Transportation Radio

Episode SummaryThe latest episode of the “The Stream by AASHTO” podcast features Garrett Eucalitto, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Transportation and the 2024-2025 president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, discussing his commitment to “safer communities, safer users, and safer workers” and federal surface transportation reauthorization as part of his emphasis areas for his one-year presidential term.Episode NotesThis podcast series is part of the AASHTO Environmental Management technical service program operated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and it explores a wide array of environmental topics that affect state departments of transportation and the infrastructure programs they oversee.In this podcast episode, Eucalitto delves into his family's connection to the transportation industry, how his career path shifted from foreign relations to transportation policy, and why he's made “centering safety” a key focal point not only for his AASHTO presidential emphasis areas but as the nucleus of his transportation career. He also discusses the critical importance of ongoing surface transportation funding reauthorization work by Congress and how that legislative effort impacts safety. He explains on the podcast that reauthorization “impacts everything we do” as state DOTs, especially in the safety arena. That's why it is critical to ensure that the current reauthorization package maintains – if not expands – the current level of federal funding to fully support the nation's transportation systems.Eucalitto is also AASHTO's first openly gay president and discusses how this part of his identity has helped make him more empathetic about protecting people physically, mentally, and emotionally – especially in terms of fostering a level of comfort so people can live openly in the workplace. Finally, Eucalitto looks to the future as part of his podcast interview – examining the ways state DOTs are seeking to broaden their “non-traditional” partnerships, along with ways state DOTs are working to improve the exchange of information between one another for disaster response and other needs. 

In this episode of ITE Talks Transportation, Joey Paskey, Director of Public Works for the City of Las Vegas, discusses the unique transportation challenges in a fast-growing city like Las Vegas, where she oversees a diverse infrastructure system that serves both residents and more than 40 million annual visitors. She emphasizes the city's proactive safety approach, including a Vision Zero action plan, and highlights the importance of clear public communication and collaboration with stakeholders. Paskey also reflects on lessons learned on the job—particularly around communication, maintenance, and budget management—that go beyond traditional engineering education.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Ken Kunkel – principal research scholar at the North Carolina Institute of Climate Studies at North Carolina State University – explains how transportation agencies can use the Atlas 15 weather tool developed by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration to measure the impact of extreme precipitation on infrastructure, such as roads and bridges.Episode NotesThis podcast series is part of the AASHTO Environmental Management technical service program operated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. It explores a wide array of environmental topics that affect state departments of transportation and the infrastructure programs they oversee.Ken Kunkel – principal research scholar at the North Carolina Institute of Climate Studies at North Carolina State University – offers a wealth of knowledge on all things meteorology and extreme precipitation, including over 40 years of climate and precipitation research. He is an author on the third and fourth U.S. National Climate Assessments. He is also the lead author of the 2020 North Carolina Climate Science Report. He has published around 170 scientific journal articles and book chapters, mostly on climate variability and change.In this episode Kunkel discusses the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration or NOAA tool known as Atlas 15. The purpose of Atlas 15 is to produce extreme precipitation values that are used in design in infrastructure. Atlas 15 is also able to incorporate changing climate models when producing future data. He dives into how effective and accurate Atlas 15 is and how its data can improve the resiliency of infrastructure, particularly in the transportation sector.

Episode SummaryThe latest episode of the “The Stream by AASHTO” podcast features Ted Boling, a partner with Perkins Coie, with over 30 years of public service – who discusses recent changes to the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, and the removal of regulations by the Council on Environmental Quality, or CEQ.Episode NotesThis podcast series is part of the AASHTO Environmental Management technical service program operated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. It explores a wide array of environmental topics that affect state departments of transportation and the infrastructure programs they oversee.In February 2025, the CEQ announced an Interim Final Rule that removes its longstanding NEPA implementing regulations from the Code of Federal Regulations. This shift places the responsibility for NEPA compliance directly on individual federal agencies, allowing them to follow their own procedures rather than a centralized set of rules.In this podcast episode, Boling delves into how, if NEPA is revoked, it removes a “universal framework” that will prevent federal agencies working in tandem on environmental reviews.Boling also outlines the potential impact of mass layoffs within the federal government, especially among senior leadership and recent hires, and how that could slow down decision-making regarding environmental reviews for infrastructure projects.

