Publication Number: FHWA-RD-99-104
Date: April/May 1999

Articles in this Issue

Virginia HPC Bridge Construction: A Learning Experience

Ten years ago, high-performance concrete (HPC) bridges were nothing more than a concept. Five years ago, they became an experiment. Today, they are on their way to becoming an accepted, cost-effective technology. That's what Virginia Department of Transportation (DOT), a pioneer in the use of HPC for bridges, is finding.

Meeting the Customers' Needs for Safer, Smoother Roads

For highway agencies across the country, maintaining and rehabilitating aging roads no longer has to mean a completely disrupted traffic flow or endless delays for drivers. Using everything from nontraditional work schedules to innovative contracting procedures, State and local agencies are better serving their customers and keeping traffic moving by getting maintenance and rehabilitation work done more safely, quickly, and efficiently.

Superpave Software Version 2.0 Nears Release

The new Superpave volumetric mix design software, known as Superpave Software Version 2.0, is scheduled to make its debut this summer. The software, which runs under the Windows 95 and the Windows NT operating systems, allows users to design asphalt mixes in conformance with the Superpave mix design procedures.

New Grant Program Promotes Increased Integration of Transportation Systems with Community Needs

Under a new pilot program managed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), up to $25 million annually will be awarded over the next 5 years to help State and local governments plan and implement programs that better integrate transportation services with community needs. As communities place more of an emphasis on managing growth, reducing traffic congestion, and preserving green space, the Transportation and Community and System Preservation (TCSP) program will bolster these efforts by funding proposals that balance transportation initiatives with community development, environmental protection, and access to jobs and markets.

Research & Technology Transporter

To find out more about FHWA's research, development, and technology findings and accomplishments, as well as technology transfer opportunities, subscribe to the Research &Technology Transporter. This 8-page monthly newsletter is designed for transportation engineers and professionals in FHWA, State and local highway agencies, Local Technical Assistance Program centers, academia, and the research community. To subscribe, contact martha.soneira@fhwa.dot.gov.

New TRB Committee To Coordinate Superpave Implementation Efforts

Efforts by States, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to forge ahead with implementation of the Superpave mix design system have received a boost with the formation of the new Transportation Research Board (TRB) Superpave Committee. The future of Superpave implementation was in doubt with the passage of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century last year, which failed to provide sufficient funds for FHWA to continue many ongoing, nor initiate many planned, Superpave development and deployment projects.

SHRP Implementation Calendar