November 21, 2014
Innovation Implementation: Accelerated Bridge Construction
On the roster of Every Day Counts innovations since 2010, prefabricated bridge elements and systems are now widely used across the United States.
Part of the accelerated bridge construction suite of technologies, prefabricated components are constructed off-site and moved to the work zone for installation. The result is more durable bridges that can be built faster, more safely and with less traffic disruption.
PBES is now standard practice in 25 states. Thirty-eight states have completed demonstrations of bridge projects using PBES, and six more are working on demonstrations.
Idaho Interchange Features Wildlife Art
New art pieces at Idaho's first diverging diamond interchange showcase that the Chubbuck interchange is one of a kind. The $10.8 million project connects U.S. 91/Yellowstone Highway over the I-86 system. The metal art pieces adorning the interchange include a moose, a pronghorn and several birds of prey. "We worked with the contractor on design. They worked with a Utah artist who translated our ideas into fabricated pieces," said Alissa Salmore, Idaho Transportation Department's Region 5 senior environmental planner. Additional bridge aesthetics included concrete color for the parapet, piers, island paving and retaining-wall panels.
Montana Explores Mini-Roundabout Opportunities
The Federal Highway Administration presented a November 7 webinar on mini-roundabouts for Montana Department of Transportation staff, local agency representatives and consultants. Mini-roundabouts typically feature a fully traversable central island to accommodate large vehicles within constrained rights-of-way. The webinar was designed to help participants identify opportunities to implement mini-roundabouts where appropriate.
Ohio Holds Systemic Safety Peer Exchange
The Ohio Department of Transportation hosted a systemic safety implementation peer exchange in Columbus on November 18 and 19. The purpose of the two-day event was to advance a systemic safety approach to reducing fatalities and injuries by using a broad risk-based approach across an entire roadway system. Sessions covered topics such as state experiences, funding and implementation strategies, analysis tools, local road safety and systemic countermeasures. Participants came from Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan and Pennsylvania.
Warm-Mix Asphalt Use Grows in Oklahoma
Oklahoma contractors and engineers are embracing energy-saving warm-mix asphalt technology for road projects. During the 2013-14 construction season, warm-mix asphalt production topped 1.1 million tons, 51 percent of the total asphalt used on Oklahoma highway projects. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation plans to continue increasing its use of warm-mix asphalt in the upcoming construction season.