Jessica Parks
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amNewYork,
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Staff Writer, Roads & Bridges
Articles by Jessica Parks
U.S. Traffic Fatalities Fall for Fourth Straight Year, but Safety Concerns Remain
Traffic fatalities have fallen for the fourth straight year in 2025, according to a new report from nonprofit research firm TRIP. Traffic fatalities increased significantly during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, as people transitioned to motor vehicles rather than public transportation options.
Pa., Ind., Maine Advance Major Road and Bridge Projects
Transportation agencies in Pennsylvania, Maine and Indiana are advancing major roadway and bridge work, from accelerating dozens of paving projects to repairing a damaged bridge and building a new interchange. Here is a look at the latest developments. With the planned disbursement of $250 million in the 2026-27 budget, Pennsylvania will fund 79 Rapid Deployment projects statewide, allowing the projects to launch earlier than originally planned. According to a press release from Pennsylvania Gov.
Black Bayou Pontoon Bridge Repairs Set to Begin Next Month
After a barge struck the Black Bayou Pontoon Bridge in June, causing significant damage to the structure, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is expected to begin repairs next month. The strike damaged the bridge’s pontoon barge, support pilings, mechanical apron components and bridge decks, according to a DOTD press release.
Early Traffic Control Planning Improves Work Zone Safety
AWP Safety, which claims it supports more than 1 million work zones each year, often receives little advance notice before its traffic control crews are needed on a work site, with some requests arriving late in the day for work beginning the following morning.
Diesel Prices Hit Record High as Construction Costs Face New Pressure
Diesel prices hit a record high of $6.23 per gallon on Sept. 14, a 69% increase from a year earlier, when prices averaged $3.69 per gallon. Diesel is a major driver for freight, construction, agriculture and industrial activity, which can quickly cause a spike in business costs and inflation, according to an article from J.P. Morgan. The jump is being driven by geopolitical developments and refinery outages, causing diesel prices to rise even as gasoline prices receive more attention.
Texas Suspends Permits for New Flock Cameras on State Roads
The Texas Department of Transportation has stopped issuing permits for Flock cameras and other automated license plate readers on state roads. The suspension was ordered by Gov. Greg Abbott and confirmed Sept. 17 by a TxDOT spokesperson, according to The Texas Tribune. The action will not impact cameras already installed along state rights-of-way, including the 900 cameras operated by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Hawaii Tests Hybrid Reef System to Protect Coastal Highways
Hawaii is taking an innovative approach to protecting its coastal highways from erosion and rising seas. A consortium of research and community organizations has developed a system to protect these vulnerable roadways while also supporting native marine life using a hybrid reef system, according to a press release from Hawaii Department of Transportation.
Could Interstate 14 Transform Transportation Across the South?
A proposed corridor stretching from Texas to Georgia could deliver stronger economic opportunity, support supply chains and strengthen connections among military installations and strategic ports across the southern United States. Interstate 14 was first proposed in 2021 through a bipartisan provision pushed by Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) and Sen.
Connecticut Activates 300th Wrong-Way Detection Site
The Connecticut Department of Transportation brought its 300th wrong-way detector online as of Sept. 10, less than three years after the program launched in December 2023. According to an agency press release, the program has successfully alerted more than 1,000 drivers who turned around and returned to safety. The agency has also seen a reduction in wrong-way crashes and fatalities since its launch. The new site is located on the Route 571 Exit 1 off-ramp in New Britain, near Beehive Stadium.
CMHA Research Aims to Modernize Interlocking Concrete Pavement Design
The Concrete Masonry and Hardscapes Association (CMHA) is conducting research to update the Mechanistic Empirical (M-E) design methodology for interlocking concrete pavements (ICPs). The M-E design method utilizes engineering analysis, laboratory testing, computer modeling and actual material properties to predict pavement performance under specific traffic loads, soil conditions, weather conditions, climates and material combinations prior to construction, according to a CMHA press release.
MaineDOT Releases Early Findings on Partial Bridge Collapse
The Maine Department of Transportation has released early findings regarding a partial bridge collapse in Old Town last month. Crews were pouring concrete on the new northbound Llewellyn Estes Bridge over the Stillwater River on Aug. 13 when it partially collapsed, causing one worker to break their ankle and two others treated for minor injuries, according to News Center Maine. The bridge was under construction and was not open to the public.
Deadline Extended: Enter the 2026 Roads & Bridges Top 10 Road and Bridge Awards
There is still a chance to enter the 2026 Roads & Bridges Top 10 Road and Bridge Awards! Roads & Bridges has extended the deadline to submit projects to Sept. 18. Applications can be submitted here. DOTs, agencies, contractors, engineering firms and project teams are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to earn recognition for the hard work, innovation and collaboration that went into building a successful project.