Bill Schultheiss, P.E., Vice President and Director of Design and Engineering at Toole Design, and Katy Sawyer, P.E., Principal Engineer at Toole Design, join the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to discuss the new AASHTO Bike Guide. They highlight the importance of community engagement in planning bicycle infrastructure and share how planners can effectively navigate national, state, and local guidelines when developing bikeway plans. Schultheiss and Sawyer also offer insights on fostering collaboration between planners and engineers to support context-sensitive, multimodal transportation solutions.

Natalie Draisin, Director of the North American Office and the United Nations Representative for the FIA Foundation, joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to talk about the current state of road safety on the global level. She talks about how the United States compares to other parts of the world when it comes to road safety, strategies for successfully implementing the Safe System Approach, and best practices nations around the world are integrating to improve transportation safety. She also talks about incorporating a safety-first mindset across all levels of the profession and the role technology can play in improving safety.

David Kriger, principal of David Kriger Consultants, joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to discuss emerging trends in urban goods movement and how they're impacting the space. He also talks about drivers of change in urban freight related to factors beyond land development and road infrastructure, and uses case study examples to highlight what cities in the United States and Canada are doing to further efficiency and safety. 

This episode of The Stream by AASHTO features Shawn Wilson – vice president-national highway business line leader for transportation and infrastructure at WSP – discussing how state departments of transportation across the country are working on improving cooperative strategies for disaster response and recovery operations.

Karen Aspelin, P.E., PTOE (F), joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to discuss her involvement with ITE and how it's culminated in her current position as International President. She addresses her views on leadership, what it means to be a leader, and offers her perspective on achieving a work-life balance for volunteer leaders. Karen also shares more about her own career path in engineering and how it led her to where she is today, including being a transportation engineer at Olsson.

In this episode of The Stream by AASHTO, we explore the novel Blueprint for Arterials that is a partnership between Missouri DOT and East-West Gateway Council of Governments and is a collaborative vision on how to design ideal roadways - especially arterials - that meet the needs of an ever growing urban and suburban landscape in Missouri. Covering topics such as improved access, safety, and mobility, the Blueprint will ensure that MoDOT builds roads to satisfy all users. In this episode, Bernie Wagenblast interviews the following: - Paul Hubbman, Senior Manager of Corridor and Long-Range Planning, East-West Gateway COG (the MPO for the St. Louis region)- Tom Blair, Missouri DOT, District Engineer for the St. Louis District- Amanda Brauer, Managing Director of Roads and Traffic, St. Charles County, MissouriEpisode NotesMore information on AMPO can be found here: AMPO | Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations

Dale Picha, P.E., PTOE, Director of Transportation Operations for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) San Antonio District, joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to talk about Crash Responder Safety Week (CRSW). Dale highlights the importance of this critical information campaign that promotes safety for first responders responding to crash sites and ITE's role in CRSW. He also discusses TxDOT's Traffic Incident Management program and how data plays a role in promoting and maintaining safety.

Aimee Flannery, Ph.D., P.E., Global Principal – Transportation Risk & Resiliency at Jacobs, joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to talk about making the transportation system more resilient and steps the industry can take to set standardized methods to measure resilience. She discusses several strategies to improve transportation resilience, including hardening assets, nature-based solutions, and improving system redundancy. She also addresses educational and training needs around resilience and how to better support practitioners in their professional development on the topic.

