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“This isn't like a conference you go to and just listen to people give presentations, this is interactive. You're actually solving real world problems and working together to come up with those solutions. {You} have everyone at the table, really why you want to join is so you can be at the table and direct the future of our industry.” In this conversation, Devon Tilly and co-host Nathan Wood chat with Todd Sutton from Zachary Corporation! This podcast is a part of a series of episodes that will be coming out from now until Spring 2025 covering the AEC Summit in Austin, Texas April 23rd – 25th 2025. We encourage our listeners and partners to share and engage with us during this conference coverage! With over 35 years of construction industry service with Zachry Corporation, Todd has supported various business units and industry markets in finding user-inspired, process-based solutions through the implementation of technologies or construction methods to assist in project execution. He is an enthusiastic advocate for workforce initiatives, participating in Zachry's Career Exploration Program internship for high school students. At Zachry Corporation, he works on R&D to improve processes, as well as on the technologies that enable these improvements. He is currently involved in several industry data exchange standards, primarily focused on openBIM IFC efforts and FHWA, AASHTO, and State DOT-led digital delivery efforts. Co-host Nathan Wood understands how rewarding the design and construction process can be when technology and culture embrace a new era of innovation. Nathan first earned his reputation as an industry thought leader in 2011, sharing his award-winning implementation of virtual design and construction (VDC) while working on integrated project delivery (IPD) healthcare projects. Nathan strives to share the best practices and lessons learned he's gathered from over 100 project teams spanning the US, Europe, and the Middle East. These experiences have taught him that when it comes to adopting technology in construction, it's not one size fits all. For that reason, Nathan founded SpectrumAEC with a clear goal — solving the human barriers to new process and technology adoption. As SpectrumAEC's founder and chief enabling officer, Nathan helps organizations and project teams successfully adopt change through executive strategy sessions and end user workshops. Nathan continues to support industry progression through conference presentations, academic papers, and as President of the Construction Progress Coalition. Additional Resources mentioned in this episode: What is Digital Delivery? National BIM Standards BuildingSMART BIM for Infrastructure Keep up with the Art of Construction (AOC) podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! Subscribe to us and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
When New Hampshire began developing the I-93 widening project there was concern about the amount of salt that might be introduced into the environment due to winter operations and this became to impetus for the creation of the Green SnowPro Program through the Department of Environmental Services. Marilee Enus, Director of the New Hampshire Local Technical Assistance Program (NH LTAP), at the University of New Hampshire's Technology Transfer Center (UNH T2) and Scott Kinmond, Technology Specialist/Instructor explain the program and certification program.For more information about the Green SnowPro visit the NH Department of Environmental Services website at https://www.des.nh.gov/land/roads/road-salt-reduction. And if you're interested in more detail on the Green SnowPro program, including a good discussion of the legislative process (including a legislative partner who was in the winter maintenance industry), as well as a review of a recent legal case that “tested” the liability coverage, our webinar with the NHDES Green SnowPro team is now available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pf7k5LbvWYgYou can also reach out to Marilee at Marilee.Enus@unh.edu or Scott at Scott.Kinmond@unh.edu for more information about the training or program. Additional information on the certification program can be found on the New Hampshire Technology Transfer Center Website https://t2.unh.edu/Sign up for email notifications on future episodes and other communications associated with winter maintenance and winter weather management by clicking on subscribe on the Talkin' Winter Ops website at TalkinWinterOps.comThanks for listening in and stay safe out there!
Season five wraps up with hosts Brian Johnson and Kim Swanson reflecting on the season and the ever-evolving podcast itself. This shorter season marked a shift from weekly to biweekly episodes, prompting honest conversations about the sustainability and future direction of AASHTO re:source Q&A podcast.The hosts highlight memorable conversations with industry experts, including beloved guest Bryce Hanlon from Oklahoma DOT and Matt Lineman from North Dakota DOT, who shared valuable insights on committee participation and building positive professional relationships. Kim particularly enjoyed discussing the "four eyes of the corrective action process," diving into quality theory while maintaining their trademark touch of humor that makes complex concepts accessible.Throughout the episode, Brian and Kim make a heartfelt plea for listener feedback—a resource more valuable than download metrics. They're particularly curious about their international audience, wondering about listeners from Ukraine and Kenya who've reached out in previous seasons. The mystery of who's listening and what content resonates most strongly echoes a common challenge in quality management: determining whether efforts truly address stakeholder needs. This transparency about their own continuous improvement journey mirrors the very processes they discuss with laboratories.Looking ahead, Brian announces his participation in the upcoming Technical Exchange in Bellevue, Washington (March 17-20, 2025), where he'll lead panel discussions and possibly record content for future episodes. With season six on the horizon after this hiatus, the hosts invite you to explore their extensive back catalog of over 40 episodes per season from their first four seasons. Email podcast@aashtoresource.org with your thoughts, questions, or to simply let them know the juice is indeed worth the squeeze.Send us a textHave questions, comments, or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Email podcast@aashtoresource.org. Related information on this and other episodes can be found at aashtoresource.org.
