Daily News Briefs, April 26, 2021

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Editorial: Maryland Should Follow Virginia's Example On Express Lanes

The Washington Post editorial board accuses Maryland foes of the proposed I-495 and I-270 express lanes — primarily suburban Democratic office holders — of hoping “to ensnare the project in endless controversy” when they should be following Virginia’s lead on congestion relief strategy and P3s. “Many would prefer that the state devote all its transportation resources and energies to mass transit. In fact, the region’s long-term economic health and livability will require [both highway and transit expansion]. And while private-public partnerships do carry some risk, they also expand the political viability of expensive projects by avoiding tax increases. The region’s hundreds of thousands of commuters understand that. Local officials should heed them.”

Express Lanes Maryland Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) P3 & Privatization Transurban Virginia Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Washington (DC) Metro Region

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Texas Bill Would Exempt Public School Districts From Paying Bus Tolls

KXAN reports, at the suggestion of a metro Austin school district, Texas State Representative Eddie Rodriguez (D-51) sponsored HB 130, a proposal to exempt public school buses from being tolled. According to the district, it pays approximately $50,000 a year — the equivalent of a teacher’s salary — on bus tolls. Rodriguez told members of the House Transportation Committee, “I want to just make sure there’s as much money as possible that stays in the classroom.”

Austin (TX) Metro Area Texas

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It's National Work Zone Awareness Week

The Federal Highway Administration announced, “This year, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is hosting the 2021 National Work Zone Awareness Week kick-off event on April 27 with the theme, ‘Drive Safe. Work Safe. Save Lives.’ The themed poster features a vehicle driving along a winding road surrounded by work zone technologies that make work zones safer for workers and motorists.” FHWA provides links to websites, fact sheets and other materials for use in promoting the safety of workers and motorists. (link inserted by TRN)

Highway and Bridge Maintenance Highway and Bridge Safety (Including COVID-19 Impacts) Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) US Department of Transportation (USDOT)

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DRJTBC Starts Routine Structural Inspection Of Eight Toll Bridges

Lehighvalleylive.com reports, the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission will conduct regular biennial inspections of its eight toll bridges over the next two months. The article notes, “Most of the work will be out of sight, but the commission cautioned that lane restrictions may sometimes be needed.”

Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission (DRJTBC) Highway and Bridge Maintenance Highway and Bridge Safety (Including COVID-19 Impacts) New Jersey Pennsylvania

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These are just some of the toll industry developments TRN is following.

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