Cadaver dogs play a crucial role in identifying buried remains and culturally sensitive artifacts during transportation projects. Their exceptional sense of smell helps locate historic and prehistoric resources, ensuring that significant cultural sites are preserved. Today, Jen Anderson from the Texas Department of Transportation will discuss the impact of these trained canines on managing archaeological resources in transportation initiatives.

Brian Cronin, Director of the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Joint Program Office of the U.S. Department of Transportation, joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to discuss the recently released National V2X Deployment Plan. The plan, drafted and advanced with collaboration across public and private partnerships, provides stakeholders with vital information to enable a safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation system through the national, widespread deployment of interoperable V2X technologies. Brian talks about what agencies need to do to implement the plan, the short- and long-term goals of the plan, and available resources for implementation. He also touches on the Accelerator Grants and pilot projects that have resulted in real deployments of V2X at-scale, and talks about what the future may look like with full deployment of V2X.

This is the first episode of a two-part series that focuses on the impacts of transportation noise on the road. This episode features Ross Hudnall, Noise Abatement Coordinator for the Virginia Department of Transportation. Ross discusses how VDOT is working to address noise impacts. 

Cipriana Patterson, P.E., PTOE, Director of Operations, Mid-Atlantic Region for Toole Design, joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to delve into issues of equity, representation, and collaboration. She shares both her background and her experience as a Black woman in transportation, and discusses what more can be done to make both the profession and the built environment a better experience for all users. She also talks about HBCUs and their role in the development of Black transportation engineers and planners, and the importance of representation in the industry. 

This is the second episode of a two-part series on The Stream by AASHTO podcast covering NEPA in the transportation sector. Joining us to talk about challenges and creative solutions to completing the NEPA process is Douglas Kolwaite, Environmental Program Manager with the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities.

ITE's 2024 Young Member of the Year Sam Harris, P.E., joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to share his journey from beginning at ITE through a Student Chapter to his current leadership roles on the Safety Council and the ITE Georgia Section. He also shares his passion for safety and how he has progressed in his career, as well as what he looks forward to accomplishing in the future.

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) mandates federal agencies evaluate the environmental impacts of their actions, crucially influencing transportation projects like road construction and bridge expansions. Our guest on The Stream by AASHTO is Ted Boling, a partner at Perkins Coie with over 30 years of public service. He discusses NEPA's role in promoting sustainable development within the transportation sector.

Kathy Falk, a vice president with Kimley-Horn, joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to discuss the newly released edition of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). She discusses the significant changes within the 11th edition, and highlights how the manual addresses safety concerns surrounding pedestrians and bicyclists, including bicycle lanes. She covers other new parts of the MUTCD, including provisions for setting non-statutory speed limits, and shares more about ITE's delegation to the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and what this body does. 

Often, the highway infrastructure of the state is taken for granted. We hop in our cars and drive from place to place with little thought of what's necessary to let it happen. When something goes wrong, however, we quickly realize how fragile our infrastructure can be.Chris Feinthel, Assistant Commissioner for Operations in the New Jersey Department of Transportation, grew up in Cranford never thinking he would be in charge of operations for a massive roadway system stretching from High Point to Cape Map Point. On this joint production of Cranford Radio and Transportation Radio, I talk with Chris about his job, what happens when weather throws a wrench into transportation and how NJDOT is making adjustments as climate change impacts the transportation infrastructure.

This episode marks the conclusion of a two-part series delving into effective management strategies during a solar eclipse. Specifically, we focus on emergency transportation management during and following the event. With contributions from Brandon Keller, Emergency Coordinator at Illinois DOT, we glean valuable insights into navigating the seamless transition from preparation to action. This discussion underscores the pivotal role of emergency transportation management in ensuring a smooth and effective response during and after a solar eclipse.

Rachel Carpenter, Chief Safety Officer at the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to discuss why the department adopted the Safe System Approach in an effort to reverse traffic fatality rates and address speed, among other safety improvements. She also explains their work with the Safe Systems Pyramid which takes a public health approach to safety, and elaborates on some of the specific strategies Caltrans implemented to win the National Roadway Safety Award. Rachel was a keynote speaker at the ITE Virtual Spring Conference in March. 

