Your 5-minute Guide to Industry News & Trends
Your 5-minute Guide to Industry News & Trends
Vol. 1, No. 2 ● May 21, 2007
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Safety Issues
Innovations Calendar
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Urban infrastructure report shows U.S. lags behind Asia, much of Europe The United States' relatively low investment in virtually all aspects of mobility-related infrastructure - airports, public transit, railway systems, roads and bridges - is an "emerging crisis" that will compromise the ability of the nation's cities to compete globally, according to a new report co-published by the Urban Land Institute and Ernst & Young. Infrastructure 2007: A Global Perspective offers a comprehensive look at the status of current and planned infrastructure investment and development in a variety of categories in countries worldwide, with a particular focus on the United States, China, Japan, India, and Europe. Full Story Sponsored by: |
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Maine's two-year road plan focuses on paving, bridges A long list of projects will be funded under the Maine Department of Transportation's $815 million, two-year work plan released in early May. The plan covers the fiscal years 2007-08 and 2008-09. The proposal counts on money from two borrowing packages being sent to voters for approval over the next year: $113 million in June and an additional $23 million in June 2008. Full Story
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It's taken 70 years, but a big player in the building of the Golden Gate Bridge is finally getting a little recognition after being virtually erased from history following a mysterious feud with chief engineer Joseph Strauss. Opened in May 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge is celebrating its 70th birthday with the issuance of a new book, "The Golden Gate Bridge: Report of the Chief Engineer, Vol. 2." Behind the bland title are interesting facts and figures on the bridge, as well as recognition of engineer Charles Ellis, a man who had a large role in building the engineering marvel. Full Story
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Future mobility in Oklahoma: TRIP study findings The Road Information Program's report, "Future Mobility in Oklahoma: An Analysis of the Ability of Oklahoma's Transportation System to Meet the State's Need for Safe and Efficient Mobility," included these findings, among others: 18 percent of major roads in Oklahoma were rated in poor condition and 22 percent were rated in mediocre condition; 27 percent of Oklahoma's bridges 20 feet or longer were rated structurally deficient, the highest percentage among all states; and vehicle travel in Oklahoma is expected to increase by another 40 percent by the year 2020, reaching 66 billion miles. Full Story
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Engineers investigate Interstate 880's structural integrity Caltrans engineers swarmed over the site of the MacArthur Maze collapse dragging heavy chains and collecting small cylindrical chunks of concrete and pieces of steel. Their unusual work will help determine whether the Interstate 880 connector can be reopened to traffic without major repairs or rebuilding. Early indications are that the I-880 connector will be able to reopen without major construction. A visual inspection found some bent girders, but it appears they can be straightened and strengthened and the deck replaced. Full Story
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California awards contract to rebuild highway collapse
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Cianbro, Reed & Reed share 2007 Build Maine Award Cianbro and Reed & Reed are winners of a 2007 Build Maine Award for their construction of the Penobscot Narrows Bridge. Normally competing contractors, Cianbro, based in Pittsfield, and Reed & Reed, of Woolwich, formed a new company to build the Penobscot Narrows Bridge, which replaced the Waldo-Hancock Bridge across the Penobscot River. Full Story
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Excavator fished out of New York river
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Canadian cameras show bridge construction People will be able to get a closer look at the construction and engineering feats of two major transportation infrastructure projects, with the addition of web cameras to Canada's Ministry of Transportation website. The ministry has installed cameras that give viewers current, high-definition images from the work sites on the Park Bridge on the Trans-Canada Highway in the Kicking Horse Canyon, east of Golden, and the William R. Bennett Bridge in Kelowna. Full Story
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Bridging the restoration gap
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Labor shortage slows roadwork A lack of contractors is leaving Grande Prairie, Alberta, behind on its annual roadwork projects. Counting projects already contracted for this summer, going back to 2005 the city has put $43.4 million of work into Grande Prairie's roads. But, during the same time, $23.9 million of projects had to be left undone or delayed because of either poor weather or lack of manpower. Full Story
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After years of trying to replace the King's Road bridge, a one-lane wooden span over Hopkins Creek, the city's project has hit another snag. In more than a month and a half, not one contractor has responded to the city's bid for the project, which is estimated to cost roughly $350,000. Full Story
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Iowa's 5-year plan focuses on maintenance The Iowa Department of Transportation's proposed five-year highway construction plan focuses on repairs and finishing existing projects. The $2 billion plan that covers 2008 through 2012 does not include any new projects. Full Story
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DOT backs short span, replacement in phases