NYC Unveils Plan to Rehabilitate Brooklyn Queens Expressway
A crumbling section of the Brooklyn Queens Expressway that has long plagued New York City is expected to be repaired beginning in 2030. NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a plan to address the highway’s cantilever section over Brooklyn Heights that would require the installation of a temporary highway through the northern Brooklyn neighborhood, according to a press release from the Mayor’s Office.
Put Your Road Project in the Spotlight: Enter the Top 10 Roads Awards
Building an award-worthy road takes years of planning, problem-solving and collaboration. Earning national recognition for that work can bring the project—and the people behind it—the attention they deserve.
Daniel C. McClain, Founder and President of McClain & Co., Dead at 72
McClain & Co. announced the passing of its founder and president, Daniel C. McClain, today. McClain died at the age of 72 on Aug. 4. McClain founded the under-bridge access and equipment rental company in 1998and supported companies and government agencies with the inspection and maintenance of highway and railroad bridges for 28 years, according to a press release. He helped grow the company from a small startup to one of the leaders in the space.
Building the Ideal American City: The Infrastructure Draft
A special episode of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast is coming tomorrow to your favorite podcast platform — and this time, the team is also heading to the small screen. The full episode will be available to stream on YouTube. Co-hosts Gavin Jenkins, Brandon Lewis and Jessica Parks are joined by special guest, Noah Kolenda for the Infrastructure Draft, where each of us created our ideal American city by selecting the best of the best infrastructure across several categories.
Florida Projects Set the Standard for Road Innovation
Florida’s roads projects are a staple of the Roads & Bridges Top 10 Road Awards, taking home first place in 2025 for their quick dispatch on the Hurricane Ian Sanibel Island Access project. Submissions are open until Sept. 4 for the 2026 Roads & Bridges Top 10 Road and Bridge Awards. Their projects show their dedication to safety and innovation and today we are going to highlight three projects out of the Sunshine State.
Texas-Sized Transportation Triumphs
Throughout the history of the Roads & Bridges Top 10 Road and Bridge Awards, Texas has frequently emerged as a heavy hitter, with projects that showcase innovation, relieve traffic and hit new heights. Applications are open until Sept. 4 for this year’s awards, giving project teams nationwide the chance to earn recognition among the industry’s best. Here, we revisit a few standout projects from the Lone Star State that have earned recognition in recent years.
California Projects That Set the Standard
With the recent release of Roads & Bridges’ California issue, we are looking back at several standout projects from the Golden State that have earned recognition in past Top 10 Roads & Bridge Awards. From major rehabilitation efforts to landmark structures that reconnected communities, these projects showcase the innovation, collaboration and problem-solving that define award-winning infrastructure. Submissions for the 2026 Top 10 Roads & Bridge Awards are now open through Sept.
Blatnik Bridge Replacement Design Unveiled for $1.8B Project
The design of the upcoming Blatnik Bridge replacement connecting Duluth, Minn. and Superior, Wis. has been unveiled, showcasing a tied arch design. The longstanding bridge spanning the St. Louis River will be demolished in March, as it requires replacement ahead of a 2030 deadline due to corrosion and safety and traffic issues, MPR News reported.
Bank of America Launches $250B Infrastructure Finance Initiative
Bank of America launched an initiative making $250 billion available to finance critical infrastructure nationwide in honor of the country’s 250th anniversary. The Critical Infrastructure Finance Initiative aims to strengthen and modernize American infrastructure across the digital, energy and power and transportation sectors while accelerating technological leadership and job growth, according to a . “We are proud of our long history supporting the American economy.
TxDOT Launches App for Real-Time Roadway and Emergency Information
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) unveiled a new app that gives drivers real-time information to help plan routes during emergencies and everyday travel. Available on Apple and Google devices, the app combines critical roadway and travel information updated by TxDOT crews in real time, according to a TxDOT press release. The app supports drivers in making informed decisions around construction, traffic, road closures and severe weather.
How Missouri Moved 400,000 World Cup Fans Across Kansas City
MoDOT credits coordinated traffic operations and expanded passenger rail service for keeping visitors moving during the tournament Key Highlights MoDOT helped move 400,000 fans and 11 teams through Kansas City during the World Cup. Expanded Missouri River Runner service carried more than 31,000 passengers, boosting ridership by 14.2%. Traffic management centers and emergency response teams coordinated travel and responded to 650 roadway incidents.
How Transportation Infrastructure Is Powering America's Energy and AI Future
The nation’s transportation network is playing an increasingly important in supporting U.S. energy production, artificial intelligence infrastructure and long-term economic competitiveness. Ahead of the Sept. 30 expiration of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the Transportation Construction Coalition released a study highlighting transportation’s role in supporting mobility, supply chains and economic opportunity nationwide.
