Public

CTRMA’s 183 North Mobility Project Progresses Toward 2026 Completion

Posted on

Community Impact Newspaper catches up on progress and offers a recap of the 183 North Mobility Project, now in its third year of construction and on track for completion by the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) in 2026. “The $612 million project aims to relieve congestion along 183 North — the 9-mile section of road between MoPac and SH 45 — by adding two toll lanes in each direction that will connect to the existing tolls on MoPac and 183A [Toll] in Cedar Park. The project also added a fourth nontolled northbound and southbound lane, which opened last year, and is working to improve shared-use paths along the corridor for bikes and pedestrians.”

According to CTRMA, area congestion coinciding with population growth has the potential to drive commutes at peak travel times close to an hour in each direction by 2035. Instead, the authority expects the completed project to deliver nine-minute toll lane commutes, and shave 16 to 24 minutes off non-tolled commutes.

The article also discusses the agency’s approach to community outreach and strategies for mitigating the impact of construction on area businesses. It takes note of some local concerns that traffic diversion caused by construction will become permanent and strain the capacity of secondary roads.

Media Tour London’s New Silvertown Tunnel And Report On Toll Avoidance Traffic Concerns

Posted on

“Putting any controversies to one side, it is undoubtedly a magnificent piece of engineering,” BBC News reports after getting a preview of the new Silvertown Tunnel in east London. Its April 7 opening will coincide with the imposition of tolls on both the new crossing and the parallel Blackwall Tunnel, a nineteenth century facility previously without tolls but in such disrepair that it reportedly closes about 700 times per year. The article discusses concerns about traffic congestion and cost of living challenges tolling will potentially bring and includes photos from BBC’s tour of the new tunnel.

The Standard also got a preview of the tunnel. Its article and a report in The Times take note of the possibility toll avoidance traffic will impact non-tolled Thames River Crossings, particularly the iconic Tower Bridge. The charitable organization that maintains that bridge is urging Transport for London (TfL) to closely monitor traffic flow after the Silvertown opening. TfL modelling indicates there won’t be a significant increase in Tower Bridge traffic.

Niagara Falls Bridge Commission Announces May 1 Rate Hike

Posted on

The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission (NFBC), operator of the binational Rainbow, Whirlpool Rapids, and Lewiston-Queenston Bridges, yesterday announced that US and Canadian currency toll rate increases will take effect on May 1 for all classes of vehicles. The adjustment amounts vary by class. Cash and electronic payment rates for passenger vehicles will rise from USD $5.00/CAD $6.50 to USD $6.00/CAD $8.50. The adjustment is the first since August 2022. Charts of both the current and increased rates are posted online.

According to the NFBC announcement, the May increase “will support critical infrastructure improvements, offset increasing maintenance costs, and ensure the long-term safety and reliability of the three international border crossings under the management of the Commission.” It noted that “increased cost of goods and materials, along with ongoing maintenance expenses, have necessitated the adjustment.”

Oregon Lawmakers Propose Studying Construction Of New Columbia River Bridge

Posted on

With the goal of easing congestion in the Portland metro area, a new Oregon bill, SB 1201, directs Oregon DOT to conduct a feasibility study for the bridge project by September 2026, KOIN reports. The proposed bridge, an extension of SR 127 to the west of the I-205 and I-5 bridges in Portland, would connect to I-5 on the Washington side of the Columbia River.

“This bridge would not only ease traffic for millions of Oregonians, but it would provide a lasting, multi-generational solution that will benefit our families and economy for years to come,” said co-sponsor Senator Suzanne Weber (R-16), who serves on the Joint Transportation Committee. Senator Bruce Starr (R-12), the other chief sponsor, is vice-chair of the committee, to which the bill has been referred.

Gannett Fleming TranSystems Acquires Florida Engineering Services Firm

Posted on

Gannett Fleming TranSystems announced today it acquired Scalar Consulting Group Inc., a Florida-based transportation engineering and infrastructure services firm. “The acquisition deepens Gannett Fleming TranSystems’ presence in Florida and broadens its suite of transportation and construction engineering [and] inspection (“CE&I”) offerings, primarily serving government agencies and commercial clients across the state,” according to the firm’s news release.

Scalar’s scope of services includes project development and environment studies, NEPA evaluations, bridge design and inspection, traffic engineering, drainage design, complex highway design, utility coordination, and other essential engineering and CE&I services. It operates five offices and employs more than 100 engineers throughout Florida.

“Scalar’s specialization in innovative transportation engineering, cost-effective solutions, and efficient project delivery will enhance and expand our capabilities,” commented Tim Rock, co-president of Gannett Fleming TranSystems. “Their expertise in complex highway design, drainage solutions, and CE&I services strengthens our ability to provide top-tier infrastructure solutions across Florida’s diverse transportation needs.”

Gannett Fleming and TranSystems merged last August. The Scalar acquisition is the firm’s second in less than six months. It acquired Muller & Muller LTD, a Chicago-based architecture, planning, and structural engineering services provider, in December.