Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Contact: Kelly Hanahan
Tel: 202-366-0660
FHWA Administrator Mendez Joins Nevada Officials for Innovative I-15 Bridge Replacement Demonstration
Advanced methods reduce construction time and traffic congestion
MESQUITE, Nev. - Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez today joined officials from the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) as they put a new bridge in place on the I-15 West Mesquite Interchange with new technologies that allowed for faster completion of the project, resulting in less congestion for travelers. Officials from more than 24 state departments of transportation viewed the demonstration to learn how the
"The people of Nevada couldn't wait for this new bridge, and using innovative technologies allowed us to get it repaired and open to traffic quickly," said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. "Projects like these create jobs, keep people and goods moving and help grow the economy. That is exactly why President Obama believes investing in transportation infrastructure is so critical."
By using an innovative method known as accelerated bridge construction, workers used prefabricated elements to quickly assemble the bridge and slide it into place during off-peak travel times to minimize the time drivers would face congestion as a result of the construction.
In completing this project without restricting traffic on I-15, impact to freight, which accounts for 25 percent of the road users on this corridor, was minimized. The $21 million project will improve safety, travel and access by reconstructing the existing I-15 West Mesquite exit.
"By highlighting key innovations, we're helping keep traffic moving as smoothly as possible, which lets people spend less time in their cars and more time doing things they enjoy," said Administrator Mendez.
Through its Highways for LIFE program, the Federal Highway Administration and NDOT partnered to host the Mesquite demonstration in order to share best practices with transportation representatives from more than 24 states across the country.
The FHWA Highways for LIFE program works with the highway industry to promote innovations that improve safety during and after construction, reduce congestion caused by construction and improve the quality of the highway infrastructure. The program is especially focused on implementing technologies more quickly to help states deliver long- lasting infrastructure with minimized impact to the traveling public. For more information, visit: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/hfl/.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Contact: Nancy Singer
Tel: 202-366-0660
U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Announces Close to $1.6 Billion in Funding for Repairs to Damaged Roads and Bridges
Supplemental Funding from Congress Makes Reimbursement Possible
WASHINGTON - U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced nearly $1.6 billion to states and territories across the nation to help cover the costs of repairing roads and bridges damaged by a variety of natural disasters.
"Communities from coast to coast are still recovering from disasters that have affected the roads they use, their homes and businesses," said Secretary LaHood. "The Obama Administration stands ready to provide emergency relief and reimburse these communities for the work that has been done to restore their critical transportation needs."
Funding from the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Emergency Relief Program was provided by the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012. FHWA will provide a total of $1.58 billion to 30 states, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and federal land management agencies to reimburse them for repairs to roads and bridges caused by storms, flooding, hurricanes and other natural and catastrophic disasters.
"States and communities can rely on the federal government during these critical times," said FHWA Administrator Victor Mendez. "When disaster strikes, the Department will do all it can to provide help to the affected areas."
Vermont, hard hit by Hurricane Irene, will receive $125.6 million; North Dakota will receive $89.1 million for the Devils Lake Basin for damage caused by Spring 2011 runoff; and Iowa will receive $37.5 million to repair damage caused by the May 2011 Missouri River flooding. A complete list of states and funding amounts is listed below.
This money will reimburse states for fixing or replacing highways, bridges and other roadway structures. Costs associated with detours, debris removal and other immediate measures necessary to restore traffic flow in impacted areas are also eligible for reimbursement.