How Iowa Cut Traffic Fatalities by Nearly 100 in One Year
The state of Iowa saw a significant reduction in traffic fatalities in 2025, and the drop did not happen by chance, but through a concerted effort to make their roads safer. According to data released from the Iowa Department of Transportation, the state reported 259 traffic-related deaths in the state in 2025, reflecting a sharp decline from 2024’s 357 traffic fatalities. Iowa DOT emphasized a Safe System approach to improve roadway safety for all of its users.
Aging Infrastructure Tops List of World’s Costliest Bridge Projects
The world’s largest bridge projects are increasingly focused on replacing and modernizing aging infrastructure rather than opening entirely new routes. A report from GlobalData Construction Intelligence Centre ranks the $17.7 billion Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement between Oregon and Washington as the world’s most expensive bridge project.
University of New Hampshire Launches Statewide Partnership to Address Highway Workforce Shortage
The University of New Hampshire is working to address the labor shortage facing highway agencies and contractors across the state. The university’s T2 Center is partnering with employers, educators, workforce organizations and public agencies to boost New Hampshire’s highway construction workforce while preparing future transportation professionals to enter the field, according to a press release.
What Transportation Priorities Does USDOT Want in an IIJA Extension?
With the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) set to expire and the BUILD America 250 Act awaiting a floor vote, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has outlined the Trump administration’s priorities should Congress pursue a short-term extension of surface transportation programs.
Gordie Howe International Bridge Opens to Traffic Today
It’s the moment we have all been waiting for. The long-awaited Gordie Howe International Bridge is scheduled to open to the public today after several delays. WXYZ Channel 7 reported that crews were putting the finishing touches on the bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, ahead of the first motorists crossing around noon. The new international crossing provides a direct connection between Interstate 75 in Detroit and Highway 401 in Windsor.
How Did Atlanta Keep World Cup Traffic Moving?
Georgia transportation leaders are celebrating the successful management of a 24% increase in traffic volume during the World Cup, which resulted in a 3% increase in travel times. More than 1 million fans flooded Atlanta for the tournament’s eight matches at Mercedes Benz Stadium, according to Fox 5. State transportation officials shattered their original goal of keeping travel delays under 50% above normal traffic levels.
MIT Researchers Find a Way to Build Bridges Using Less Material
Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are demonstrating how bridges could be built using significantly less material. According to MIT News, the production of construction materials accounts for more than 7% of global carbon emissions. Researchers say that figure could be reduced through a technique known as topology optimization.
A Look Back at Three Years of Award-Winning Infrastructure
Want to see your road or bridge project featured on the cover of Roads & Bridges? Submit your application for the 2026 Roads & Bridges Top 10 Roads and Top 10 Bridges Awards by Sept. 4 for a chance to be showcased. To show what that spotlight can look like, we’re sharing the covers from our 2023, 2024 and 2025 Top 10 Roads and Top 10 Bridges issues. Take a look at what that kind of recognition can mean for your company when your project is named one of the year’s winning roads or bridges.
This Texas Highway Couldn't Handle the Heat
Not only can extreme heat waves take a toll on people, but they can also damage roadways. Last week as Texas experienced triple-digit temperatures, a section of U.S. Route between Greenville and Celeste began to soften and break apart, according to WFAA. Near County Road 1083 in the southbound lanes, drivers reported chunks of asphalt lifting from the roadway, sticking to their tires and striking fenders and undercarriages.
The Road to a Winning Project
Roads & Bridges Top 10 Roads Awards has returned for the 2026 season. Construction crews, engineers and transportation agencies can enter for a chance to be named the #1 road project in the country until September 4. Whether your team built a new roadway, rehabilitated a street or enhanced an existing corridor, we want to hear from you.
Gordie Howe International Bridge Set to Open July 27 After Months of Uncertainty
The long-awaited opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge is now scheduled for July 27, marking the end of years of construction and months of uncertainty. The Canadian government announced in a news release that the bridge connecting Detroit and Winsor, Ontario will open to the public on July 27, according to ClickOnDetroit.
Still Standing: America’s Oldest Bridges in Service
Up in the northeastern United States stand the oldest bridges that remain in service today, according to federal bridge inventory data. Bridges are interwoven into the history of our country, as they were crucial to the battles that ensured our freedom, the movement of people to share information, and the transfer of goods that made settlements possible.
Roads of the Presidents
As presidents shaped the country we live in today, it is only proper that the roads we travel every day bear their names. Roadways in the United States are often named after presidents, especially when they cut through a special milestone in their presidential tenure or near their birthplace. Some presidents are honored with more roadways than others: George Washington has the highest number of roads named after him, followed by Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Jackson, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.
Spanning History: Four Bridges That Changed America
Bridges are central to the story of America. They serve as a backdrop to some of the country’s most recognizable events, as a marker for technical development, and as a symbol of our achievements. Though it would be impossible to list every bridge that is significant to our country’s history, Roads & Bridges is taking you for a deep dive into four bridges that are inseparable from the American experience. On May 24, 1883, a star was born.
