Congress Passes the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)
After months of negotiation, the U.S. Congress passed the infrastructure bill. The bipartisan measure was approved on November 5, 2021 and was signed by President Biden on Monday, November 15. The 5-year IIJA will have positive repercussions on the transportation industry as almost half of the funding is transportation-related. The bill includes funding for roads and bridges, transit and rail, the upgrade of airports, rail, and ports, electric vehicles, and emerging transportation technology. Other areas include investments in broadband, power and water systems, and environmental remediation, to name a few.
This is an historic advancement for the transportation Industry. The UFTI looks forward to the opportunities the IIJA will present in advancing the transportation industry in the areas of education, research, workforce development, and technology transfer.
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This bill addresses provisions related to federal-aid highway, transit, highway safety, motor carrier, research, hazardous materials, and rail programs of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).
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Fundamentals of the Transportation Profession Course to be Offered in Spring 2022
The University of Florida Transportation Institute in collaboration with Florida Department of Transportation will be offering a course titled Fundamentals of the Transportation Profession in Spring 2022.
This course will provide an overview of all aspects pertaining to professional practice of transportation including history, organizational structures, legal aspects, finances, human resources, asset management, leadership, marketing and communications, innovation, and technical overview of select topics. The objective of this course is to help students understand the historical underpinnings and the current state of transportation as a profession; critically think about the future of the professional practice; articulate the ideas orally and in writing; and learn real world examples from guest speakers (academics and practicing professionals).
Limited seats are available for students interested in taking this class (including non-degree-seeking students).
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Entirely online with synchronous lectures
Tuesdays and Thursdays
11:00 AM to 12:15 PM, ET
The content will be delivered by several guest lecturers who are experts in the field.
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Innovative, Cutting-Edge Research Products to be Showcased by STRIDE
Register now for the 2021 STRIDE Products Showcase held as a virtual event on November 16, 17, & 18, from 12 PM to 2 PM, ET.
State DOTs, transit and planning agencies, and other transportation-related entities and professionals will have the opportunity to learn about five or more products during each day followed by a discussion with expert researchers and panelists in the field. Each day will feature tools and strategies around a central theme, and will include a moderator, panelists, and researchers comprised of transportation professionals from academia and the public sector.
There is no cost to register, however you must register to receive a link. The presentations will be recorded and posted after the event.
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The STRIDE Center is the USDOT grant-funded 2016 Regional University Transportation Center comprised of 10 colleges and universities in the southeast. The University of Florida is the lead institute.
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Florida APWA Recognizes T2 for 30 Years of Service
At the recent American Public Works Association, Florida Chapter, Conference and Exposition, help November 2–5, in Orlando, the UFTI-T2 Center was honored by the chapter with a certificate recognizing the center’s 30 years of service and participation with the APWA Florida Chapter. On hand to receive this honor were Scott Tison and Wanda Tison, who are respectively the T2 Center’s lead trainer and program administration. While this event was a highlight, Scott and Wanda were otherwise actively engaged throughout the event, enjoying the presentations and hospitality and networking with elected officials, contractors, and local agencies.
The Florida Chapter of the American Public Works Association is one of the largest chapters in the country, as dedicated professionals work to maintain and improve services that include water resources, stormwater, utilities, waste water, recycling, and more for the over 20 million residents of Florida and its 100 million visitors per year! The Florida Chapter held its 2021 conference and expo at the Orange County Convention Center and the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando. Though the event is annual, last year’s was cancelled due to Covid.
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Scott Tison and Wanda Tison at the American Public Works Association, Florida Chapter, Conference and Exposition.
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UF Researchers Evaluate Tapered Bearing Pads in Florida Bridges
Dr. Gary Consolazio and Dr. H.R. Hamilton of the Department of Civil & Coastal Engineering conducted experiments to evaluate tapered bearing pads for use in Florida bridge construction. Bearing pads, made of layers of steel and elastomer, a spongy material, are used in bridge construction to allow help with weight distribution caused by the natural movement of a bridge structure caused by traffic loading or expansion and contractions due to temperature variations.
This FDOT-funded project analyzed, evaluated and processed pad stiffness for future use. The researchers analyzed the limited data on important design properties of tapered bearing pads and developed equations to determine axial stiffness, shear stiffness, horizontal restraining force, and horizontal displacement. The result of the project can provide designers with new options and decrease time and expenses in constructing sloped bridges sites.
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Bearing pads allow massive bridge parts to safely move under the influences of traffic loads and temperature.
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Interchange Design and the Ramp Metering System
Ramp metering is used by transportation engineers to improve traffic flow on highways. For example, when traffic on an interstate is high, a traffic signal at an interchange is timed to allow cars to enter the highway at intervals. But what type of interchange design is best for ramp metering? Dr. Scot Washburn of the Department of Civil & Coastal Engineering developed guidance on interchange design with consideration of ramp metering is appropriate for planning and preliminary engineering.
This FDOT-funded project titled "Design to Accommodate Ramp Metering System" analyzed the most efficient design elements to help optimize ramp metering for various interchange configurations. The guidance developed in this project will benefit safety and efficiency in interchange designs with ramp metering.
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The diverging diamond interchange often increases safety and efficiency compared to traditional interchange designs.
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The Impact of E-scooters on Transit
E-scooters emerged as a popular travel mode among urban residents in 2016. According to this research in 2019 the number of scooter trips was more than triple than that of station-based bikeshare trips in the U.S.
This research paper analyzes the impact that e-scooters have on society, and how their use can compliment transit and bikeshare services.
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7th Annual UTC Conference for the Southeastern Region
The goal of the conference is to disseminate information about UTC research, encourage collaboration on future projects, and highlight intellectual property and technology transfer, as this is a hot topic for the USDOT and UTCs.
Submit your abstracts for podium and poster presentations until November 30, 2021. Students presenting at the conference will be competing for scholarships of:
- 1st Place: $500
- 2nd Place: $250
- 3rd Place: $100
Conference organizers welcome and encourage workshop proposals related to the conference theme from faculty and practitioners. Workshop presentations will be held either on March 25 or during the conference.
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SAVE THE DATE
March 24 - 25, 2022
Boca Raton, FL
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Register for Temporary Traffic Control, Pilot/Escort Flagging and Professional Development courses.
6.0 PDH provided
Nov 19 9-4PM ET
6.0 PDH provided
Dec 1 9-4PM ET
6.0 PDH provided
Dec 16 9-4PM ET
6.0 PDH provided
Dec 21 9-4PM ET
8.0 PDH provided for each Refresher course
16.0 PDH provided for each Intermediate course
20.0 PDH provided for each Advanced course
Weekend courses available
Self-guided online refresher available
As an umbrella organization for many national and state-based programs, the T2 Center provides training, technical assistance, technology transfer services, and safety information to transportation, public works, and safety professionals as well as the general public. Our mission is to transform engineering research and technology into common practice and to foster a safe, efficient, environmentally sound transportation system by improving skills, and knowledge.
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For more information,
contact Jasper Masciocchi, Education/Training Specialist III,
or call (352) 273-1685.
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McTrans Training Webinars
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Register for the upcoming McTrans Training Webinars below:
8 PDHs are provided for each series
Dec 07 - 08 1 - 5 PM ET
18 PDHs are provided for each series
Dec 13 - 17 1 - 5 PM ET
The McTrans Center at the University of Florida develops and supports software programs for traffic engineering and transportation planning applications.
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Have questions or want to learn more?
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You can help power and move forward the Research, Education, Technology Transfer, and K-12 efforts at the UFTI by making your tax-deductible contribution.
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