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Schwarzenegger, Watts Awarded American Road and Transportation Builders Association's Highest Honor California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Dave Watts, chairman of the board for Watsonville, CA-based Granite Construction Company are the recipients of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association's (ARTBA) highest honor - the 2006 "ARTBA Award." The awards were presented May 8, during the ARTBA Federal Issues Program held in the nation's capital. Full Story |
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$1 billion swap in road money for Trans-Hudson Tunnel approved A regional transportation planning agency on Monday approved Gov. Jon S. Corzine's proposal to swap $1 billion in expected federal funding for roads to help build a commuter rail tunnel. After transferring federal money toward the $7.5 billion Trans-Hudson Tunnel project, which supporters say would help reduce highway congestion, the state would then use money from its own Transportation Trust Fund for the road improvements, said state Transportation Commissioner Kris Kolluri. Full Story
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PennDOT Launches Web Site to Inform Public About Transportation Needs, Solutions PennDOT launched a new Web site - www.Rideonpa.org - to keep Pennsylvanians informed about progress in solving the state's transportation funding crisis. Earlier this year, Governor Edward G. Rendell proposed a two-pronged approach to secure the $1.7 billion needed annually for safe, reliable roads, bridges and public transportation. Rideonpa.org provides a comprehensive view of the condition of the state's 40,000 miles of roads and bridges, and the severe funding shortfall that threatens the economic stability of local regions that would result from significant public transit cuts across Pennsylvania. Full Story
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Road building becomes much more convoluted Several years ago, the Texas Transportation Commission under Gov. Rick Perry and chairman Ric Williamson announced that, because tax revenues could not cover all the state's growing highway needs, nearly all new highways in Texas will have to be paid for with tolls. The welcome mat was rolled out for private companies, including overseas ones, to build and operate toll roads under long-term leases that could include clauses protecting investors from competition. A grass-roots uproar, brewing since the announcement, broke out in 2005 against the Texas Department of Transportation's plan. Full Story
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Poll says privatizing Pennsylvania turnpike unpopular Two out of three Pennsylvanians oppose selling the Pennsylvania Turnpike to a privately owned company, according to a survey released by the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association. Opposition is across the board, regardless of political party, gender, age and ideologies, reported PMTA. The majority of those polled rejected popular privatization arguments that revenues gained from a lease would help avoid a tax increase and result in more efficient management of the turnpike. Full Story |
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Iowa DOT releases proposals to reduce highway deaths Iowa transportation officials have released a plan aimed at reducing highway deaths by 10 percent by 2015. The plan calls for greater restrictions on young drivers, a motorcycle helmet law and expanding the seatbelt law to include back seat passengers. Two other recommendations are increased funding for traffic law enforcement and boosting state funding for road improvements related to safety. Full Story |
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Topcon’s Millimeter GPS™ applications expanded to include pavers, trimmers
Topcon and TSD Integrated Systems, a joint venture of Topcon and Sauer Danfoss, used the Bauma trade show in Munich to unveil this advanced automatic paving control system. The system will be available in North America in early summer. Used on pavers, the Millimeter GPS technology incorporates a zone-beam laser transmitter, the PZL 1, that sweeps a 2,000-foot diameter area with a 33-foot-high wall of laser light. A compact sensor, the PZS MC, is mounted on a mast attached to the toe arm of the paver. Anytime the PZS-MC sensor is positioned within the laser zone signal, the system provides vertical data resulting in millimeter vertical measuring precision. Millimeter GPS technology is “up to 300 percent more accurate than standard GPS, and will provide the best 3D machine control in the industry,” Murray Lodge, TPS director of sales-construction, said. “The Lazer Zone technology brings together the simplicity of a rotating laser, the accuracy of a robotic total station, and the flexibility and multiple user capabilities of GPS into one complete jobsite solution,” he said. Millimeter-accurate GPS can be used for setting stakes or checking grade behind the paver as well. Combining the Lazer Zone technology with any Topcon RTK GPS rover along with the same PZL-1 transmitter produces the same accuracy vertical precision control anywhere on the project. |
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Canada and Ontario invest in new technology to keep border traffic moving smoothly The governments of Canada and Ontario have invested in new technology to help improve safety and traffic flow on the section of Highway 402 that leads to the Blue Water Bridge, as both governments recognize the importance of this corridor to the Canadian economy. Intelligent Transportation Systems technology has been installed along the 15-kilometer section of Highway 402 that leads to the Sarnia - Port Huron border crossing. The technology used in this project includes electronic queue-end warning signs; pavement vehicle sensors; 30 vehicle detector stations; and nine closed circuit television cameras. Full Story
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A complete instructor kit and a self-study, Computer-based Training (CBT) module will enhance the video/DVD by Summer, 2007.
