Recent incidents have raised concerns about the safety of the US Air Transportation System; however, flying remains one of the safest modes of travel. I often comment that the most dangerous part of air travel is the drive to the airport (which often leads to my children rolling their eyes). Civil Engineers have made and continue to make strong contributions to aviation safety.
As consultants, contractors, regulators, and researchers, we plan, design, construct, maintain airports and adapt airports. Over the years, airports have adapted to serve evolving aircraft types (changing both airfields and terminals), security and retail concession requirements (changing terminals), and capacity constraints that force minimizing the impact of construction and underscore the need for durable solutions. In the near-future, drones, automation, AI and space operations will drive additional changes. A case can be made that in recent years airports have changed more than any other transportation infrastructure. It’s more important than ever for civil engineers as system integrators, to lead the continuing evolution of airports. As leaders we need to possess expert knowledge to chart the best route for future airport developments.
One opportunity to keep abreast of the latest happenings in airport civil engineering is the upcoming International Conference on Transportation & Development (ICTD) and International Airfield & Highway Pavements Conference (Pavements 2025), June 8-11 in Glendale, AZ. The continuing education and networking opportunities provided at these conferences are essential to developing the skills and relationships needed for individuals in our profession to succeed in delivering infrastructure for all modes of transportation.
The T&DI Board of Governors (BoG) will hold an extended meeting in June to finalize the Institute’s Strategic Plan and kickoff implementation. Other recent institute activities include:
- Preparations for ICTD 2026, including co-locating the International Airfield and Highway Pavements Conference, partnering with the host state’s DOT, venue selection, and development of the website.
- Preparations for the ASCE 2027: The Infrastructure and Engineering Experience event. Professor Chandra Bhat and Diniece Mendes will chair the ICTD portion of the event, while Eileen Vélez-Vega and Professor Halil Ceylan International Airfield and Highway Pavements Conference portion.
- Council and committee chairs are seeking input as to whether new ASCE standards are needed to address recent and coming changes to transportation. Teresa Metcalfe, Director, and Amanda Myers, Manager, ASCE Standards, recently briefed the BOG on the support the ASCE Standards Office can provide if the Institute decides to pursue a new standard.
I hope to see you all at the ICTD & Pavements Conference!
Respectfully,
Scott Murrell, P.E., M.ASCE
President, Transportation & Development Institute (T&DI)
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)