This is the first episode of a two-part series on The Stream by AASHTO where we explore effective management during a solar eclipse. This episode highlights the significance of preparation, planning, training, and effective communication. Featuring insights from Michael White, Assistant Director of the Safety and Emergency Management Division in the Missouri Department of Transportation, we gain valuable perspectives on advancing safety protocols and bolstering resilience to ensure operational continuity during celestial events.

Odessa L. Phillip, P.E., President and CEO of Assedo Consulting, LLC, joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to discuss community engagement as part of the decision-making process for transportation planning and project design, addressing the challenges of this process as well as the most effective strategies she's found. She also speaks to the importance of equity considerations when having these critical conversations, as well as what she sees as some of the emerging trends in community involvement.

As the newly elected president of AASHTO, Wisconsin DOT Secretary Craig Thompson is committed to fortifying the workforce to construct a modern and efficient transportation system that centers the needs of all citizens. Recognizing the profound impact of transportation on our daily lives, the economy, and society at large, President Thompson looks forward to collaborative efforts to propel the transportation system into the future.In this podcast interview, President Thompson shares insights into his presidential emphasis areas. Listen to this episode to gain a deeper understanding of this year's AASHTO president and explore how his extensive experiences have shaped AASHTO's strategic focus for the 2024-2025 year.

FHWA Administrator Shailen Bhatt joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to talk about the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and how it will impact communities taking advantage of the various funding opportunities it provides. He also discusses safety and why it's his top priority in his role, and what it will take to see improvement in this area. He also shares his views on leadership and its importance in his career and beyond.Listen to ITE Talks Transportation podcast

This episode concludes AASHTO's four-part series on equity, where we've focused on transportation professionals' work towards building an equitable transportation system. This episode is brought to you from the AASHTO 2023 Annual Meeting where we spoke with guests and attendees from all over the country.  Our guests today join us from the audience and the panel of the annual meeting knowledge session titled "Stop, Look, Listen: Engaging Communities to Put Equity into Action!"  We speak to them today about their immediate thoughts and reactions on the knowledge session and get their perspective and opinion on what equity looks like in transportation.

Alejandra "Alex" Argudin, CEO of the Miami Parking Authority in Florida, joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to talk about parking trends and challenges in a densely populated city, how Miami is utilizing parking more efficiently and effectively, and how these trends are affecting other urban areas. Alex, who is chair-elect of the International Parking and Mobility Institute (IPMI), also discusses some of the changes that have impacted the parking industry since COVID, how curb priorities have changed, and how equity and sustainability factor into parking decisions.

After eight years of service, ITE Executive Director and CEO Jeff Paniati is retiring at the end of October. He joins the podcast to reflect on his storied career in transportation, including his many years at the Federal Highway Administration and his tenure at ITE. He also shares his hopes and vision for the future of the organization, and a bit about what he plans to do upon retirement.

This is the second episode of a four-part series on AASHTO's ETAP Podcast that focuses on how transportation professionals may work towards building an equitable transportation system. Our guests highlight the crucial connection between active transportation and equity as transportation planners, policymakers, and communities' team up to create a more inclusive and accessible future. Tamika Butler, principal of Tamika Butler Consulting, sits with us as she dives into her leadership efforts in building an equitable and inclusive transportation system. Our second guest is Joshua Phillips, communications and public relations coordinator with the Alabama Department of Transportation discusses Alabama's City Walk Birmingham. 

Gabe Klein, Executive Director of the US Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to talk about transportation electrification in the United States. He discusses how his newly created office is working to help deploy its share of the US Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to build out infrastructure across the country to support various aspects of electrification, and how local and state entities can take advantage of the funding. He also talks about the technological advances taking place in the space and how data sharing will help expand the advantages of adopting electrification.

