Highways

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 11, 2008) – Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley released the following statement today regarding the fatal accident on the Bay Bridge:

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of those involved in the accident that took place on the Bay Bridge early Sunday morning.

The unique nature of this incident and its aftermath have posed challenges for us all, but I want to commend the response of our State and local agencies and first responders for their quick and decisive action when they arrived on the scene. I also want to recognize the tremendous effort of the bridge inspection, engineering and maintenance crews that have worked diligently the past two days to make the necessary repairs and ensure the bridge is safe for travel.    » read more »

August 13, 2008 -- MONTGOMERY - Alabama Governor Bob Riley announced that more than 125 additional state troopers will hit the roads Aug. 18-24, ramping up DUI, seat belt and aggressive driving enforcement during a statewide “Take Back Our Highways” traffic safety campaign.

Public Safety Director Col. J. Christopher Murphy joined the governor at a Montgomery news conference to unveil plans for the traffic safety and enforcement effort, which DPS successfully pioneered last year to combat Alabama’s rising fatality rate. Trooper-worked fatalities dropped by 62 in 2007, and troopers have worked 93 fewer fatalities this year, compared with the same period last year.    » read more »

Statement of Lena Pons, Policy Analyst, Public Citizen

In announcing that it would extend its cross-border trucking pilot project for two more years, the Bush administration continues to flout Congress at the expense of highway safety. This is the latest of many moves by the administration to give Mexico-domiciled carriers operating authority in the United States beyond a limited border zone despite lawmakers’ clear instructions to the contrary.    » read more »

Illinois Works invests in roads, bridges schools, creates more than 500,000 jobs

May 28, 2008 -- SPRINGFIELD – Standing with Illinois Works Coalition Co-Chair Illinois University President Glenn Poshard, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich, Senate President Emil Jones, Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson, and House Minority Leader Tom Cross today endorsed the new $31 billion comprehensive capital infrastructure plan recommended by the Illinois Works Coalition.

Spelling-challenged Illinois road sign: Photo by thoughtquotient (CC)    » read more »

05/29/2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued a statement today following action taken by the California Transportation Commission allocating $382 million in transportation funding from Proposition 1B.

"When the people of California voted for the $19.9 billion transportation bond they wanted action - and this is that action," said Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. "We are getting the money out the door and that ultimately strengthens California's economy and improves the quality of life in our state."

The Proposition 1B projects that received funding allocations today are:

* Los Angeles - $39 million was allocated to the city of Los Angeles to repair Interstate 710 from the Imperial Highway to Firestone Boulevard.    » read more »

05/29/2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced the award of $66 million in traffic safety grants to 153 agencies and communities across the state, illustrating the Governor’s continued commitment to saving lives on California’s roadways.

Fatal motorcycle accident on an LA County highway: Photo by 7mary3 (CC)    » read more »

Bridge safety and maintenance of roads is focus of program; Approval of Governor’s Illinois Works capital plan would boost Illinois Economy, create 700,000 jobs and allow for expansion of the road system

May 22, 2008 -- SPRINGFIELD – The Blagojevich Administration today unveiled a $10.875 billion Multi-year Highway Improvement Program for Fiscal Years 2009-2014 for the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).

Illinois bridge construction: Photo by Michael Kappel (CC)    » read more »

Risks, Costs Far Outweigh Claimed Productivity Gains; Statement of Joan Claybrook, President of Public Citizen

May 14, 2008 -- This statement was given at a news conference.

Thank you for joining us this morning. Today, we are here to make the case against allowing bigger, heavier and longer trucks onto our highways.

Truck crash: Photo by Daniel Gasienica (CC)

I’m joined by several people who have lost loved ones in crashes involving large trucks and a state trooper who was injured in a serious truck crash while protecting the public. They will share their stories with you.    » read more »

Majority Opposes Changing Laws to Allow Bigger Rigs; Safety Advocates Warn of More Deaths, Damage to Roads and Bridges

May 14, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new national survey shows that Americans overwhelming oppose efforts by the trucking and shipping industries to relax safety standards and allow longer and heavier trucks on the nation’s highways, a coalition of safety groups announced Wednesday.    » read more »

Hoffa Says Congress Shouldn’t Consider ‘Crazy’ Plan

May 14, 2008 -- (Washington, D.C.) – Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa on Wednesday urged Congress to ignore trucking industry lobbyists who want to let dangerous large trucks on our highways.

Container trucks on a US highway: Photo by futureatlas.com (CC)

A trucking industry group called “Americans for Safe and Efficient Transportation” is lobbying Congress this week for a pilot program to let bigger trucks on the road in five, possibly six states.

The states are Maine, Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Georgia and possibly Texas.    » read more »

Calls for June 23rd special session to address transportation

May 12, 2008 -- RICHMOND – Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine today released details of his transportation plan and called for a special session of the General Assembly to address transportation on June 23.

Virginia traffic: Photo by Steve Fernie (CC)

The Governor’s plan fills our growing road and bridge maintenance deficit to promote safety, provides relief for regional transportation needs, and invests in innovative approaches to Virginia’s transportation challenges. The plan raises over $1 billion annually by fiscal year 2012 and contains no gas tax increase.    » read more »

April 22, 2008 -- DES MOINES – Today, Iowa Governor Chet Culver signed Senate File 2420, which will secure new funding for Iowa ’s transportation system.

“As Governor, one of my top priorities has been to build on Iowa ’s strengths in education, manufacturing and agriculture and financial services to create jobs in every corner of the state,” said Governor Culver.

Iowa highway: Photo by VideoVik (CC)

“The good news is the jobs are coming, but we must have the infrastructure in place to keep pace and grow our economy. Today, we’re taking another essential step toward doing just that.”    » read more »

Offenders to work an estimated 35,000 hours this year

April 21, 2008 -- Saint Paul – Spring cleaning of Minnesota roadways gets underway today with the help of offender work crews and Adopt-a-Highway volunteers. Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the fourth annual “Operation Clean-Up” to pick up litter along the state’s highways from now through September.

Adopt-a-highway sign, Highway 63 south of Zumbro Falls, Minnesota: Photo by Alexei & Verne Stakhanov (CC)    » read more »

Calls Problem A ‘Wake Up Call’ For National Infrastructure Funding

March 18, 2008 -- PHILADELPHIA – PennDOT and contractors are working around the clock to re-open a two-mile section of Interstate 95, Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell announced today during a press conference under a damaged section of the highway. He said he is cautiously optimistic that the interstate will reopen by Wednesday night.

Deserted I-95 highway in Pennsylvania: Photo by Kyle Gradinger (CC)    » read more »

April 15, 2008 -- Waterbury, VT – Drivers need to be alert and cautious because moose are on the move, according to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. Moose are more likely to be crossing roadways at this time, especially after dark or early in the morning as they move from wintering areas to spring feeding locations.

Moose: Photo by Steve Wall (CC)

More moose are hit by motorists in May and June than at any other time of the year. There is smaller peak of activity in September and October, the breeding season for moose.    » read more »