OLATHE, KAN. — At the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) conference in Kansas City, Mo., March 28-30, Terracon set up a live video set with industry leaders discussing the latest in innovation in transportation. The speakers were some of the most knowledgeable experts in the transportation industry, all involved in the construction or engineering of highways, bridges, airports, and rail projects. Discussion topics included specific issues in the industry, how innovative practices are changing the landscape, and the way we do business and how companies are adapting to meet the changing demands in transportation.

KANSAS CITY, MO. — In its latest America THINKS survey, HNTB Corporation finds many people in America acknowledging that much of the nation’s infrastructure has surpassed its intended life span, is in need of repair and that the current gas tax isn’t enough to foot such hefty bills. In fact, most Americans are willing to support large-scale infrastructure projects through increased tolls or taxes as long as they can directly reap or be assured of the benefits.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — One in nine of the bridges and overpasses American drivers cross each day is rated in poor enough condition that they could become dangerous or be closed without near-term repair, according to a report released by Transportation for America. The report, “The Fix We’re In For: The State of the Nation’s Bridges,” ranks states in terms of the overall condition of the state’s bridges, with one being the worst, 51 being the best. Twenty-three states across the country have a higher percentage of deficient bridges than the national average of 11.5 percent.

LOS ANGELES — AECOM released a white paper titled, “U.S. Infrastructure: Ignore the Need or Retake the Lead?” The white paper discusses the current state of U.S. infrastructure and examines the potential benefits of public-private partnerships in addressing project funding needs.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Appearing at a hearing called by the subcommittee to address the issue of "Regulatory Impediments to Job Creation: The Cost of Doing Business in the Construction Industry," Linda Figg, chair of the Construction Industry Round Table (CIRT), pointed out that dollars allocated to be spent on infrastructure projects are subject to time-consuming and often redundant rules which weigh down efficiencies and delivery times, while increasing costs.