Dive into our latest episode as we explore the critical need for laboratories to evolve from mere compliance to a thriving culture of continual improvement. Brian Johnson shares valuable insights from the recent Mid-Atlantic Quality Assurance Workshop, highlighting a new strategic roadmap aimed at enhancing operational practices within laboratories. Throughout the episode, we address the pivotal role that AASHTO plays in guiding laboratories towards adherence to rigorous standards, emphasizing that compliance is just the beginning. We underscore the importance of understanding the root causes of nonconformities and foster a proactive mentality that seeks systemic solutions over temporary fixes. Listeners will appreciate the actionable examples provided, including how to utilize proficiency sample data for setting realistic quality objectives. With a focus on collaboration, Brian stresses the necessity for communication among all stakeholders involved, paving the way for a unified approach to quality management.This episode speaks directly to laboratory managers and quality assurance professionals seeking to enhance their practices. Are you ready to elevate your lab's standards? Tune in to learn how to integrate continuous improvement into your quality framework effectively. Don't forget to subscribe and share; let's foster a community committed to excellence in laboratory quality!Send us a textHave questions, comments, or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Email podcast@aashtoresource.org. Related information on this and other episodes can be found at aashtoresource.org.
AI and Machine Learning will probably be the next disruptive technology that will spawn a quantum leap in the way we approach the provision of winter service. On this episode we're heading to the University at Albany in New York to visit with Nick Bassill, director of the New York State Weather Risk Communication Center and Carly Sutter, graduate research assistant there at the Atmospheric Sciences Research Center about a project Carly has been working on with the New York State Department of Transportation to identify road conditions from images using machine learning and the results could have impacts well beyond.They take some of the mystery out of AI and machine learning is a way that's easy to understand. For more info on this project, AI and machine learning reach out to Nick at nbassill@albany.edu or Carly at csutter@albany.eduSign up for email notifications on future episodes and other communications associated with winter maintenance and winter weather management by clicking on subscribe on the Talkin' Winter Ops website at TalkinWinterOps.comThanks for listening in and stay safe out there!
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.
We dive into the 2025 AASHTO re:source Technical Exchange with insights from key planners Bob Lutz and Tracy Barnhart. This episode focuses on the event's unique structure, networking opportunities, and targeted sessions for various professional roles. Attendees can expect valuable insights, interactive experiences, and assurance of fresh content during the event on March 17-20, 2025 in Bellevue, WA. Learn more on our website: https://aashtoresource.org/events Send us a textHave questions, comments, or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Email podcast@aashtoresource.org. Related information on this and other episodes can be found at aashtoresource.org.
We've been talking about electrification of the maintenance fleet for some time now and the conversation always turns to the challenges facing the rollout of this technology particularly when it comes to winter maintenance. Diminished load carrying capacity due to the weight of the batteries, battery performance in cold operating environments, range anxiety, and the lack of rapid charging infrastructure re just a few. Well, Edison Motors Ltd based in Merritt, British Columbia has found the answer to these challenges and are in the process of developing a plugin hybrid electric snowplow for Emcon Services Inc, the largest maintenance contractor in Canada. Frank Rizzardo, President of Emcon Services is here along with the founders of Edison Motors, Chace Barber and Eric Little to tell us all about their plugin hybrid electric snowplow project. check out the progress of the hybrid snowplow build and other vocational trucks Edison Motors have built on their YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@EdisonMotors. If this episode has got your interest up in hybrid snowplows you can reach out to Frank at emcon1@emconservices.ca, Chace at chace@edisonmotors.ca, or Eric at eric.little@edisonmotors.ca to continue the discussion.Sign up for email notifications on future episodes and other communications associated with winter maintenance and winter weather management by clicking on subscribe on the Talkin' Winter Ops website at TalkinWinterOps.comThanks for listening in and stay safe out there!
