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Cobb and Gwinnett voters are deciding on a proposed 1% sales tax increase to fund extensive transportation improvements over the next 30 years. Both counties aim to expand Bus Rapid Transit, Arterial Rapid Transit, and local bus services, with hopes of improving transit accessibility and reliability. The outcome of these referendums will have long-term implications for regional mobility and infrastructure.

Cobb and Gwinnett transit referendums: Weighing two major Georgia transit votes Metro Atlanta voters previously shot down sales tax increases for transit. Now, efforts to expand transit options in Cobb and Gwinnett counties are back on the ballot.

The Taum Sauk Power Station disaster in 2005, an engineering milestone turned catastrophe, is a powerful reminder of the importance of dam safety. A small oversight with water level sensors led to a massive reservoir failure, sending 6 billion liters of water cascading down the mountainside. Thankfully, no lives were lost, but this event reshaped the field of dam safety forever.

The Wild Story of the Taum Sauk Dam Failure 🥑 Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/practica...

Efforts to "reconnect communities" affected by the highway construction of the 20th century must center the voices of those impacted. At a recent Transportation Alternatives conference, experts stressed that while federal funding is a step forward, true progress requires meaningful community engagement. Without this, well-intended projects may miss the mark, as seen in cases like I-81 in Syracuse. Successful examples, like Dallas' Klyde Warren Park, highlight the importance of local support and private investment.

Reconnecting Communities: Are We There Yet? — Streetsblog USA Advocates warn: to reconnect communities, you have to listen to them.

Babcock Ranch in southwest Florida was put to the test during Hurricane Ian, a Category 4 storm. Thanks to smart planning, sustainable design, and resilient infrastructure, the community emerged largely unscathed. Powered by solar energy, equipped with advanced stormwater management, and built to withstand extreme weather, Babcock Ranch proved that sustainability and resilience can coexist in modern development.

How Florida’s Babcock Ranch survived Hurricane Ian Designed to resist hurricanes, Florida’s Babcock Ranch protected its own and even helped out its neighbors in need.

With climate change increasingly affecting infrastructure, experts are highlighting the need for resilient roads that can withstand extreme weather events. From rising temperatures damaging pavements in Washington to permafrost thawing in Alaska, the transportation sector faces significant challenges. Agencies like the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are advocating for resilience planning, including innovative engineering solutions to mitigate damage and support long-term sustainability. As climate impacts vary by region, the call for proactive measures and federal funding becomes even more critical.

Can We Build Roads To Withstand Climate Change? As our climate-world around us changes, our infrastructure must change too. Year-after-year an increasing number of climate fueled catastrophes damage or destroy roads across the country. At what point do you stop rebuilding it, and just relocate?

Voters in Cobb and Gwinnett County will soon decide on key ballot measures concerning public transit funding during the upcoming November election. Proposals include a 1% sales tax to support various transit projects, such as bus rapid transit and microtransit expansion. These initiatives aim to improve transportation options as the region grows. Early voting began on October 15 and ends on November 1.

Public transit funding in Gwinnett and Cobb County among ballot measures in metro Atlanta Voters in metro Atlanta will decide on local ballot measures in November’s general election in Cobb, DeKalb and Gwinnett.

Researchers investigating the Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara, Egypt, have uncovered evidence of advanced hydraulic engineering used during its construction. This system may have allowed ancient builders to harness the power of water to move massive stone blocks, possibly explaining how the pyramid was constructed over 4,500 years ago. These findings provide new insights into the impressive engineering skills of the ancient Egyptians and their innovative use of water management in construction.

Did ancient builders use hydraulic engineering to build step pyramids? A new multipronged investigation shows evidence of complex hydraulic engineering technologies, including dams, filtration, and lifts.

Housing affordability is about more than just rent or mortgage costs—it’s about accessibility to essential services like jobs, schools, and healthcare. In metro Atlanta’s Cobb and Gwinnett counties, the reliance on cars and the resistance to mass transit expansion is shaping how these communities handle rapid growth. With upcoming transit referendums, the future of affordable housing and transportation in these counties is at a critical turning point.

As Cobb and Gwinnett grow, could transit expansion help offset housing costs? “If you’re spending your life in your car, that’s not good for you or your family. It’s really bad for our air quality, too, and it creates a lot of other challenges for us as a region.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s deadline for lead service line inventories is rapidly approaching on October 16. Water utilities across the nation are working diligently to meet this requirement under the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR). This crucial step will lay the foundation for the complete removal of lead service lines, a process that will continue into the next decade.

Utilities dig deep as key deadline in lead line replacement nears Water utilities must submit inventories of lead service lines by Oct. 16, a provision of the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions.

