Highways

Work Begins Today to Ease San Diego Traffic Gridlock

10/15/2007 -- Work began today on the first project in California funded by Proposition 1B – which was championed by the Governor and approved last year by voters. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today attended the groundbreaking for the project, which will ease congestion along San Diego’s North Coast Corridor. This construction project will add eight miles of carpool lanes on Interstate 5 and Interstate 805, reconstruct the Lomas Santa Fe interchange and extend Carroll Canyon Road under Interstate 805.    » read more »

Motorists Asked to Work Together to End Senseless Tragedies

October 12, 2007 -- Trenton – An average of two lives continue to be senselessly lost every day in New Jersey as a result of fatal car crashes, Division of Highway Traffic Safety Director Pam Fischer said today. The announcement came as the preliminary results of the October 10, 2007 “Put the Brakes on Fatalities” Day indicated two fatal crashes occurred on the State’s highways on that day.    » read more »

Intense Fire, Freeway Damage

10/14/2007 -- California Governor Schwarzenegger today proclaimed a State of Emergency in Los Angeles County in response to the major traffic collision that occurred on Friday night in the trucks-only tunnel on Interstate 5 at the Antelope Valley Freeway in northern Los Angeles County. The accident caused an intense fire, damaging the freeway structure and closing the Interstate. It also caused the death of three individuals and serious injuries to others.    » read more »

October 8, 2007 -- OLYMPIA – Washington Governor Chris Gregoire today announced a number of measures to improve driver safety along US 2 in Snohomish County, including the designation of the corridor as a “Safety Corridor.”

“The safety of drivers on our state highway system is my top transportation priority,” said Governor Gregoire. “I recently toured this stretch of US 2 to learn firsthand how dangerous it is; this is why I am pleased to partner with local residents and Snohomish County to implement these important safety measures.”    » read more »

Governor’s safety initiative has reduced Kentucky highway fatalities

October 02, 2007 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. - Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher today delivered funding to 11 police and sheriff’s departments in southeastern Kentucky to assist with efforts to curb speeding and impaired driving and to promote seatbelt usage.

The funding, presented in a news conference at Somerset, is part of the Governor’s comprehensive traffic safety initiative, which has significantly reduced the number of fatalities on Kentucky highways.    » read more »

Statement of Joan Claybrook, Public Citizen President

Oct. 1, 2007 -- A court’s decision to let the current hours-of-service rules stand for just 90 more days supports the recommendations of safety groups determined to protect drivers and passengers alike on the nation’s highways.    » read more »

09/26/2007 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Caltrans worker Djuan Bush of San Leandro:

“Maria and I, along with all Californians, mourn the loss of a committed and hard-working public servant. We extend our prayers and sincere condolences to Djuan’s family, friends and co-workers as they grieve this tragic loss. We are eternally grateful for his dedicated service to our state.”    » read more »

Monday, Sept. 10, 2007, Pierre, SD -- The vast majority of South Dakotans buckle up. That’s according to a recent seatbelt study commissioned by the South Dakota Office of Highway Safety.

The study shows 73% of South Dakotans wear their seatbelts. That’s up from 71% last year.

“We’re happy that more South Dakotans are heeding the seatbelt message. The more people we can get buckled up, the more lives we can save. It’s that simple,” said Roy Meyer, Director of the South Dakota Office of Highway Safety.    » read more »

Keeps Door Open To Additional Funding To Fix Bridges, Roads, Transit

Sept. 5, 2007 -- HARRISBURG – In a move that could open the door to additional revenue to meet the state’s transportation infrastructure needs, Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell said today that a request for qualifications for potential bidders on a concession agreement to operate the Pennsylvania Turnpike will be posted online and circulated to the financial community and other interested parties.    » read more »

August 29, 2007 - - As summer's end draws near, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is suspending work on 144 of 163 projects statewide for the Labor Day weekend, to help make travel easier.

Beginning at 3 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 31, and continuing until 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 4, MDOT is suspending road work wherever possible, in anticipation of the 1.1 million motorists that AAA Michigan estimates will travel Michigan roads for the holiday.    » read more »

ISP, Secretary of State Police and local police agencies Announce Labor Day Impaired Driving Crackdown

August 29, 2007 -- SPRINGFIELD, IL- With thousands of people traveling over the upcoming holiday weekend, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced they will be suspending roadwork where possible to make for a smoother drive this Labor Day weekend. IDOT, Illinois State Police (ISP) and Secretary of State Police also want to remind motorists they are teaming up with 350 local law enforcement agencies to launch a statewide impaired driving crackdown running from Aug.    » read more »

MTA Continues to Move Forward with New Leadership

BOSTON – Tuesday, August 21, 2007 – Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick today announced the appointment of business executive Thomas Stephens to the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority (MTA) Board of Directors. Stephens fills the seat recently vacated by John Moscardelli.

“Thomas brings a tremendous amount of energy, talent and financial expertise to the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority board,” said Governor Patrick. “His presence will add a valuable business and financial perspective to board deliberations.”    » read more »

JACKSON, Ky. – (Aug. 21, 2007) – The awarding of a highway safety improvement contract for nearly 115 miles of roads in five Eastern Kentucky counties is yet another example of the commitment of Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to provide a safe and reliable transportation system in the Bluegrass State.

Raised pavement reflective markers will be installed or replaced along 114.652 miles of highways in Breathitt, Magoffin, Perry, Powell and Wolfe counties in the Department of Highways District 10.    » read more »

August 22, 2007 -- TALLAHASSEE – Florida Governor Charlie Crist today announced the following appointment:

Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority

Mark C. Filburn, 43, of Winter Park, senior vice president and chief operating officer of ZMG Construction Inc., to succeed Arthur Lee, appointed for a term beginning August 21, 2007, and ending January 3, 2011.

Source: Florida Governor

Appointment Marks Progress in Transportation Leadership

BOSTON – Friday, August 17, 2007 – Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick today announced the appointment of Worcester attorney Michael P. Angelini to the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority (MTA) Board of Directors, filling the seat vacated by Transportation Secretary Bernard Cohen when he was elevated to Chairman of the MTA Board.    » read more »