In this episode, I connect with Bill Schultheiss, a partner with Toole Design Group and one of the key contributors to this much-anticipated rewrite of the official AASHTO Bicycle Facilities Design Guide. We'll discuss the origins and evolution of the guide and why this version will have such a profound impact on creating networks of all ages and abilities cycle facilities throughout the United States. You'll learn how the promotion of vehicular cycling by John Forester, among others, set the United States on a path that deprioritized the development of cycle infrastructure in favor of a "control the lane" philosophy employed by mainly highly skilled, strong, and confident male riders.Thank you so much for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the podcast on your preferred listening platform. Also, don't forget to check out the Active Towns Channel for more video content.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):- AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities, 5th Edition- Toole Design Group- Toole Design Guide Post- Bill on Bluesky- Bill on LinkedIn- My Livestream Episode with Wes Marshall- My episode with Chuck Marohn about his Confessions book- My live episode with Chuck Marohn about who should design our streets- My most recent episode with Prof. Peter Norton- Killed By A Traffic Engineer book- Confessions of a Recovering Engineer book- Conversation with an Engineer video If you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Join our Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month2. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"3. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Twitter- Periodic e-NewsletterBackground:Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and I'm a health promotion and public health professional with over 30 years of experience. Over the years, my area of concentration has evolved into a specialization in how the built environment influences human behavior related to active living and especially active mobility.Since 2010, I've been exploring, documenting, and profiling established, emerging, and aspiring Active Towns wherever they might be while striving to produce high-quality multimedia content to help inspire the creation of more safe and inviting, environments that promote a "Culture of Activity" for "All Ages & Abilities."The Active Towns Channel features my original video content and reflections, including a selection of podcast episodes and short films profiling the positive and inspiring efforts happening around the world as I am able to experience and document them.Thanks once again for tuning in! I hope you find this content helpful and insightful.Creative Commons License: Attributions, Non-Commercial, No Derivatives, 2025 ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
In the final part of this series, uncover the essential subsections of Section 3.5 of the AASHTO Accreditation Procedures Manual. Our exploration reveals the significance of independence of judgment, the importance of transparency in conflict scenarios, and how demonstrated job performance can outweigh formal education in personnel qualifications. Discover the historical context and evolution of temperature guidelines and learn how labs can navigate unexpected challenges, like seasonal shutdowns while maintaining accreditation. The conversation also spotlights the need for clear definitions and the role of standards development organizations in addressing ambiguities. Send us a textHave questions, comments, or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Email podcast@aashtoresource.org. Related information on this and other episodes can be found at aashtoresource.org.
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
Unlock the secrets of the AASHTO Accreditation Procedures Manual with us as we dissect Section 3.5. Navigate the critical responsibilities of accredited laboratories in reporting significant changes within 60 days, per section 3.5.1. We break down what constitutes a 'major change' and highlight our role and the potential sanctions for non-compliance. Learn more as we go through the first half of Section 3.5, in part one of this two-part series. Send us a textHave questions, comments, or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Email podcast@aashtoresource.org. Related information on this and other episodes can be found at aashtoresource.org.
This episode explores the development and significance of the new AASHTO R 119 standard, officially titled “Standard Practice for Grinding the Ends of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens.” Brian shares his firsthand experience in creating this standard, highlighting the collaborative efforts with various state DOTs and the importance of standardizing concrete practices. Listeners will learn why AASHTO R 119 is crucial for those working with ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) and how it addresses the limitations of traditional capping methods.The episode also looks at the broader implications of AASHTO R 119, including its potential integration into other key standards like AASHTO T 24, ASTM C31, and ASTM C39. We also discuss how AASHTO R 119 moved from a provisional to a full standard and the ongoing efforts to promote its adoption across the industry.Send us a textHave questions, comments, or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Email podcast@aashtoresource.org. Related information on this and other episodes can be found at aashtoresource.org.
Road Weather Information Systems unlocked a whole host of opportunities when it comes to performing winter maintenance. Paul Bridge is an important player when it comes to RWIS from his early days at the Met UK through stints with RWIS vendors. His understanding of the technology and how it is used to help highway agencies do good winter maintenance is the topic of this episode from the early days of RWIS deployments in the US through AI as a force multiplier.You can reach out to Paul by email at pbridge@campbellsci.com to continue the discussion or learn more about the technology in its various forms.Sign up for email notifications on future episodes and other communications associated with winter maintenance and winter weather management by clicking on subscribe on the Talkin' Winter Ops website at TalkinWinterOps.comThanks for listening in and stay safe out there!
