As the highlight of a $1.8-million, four-year federally funded research program, academic and industry researchers have begun testing multiple types of bridge-cable sensors in a chamber generating real-world-based corrosive conditions at Columbia University in New York City. The six-month test, launched on Dec. 23, has the world’s only cable mockup tested under 1.2-million lb of tension, say Columbia officials. Photo: Parsons Betti (left) and Khazem handle prefabricated parallel wire strands built for the mock suspension cable that will be subjected to real-life corrosion factors. The 20-ft-long mock suspension-bridge cable has a diameter of 20 in. and is made of nearly
Following a dramatic accident—the second in two months on the $803-million Interstate 10 Twin Spans bridges project—lead contractor Boh Bros. Construction Co. is reviewing safety procedures and employee training and actively seeking out “any additional steps we can implement to improve safety,” says Robert Boh, company president. Photo: La. DOT New Orleans Twin Spans project suffered a second accident in two months on Dec. 23. The Dec. 23 accident occurred when a 20-year-veteran crane operator, working a mobile hydraulic crane, apparently made a lift “beyond the safe working radius of the crane, causing the machine to tip over against the
President-elect Barack Obama's choice to lead the Dept. of Transportation, 14-year Republican congressman Ray LaHood (Ill.), took construction industry officials by surprise. LaHood's name didn't appear on rumor-mill lists of possible candidates to lead the Dept. of Transportation. Obama formally announced LaHood as his pick to be DOT Secretary on Dec. 19. Ray LaHood He hasn't been a leading legislator on transportation matters, though he served on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for his first six years in the House. Nevertheless, Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), the Transportation committee's current chairman, says he believes LaHood will be "an excellent—superb infact—secretary of
Federal and congressional transportation proponents said on Dec. 15 they seek expressions of interest from firms to finance, design, build and operate high-speed passenger rail projects in 11 federally designated U.S. corridors. The solicitation is part of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008, signed into law on Oct. 16. Respondents have until September 2009 to submit proposals. A planned Northeast Corridor between New York City and Washington, set to cost up to $30 billion, would be first, with officials saying all routes could operate as early as 2012.
As a self-imposed 2009 deadline nears regarding whether to rebuild or raze the 55-year-old Alaskan Way Viaduct in Seattle, a consensus seemss far off. In early December, a task force whittled down a list of eight design options to two: a six-lane boulevard or a reconfigured elevated highway. The former option, a six-lane waterfront boulevard resembling San Francisco’s Embarcadero, would cost $2.2 billion. With related Interstate 5 work, mass transit and other projects, that amount increases to $3.3 billion and would take 5.5 years to build. The other option, twin bridges, would cost $2.3 billion. After traffic mitigation and related
After seven years, a public vote and countless discussions, the Washington State Dept. of Transportation, City of Seattle and King County narrowed the options for replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct to two: a six-lane boulevard or a reconfigured elevated highway. Photo: WSDOT At-grade boulevard would mimic Embarcadero Photo: WSDOT Elevated highway would have twin spans State and local officials are racing against the clock to meet a self-imposed 2009 deadline for selecting a plan to replace the 55-year-old highway, which was damaged in the 2001 Nisqually earthquake. Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire (D) says the current structure is “a literal threat
Utah and Florida lead the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials's list—in terms of dollar value—of projects that are ready to start if funded in a federal economic stimulus plan, expected to be proposed in coming weeks. Related Links: 'Ready to Go' May Be The Stimulus Ticket Together the two states estimate they have $17.8 billion in road and bridge projects for which contracts could be awarded within 180 days of receiving stimulus aid. That amount represents 28% of the $64.3 billion in projects for all 50 states and the District of Columbia, according to AASHTO's tally, released
Plans for an envisioned 23-mile rail transit extension to northern Virginia’s Dulles International Airport have taken a step forward, with the Federal Transit Administration’s Dec. 3 approval of a $900-million, multiyear commitment for the project’s $2.6-billion first phase. The deal isn’t done yet, however. The proposed funding commitment needs approval by U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters as well as the Office of Management and Budget and would be subject to a 60-day congressional review. In addition, it would be up to congressional appropriations committees to provide annual installments of the $900 million. Click to enlarge image Federal Share for First
The Federal Highway Administration has reached agreement with former Central Artery/Tunnel project management consultant Bechtel/Parsons Brinckerhoff over a fatal Interstate 90 tunnel plenum collapse that culminated in January with a $407.1-million settlement with the U.S. Attorney and the Massachusetts Attorney General. As part of the deal, the two firms will not be debarred from federal work but must implement further quality-assurance measures on future large federally funded projects. Photo: NTSB Falling Interstate 90 tunnel plenum panels killed local woman, sparking investigations. Related Links: FHWA Agreement Bechtel Infrastructure Corp, Frederick, Md., paid out $357.1 million in the settlement and Parsons Brinckerhoff
An economic stimulus package is coming, and President-elect Barack Obama has made it clear that infrastructure will be part of it. Obama is not saying how large the plan or its public-works share will be but anxious state and industry officials are assembling lists of projects they would like the stimulus to fund, hoping the password to get those projects included is “ready to go.” Photo: Guy Lawrence / ENR President-elect’s program includes roads, schools, energy upgrades. Related Links: Utah, Florida Lead List For Highway Stimulus Plans Infrastructure advocates’ eyes lit up on Dec. 6 when Obama in a radio
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