The Latest Breaking News from FHWA

US transport secretary’s war on ‘woke’ could make roads even deadlier, experts warn

Sean Duffy targets bike lanes and immigrant truck drivers while steering funds away from addressing lethal US roads

The Guardian - US · Oct 13

Route 7A Bridge Replacement: GRS-IBS halves cost of rail crossing; data guides future projects

In 2014, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation successfully replaced the State Route 7A bridge over the Housatonic Railroad with a cutting-edge structure. This innovative geosynthetic reinforced soil-integrated bridge system not only saved around $1.1 million but also achieved costs that were 49% lower than traditional design methods. Post-construction assessments demonstrated…

The Times of India · Oct 7

Keg Creek Bridge Replacement: Prefab build cuts closure to 16 days; FHWA finds $440,000 saving

In just 16 days, the U.S. 6 bridge over Keg Creek was replaced as part of an accelerated bridge construction initiative. By utilizing prefabricated components, Iowa successfully minimized road closure time compared to traditional approaches. Although the project incurred costs of approximately $2.66 million, it proved more economical overall, saving…

The Times of India · Oct 7

Fly Ash Runway Base: Newark engineers turn coal waste into durable pavement; FHWA hails long-term performance

Newark International Airport integrated coal fly ash into its runway construction during the 1970s as a stabilising material. The Federal Highway Administration reported satisfactory performance of this stabilised base after over 20 years of operation. Research indicated that the cementitious properties of fly ash contributed to the durability of the…

The Times of India · Oct 2

Those tall fences beside snowy highways are not property fences; they catch blowing snow before it reaches the road, while plowing can cost 100 times more

Snow fences are ingeniously constructed barriers that capture drifting snow, enhancing road safety during winter storms. By slowing down the wind, these structures help snow accumulate in well-defined areas, making it easier to manage. Studies show that they can lead to substantial savings in snow removal and a decrease in…

The Economic Times · Sep 28

New York highway worker’s $0 invention wins national federal award for saving weeks of work

A discarded golf-cart wheel and a piece of scrap box tubing have earned a New York highway department national recognition. Riverhead Highway Superintendent Mike Zaleski built a simple snow-fence pole remover after seeing workers struggle to pull frozen poles from the ground by hand. The homemade tool cost nothing, reduced…

The Times of India · Sep 26

In 1972, FHWA used 5 inches of scrubber waste in a parking-area base at Washington's Dulles Airport. 2 years later, wet weather caused the experimental base to soften and be replaced

Early tests explored scrubber waste for road bases and subbases. Florida projects between 1977 and 1989 showed highly satisfactory performance. Pennsylvania roads survived severe freeze-thaw conditions, proving successful. Texas and Ohio tests compared FGD material with gravel and haul road applications.

The Economic Times · Sep 9

Florida turned scrubber waste into road base in 12 projects by 1989; 100,000 tons earned highly satisfactory ratings, transforming an industrial byproduct into useful road base

Florida utilized processed FGD scrubber material in twelve road-base projects between 1977 and 1989. This material demonstrated satisfactory performance and durability in stabilized road bases without freeze-thaw issues. Other states like Pennsylvania, Texas, and Ohio also successfully employed FGD scrubber material in road construction.

The Economic Times · Sep 8

In 1990, New York City began recycling waste glass into street pavement. 5 years later, the city had reused 250,000 tons of glass in resurfacing projects across the city

New York City pioneered waste glass use in road construction between 1990 and 1995. Research examined crushed glass as an asphalt aggregate substitute since the late 1960s. Properly sized glass enhances pavement stability and friction, offering benefits. However, particle size and percentage limits address potential issues like stripping and glare.

The Economic Times · Sep 8

Oregon’s bridge program diverted 640,162 tons of construction material from landfills; FHWA valued the landfill diversion at $21.3 million across 208 bridges

Bundled bridge contracts streamline multiple projects into a cohesive framework, enhancing efficiency and minimizing costs. This strategy promotes the recycling of materials and helps reduce landfill waste. Additionally, contractors benefit from economies of scale, leading to consistent project timelines and the adoption of innovative technologies. Overall, this approach supports local…

The Economic Times · Sep 5