Approximately 15% of U.S. trucks serve key industries like forestry, mining, and food services. In 2021, these industries contributed $1.26 trillion to the GDP. However, poor infrastructure and lack of data on farm-to-market roads limit efficiency and safety in the agricultural supply chain. Addressing data gaps and investing in rural roads can help ensure smoother, safer, and more reliable agricultural transport. States like Texas and Washington are leading the way by prioritizing freight networks and farm-to-market roads.

From Farm to Market: The Data Challenges of Rural Roads | FHWA Using data and effective practices to identify and analyze the role of rural roads in safe and efficient goods movement.

Midtown is set for major improvements as construction begins on the Spring Street and 10th Street Bridge projects. The Spring Street upgrades will enhance mobility with wider sidewalks, protected bike lanes, ADA improvements, and pedestrian lighting. Funded by federal grants and local partners, the project aims to boost safety and access for all. The 10th Street Bridge will also be transformed into a multimodal gateway, connecting Georgia Tech to Midtown with bike lanes, landscaping, and safer intersections. Construction is expected to wrap up by 2025 and 2026, respectively.

Images: People-friendly redo of major Midtown street begins soon 10th Street Bridge overhaul also on horizon, district leaders report

A week after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of western North Carolina, over 400 roads remain closed, highlighting the widespread impact of climate change. Even areas previously considered climate havens are not immune. With rising storms and floods, rebuilding resilient infrastructure is key to recovery and future preparedness. Engineers are adapting by designing roads that can withstand increasingly extreme weather, though challenges remain. As communities rebuild, climate-resilient infrastructure will be essential for long-term safety and sustainability.

Hurricane Helene Destroyed Roads. Here’s How to Rebuild—and Flood-Proof Them for Next Time As it becomes clear that climate change devastation can hit anywhere, engineers are considering how best to protect vital thoroughfares from intense storms.

Data and technology are transforming road safety across the U.S., helping to address the rise in traffic fatalities seen post-pandemic. From automated enforcement systems to data-driven solutions, these innovations are crucial in identifying high-risk areas and improving road safety. By focusing on smarter, safer streets, we can help reduce preventable crashes and protect pedestrians.

Smarter, safer streets: How data and technology can save lives on U.S. roads - American City and County In the years after the COVID-19 pandemic upended daily life, a disturbing trend emerged on America’s roads: driving became significantly more dangerous. Fifty-four percent of Americans now feel the average driver is worse today than before the pandemic, and 40% feel less safe on the roads, accordi...

Fire tornadoes, rare but real, pose a growing threat to infrastructure due to the increasing frequency of wildfires in a warming climate. Engineers are now considering these fiery vortexes in their designs to make infrastructure more resilient. As extreme weather events like fire whirls become more common, civil engineers must take a leading role in addressing these emerging hazards to protect the built environment.

Yes, fire tornadoes are real, and engineers must deal with them This rare phenomenon represents one of the “potential future hazards for infrastructure that civil engineers need to think about.”

City transportation leaders are reflecting on the progress and broader impacts of smart curb projects, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation's SMART grants. These projects are reshaping how cities use curbs by creating digital inventories, implementing zero-emission delivery zones, and using data to improve curb management. As cities like San Jose, Portland, and Minneapolis move forward, they are laying the groundwork for more efficient, sustainable urban mobility.

Smarter Curbs Are Just the Start for Smarter Cities At the midpoint of smart curb projects, city transportation leaders across the country are reflecting on the broader impacts this work can have — and how they might unlock progress in the future.

The United States is facing a growing water crisis, with droughts and shrinking water sources putting pressure on communities nationwide. Potable water shortages are becoming increasingly dire, but solutions are emerging. Conservation, desalination, and recycling are key strategies to address water scarcity. While conservation offers immediate, cost-effective relief, advances in desalination and water recycling hold promise for long-term sustainability. As water management becomes more critical, innovative approaches will be vital to securing a reliable water supply for the future.

America is in a water crisis, but help is on the way The United States must act before its water situation turns more dire. Here are three steps we can take to fix the problem.

to the Gainesville Downtown Streetscape project! Keck & Wood had the privilege of enhancing the heart of downtown Gainesville with streetscape and utility improvements along Washington, Bradford, Green, and Spring Streets. The project featured new sidewalks, brick pavers, street trees, pedestrian lighting, and more, creating a welcoming, accessible environment for residents and visitors. It’s a great example of how thoughtful design and engineering can transform public spaces!