The 34-minute video is available in VHS or DVD, and is priced at $295. A complete instructor kit or self-study computer-based training program also available – see www.vista-training.com. |
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Volvo Finalizes Acquisition of Ingersoll Rand’s Road Development Equipment Division, Nissan Diesel Volvo concluded the acquisition of US based Ingersoll Rand’s road development equipment division, other than operations in India which will follow shortly. The division will be consolidated in the Volvo Group from May 1, 2007. The transaction was initially announced on February 27, 2007. Volvo’s acquisition of the Japanese truck manufacturer Nissan Diesel was completed in March 2007. Full Story also More
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Bentley Acquires TDV GmbH Bentley Systems announced that it has acquired TDV GmbH of Austria, a leading provider of structural modeling, analysis and design software for bridge engineering serving engineers, designers, and owners since 1970. TDV's RM 2006 product for static and dynamic design and analysis of steel, concrete, and composite structures is used by hundreds of bridge design firms worldwide. The software is applicable to the design of virtually all bridge types from simple segmented bridges to complex cable-stayed and suspension bridges to long crossings. Full Story
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Kohler Signs Agreement to Acquire Lombardini Engine Companies Kohler's Global Power Group has entered into an agreement to purchase Lombardini Srl from Mark IV Luxembourg S.A.R.L., a subsidiary of Mark IV Industries. The acquisition agreement is subject to relevant regulatory approval. Kohler's acquisition of Lombardini "will provide a strong complement to our existing engine business by adding a complete diesel engine line to serve the needs of our commercial and consumer customers worldwide," said Dick Fotsch, Global Power Group President. Full Story |
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NSSGA to debut "World of Aggregates Forum & Expo" in 2009 The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) will debut an all-encompassing educational and training event with an aggregates-oriented exposition to address and promote the interests of the industry in 2009. This single, industry-wide event, officially called the "World of Aggregates Forum & Expo" (WAGG), will be held the week of March 8, 2009, in Orlando, FL. WAGG will be held in the off-years from CONEXPO-CON/AGG and is scheduled to take place again in 2010. "WAGG was created in response to the requests of the association's members and will incorporate 13 major NSSGA educational events supported by exposition," said NSSGA Chairman Louis Griesemer, president and CEO of Springfield Underground. "It will be designed by the industry for the industry with plentiful input from our important manufacturers and services members. WAGG is intended to deliver superior quality education programs in multiple disciplines for aggregate producers, as well as traditional committee meetings. This unique event is a working conference to include an expanded trade show opportunity for exhibitors." Rick Feltes of Elburn, IL, a past chairman for NSSGA, has been appointed by the NSSGA board of directors to chair the WAGG management committee, along with Randy Kremer of Granite Construction to chair the education subcommittee and NSSSGA Past Chairman Greg Bush of Linwood Mining & Minerals to chair the exhibits subcommittee. The 2009 WAGG will be co-located with the National Asphalt Pavement Association's World of Asphalt Show and Conference.
