Conference emphasizes technology, change

Report sees possible threat to independence of crash tests at labs whose parent entity also develops roadside safety equipment.

Discussed and debated for decades, the vision of a freight rail tunnel across New York City’s harbor recently took a small step forward: The Federal Highway Administration and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey now are able to conduct environmental reviews on two preferred alternatives—a rail tunnel and a floating railcar option.

Program, part of 2016 appropriations measure, requires new projects it funds to be within 50 miles of old earmarked ones.