One of the many challenges facing federal state and local transportation agencies developing sustainable "green highway systems" is the lack of research and the subsequent adoption as inclusions in design/contractor specifications. If new sustainability based actions are to be realized on highways, new approaches and technologies need to be tested, proven and adopted by DOTs. A menu of sustainability based specifications needs to be provided to transportation designers, contractors and operation/maintenance professionals to improve implementation timing.  Read More

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

No matter what it is called, climate change, climate chaos, global warming, or greenhouse effect, the dramatic warming of the earth represents a long term risk to State Departments of Transportation (DOTs). Many transportation professionals feel that this risk is non-existent or insignificant, since it is gradual and the effects are subtle and random. The two significant snow storms in Washington D.C. in the winter of 2009-2010 demonstrate the chaotic and episodic nature to our climate. These events had a significant impact on the momentum of climate change management in the US from a political and public point of view. Read More