Presidents Message
C. Michael Walton, Ph.D., P.E., Dist.M.ASCE
“…if you should find a turtle resting on top of a fence post…”
Each of us are influenced by and benefit from those with whom we associate. As in the case of the “turtle” we did not get to our current (or future) position alone. Professional societies are fundamental to professional growth and involvement in ASCE, T&DI are excellent ways to become plugged in. As we all know only too well, the benefit gained is in direct proportion to the effort we make and promote growth.
Transportation Trends
Chicago's new Complete Streets guidelines put people first
The "Complete Streets Chicago: Design Guidelines" is a newly developed guide from the Chicago Department of Transportation to make sure roads in Chicago are created to enhance safety for all, and pedestrians will be considered a priority. "With complete streets, we are designing for all modes of transportation by looking for ways to improve our health, safety and economy while addressing our changing transportation needs," CDOT Commissioner Gabe Klein said.
Transportation Trends
Video: Constructing NYC's $4.5B New Subway Line
Building New York City's Second Ave Subway has been 90 years in the making. Three excavation techniques -- including a tunnel borer with a 22-foot-diameter cutterhead -- are being used. This is the first new subway line in the city in more than 80 years.
Call for New Members
Intermodal and Logistics Committee
The mission of the Committee is to address all types of intermodal freight transportation, including rail-water, rail-highway, highway- water, and highway-air modal combinations. All aspects that impact freight movement, such as rates, routes, services, transfer facilities, and containers are considered.
Membership on the T&DI Intermodal and Logistics Committee is open to professional and students who are interested in sharing their experience and expertise in the related fields through conferences, webinars, on site seminars/workshops/forums, and paper publications. To be eligible for the membership you need to be an active member of ASCE/T&DI. If you are interested, please send an email to pyi@uakron.edu or call 330-972-7294.
Transportation Trends
Illuminating concrete could reduce energy use at night
Concrete pavers with embedded phosphorescent crystals can emit light every night for about 10 hours without added electricity, making them an eco-friendly source of light. Developed by German-based manufacturers Kann and NightTec, the NightTec Leuchsteine are charged with sunlight by day and reduce the need for artificial light. They can be used as a surface finish in both interior and exterior spaces, including stairways, emergency paths and to mark door handles. The technology has a potential to save 212 million megawatt-hours annually in Germany.
Section News
The Report Card is Out: What Your Section/Branch Can Do To Spread the Message
This March, ASCE released the 2013 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure in a brand new format as a tablet and smart phone app during the annual Legislative Fly-In. ASCE members from all 50 states participated in taking the infrastructure message to Capitol Hill and shared the Report Card with their Members of Congress. Members have also been actively continuing to share the Report Card in their local areas by:
• Assisting as spokespeople with TV and newspaper interviews like KARE in Minnesota and KIRO in Seattle
• Updating their State Report Cards in 19 states so that local information is available for policymakers and the public
• Updating their websites to include links to the Report Card website and their State and Regional Report Cards
T&DI is Proud to Announce Our Newest Distinguished Members:
Christopher B. Burke, Ph.D., P.E., D.WRE, F.ASCE and John M. Dionisio, P.E., F.ASCE