This is the first episode of a four-part series from AASHTO's ETAP Podcast that will focuses on building an equitable transportation system. We are joined by Keith Baker, the executive director of ReConnect Rondo, and we discuss a variety of topics including the vision behind ReConnect Rondo, and the innovative approach they are taking to transform their neighborhood.EPISODE NOTESMore Information on the October Reconnecting Communities  Summit can be found here: 2023 Inaugural Reconnecting Communities Summit - ReConnect RondoMore information on ReConnect Rondo's vision can be found here: The Vision - ReConnect Rondo More information on USDOT's Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods can be found here: Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant Program | US Department of TransportationAn in-depth exploration on the 4P Funding plan can be found here: Funding - ReConnect RondoAdditionally, listeners and supporters can directly send financial support to ReConnect Rondo here: Donate (paypal.com) 

Bas Govers, senior urban mobility consultant, Goudappel, The Netherlands, joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to share insights on creating sustainably safe and comfortable people-oriented spaces that promote mobility. He talks about the evolution of his country over the past 50 years to become more biking and pedestrian friendly, and how they've addressed the challenges and lessons learned that come along with accommodating these users. Govers was a part of the Tuesday plenary panel session in Portland, Oregon at the ITE Annual Meeting in August titled “Creating People-Oriented Communities.”

The Lehigh Planning Commission is a metropolitan planning organization that was created to provide planning services to Lehigh and Northampton counties while working alongside the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. LVPC coordinates with its  municipalities, community leaders, and businesses, elevating Pennsylvania's transportation and quality of life while keeping the environment in mind. In this episode of AASHTO's ETAP Podcast you'll hear from the executive director of the LVPC, Becky Bradley, and the impact LVPC is making in Pennsylvania.  

In this episode of AASHTO's ETAP Podcast, Tony Bush, Stormwater Branch Manager in the Environmental Services Office at the Washington State Department of Transportation speaks on its stormwater management innovations and key takeaways. 

ITE younger member Anamaria Torres joins the podcast to talk about the wealth of opportunities within ITE for both student and younger members ITE provides for this population. A senior transportation engineer at Stantec, Anamaria talks about the value of not just building her transportation knowledge within the organziation, but also her networking and leadership skills. As Co-Chair of ITE's premier leadership program LeadershipITE, Anamaria conveys how ITE helps younger members find their path as leaders within the industry, giving them the tools to succeed. She also shares advice for any student or younger member looking to get more involved within ITE or anyone wanting to join.

The guests on this month's episode of AASHTO's ETAP Podcast are Ohio DOT's Erica Schneider, Assistant Environmental Administrator and Tom Barrett, ODOT's Historic Bridge Program Manager and State Byways Coordinator.  They speak on Ohio's Historic Bridge Inventory, Evaluation, and Preservation Plan and how other DOTs may implement these findings in their state.

Richard Montanez, Deputy Commissioner of Transportation for the City of Philadelphia, joins the podcast to talk about the Safe Streets and Roads for All Program (SS4A) and how the city plans to use the $30 million grant award it recently received from the US Department of Transportation funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. He describes the unique safety challenges faced by the city, and discusses the planned multimodal safety improvements for several of the city's streets and traffic infrastructure, as well as the updates for Philadelphia's Vision Zero capital plan.

FHWA recently launched its Wildlife Crossings Program, approving $350 million for wildlife crossing projects to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connectivity. The Oregon Department of Transportation has set a successful wildlife corridor program, reducing 86% of wildlife-vehicle collisions. In this episode, Cidney Bowman, Wildlife Passage Program Coordinator with Oregon DOT, speaks on the state's work.

Peter Koonce, engineering manager with the Portland Bureau of Transportation in Oregon, joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to talk about the opportunities and challenges facing traffic engineers in the profession today. He gives an overview of some of the efforts taking place on the ground in Portland to improve outcomes for all users including equity, safety and Vision Zero initiatives, and more. Peter also shares with listeners a bit of what they can expect when visiting Portland this August for the 2023 Joint ITE International and Western District Annual Meeting and Exhibition.

