January 14, 2016
Time is Running Out, Send Us Your Best Innovation Suggestions!
Only a couple weeks left to respond to the Federal Highway Administration request for information to identify proven, market-ready innovations to deploy in the fourth round of Every Day Counts.
“As we continue our efforts to deploy innovations through EDC-3 and other initiatives, we want your input in preparing for the next round, EDC-4,” said FHWA Administrator Gregory Nadeau. “We’re looking for more technologies, materials and processes that will ensure we can continue delivering transportation to the American people better, faster and smarter.”
The EDC-4 request for information closes on January 31. In addition to conducting market research for EDC-4, FHWA is collecting feedback on 15 high-value “innovations of interest.” FHWA will collaborate with stakeholders to implement the EDC-4 innovations in 2017 and 2018.
“Our hope is that by adding new innovations and processes to the EDC roster, we can continue transforming the way the highway transportation community does business by shortening project delivery time, enhancing roadway safety, reducing traffic congestion and improving environmental sustainability,” Nadeau said.
Arizona Signs Programmatic Agreement
The Arizona Department of Transportation, State Historic Preservation Office, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and FHWA signed a new programmatic agreement to streamline transportation project reviews under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The December 2015 agreement differs from its predecessor by allowing other federal agencies and tribal governments to sign on to the agreement to address cultural resources on their lands. Additional changes in the new agreement include a list of exempt activities that will make the Section 106 process more efficient.
Colorado Publishes Planning and Environmental Linkages Handbook
The Colorado Department of Transportation published a revised Planning and Environmental Linkages Handbook with practices and guidance for using information developed during project planning through National Environmental Policy Act reviews. The revised handbook reflects the experience the Colorado DOT has gained in conducting PEL studies on transportation projects since it published its first PEL handbook in 2012. The agency is also developing a training course on conducting time- and money-saving PEL studies.
