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Another Irish Government Official Objects To Toll Rate Hikes

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Another member of Ireland’s government has spoken out against the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) announcement that some rates will increase effective January 1 for the ten toll facilities on the National Road Network, eight of which are operated by private concession companies.

According to The Irish Times, Paschal Donohoe, the minister responsible for budgeting and policy development, said he disfavors the rate increases for reasons similar to those expresses earlier by the housing minister, Darragh O’Brien. While acknowledging that rate adjustments are made by TII independent of the government, Donohoe said, “I think anything that further adds to the cost of living at the moment is something I’d be very reluctant to see happen.” He noted that commuters are already bearing additional costs due to changes in carbon taxation and fuel prices.

Truckers Say Infrastructure To Support EV Transition Isn’t Yet Available

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WAMC reports, a New York trucking trade group and its legislative allies want Governor Kathy Hochul (D) to postpone the 2025 effective date of rules that require a percentage of new trucks sold in the state to be zero-emission vehicles. At a news conference on Monday, they called for the implementation date to be extended to 2027, arguing there isn’t enough  infrastructure in place yet to support a transition. They also argued that encouraging an intermediate shift to clean-burning fuel is a more realistic approach to balancing climate action with economic reality. (New York’s Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) regulations (6 NYCRR Part 218), which are based on a California model, were issued in 2021 pursuant to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.)

WRGB also covered the news conference, noting that some speakers specifically addressed the lack of New York Thruway facilities for charging medium- and high-duty commercial vehicles. Although the authority is adding charging units as part of its service plaza redevelopment project, the equipment doesn’t enable timely and economical charging of big rigs. Truckers say electric-powered vehicles won’t have the range needed for freight hauling without access to more adequate charging infrastructure.

POLITICO reports, New York isn’t the only state where officials are contemplating or being pressured to consider a postponement of regulations intended to put more electric and low-emission trucks on the road.

MTA Plans Verrazano-Narrows Bridge Marathon Closure

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The key New York City toll span will partially close to vehicles Saturday night, November 2, starting at 11:00 PM before fully closing the following day from 7:00 AM until 4:00 PM, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced. The bridge is part of the route of Sunday’s city-permitted TCS New York City Marathon. Motorists traveling to Brooklyn or Staten Island will have to seek alternate routes.

NBC News New York reports, as many as 50,000 race participants are expected. The article includes detailed information on the marathon route, street closures, and detours.

Pennsylvania Launches Teen-Focused Work Zone Safety Education Program

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As part of National Teen Driver Safety Week, Pennsylvania has launched a New Driver Work Zone Safety Program. It “uses engaging videos, infographics, knowledge checks, and powerful testimonials to teach new drivers work zone laws, signage and key facts, in addition to offering real-life scenarios to enhance understanding.” In a news release, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission noted that the FHWA-funded initiative furthers its ongoing collaboration with PennDOT to promote work zone safety. PTC officials were inspired to create the program after learning last year that Oklahoma now requires new drivers to pass a work zone safety course. Although targeted especially at teen drivers, the free, 35-minute virtual program is open to new drivers of all ages.

MTA: Guiding Tallest Ship Ever To Clear Verrazzano Bridge Required Weeks Of Planning, Coordination

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In the wee hours of October 19, tugboats safely guided a ship carrying four 227.4-foot-tall cranes under the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Bridges and Tunnels announced yesterday. “The Zhen Hua 25 with this cargo is the tallest vessel to ever pass under the bridge, requiring weeks of complex planning operations with numerous partner agencies to ensure safe passage.” Traffic was stopped briefly for the operation to reduce sag on the suspension bridge, and ballast was added to the ship to lower its position in the water. The press release details the required coordination and conditions, and a photo collection illustrates the thin margin of error the team worked within.