This burning question is at the heart of our latest episode, where we unravel the complexities of choosing the right organization for aggregate and rebar evaluations. We navigate the nuanced scopes of CCRL and AASHTO re:source, addressing why each offers these services and how customer demand has fostered an overlap.Explore the essentials of proficiency sample programs and the critical distinctions in assessment services—CCRL's focus on specific testing methods versus AASHTO's broader coverage. Dive into strategic insights for laboratories, empowering you to make informed decisions in the assessment process.Our conversation also uncovers the financial and logistical factors pivotal to selecting your assessment provider. We spotlight the hidden costs and timing implications that can affect your lab's operations. Learn how to navigate the intricacies of obtaining estimates, and understand why timing is everything when it comes to maintaining AASHTO Accreditation without a hitch.Related information:aashtoresource.org/aapccrl.usSend us a textHave questions, comments, or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Email podcast@aashtoresource.org. Related information on this and other episodes can be found at aashtoresource.org.
Unlock the secrets of effective laboratory monitoring with insights from Greg Uherek, Manager of Business Development and Technical Services. Greg sheds light on the specifier feature of the AASHTO re:source website, a game-changer for agencies that require AASHTO Accreditation like DOTs and California's Division of the State Architect. Journey through the evolution of laboratory monitoring from outdated methods to the cutting-edge specifier tools that enhance transparency and accountability. Greg takes us through the transformation, revealing how features like mapping and real-time alerts have made lab monitoring more intuitive and effective. Learn how these specifiers streamline oversight, ensuring labs comply with stringent testing standards. Discover why this tool is indispensable for public and private entities aiming for efficiency and compliance.Related information: aashtoresource.org/specifiersaashtoresource.org/eventsYouTube videoCompanion articleSend us a textHave questions, comments, or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Email podcast@aashtoresource.org. Related information on this and other episodes can be found at aashtoresource.org.
APWA's Western Snow and Ice Conference and Snow Roadeo is one of the premier events in the world of winter maintenance and it happens every year in Loveland, Colorado. In addition to the indoor activities and huge equipment and vendor display, hundreds of operators put their mastery of equipment operation on display at the National Snow Roadeo. Pete Adler and Tim Brady join us to discuss this event and particulars of the Snow Roadeo. For more information about this event head over to their website at https://www.westernsnowandice.com/ or you can contact Pete Adler at rockies325@gmail.com or Tim Brady timothy.brady@cityofloveland.orgSign up for email notifications on future episodes and other communications associated with winter maintenance and winter weather management by clicking on subscribe on the Talkin' Winter Ops website at TalkinWinterOps.comThanks for listening in and stay safe out there!
What's the secret to engaging volunteers and fostering a supportive, inclusive committee environment? Find out as we welcome Matt Linneman, Chief Engineer for North Dakota DOT and Chair of the Committee on Materials and Pavements (COMP), along with AASHTO liaison Casey Soneira. We discuss effective volunteer engagement, from creating psychological safety to micro-engagements that encourage wider participation. They share thoughts on succession planning, the balance between industry and academic leadership roles, and future committee initiatives, including shifts in meeting formats to boost peer exchanges and best practice sharing. This conversation underscores the importance of stakeholder involvement and the challenges of managing a 6,000-page annual publication filled with detailed materials standards. Whether you're a state volunteer, industry member, or academic, this episode offers a treasure trove of insights into the workings of COMP, now and for years to come.Read this episode's companion article or watch the video on YouTube.Send us a textHave questions, comments, or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Email podcast@aashtoresource.org. Related information on this and other episodes can be found at aashtoresource.org.
Ever wondered how and why a new proficiency sample scheme was created? Special guests John Malusky and Ryan LaQuay join hosts Brian Johnson and Kim Swanson to reveal the meticulous planning process behind the Hamburg Wheel Tracking samples, a groundbreaking addition to AASHTO re:source's Proficiency Sample Program. Hear firsthand accounts of the logistical challenges faced during its development, the steps taken to prevent segregation, and the lessons learned from pilot studies with DOTs that highlight the critical importance of well-blended materials.Send us a textHave questions, comments, or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Email podcast@aashtoresource.org. Related information on this and other episodes can be found at aashtoresource.org.
This episode reveals laboratories' most common pitfalls with implementing AASHTO R 18, such as calibration record-keeping, training and competency evaluation, and internal audits. Learn how to sidestep these issues by implementing robust quality management practices. Listen in to transform your laboratory practices and get tips to move beyond standard compliance.Send us a Text Message.Have questions, comments, or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Email podcast@aashtoresource.org. Related information on this and other episodes can be found at aashtoresource.org.
