Traffic

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 »

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 »

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 »

Traffic safety increased with strategic highway safety plan

April 3, 2008 -- OLYMPIA – Washington Governor Chris Gregoire announced today that the number of people who died on Washington roads in 2007 is down markedly from the previous year. As of April 1, 567 people were reported to have died in traffic crashes in 2007 — down from 625 in 2006.

Flood on I-5 highway in Centralia, Washington: Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond, Washington Governor Chris Gregoire and State Patrol Chief John Batiste view the flood on I-5 in Centralia, Dec. 4, 2007. WSDOT photo by Jim Culp.    » read more »

March 31, 2008 -- The following are the New York City Mayor's remarks as delivered.

"Madam Speaker, thank you. You left one person off the list that deserves thanks and that is you because I think what is clear here is that Speaker Quinn's principled leadership throughout the Council's deliberations on congestion pricing shows this time, as it has in previous times, that she cares about the city and the interests of the city come first with her.

New York City Mayor Bloomberg Praises Passage Of Congestion Pricing Legislation: (Photo: Spencer T. Tucker)    » read more »

Congestion Pricing will Create Jobs and Improve Transit for 95% of Working New Yorkers Who Don't Drive to the Central Business District

March 31, 2008 -- New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg was joined today by Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, Michael Fishman, President of SEIU Local 32BJ, Edward J. Malloy, President of the Buildings and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, and Edward Ott, Executive Director of the New York City Central Labor Council, to urge City and State lawmakers to enact congestion pricing legislation this week, so that New York City will qualify for $354 million in federal funds for immediate mass transit improvements.    » read more »

March 31, 2008 -- "We've taken another step towards implementing a congestion pricing plan that is equitable and won't be a burden on lower income New Yorkers and that will result in an immediate $354 million in federal funds for mass transit improvements.

New York City Mayor Bloomberg holds a press availability before riding No. 4 train to Yankee Stadium. March 31, 2008: (Photo: Spencer T Tucker)

The amendments that the Senate introduced last night to their bill will address many of the remaining concerns that we've been hearing from the City Council and members of the State Legislature. This legislation already made certain that all revenues from congestion pricing will go to the MTA Capital plan.    » read more »

March 31, 2008 -- "Last night, I amended my Governor’s Program Bill regarding the New York City Congestion Pricing Program, recommended by the Traffic Congestion Mitigation Commission. The amendments to the bill address fiscal contributions by the Port Authority to the MTA capital plan and add an important tax credit provision for low-income drivers.    » read more »

Speech At Crain’s Breakfast Forum

March 19, 2008 -- The following is the text of New York City Mayor Bloomberg's speech as prepared.

"Thank you, Kathy and good morning everyone. Secretary Peters: It's always a pleasure to welcome you to New York. Thanks for joining us.

New York City Mayor Bloomberg discusses congestion pricing at Crain’s Breakfast Forum with U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters    » read more »

March 4, 2008 -- Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell today held a news conference at a rest area on Interstate 95 in Fairfield County to highlight the elements of her budget proposals that stress traffic and highway safety, including the addition of 100 new state troopers devoted exclusively to enforcing traffic laws and two new Department of Motor Vehicles “truck squads” to target companies with a history of safety violations.    » read more »

Illinois and Missouri agree to a $640 million project that will not require tolls and will enhance traffic safety, reduce congestion and spur job creation; A portion of Illinois' funding is contingent on passage of Illinois Works

February 28, 2008 -- ST. LOUIS – Illinois Governor Rod R. Blagojevich of Illinois and Governor Matt Blunt of Missouri announced an agreement to construct a new four-lane bridge across the Mississippi River from East St. Louis to St. Louis that will improve traffic safety and reduce congestion across the region.    » read more »

February 11, 2008, Beverly Hills, CA — To ensure public safety, support security strategies and facilitate the production of the 80th Academy Awards® show, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the City of Los Angeles have finalized street closure plans around the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood.    » read more »

February 3, 2008 -- Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that her revised budget will include several measures that will beef up traffic enforcement across the state.

In the budget she will present on February 6th, the Governor will propose to add 100 state troopers over the next five years for traffic enforcement, starting with 20 new troopers in the fiscal year 2008-09 midterm budget.    » read more »

January 31, 2008 -- "The plan that the Commission is recommending today meets our goals of reducing congestion, cutting carbon emissions and providing much needed funds to improve mass transit for millions of New Yorkers.

The Commission has done a thorough and thoughtful job. They've taken testimony from hundreds of residents, community leaders and civic organizations. They've held dozens of public meetings and have analyzed mountains of data.    » read more »

January 31, 2008 -- The recommendations offered today by the New York Traffic Congestion Mitigation Commission will help us frame an important discussion as we consider thoughtful ways to improve our mass transit system, reduce congestion and keep our economy moving.

The economic impetus behind congestion pricing is strong, as is the potential for cleaner air, improved public health, and a steady and predictable source of funding to support the Metropolitan Transit Authority's (MTA) capital plan.    » read more »