Highway Right of Way (ROW) represents an unused resource to most DOTs. Instead of using ROW areas for traffic safety zones and utilities placements, DOTs could be using their ROWs more effectively to generate alternative energy. This action would help reduce the consumption of fossil fuel-generated electrical energy and greenhouse gas emissions, which is consistent with many state’s climate control action plans (such as Colorado). Why are ROWs not being used for alternative energy generation? Is it not technically feasible? Is it “red tape”? Is it a lack of management innovation and imagination? Is it capital? It is all the above? Read More

Transportation has major economic, environmental and social implications in its ability to provide for the public mobility, movement of goods and services and connectivity in our society. It is clear that many transportation practices are financially and environmentally unsustainable. Transportation is a major source of green house gas emissions that is associated with climate change, next to buildings and electrical power generation. Vehicle miles traveled is increasing three times faster than our population rate. Transportation projects are being planned, designed and constructed without looking at the full life cycle costs and manpower resources.  Read More

The majority of the traveling public who use road systems in the winter time really do not understand the complexity and environmental issues associated with winter road maintenance.  Many drivers expect to safely and expeditiously travel on road systems no matter how sever the snowstorm event or they expect to drive on bare pavement immediately after a storm.  Many of the maintenance departments do such a good job that some drivers do not have adequate vehicles and snow tires.  This driver expectation comes with an environmental and a highway operational price that is often hidden to the general public. One of the main sustainable transportation challenges associated with highway operations is the use of traction sand and excess application of chemical de-icing/anti-icing agents. Read More

Instituting sustainability into transportation processes is an area of interest of many State DOTs, municipal transportation departments and the Federal Highway Administration.  Many State DOT engineering managers claim to endorse sustainability without really understanding the sustainability concept, how to successfully integrate it into their transportation processes or even fully endorsing the concept. To really develop and implement a cost effective transportation sustainability program, sustainable design elements must be identified early in the design scoping phase of the project (with management support) as opposed to later in the design process where sustainable design elements are simply considered an afterthought. Read More

Rest areas have been elimination targets by State Department of Transportations (DOTs) over the past few years due to high maintenance and operation costs in a time of limited financial state resources. Rest areas are important to the safety of the traveling public and the interstate trucking industry. Many DOT rest areas are old and have unsustainable designs and operating procedures that are costly, promote the generation of greenhouse gases, and provide a poor public perception to the visiting public. Read More