Leaders of the transportation sector sit with us as they consider today's transportation climate and how DOTs can best equip tomorrow's leaders in tackling future challenges. Joining us today are Sara Stickler, Thomas Davidenko, and Alicia Walker. Sara is the President and CEO of the Women's Transportation Seminar (WTS) International, Thomas is the Director of Programs at the Young Professionals in Transportation (YPT), and Alicia is the Director of Programs and Strategic Engagement at the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO). Our guests discuss a variety of topics such as workforce development, the challenges faced in recruiting and retaining quality candidates, and more. 

Stephen Buckley, P.E., AICP, Vice President Planning and Advisory Services at Kimley-Horn, joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to discus the collaboration between transportation planning professionals and engineers. Having began his career as an engineer, and now working as a planner, Steve shares some of the key milestones along the path of his career, discusses real-life examples of successful collaboration between the two groups of professionals, and offers up guidance for how planners and engineers can support each other in their projects while bringing their own valid insights and valuable perspectives. Steve recently took part in the keynote conversation at ITE's Virtual Spring Conference in March.

In 2012, voters in three Georgia regions approved a one percent sales tax to fund local transportation projects. In 2023 the Georgia Transportation Investment Act is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Joining us in this podcast is Kenneth Franks, State Transportation Investment Act Administrator, speaking on TIA's success, future projects, and the regional and local impact.  

Greg Johnson, administrator for the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to discuss the ins and outs of this $6 billion project spanning the Columbia River and connecting the states of Washington and Oregon. The project is replacing a 106 year-old bridge on I-5, the only west coast interstate in the United States that goes between Canada and Mexico. Johnson talks about the complexities of managing a large infrastructure project, what it's like working with two state DOTs, and the importance of engaging community members and having buy-in for this multimodal project. He also highlights the equity considerations involved in the project and how data is being utilized to ensure equitable and inclusive outcomes for the communities touched by the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program.

The NJTPA is the metropolitan planning organization responsible for the distribution of federal transportation funds for 13 counties in northern New Jersey, including Cranford. They also assist counties and municipalities in improving transportation infrastructure.David Behrend serves as the executive director of the agency and Ted Ritter is the manager of external affairs. They join the Cranford Radio podcast to talk about the work of the agency and to provide examples of how their work directly affects the movement of people and freight through Cranford.

The US has experienced severe weather changes including floods, droughts, and hurricanes, damaging infrastructure and habitats. Recently, the country experienced a wave of winter storms one of which took place in the State of New York. Listen to this episode to hear from Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez to learn about how the New York State Department of Transportation works to build a resilient transportation system.

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to discuss the latest trends in roadway safety and how local, state and federal officials can lead with innovative solutions and approaches to reducing the national fatality rate. She also talks about how the Safe System Approach can help get the United States to zero, and shares her passion and personal connection to roadway safety.

In this episode of AASHTO's Environmental Technical Assistance Program or ETAP Podcast, Lee Smith, Interim Traffic Operations Division Director at Tennessee DOT and Dr. Dan Work, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Vanderbilt University, join the podcast to discuss the I-24 MOTION test bed. 

In this episode of AASHTO's Environmental Technical Assistance Program or ETAP Podcast, Roger Millar, AASHTO's newest president and Washington State DOT Secretary of Transportation, joins the podcast to discuss AASHTO's presidential emphasis areas. 

Eric Rensel, Vice President at Gannett Fleming and Chair of the ITE Council Leadership Team, discusses the skills that engineers and transportation planning professionals bring to the table and how the two can work together successfully on transportation projects. He also shares more on the initiative to bring more transportation planning professionals into ITE, and the wealth of resources the organization has to offer these professionals.