What if your organization could lead a quality management revolution? Join us as we explore AASHTO re:source's roadmap for 2024 to 2027 with Bob Lutz, the Director of AASHTO re:source. Bob shares the inspiration and process behind this ambitious strategy, which aims to transform the construction materials, testing, and inspection industry. Learn how identifying key stakeholders and understanding their needs laid the foundation for a bold vision and mission that promises to shift the paradigm from compliance to excellence.In our conversation, Bob delves into the collaborative approach that defined AASHTO re:source's mission, vision, and values. We discuss the strategic objectives that prioritize leading by example, building trust, and fostering continual improvement, all while holding safety, integrity, and inclusivity at the core. Discover exciting plans for educational content and innovative use of proficiency testing data to better serve customers. This episode provides insights into how this dynamic roadmap can propel AASHTO re:source and its stakeholders toward unparalleled success. Don't miss it!Related Information: https://aashtoresource.org/qualitySend us a Text Message.Have questions, comments, or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Email podcast@aashtoresource.org. Related information on this and other episodes can be found at aashtoresource.org.
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.
NOTE: This is part two of a two-part episode. To hear both parts right now and without ads, become a Patreon supporter of The War on Cars. In part two of our deep dive on John Forester and his 1976 book Effective Cycling, we take a look at the paltry data and research underpinning the alleged safety benefits of vehicular cycling and the long-term impact Forester had on cycling for transportation in the United States. Even though cities such as New York started building protected bicycle lanes in earnest in the late 2000s and early 2010s — and even though quality bike infrastructure has existed in places such as Davis, California for decades — John Forester's legacy continued well into the 21st century, with federal guides such as AASHTO's "Green Book" discouraging or even prohibiting things such as parking-protected bikeways until as recently as 2018. On top of that, many of Forester's disciples held positions atop major advocacy organizations and city bike planning departments for years, and used their influence to prevent the construction of protected bike lanes. In a lot of ways, we're still pedaling in the world John Forester created. This episode was sponsored by Bull Moose Softgoods and Cleverhood. Listen to the episode for the latest discount codes. LINKS/SOURCES Read Peter Flax in conversation with John Forester, via Bicycling Magazine. Northeastern University's Peter Furth takes on John Forester. STUDY: "Risk of injury for bicycling on cycle tracks versus in the street," by Lusk, Furth, et. al. PAPER: "A Historical Perspective on the AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities and the Impact of the Vehicular Cycling Movement," Schultheiss, Sanders, and Toole, 2018 AASHTO's Draft Bikeway Guide Includes Protected Bike Lanes and More, Streetsblog 2016 Key Design Guide to Finally Include Protected Bike Lanes, Streetsblog 2018 'Death Of A ‘Dinosaur:' Anti-Cycleway Campaigner John Forester Dies, Aged 90, by Carlton Reid in Forbes Read Bike Boom: The Unexpected Resurgence of Cycling, by Carlton Reid. Read Bike Battles: A History of Sharing the American Road, by James Longhurst. How the former Dallas bicycle coordinator held back cycling infrastructure for years, via the Texas Observer. Dallas' Former Bike Czar Tells Newbie Riders to Go Play in Traffic, via the Dallas Observer Access John Forester's website via the Wayback Machine. If you're a glutton for punishment, pick up a copy of John Forester's Effective Cycling. Grab some merch in our official store! This episode was edited by Yessenia Moreno. It was recorded by Josh Wilcox at the Brooklyn Podcasting Studio. https://thewaroncars.org/
The Guide for Snow and Ice Control was first published back in 1999 and with the exception of an addendum has remained unchanged since then. Since then there has been a vast amount of research, field trials, and advancements in winter maintenance and road weather technologies. In 2018 a project was launched through the National Cooperative Highway Research Program to rewrite the Guide incorporating the latest state of the practice. The new guide has been produced, accepted by AASHTO's Committee on Maintenance, and is in the process of being published by AASHTO as the AASHTO Guide for Snow and Ice Control. While we don't know exactly when the new Guide will be released, Brad Darr, Chair of the Committee on Maintenance - Maintenance Operations Technical Working Group, John Habermann, Texas A&M Transportation Institute and Principal Investigator for the project, and Diana Clonch, Subject Matter Expert supporting the project give us some insight into the new Guide, what you can expect to see in it, and how it came to be.For more information on this project and the new Guide you can reach out to Brad Darr at bdarr@nd.gov John Habermann at j-habermann@tti.tamu.edu and/or Diana Clonch at dwclonch@gmail.comSign up for email notifications on future episodes and other communications associated with winter maintenance and winter weather management by clicking on subscribe on the Talkin' Winter Ops website at TalkinWinterOps.comThanks for listening in and stay safe out there!
