Transportation news covering roads, bridges, public transit, infrastructure spending, and transportation policy developments.
The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (Pacts) told MPs that making 20mph the default speed limit in English built-up areas would reduce accidents and save money. Currently, 62 of 153 local authorities have adopted 20mph policies, but Pacts argues a national mandate is more efficient.
The NYC Department of Transportation will expand high-tech traffic sensors to 100 locations to track pedestrian, cyclist, and driver behavior. The sensors anonymize faces and license plates, but data will not be released publicly, drawing criticism from transit advocates.
Indian PM Modi will launch development projects worth over Rs 18,000 crore in Surat, Gujarat, on Friday. The projects include four National Highway projects and two packages of the Vadodara–Mumbai Expressway. Foundation stones will be laid for NHAI routes and GIDC projects to boost connectivity and industrial infrastructure.
The Front Range Passenger Rail District plans train stops at the Denver Broncos' new stadium and near the Denver Summit soccer stadium, plus stops at university stadiums in Boulder, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs. Service depends on a November tax vote, with a $332 million starter line to Boulder and Fort Collins by 2029.
A landmark transit funding law takes effect in the Chicago area, raising about $1.5 billion annually to prevent service cuts on CTA, Metra, and Pace. The RTA board is expected to vote on a sales tax increase, and a new governing body, the Northern Illinois Transit Authority, will replace the RTA.
Tees Mayor Ben Houchen said a new A19 River Tees crossing would take at least 12 years and cost £700m, with no government funding expected soon due to road budget cuts. The Department for Transport has no current plans for a new crossing under its Road Investment Strategy. Houchen suggested fixing the existing flyover for northbound traffic and building a new bridge for southbound traffic.
This commentary argues that the 2026 World Cup has spurred lasting transit improvements in US host cities like Seattle, contrasting with past tournaments' unfulfilled promises. It contends that sustained investment, not short-term preparation, yields public benefits, using Seattle's light rail expansion as evidence of long-term planning.
The commentary argues that the upcoming US Surface Transportation Reauthorization should prioritize core infrastructure like roads and bridges, emphasizing state flexibility and fiscal responsibility. It contends that federal policy should respect local differences and fix the Highway Trust Fund, reflecting a conservative approach to transportation funding.
Rep. Henry Cuellar argues that modernizing land ports of entry is essential for US economic competitiveness, citing the Laredo port's $331 billion in trade. He contends that dedicated funding, similar to maritime ports, would improve efficiency and security, and introduces his bipartisan bill to create a trust fund for land port modernization.
Cornwall Council will install average speed cameras on the A3083 near RNAS Culdrose after multiple fatal crashes. The speed limit stays at 60mph despite campaigners' calls for a reduction, as 62% of public consultation respondents objected to lowering it.