Transportation funding is in desperate need of an overhaul, according to a report from the Pew Charitable Trusts. The numbers—which reach into the billions of dollars—are frightening. Budget cuts, population shifts, and growth, are impacting infrastructure, and the federal government isn’t solely to blame. “Intergovernmental Challenges in Surface Transportation examines the role…(Read More)
Adhering to the many regulations imposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration may seem cumbersome or unnecessary. But if you’re thinking a few shortcuts won’t be a big deal, think again. Every time your crew enters a jobsite, insurance hikes, lawsuits, and cost overruns can result from something that appears to be…(Read More)
With a lot of moving parts and individuals involved, miscommunication throughout a project is a guarantee, according to a post from Procore Technologies, Inc. “Paper-based systems and outdated technology, like fax machines and endless spreadsheets, impede the ability to anticipate delays and supervise deadlines, and end up wasting valuable time and resources.” Using cloud…(Read More)
A mix of contractors, bond agents, insurance, and other financial responsibilities can easily get complicated for employers in the construction industry. Here is some sage advice on how—and why—to hire a reputable CPA firm. Referrals are helpful in this area as trust is a priority in the accounting space. http://www.equipmentworld…(Read More)
An architectural design firm in California has created structural columns that can withstand horizontal movement during earthquakes. Joseph Flaherty explains on Wired.com how the concrete pillar is created. “It combines an ancient Incan masonry technique with state-of-the-art manufacturing tools to create a structure that can withstand seismic shocks without mortar or…(Read More)
Some 25 states around the U.S. are teaming up with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to improve signage, pavement markings, and lighting on dangerous roadways. Officials say the effort is already saving lives in South Carolina, where deadly accidents were on the rise. The FHWA hired a private company to install the low-cost…(Read More)
Some may think the construction industry is a harsh place to work, but there is heart among those who make their living in the field. The human interest stories featured in this post include the rescue of a kitten from a tree, the gathering of 2,000 loose coins from an antique collection, and the…(Read More)
Three companies have received “Contractor Safety Awards” from the American Road & Transportation Builders Association’s (ARTBA) Transportation Development Foundation. ARBTA.org reports the initiative promotes worker safety and health as core values of the transportation design and construction industry. Judges evaluated the entries based on corporate safety culture, operational safety plans and worker training…(Read More)
Project delays and cost overruns are common in the construction industry, and now a report from McGraw Hill Construction delves into the causes, remedies and solutions. The company’s new SmartMarket Report features input from some 3,000 U.S. owners, architects and contractors, as well as commentary from an advisory panel of seven leading…(Read More)
During the past 14 years, 2 million pay phones have disappeared from streets in the U.S. Now an idea’s been hatched that would place charging stations for mobile devices and tablets on streets. CEO Petar Mirovic is the CEO of Volta Group, the tech company behind the plan. He says the units operate…(Read More)
