DOT database reveals 75,000-plus bridges at or past useful life mark

Sources: American Road & Transportation Builders Association, Washington, D.C.; CP staff More than 222,000 U.S. bridges need major repair or are structurally deficient and warrant replacement, according to an American Road & Transportation Builders Association analysis of the recently released U.S. Department of Transportation 2023 National Bridge Inventory (NBI) database. Factoring average cost data states submit to the U.S. DOT,…

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Road Builders’ Highway Dashboard: Investment transparency in overdrive

Sources: American Road and Transportation Builders Association, Washington, D.C.; CP staff

The “ARTBA Highway Dashboard: A 50-State Guide to the Benefits of Federal Investment” is a first of its kind, interactive tool providing the public and elected officials a clear look at how and where each state invests transportation project-designated tax dollars.

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Transportation economist: 2020 outlays outpace inflation

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The U.S. transportation infrastructure market is expected to grow at least 5 percent this year, fueled by increased federal, state and local government investment, according to American Road & Transportation Builders Association Chief Economist Dr. Alison Premo Black. Total construction and related-market activity in 2020 should reach $300.4 billion, up from $286.5 billion in 2019 after adjusting for project costs and inflation.

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Road Builders: 2020 transportation market gains outpace inflation

Source: American Road & Transportation Builders Association, Washington, D.C.

The U.S. transportation infrastructure market is expected to grow at least 5 percent next year, fueled by increased federal, state and local government investment, according to the just-released forecast from American Road & Transportation Builders Association Chief Economist Dr. Alison Premo Black. Total 2020 construction and related-market activity should reach $300.4 billion, up from $286.5 billion this year after adjusting for project costs and inflation.

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Road Builders project modest transportation market gains in new year

Source: American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), Washington, D.C. 

ARTBA Chief Economist Dr. Alison Premo Black projects a 4.2 percent year-over-year increase for the 2019 transportation infrastructure market, reflecting higher federal, state and local government investment across all modes. Total U.S. transportation construction and related-market activity is projected to eclipse $278 billion in 2019, up from this year’s trending tally of nearly $267 billion.

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Road Builders chief frames user fee case in wake of California gas tax vote

Sources: American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), Washington, D.C.; CP staff

Negative election day response to a proposed roll back of a 2017 California Senate measure increasing state gasoline taxes by 12 cents/gallon elicited a strong defense of user fee-based funding models from ARTBA Acting President & CEO William Toohey, Jr.: “By soundly rejecting Proposition 6 and re-electing 95 percent of the state legislators who voted in 2017 to increase the state gas tax to fund needed transportation improvements, California voters showed the public continues to support a user funded approach to infrastructure investment. That’s a message the Trump administration and new Congress should heed as they consider a bipartisan infrastructure package and permanent revenue solution for Highway Trust Fund programs next year.”

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Road Builders see minor 2018 transportation construction rebound

Sources: American Road & Transportation Builders Association, Washington, D.C.; CP staff

After a 2.8 percent year-over-year decline in 2017, total domestic transportation construction and related-market outlays are projected to reach $255 billion next year, according to the ARTBA Transportation Construction Market Forecast.

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Road Builders drive another stake through Waters of U.S. rule

Sources: American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA)

In comments submitted to the U.S. Senate Environment & Public Works (EPW) Committee, ARTBA contends that the Environmental Protection Agency’s contentious “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rule should be repealed as it is scientifically and legally flawed; threatens recent bipartisan achievements in reducing transportation project delays; and, is likely to be used as a litigation tool to delay projects, making construction more expensive.

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