Gainesville Downtown Streetscape - Keck & Wood Civil Engineers, Duluth, Fayetteville GA, Rock Hill, North Charleston SC BACK TO PROJECTS Client Name: Project Type: Services Provided:

Siemens Mobility is set to produce high-speed trains for the Brightline West rail line at a new manufacturing facility in Horseheads, New York. The state-of-the-art plant will manufacture the "American Pioneer 220," a fully electric, zero-emission train that will operate between Las Vegas and Southern California. Production begins in 2026, creating 300 jobs in the local community. This project, supported by a $3 billion federal grant, marks a significant step forward in sustainable transportation and job creation.

Rail News - Siemens to build Brightline West's high-speed trains in New York. For Railroad Career Professionals Railroad industry news about: Siemens Mobility, Brightline West, American Pioneer 220, Marc Buncher, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. From the editors of Progressive Railroading Magazine

New research highlights the impact of roadway design on driving speeds, reinforcing the effectiveness of the Complete Streets approach in creating safer, more accessible roads for all users. By analyzing data from 19 road corridors in Minnesota, researchers identified how specific design features—such as roundabouts and raised medians—lead to measurable speed reductions. This study provides valuable insights for MnDOT and local agencies, offering a data-driven method to guide future road designs that prioritize safety and accessibility for everyone.

Measuring the Effects of Road Features on Driving Speeds The Complete Streets approach to roadway design uses site characteristics to create a safer, more accessible environment for all road users. New research demonstrates that roadway design features h…

The city of St. Louis is making strides in improving street safety infrastructure, with over $300 million in upcoming projects funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and federal grants. Mayor Tishaura Jones recently joined advocates and officials on a 21-mile bike ride, highlighting the city's commitment to sustainable transportation and addressing car dependency. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to reduce traffic violence and create safer, more accessible streets for all residents. St. Louis is on the brink of transformative change, but sustaining momentum will be key.

Deep Dive: St. Louis Launches $300M Sea Change for Sustainable Transportation — Streetsblog USA But how did it get there — and can it sustain the momentum?

The Georgia Department of Transportation, in collaboration with the University of Georgia, is working to protect female diamondback terrapins during their nesting season. These turtles often cross busy roadways, like the US 80 corridor to Tybee Island, to lay their eggs, putting them at risk of traffic collisions. The new conservation project aims to test curb barrier designs to prevent terrapins from entering roads, safeguarding both the turtles and drivers. This initiative not only supports terrapin conservation but also enhances roadway safety, contributing to Georgia DOT's commitment to protecting wildlife and the public. https://bit.ly/4d3ARx3

The Biden administration has announced the allocation of $521 million in grants to significantly expand the U.S. electric vehicle (EV) charging network, a critical step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The funds will support over 9,200 new EV charging ports, with $321 million dedicated to community projects and $200 million for fast-charging corridors. Key projects include Milwaukee's installation of chargers at 53 sites and a DC Fast Charging Hub at Atlanta's airport. This initiative aligns with the White House's goal to build a nationwide network of 500,000 EV charging ports.

Biden administration awards $521 million in grants to build EV charging network Automakers and others say drastically expanding EV-charging stations is crucial to the wide deployment of electric vehicles, key to U.S. efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Fehmarnbelt tunnel, an engineering marvel connecting Denmark and Germany, is steadily taking shape under the Baltic Sea. This record-breaking immersed tunnel, set to open in 2029, will drastically cut travel time between Copenhagen and Hamburg, transforming a six-hour drive into a 10-minute car journey. The innovative construction method, likened to assembling Lego blocks, involves building the tunnel sections above ground and sinking them into place. This project symbolizes a significant leap in connecting the Nordics with the rest of Europe, reinforcing Denmark's position as a central hub.

Like ‘using Lego blocks’: record-breaking tunnel connecting Denmark and Germany takes shape Tunnel being built with innovative engineering is final step of project to connect Denmark – and the Nordics as a whole – to the rest of Europe

We’re excited to share our latest blog post on Kingstree’s innovative shift from chlorine to peracetic acid (PAA) disinfection at their wastewater treatment plant. Located in Williamsburg County, South Carolina, Kingstree faced challenges with effluent coliform bacteria and cyanide due to industrial wastewater discharges. Our team at Keck & Wood partnered with the town to explore PAA as an alternative disinfectant, leading to improved effluent quality, cost savings, and environmental benefits. Dive into our article to learn more about this transformative journey and how PAA is paving the way for sustainable wastewater treatment. https://keckwood.com/news-updates/eliminating-toxic-byproducts-and-saving-money-kingstrees-journey-from-chlorine-to-peracetic-acid-disinfection/

Happy Labor Day! Today, we honor the dedication and hard work of all workers who contribute to building a better tomorrow. Whether you're taking a well-deserved break or continuing to keep things moving, we appreciate your efforts and resilience. Let’s celebrate the strength, creativity, and commitment that drive our communities forward. Enjoy the day and take pride in your achievements! 🇺🇸