06/04/2007 - 06/06/2007 — Pittsburgh, PA - International Bridge Conference - Engineers' Society of Western Pennsylvania (ESWP) 06/06/2007 - 06/08/2007 — Seattle, WA - Roundaout Design Workshop - Northwestern University Center for Public Safety (NUCPS) 06/13/2007 - 06/17/2007 — 10th Annual Snow & Ice Symposium - Snow & Ice Management Association, Inc. (SIMA) |
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For our full events calendar, go to http://www.betterroads.com/calendar |
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Manufacturing and Trade Inventories and Sales U.S. total business sales for March were $1,075.2 billion, up 1.4% from last month. Month-end inventories were $1,366.3 billion, down 0.1% from last month. 5/11/07
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U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services The nation's international deficit in goods and services increased to $63.9 billion in March from $57.9 billion (revised) in February, as imports increased more than exports. 5/10/07
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Monthly Wholesale Trade: Sales and Inventories March 2007 sales of merchant wholesalers were $346.3 billion, up 1.8 percent from last month. End-of-month inventories were $393.2 billion, up 0.3 percent from last month. 5/8/07
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Construction Spending Total construction activity for March 2007 ($1,187.8 billion) was 0.2 percent above the revised February 2007 ($1,185.0 billion). Please see the U.S. Census Bureau's website for further details: click here. 4/30/07
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Economy at a glance: Full Statistics Latest Numbers
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Compiled by Larry Green, news editor, Better Roads. To contact Larry about the newsletter content, send e-mail to . Interested in being a sponsor of our newsletter? Contact your sales representative for more information. Click here for list of contacts.
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May 2007 Issue Highlights:
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www.BetterRoads.com for
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Golden
Gate Bridge engineer finally gets recognition
State
transportation officials awarded a contract - for a fraction of the
expected cost - to rebuild the collapsed highway overpass that
melted in late April following the crash of a gasoline tanker. C.C.
Meyers of Rancho Cordova won the emergency contract to rebuild
Interstate 580 with a low bid of $867,075. CalTrans had set aside
$20 million for the work, and said it expected the job would cost at
least $5 million. The collapsed I-580 overpass is a key link between
San Francisco and its East Bay suburbs. Despite the
lower-than-expected bid, the state could end up paying C.C. Meyers
far more than the contract amount. The emergency deal includes a
$200,000-a-day incentive to reopen the road before June 27.
It
took three days, a lot of manpower and some heavy-duty equipment,
but workers finally pulled a 40-ton excavator out of the Chenango
River. The machine had been in the river since it tipped off the
bridge linking Front and Chenango streets in Binghamton, as operator
Francis Cobin, 41, was loading concrete slabs onto a dump truck.
Corbin jumped to safety. He suffered a leg injury and was treated at
a local hospital.
An
old steel-truss bridge described in John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of
Wrath," over Lake Overholser near Oklahoma City, will be restored
for use as a pedestrian bridge. Oklahoma City's plan is to restore
the bridge in 2008 and reopen it to pedestrian traffic only, said
Dennis Clowers, Oklahoma City's public works director. A consultant
will be hired soon to develop a plan to rehabilitate and repair the
old steel truss bridge, which ties into the Lake Overholser walking
and bicycle trails, he said.
Neptune
Beach gets no bids for bridge
Opponents
of a long bridge over North Carolina's Oregon Inlet now have an ally
in the state Department of Transportation, which has announced that
it is recommending construction of a replacement for the Herbert C.
Bonner Bridge parallel to the existing span. The decision is getting
a jump on the merger team, a panel of 13 representatives from state
and federal agencies. The team is scheduled to meet May 23 to make
the long-awaited choice on which design it will build: a 17.5-mile
bridge bypassing Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge as well as
problem-plagued N.C. 12, or a 2.7-mile span with various
combinations of road relocation, beach nourishment, elevated roadway
or small bridges on N.C. 12 to Rodanthe.
New federal regulations adopted in the
summer of 2006 affect everyone transporting construction equipment –
whether it’s cross country or cross town.
The
new VISTA program provides numerous visual examples and
state-of-the-art graphics illustrating application of the revised
federal standard. The new program shows and helps explain AWLL
(Aggregate Working Load Limit), direct tie-down, indirect tie-down
and how to calculate the AWLL as well as how these terms apply to
actual hauling applications on various trailer types. Identifying
chain grade and knowing how to determine rated chain strength based
on link size is included. A discussion of binder types, their pros
and cons and application is included. Graphics, easy-to-understand
charts and actual working footage help define load lengths, widths
and weights and how these affect tie-down requirements. Knowing how
to determine trailer capacity as well as where and how to attach tie
downs is illustrated and discussed.