NOTE: This is part one of a two-part episode. To hear both parts right now and without ads, become a Patreon supporter of The War on Cars. "Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles." That quote is the core philosophy of John Forester, the father of vehicular cycling. Forester, who died in 2020, was a major figure in the the world of cycling advocacy and transportation policy, and his influence shaped street design and bicycle safety in the United States for decades. We take a deep dive into Forester's 1976 book, Effective Cycling. Part guidebook, part encyclopedia, part polemic, Effective Cycling explains why cyclists should not be afraid to ride not just in traffic, but as traffic. Throughout the book, Forester dismisses anyone who might be afraid of taking the lane with fast-moving cars and trucks as suffering from what he calls the "cyclist inferiority complex" and asserts that only a strict adherence to the principles of vehicular cycling can keep everyone safe. Who was John Forester? What is vehicular cycling? Why are we talking about a book that was published almost fifty years ago? It's all here in this mega episode. This episode was sponsored by Cleverhood and Pinhead Locks. Listen for the latest discount codes. LINKS/SOURCES Read Peter Flax in conversation with John Forester, via Bicycling Magazine. Northeastern University's Peter Furth takes on John Forester. STUDY: "Risk of injury for bicycling on cycle tracks versus in the street," by Lusk, Furth, et. al. PAPER: "A Historical Perspective on the AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities and the Impact of the Vehicular Cycling Movement," Schultheiss, Sanders, and Toole, 2018 AASHTO's Draft Bikeway Guide Includes Protected Bike Lanes and More, Streetsblog 2016 Key Design Guide to Finally Include Protected Bike Lanes, Streetsblog 2018 'Death Of A ‘Dinosaur:' Anti-Cycleway Campaigner John Forester Dies, Aged 90, by Carlton Reid in Forbes Read Bike Boom: The Unexpected Resurgence of Cycling, by Carlton Reid. Read Bike Battles: A History of Sharing the American Road, by James Longhurst. How the former Dallas bicycle coordinator held back cycling infrastructure for years, via the Texas Observer. Dallas' Former Bike Czar Tells Newbie Riders to Go Play in Traffic, via the Dallas Observer Access John Forester's website via the Wayback Machine. If you're a glutton for punishment, pick up a copy of John Forester's Effective Cycling. Grab some merch in our official store! This episode was edited by Yessenia Moreno. It was recorded by Josh Wilcox at the Brooklyn Podcasting Studio. https://thewaroncars.org/
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.
Full scale testing of modern snowplow blades can be a difficult and often unrepeatable proposition depending on the weather and where your test track is located. In this episode Alex Klein-Paste of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) set about to design scale model testing of a particular snowplow blade design in a laboratory setting. Alex demonstrated that these tests closely mirror their full scale counterparts and set the stage for rapid development and testing of various designs. This work was presented at the 2024 Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting in Washington, DC.Check out this video of the model snow plow clearing snow at this link https://youtu.be/KDTDGT96-j0?si=gcwmTeQbjWs_dN4tYou can reach out directly to Alex by email at alex.klein-paste@ntnu.no and view the high speed videography of the plow blade tests at link here.Sign up for email notifications for future episodes and other communications from AASHTO's Winter Weather Management Technical Service Program at clicking on subscribe on the Talkin' Winter Ops website at TalkinWinterOps.comThanks for listening in and stay safe out there!
You would think that it wouldn't be difficult to see something as big as a snowplow but during a winter storm event at night you'd be surprised how hard it is recognize a slow moving maintenance vehicle. In this episode Jeff Pifer, Director of the Equipment Division at the West Virginia Division of Highways discusses techniques that are being used to make snowplows and other maintenance vehicles more conspicuous. Vehicle color, lighting packages, and reflective markings and patterns are the topic of discussion.Clear Roads has also sponsored several research projects into vehicle conspicuity and you can review this work at their website https://www.clearroads.org/equipment-plow-trucks/ For more information on this topic you can reach out to Jeff Pifer at jeff.m.pifer@wv.gov Sign up for email notifications for future episodes and other communications from AASHTO's Winter Weather Management Technical Service Program at clicking on subscribe on the Talkin' Winter Ops website at TalkinWinterOps.comThanks for listening in and stay safe out there!
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.
