of the St. Louis-to-Chicago Amtrak corridor was largely finished in 2017, funded by economic stimulus money allotted in the Obama administration.