Why Did Waymo Pull Its Robotaxis Off Highways?
Waymo has halted highway operations for its autonomous robotaxi fleet following a series of incidents in which vehicles entered closed highway construction zones. The company suspended highway service on May 19 and recalled approximately 4,000 vehicles, according to TechCrunch. Robotaxi service on surface streets will continue. Federal records show 13 incidents involving the vehicles traveling into closed highway construction areas—six in Phoenix and seven more in the San Francisco Bay Area in May.
Tower Cranes Support Construction of Long-Span Road-Rail Bridge in China
Construction is underway on the Zhoushan Taoyaomen Bridge in China, a major infrastructure project that will carry both highway and rail traffic and is expected to set a record for span length in its class. While Roads & Bridges primarily covers North American infrastructure, projects like the Taoyaomen Bridge highlight global innovations and construction approaches worth watching.
Massive Crane Arrives as Brent Spence Companion Bridge Construction Ramps Up
The first visible signs of construction are emerging for the Brent Spence Companion Bridge with the arrival of the tugboat Elizabeth Ann and its heavy-life crane barge. The companion bridge will be built west of the existing Brent Spence Bridge and carry long-distance and through-traffic across the Ohio River between Cincinnati and northern Kentucky.
Could a $50B Bridge Finally Link Connecticut and Long Island?
Connecticut and New York state lawmakers will hear a proposal on June 15 for a long-discussed bridge connecting Connecticut to Long Island via the Long Island Sound. Developer Steven Shapiro is seeking support for the $50 billion bridge-and-tunnel project that would include mile-long tunnels on either end that he believes will be a “gamechanger,” according to the Hartford Courant.
Gordie Howe International Bridge Opening Delayed Days Before Debut
The excitement surrounding the Gordie Howe International Bridge opening was short-lived after officials announced Thursday that a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for Friday has been postponed. Earlier this week, news outlets reported that the bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario would open to traffic on Monday after eight years of construction.
The Secret Ingredient in Ann Arbor’s New Roads? Old Tires
Welcome to Ann Arbor, where some streets are made with recycled rubber. Though they look like ordinary pavement, crews recently paved Northbrook Place and Oakbrook Drive with a specialized asphalt mix containing recycled tire rubber, according to MLive. The rubberized asphalt is designed to resist cracking by stopping cracks from propagating or redirecting them, potentially extending pavement life by 30 to 40%.
Construction Is Nearly Complete, but Gordie Howe Bridge Still Awaits Green Light
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is nearing completion, but its opening timeline remains uncertain following President Donald Trump’s February comments threatening to block the crossing from opening. According to The Detroit News, construction and systems testing are expcted to be completed within days on bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario.
How DOTs Are Using Snow Sensors, RWIS and MDSS to Improve Winter Operations
Snow remains a major topic for state transportation departments long after it melts, as the summer months are when agencies develop their maintenance plans for the upcoming winter. After the unprecedented snowfall of winter 2026, when many northeastern DOTs overspent their snow removal budgets, there is surmounting pressure to improve accuracy and efficiency in snow response efforts.
How Future Storms Are Changing the Way NCDOT Builds Roads and Bridges
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is using findings from a North Carolina State University (NC State) study to help build transportation infrastructure that is more resilient to future weather conditions. Launched in 2021,the study — “How Will Precipitation Characteristics Associated with Tropical Cyclones in Diverse Synoptic Environments in the Southeast United States Respond to Climate Change” — forecasts increased rainfall as temperatures continue to rise.
From Corrosion-Sniffing Dogs to Wall-Climbing Robots: FIU Unveils Bridge Tech Innovations
Researchers from Florida International University (FIU) recently showcased a range of emerging technologies designed to improve the construction, inspection and maintenance of transportation infrastructure. Professor Atorod Azizinamini, director of FIU’s Innovative Bridge Technologies/Accelerated Bridge Construction-University Transportation Center, and Professor Kenneth G.
New Hawk Falls Bridge Opens on Pennsylvania Turnpike After $88M Replacement Project
Pennsylvania officials marked the completion of the new Hawk Falls Bridge that delivers wider shoulders, reduced maintenance needs and improved traffic flow Key Takeaways The $88 million project replaced the aging Hawk Falls Bridge and Hickory Run Road Bridge with modern structures designed to improve safety and mobility. The new Hawk Falls Bridge features wider shoulders, expanded medians and weathering steel to reduce long-term maintenance needs.
Work Zone Crash Fears Rise as Crews Point to Distracted Driving, Weak Enforcement
Highway work zone crashes are perceived to be a greater risk than one year ago, according to respondents of a survey released by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and HCSS. The 2026 Work Zone Awareness Survey polled 703 respondents on work zone safety, current enforcement measures and areas needing improvement.
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