Minneapolis light-rail bids are too high, agency says

The Metropolitan Council says the bids will likely be rejected, adding another delay to a project that has already faced ample resistance.

By Hallie Busta • Sept. 15, 2017

FL's insurance adjuster shortage could compound Irma damage

That the devastating storms occurred back-to-back in areas of high insurance compliance has put additional stress on the system.

By Hallie Busta • Sept. 15, 2017

USDOT announces $500M TIGER grants

Selections will prioritize rural projects that improve infrastructure, connect to regional economic centers and support economic growth.

By Hallie Busta • Sept. 14, 2017

Intel's Insight drone services platform could improve field data analysis

The cloud-based software, which can detect changes occurring between inspection rounds, represents continued development of the emerging technology.

By Mary Tyler March • Sept. 13, 2017

How autonomous vehicles use simulations to prepare for the real world

Companies like Google's parent Alphabet are building out digital scenarios featuring the same distractions and adverse conditions found on typical roads.

By Mary Tyler March • Sept. 13, 2017

Developer cuts height of Boston tower amid FAA concern

Even with the aviation agency's approval, the project is on shaky ground due to pushback concerning the shadows it could cast on city landmarks.

By Kim Slowey • Sept. 13, 2017

USDOT announces voluntary rules for self-driving cars

The release marks another step forward in the push to accelerate CAV development.

By Mary Tyler March • Sept. 12, 2017

Report: Taxes funding US highway construction aren't enough

Rather than increasing slowly as expected, excise tax revenues are declining, raising the stakes for finding new sources of long-term infrastructure funding.

By Hallie Busta • Sept. 12, 2017

Port of Los Angeles signs a 10-year PLA with union group

States are pushing back on the collective bargaining mechanism, however, saying it makes project participation difficult for non-union workers.

By Hallie Busta • Sept. 12, 2017

WA the latest to pilot a pay-per-mile fee

The state joins Oregon and a group of East Coast transit agencies in testing a mileage fee as a funding alternative to the gas tax for road construction.

By Hallie Busta • Sept. 12, 2017

Former IA DOT head Paul Trombino to lead FHWA

Currently the president of McClure Engineering, in Clive, IA, Trombino would take the post at a critical time for the nation's public works.

By Hallie Busta • Sept. 11, 2017

Trump signs $15B disaster relief bill

More funds are expected to help relief and rebuilding agencies contend with the damage wrought by the two most recent hurricanes to hit the U.S. mainland.

By Kim Slowey • Sept. 11, 2017

Poll: A majority of Americans would pay more taxes for better roads

Even more respondents said they’d pay higher fees if laws mandated that the funds only be used on the intended infrastructure projects.

By Hallie Busta • Sept. 11, 2017

4 contracts issued for non-concrete US-Mexico border walls

The news follows four contracts issued last month to build test sections of concrete walls, with two of those companies winning contracts to build both types.

By Hallie Busta • Sept. 11, 2017

KCI officials pick dark-horse Edgemoor to develop $1B airport terminal

The selection committee tapped the group over front-runners AECOM and Burns & McDonnell, saying it offered the lowest-cost option.

By Kim Slowey • Sept. 8, 2017

HI governor signs $2.4B rail 'bailout' bill

The measure nearly closes the $3 billion gap in the $9.5 billion commuter rail project's budget, but federal transit officials could still find the plan unviable. 

By Kim Slowey • Sept. 8, 2017

Feds ax $8B plan for a Chicago rail bypass

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board expressed doubts about developer Great Lakes Basin Transportation's ability to finance the project.

By Kim Slowey • Sept. 7, 2017

Will Trump's order to speed up infrastructure approvals work?

The White House hopes the action will shorten permitting time for major projects, but cooperation among agency heads is key.

By Kim Slowey • Sept. 7, 2017

FAA, local officials greenlight Raiders' Las Vegas stadium

The expedited ruling will allow construction of the $1.9 billion stadium to stay on schedule, with site work expected to begin in December.

By Kim Slowey • Sept. 7, 2017

After Harvey, drones take flight over Houston

How the emerging technology performs during recovery and rebuilding efforts could have a significant impact on its long-term uptake.

By Hallie Busta • Sept. 6, 2017

House approves bill to speed autonomous vehicle development

A bipartisan Senate group is planning similar legislation, and it's likely the two bills will come to a head over issues like job creation and safety.

By Hallie Busta • Sept. 6, 2017

DACA 'wind down' may exacerbate workplace skill shortages

Employers may not know who in their workforce will be impacted by the policy change until it's too late to adjust.

By Kathryn Moody • Sept. 6, 2017

Officials say Oroville Dam's design and construction caused spillway failure

The state likely could have found faults in the spillway if dam managers had used contemporary engineering standards to inspect the 50-year-old structure.

By Mary Tyler March • Sept. 6, 2017

Skilled-labor shortage to impact post-Harvey rebuilding effort

Texas doesn't regulate contractor categories like roofing or general construction, which raises concerns over the impact of storm chasers in a tight labor market.

By Kim Slowey • Sept. 6, 2017

How to survive a government shutdown

With the government shutdown now in effect, federal contractors should reevaluate any outstanding projects that might be impacted.

By Kim Slowey • Sept. 5, 2017