What civil engineers are reading this week

• How ASCE’s president-elect navigated the crisis Hurricane Harvey wrought on Houston

  Carol Haddock, acting director of public works during the 2017 hurricane, faced countless critical decisions, even long after it ended. Our Atlantic hurricane season series continues with her harrowing story.

• California announces $540M investment in infrastructure improvements

  California will spend big on transportation investments to improve travel times, renovate aging facilities, and add layers of safety around schools and community centers.

• Highway work zone crash risks rise

  Distracted driving, inconsistent enforcement, and the rising cost of safety equipment continue to make highway work zones more dangerous for motorists and construction crews, a study shows.

• Scientists are turning ocean trash into roads – and it’s actually working

  Researchers in Hawaii are exploring an innovative way to turn old fishing nets and household plastic waste into asphalt for roads, potentially addressing growing landfill and marine debris challenges.

• To succeed in civil engineering, you must understand proper planning and risk avoidance

  All projects experience changes. Whether you respond in a proactive or reactive manner is what determines success, veteran civil engineer James F. Gallagher writes.

• Bipartisan legislation would support transit infrastructure in midsize cities

  While midsize urban areas often provide transit service comparable in quality and intensity to large metro systems, the current federal funding formula does not adequately recognize their performance.