We share some of the highlights from this past season and explain why we take a break in March and April (spoiler, it's because of the AASHTO re:source Technical Exchange).Related information:AASHTO re:source EventsThe Stream by AASHTO: A Conversation with AASHTO President, Craig ThompsonS4 E05: Paving with Recycled Plastic - Hawaii's Pilot Project - Part 4S4 E07: Geotechnical Investigations at Oklahoma DOTS4 E10: Soft Skills: Dealing with StressS4 E15: Talking Balanced Mix Design with Illinois DOTS4 E16: Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and the CO DOTS4 E22: Soft Skills: Goal Setting - Part 2
We share the audio from January 2024's webinar "A Behind-the-scenes Look at Assessment Scheduling." Related informaiton: AASHTO re:university Webinar Series: A Behind-the-scenes Look at Assessment Schedulinghttp://aashtoresource.org/lap
Whenever you mix snowplows, winter storms, and motorists on the same stretch of pavement everyone needs to be at the top of their game in vehicles equipped for conditions. Most of the time folks get where there headed and the roads get cleared without incident. But, there are times when vehicles get tangled up with a snow plow and the outcomes can be catastrophic. On this episode we've got Jed Falgren, State Maintenance Engineer for the Minnesota DOT who's been involved in some really innovative projects to help reduce the number of interactions between snowplows and motorists from their CAV-Traveler Alert System to reflective materials and lighting. For more information on MnDOT's efforts to reduce crashes with snowplows and other slow moving maintenance operations you can reach out directly to Jed at jed.falgren@state.mn.usSign up for email notifications for future episodes and other communications from AASHTO's Winter Weather Management Technical Service Program at clicking on subscribe on the Talkin' Winter Ops website at TalkinWinterOps.comThanks for listening in and stay safe out there!
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.
The voice of the NYC Subway Bernie Wagenblast (Cranford Radio, ITE Talks Transportation) and the lads conquer their drinking problems and call each other Shirley as they cover the Zucker/Abrahams/Zucker comedy blockbuster Airplane!. Topics include the film's incredible joke variety, the brilliance of Leslie Nielson, and what it means to like gladiator movies and to have seen a grown man naked in the year of our lord 2024. Want more TWOAPW? Get access to our full back catalogue of premium/bonus episodes and add your name to the masthead of our website by subscribing for $5/month at Patreon.com/worstofall! Bernie Wagenblast: Twitter // Instagram // TikTok Cranford Radio presents the sounds and voices of Cranford, New Jersey. Hosted by Bernie Wagenblast. Available on Apple Podcasts // Spotify ITE Talks Transportation is a collaboration between ITE and Bernie Wagenblast, founder and editor of the Transportation Communication Newsletter and host of Transportation Radio. Each month, a new podcast features a thought leader within the transportation industry. In keeping with #transportationtuesday, a new episode will be available the 4th Tuesday of every month. Available on Apple Podcasts // Spotify The Stream by AASHTO explores environmental topics important to people involved in transportation and infrastructure programs. Available on Apple Podcasts // Spotify The Transport Communications Newsletter Media Referenced in this Episode: Airplane! Dir. by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, Jerry Zucker. Paramount Pictures. 1980. Bernie Wagenblast, the voice of NYC subways, finding her true voice after sharing her transition by CBS. "Finger Flickin' Funny" by Rich Markey. UW Alumni Magazine, Spring 2007. “How We Made: Airplane!” by Simon Bland. The Guardian. May 25th, 2020. “Short Takes : Airport Announcer Is No Star” by the Los Angeles Times. Jan. 7th. 1991. Surely You Can't Be Serious: The True Story of Airplane! by David Zuker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zuker. St. Martin's Publishing Group. 2023. TWOAPW theme by Brendan Dalton: Patreon // brendan-dalton.com // brendandalton.bandcamp.com
As the newly elected President of AASHTO, 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.
We go through Brian's inbox to answer some of the questions he's been asked recently. Related information:S3 E17: From the Cutting Room Floor - Consensus Standards S2 E19: FAQ - Refusal of ServiceS1 E39: FAQ - Policy for New Lab Internal Audits and Management ReviewsS1 E31: FAQ - How long does it take to get accredited? AASHTO re:university Webinar Series: A Behind the Scenes Look at Assessment SchedulingAASHTO Accreditation Policy and Guidance on Refusal of ServiceSpecifiers
When it comes to liquid deicing products how do you know you're getting what you paid for and that it's likely to perform as promised? The Nebraska DOT has been working on developing a easy to run, repeatable, and cost effective test method to determine the ice melting capacity of liquid deicing products.Mike Mattison and Jasmine Dondlinger of the Nebraska DOT take us on the journey this test method has taken from the initial idea using a instrumented martini shaker to the Rocker AASHTO Provisional Test Method and why this test method should be part of your winter operations program when it comes to liquid deicing products.If you would like more information about the new Rocker Test Method or how it might fit into your winter maintenance program you can contact Mike Mattison at mailto:Mike.Mattison@nebraska.gov or Jasmine Dondlinger at mailto:Jasmine.Dondlinger@nebraska.gov .If you'd like to be a guest on SICOP Talks Winter Ops or you have an idea for an episode send an email to Rick Nelson at rnelson@aashto.org or Scott Lucas at SELucas@columbus.govSign up for email notifications for future episodes and other communications from AASHTO's Winter Weather Management Technical Service Program at https://subscribe.talkinwinterops.org We'll never spam you and you can unsubscribe at any time.Thanks for listening in and stay safe out there!
