Transportation Radio

Often, the highway infrastructure of the state is taken for granted. We hop in our cars and drive from place to place with little thought of what’s necessary to let it happen. When something goes wrong, however, we quickly realize how fragile our infrastructure can be. Chris Feinthel, Assistant Commissioner for Operations in the New Jersey Department of Transportation, grew up in Cranford never thinking he would be in charge of operations for a massive roadway system stretching from High Point to Cape Map Point. On this joint production of Cranford Radio and Transportation Radio, I talk with Chris about his job, what happens when weather throws a wrench into transportation and how NJDOT is making adjustments as climate change impacts the transportation infrastructure.

This episode marks the conclusion of a two-part series delving into effective management strategies during a solar eclipse. Specifically, we focus on emergency transportation management during and following the event. With contributions from Brandon Keller, Emergency Coordinator at Illinois DOT, we glean valuable insights into navigating the seamless transition from preparation to action. This discussion underscores the pivotal role of emergency transportation management in ensuring a smooth and effective response during and after a solar eclipse.

Rachel Carpenter, Chief Safety Officer at the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to discuss why the department adopted the Safe System Approach in an effort to reverse traffic fatality rates and address speed, among other safety improvements. She also explains their work with the Safe Systems Pyramid which takes a public health approach to safety, and elaborates on some of the specific strategies Caltrans implemented to win the National Roadway Safety Award. Rachel was a keynote speaker at the ITE Virtual Spring Conference in March.

This is the first episode of a two-part series on The Stream by AASHTO where we explore effective management during a solar eclipse. This episode highlights the significance of preparation, planning, training, and effective communication. Featuring insights from Michael White, Assistant Director of the Safety and Emergency Management Division in the Missouri Department of Transportation, we gain valuable perspectives on advancing safety protocols and bolstering resilience to ensure operational continuity during celestial events.

Odessa L. Phillip, P.E., President and CEO of Assedo Consulting, LLC, joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to discuss community engagement as part of the decision-making process for transportation planning and project design, addressing the challenges of this process as well as the most effective strategies she's found. She also speaks to the importance of equity considerations when having these critical conversations, as well as what she sees as some of the emerging trends in community involvement.

As the newly elected president of AASHTO, Wisconsin DOT Secretary Craig Thompson is committed to fortifying the workforce to construct a modern and efficient transportation system that centers the needs of all citizens. Recognizing the profound impact of transportation on our daily lives, the economy, and society at large, President Thompson looks forward to collaborative efforts to propel the transportation system into the future. In this podcast interview, President Thompson shares insights into his presidential emphasis areas. Listen to this episode to gain a deeper understanding of this year's AASHTO president and explore how his extensive experiences have shaped AASHTO's strategic focus for the 2024-2025 year.

FHWA Administrator Shailen Bhatt joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to talk about the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and how it will impact communities taking advantage of the various funding opportunities it provides. He also discusses safety and why it’s his top priority in his role, and what it will take to see improvement in this area. He also shares his views on leadership and its importance in his career and beyond. Listen to ITE Talks Transportation podcast

This episode concludes AASHTO's four-part series on equity, where we've focused on transportation professionals' work towards building an equitable transportation system. This episode is brought to you from the AASHTO 2023 Annual Meeting where we spoke with guests and attendees from all over the country. Our guests today join us from the audience and the panel of the annual meeting knowledge session titled "Stop, Look, Listen: Engaging Communities to Put Equity into Action!" We speak to them today about their immediate thoughts and reactions on the knowledge session and get their perspective and opinion on what equity looks like in transportation.

Alejandra "Alex" Argudin, CEO of the Miami Parking Authority in Florida, joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to talk about parking trends and challenges in a densely populated city, how Miami is utilizing parking more efficiently and effectively, and how these trends are affecting other urban areas. Alex, who is chair-elect of the International Parking and Mobility Institute (IPMI), also discusses some of the changes that have impacted the parking industry since COVID, how curb priorities have changed, and how equity and sustainability factor into parking decisions.

After eight years of service, ITE Executive Director and CEO Jeff Paniati is retiring at the end of October. He joins the podcast to reflect on his storied career in transportation, including his many years at the Federal Highway Administration and his tenure at ITE. He also shares his hopes and vision for the future of the organization, and a bit about what he plans to do upon retirement.

