WASHINGTON, D.C. — Transportation Research Board (TRB) standing committees have issued calls for papers for the TRB 91st Annual Meeting, Jan. 22-26, 2012, in Washington, D.C, and the Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board. While papers addressing any relevant aspect of transportation research will be considered, some committees are soliciting papers in specific subject areas to help potential authors identify topics for their papers. Committees will be producing calls for papers through June.

EXTON, PA. — Bentley Systems Inc. is accepting entries for the 2011 Be Inspired Awards competition, which brings together infrastructure professionals from around the world as well as members of the academic community to advance best practices and innovation in information modeling leading to higher-performing infrastructure and more cost-effective project realization and promote the extraordinary achievements of architects, engineers, constructors, geospatial professionals, and owner-operators in sustaining infrastructure empowered by Bentley software.

RICHMOND VA. — The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) completed the sale of $600 million of Commonwealth of Virginia Transportation Capital Projects Revenue Bonds on May 11 to advance transportation projects managed by the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. This bond sale is the first step in the governor's plan to invest nearly $4 billion in roads, rail, and transit during the next three years.

PANAMA CITY, PANAMA — The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) received six proposals from around the world for the design of the first-ever bridge on the Atlantic side of the waterway. Currently, the Bridge of the Americas and the Centennial Bridge, on the Pacific side, provide the only routes for vehicles to cross the canal. This new bridge will be the third across the canal and the first located near the Gatún Locks, spanning the west and east sides of the city of Colon.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — America’s infrastructure investments — levels of which have long trailed behind those of Asia and Europe — will be further stifled this year by pressures to cut federal spending and reduce the deficit, compelling cities to be evermore creative and resourceful in securing partnerships to start or continue infrastructure projects, according to “Infrastructure 2011: A Strategic Priority.” The report, released by the Urban Land Institute and Ernst & Young, emphasizes the challenge faced by many urban areas trying to provide adequate transportation and other infrastructure services for their residents, workers and businesses.