While the policy on how to publicize your AASHTO Accreditation hasn't really changed, how it is being enforced recently did. We discuss what this means for AASHTO Accredited laboratories. Related informaiton: AASHTO Accreditation Policy on Publicizing Accreditation S2 E07: FAQ - Publicizing AASHTO Accreditation AASHTO Accreditation DirectoryFalse Claims of Accreditation
Learn who, what, where, why, and when we can share specific customer information.Related information:AASHTO re:source Policy on ConfidentialityS2 E28: FAQ - Mail Call!S2 E15: What is the ATG?S1 E35: FAQ - AASHTO Accreditation Directory
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.
This episode concludes our four-part series on equity, where we've focused on transportation professional's 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.
We are giving listeners a sneak peek into the planning of the 2024 AASHTO re:source Technical Exchange and sharing details about what they can expect from this unique industry event. Related information: aashtoresource.org/events
We are joined by AASHTO re:source Quality Manager, Tracy Barnhart to cover some of the basics of conducting an internal audit and how the process is valuable to individuals and organizations. Related InformationFebruary 2023 Webinar - Internal Audits: What's the Point?S3 E7: Internal Audits - Back to BasicsS3 E3: Internal Audit Awareness Month - Who Can Perform Internal Audits?S2 E24: Taken from TechEx: Internal Audits: The Focus on ImprovementS2 E12: Conducting Effective Internal AuditsS1 E39: FAQ - Policy for New Lab Internal Audits and Management ReviewsS1 E28: Management Review Extended Q & AInternal Auditing: Just the Facts, Ma'am!AASHTO re:source ISO/IEC 17025 Assessment: What to Expect and Tips to Prepare
We share audio from the October 19, 2023 webinar Benefits of a Corporate Quality Management System (QMS) Review. Senior Quality Analyst, Trudy Eckstine covers the basics of if an AASHTO re:source corporate QMS review is right for your laboratory. Related information: Complete Webinar Recording: https://youtu.be/odHZLzSJhSI?si=K7Wo4R65mvxajldWPolicy and Guidance on Corporate Quality Management System (QMS) Reviews Corporate QMS Review Request Form
On Tuesday, Oct. 10, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation enabling Michigan's first high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes on a segment of I-75 in Oakland County. This week's edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast features conversations with the project manager and an official with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), who offer some national perspective.First, Mark Dubay, the Michigan Department of Transportation project manager on the segment of the Modernize 75 project, which includes the HOV lanes, explains the implementation plans and timeline. Later, Larry Dwyer, program director of operations at AASHTO, talks about the history of managed lanes and successes in other states.Things to know about the I-75 HOV lanes:They will use the left lane in each direction of I-75 between 12 Mile Road and South Boulevard. They will operate as HOV lanes during peak travel times: 6 - 9 a.m. and 3 - 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. During those times, vehicles must have at least two human occupants to legally use the lanes. State and local police will monitor the safe movement of vehicles in the HOV lanes to ensure drivers have the proper number of occupants. Civil infractions will be issued to violators.Motorcycles, transit busses, first responders, and emergency vehicles are exempt from occupant requirements.Outside of those designated weekday hours, the lanes are available for all motorists regardless the number of occupants. Michigan joins more than two dozen other states in opening HOV lanes. This summary of state programs allowing exempt vehicle use of HOV/high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes outlines the various provisions.
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.
We want your feedback! Head over to the AASHTO re:source LinkedIn page and answer the current poll. We want to know what types of podcast episodes you want to hear more of in the future.
Some people call them gigs, docks, dings, notes, or deficiencies. CCRL calls them footnotes. AASHTO re:source calls them findings and classifies findings into 2 categories: observations and nonconformities. We learn the differences and discuss some best practices on how to resolve them. Related Information: How to Resolve AASHTO re:source and CCRL Report FindingsAssessment Corrective Action Report FormS1 E25: FAQ - Policy on Resolving Findings During the AssessmentS2 E05: FAQ - Which report findings are required to be resolved?http://aashtoresource.org/contact-ushttp://aashtoresource.org/aap/faqs
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)
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.