This is the second episode of a four-part series on AASHTO's ETAP Podcast that focuses on how transportation professionals may work towards building an equitable transportation system. Our guests highlight the crucial connection between active transportation and equity as transportation planners, policymakers, and communities' team up to create a more inclusive and accessible future. Tamika Butler, principal of Tamika Butler Consulting, sits with us as she dives into her leadership efforts in building an equitable and inclusive transportation system. Our second guest is Joshua Phillips, communications and public relations coordinator with the Alabama Department of Transportation discusses Alabama’s City Walk Birmingham.

Gabe Klein, Executive Director of the US Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to talk about transportation electrification in the United States. He discusses how his newly created office is working to help deploy its share of the US Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to build out infrastructure across the country to support various aspects of electrification, and how local and state entities can take advantage of the funding. He also talks about the technological advances taking place in the space and how data sharing will help expand the advantages of adopting electrification.

This is the first episode of a four-part series from AASHTO's ETAP Podcast that will focuses on building an equitable transportation system. We are joined by Keith Baker, the executive director of ReConnect Rondo, and we discuss a variety of topics including the vision behind ReConnect Rondo, and the innovative approach they are taking to transform their neighborhood. EPISODE NOTES More Information on the October Reconnecting Communities Summit can be found here: 2023 Inaugural Reconnecting Communities Summit - ReConnect Rondo More information on ReConnect Rondo's vision can be found here: The Vision - ReConnect Rondo More information on USDOT's Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods can be found here: Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant Program | US Department of Transportation An in-depth exploration on the 4P Funding plan can be found here: Funding - ReConnect Rondo Additionally, listeners and supporters can directly send financial support to ReConnect Rondo here: Donate (paypal.com)

Bas Govers, senior urban mobility consultant, Goudappel, The Netherlands, joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to share insights on creating sustainably safe and comfortable people-oriented spaces that promote mobility. He talks about the evolution of his country over the past 50 years to become more biking and pedestrian friendly, and how they’ve addressed the challenges and lessons learned that come along with accommodating these users. Govers was a part of the Tuesday plenary panel session in Portland, Oregon at the ITE Annual Meeting in August titled “Creating People-Oriented Communities.”

The Lehigh Planning Commission is a metropolitan planning organization that was created to provide planning services to Lehigh and Northampton counties while working alongside the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. LVPC coordinates with its municipalities, community leaders, and businesses, elevating Pennsylvania’s transportation and quality of life while keeping the environment in mind. In this episode of AASHTO's ETAP Podcast you'll hear from the executive director of the LVPC, Becky Bradley, and the impact LVPC is making in Pennsylvania.

In this episode of AASHTO's ETAP Podcast, Tony Bush, Stormwater Branch Manager in the Environmental Services Office at the Washington State Department of Transportation speaks on its stormwater management innovations and key takeaways.

ITE younger member Anamaria Torres joins the podcast to talk about the wealth of opportunities within ITE for both student and younger members ITE provides for this population. A senior transportation engineer at Stantec, Anamaria talks about the value of not just building her transportation knowledge within the organziation, but also her networking and leadership skills. As Co-Chair of ITE’s premier leadership program LeadershipITE, Anamaria conveys how ITE helps younger members find their path as leaders within the industry, giving them the tools to succeed. She also shares advice for any student or younger member looking to get more involved within ITE or anyone wanting to join.

The guests on this month's episode of AASHTO's ETAP Podcast are Ohio DOT's Erica Schneider, Assistant Environmental Administrator and Tom Barrett, ODOT's Historic Bridge Program Manager and State Byways Coordinator. They speak on Ohio’s Historic Bridge Inventory, Evaluation, and Preservation Plan and how other DOTs may implement these findings in their state.

Richard Montanez, Deputy Commissioner of Transportation for the City of Philadelphia, joins the podcast to talk about the Safe Streets and Roads for All Program (SS4A) and how the city plans to use the $30 million grant award it recently received from the US Department of Transportation funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. He describes the unique safety challenges faced by the city, and discusses the planned multimodal safety improvements for several of the city's streets and traffic infrastructure, as well as the updates for Philadelphia's Vision Zero capital plan.

FHWA recently launched its Wildlife Crossings Program, approving $350 million for wildlife crossing projects to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connectivity. The Oregon Department of Transportation has set a successful wildlife corridor program, reducing 86% of wildlife-vehicle collisions. In this episode, Cidney Bowman, Wildlife Passage Program Coordinator with Oregon DOT, speaks on the state's work.