GS&P DIALOGUE - "Transportation"

The U.S. (Primary) Interstate System: Where Does It Go From Here in the Southeast?

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 09:10:30 GMT

This U.S. Interstate highway system is a vast, fascinating network of multi-lane, access controlled arterial roadways with improved engineering features that have provided millions of American motorists and freight carriers with a relatively high speed and safe route to almost any location of prominence in the country. No other country has a comparable roadway network in terms of engineering and distances covered. Would you agree that it isn't overstating to compare the feats of the Interstate Highway system to the public works accomplishments of great civilizations such as the aqueducts of the Roman Empire or the Great Wall of China? But as populations increase and commerce and trade barriers continue to expand, how will our interstate system be impacted? Are we in need of adding more roadway to this already extensive network?

Our Future and Energy

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:09:38 GMT

GS&P encourages people to think and started this blog to provide an outlet for us to share our thoughts and opinions. Blogs are true monologs. We ramble, and dissemble, but hopefully blogs sponsor thought on the part of the reader. In this post, I would like to encourage thoughts regarding our need to accelerate the rate of change in one specific area regarding energy and our future. I want to discuss what I feel must happen for us to have a future that is as good as the present - or perhaps even better.

How Can You Start to Implement Complete Streets In Your Community?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:47:48 GMT

GS&P's Marshall Elizer, P.E., PTOE is guest blogging today on the National Complete Streets Coalition's blog. In his post, he offers suggestions for how others can start to implement Complete Streets in their communities.

Transportation Funding and Georgia's Transportation Investment Act (TIA)

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:00:11 GMT

Everyone knows our economy is not what it used to be, but not everyone knows how bad one industry is that affects the quality of life of almost everyone in our society: transportation funding.

Transportation infrastructure is the backbone of our economy. Not only does our transportation system get people to the workplace, it also makes possible the movement of goods and services that has dramatically fueled our economy for the last century. Unfortunately, funding for new transportation projects is woefully behind the current demand. My home state of Georgia has an innovative idea to solve this shortfall.

The Super Power of Centennial Park

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:03:07 GMT

After reading Marion Waters' post on Gadgets in Transportation Design, I was thinking about the various ways advancing technology may impact the evolution of our transportation system. It also led me to think about how one of my personal interests, the American railroad system, was affected by the technological advancements of steam locomotives. Well before talk of Intelligent Transportation Systems, even before talk of the interstate system - innovations in our railroad system were changing the way passengers and freight were transported across our country.

Gadgets in Transportation Design

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 10:11:14 GMT

I absolutely love gadgets. Maybe not as much as my 33 year old son-in-law or his 6 year old son (MY grandson), but nevertheless, I am a true blue gadget lover. When Apple's iPhone 4s was unveiled, did you, like my son-in-law, rush to order it the day it became available? To some, it is hard to fight the temptation to upgrade their smartphone every time a newer model is available - they just have to have the latest version with all the bells and whistles. In many of these instances (my son-in-law included), their current model still works as intended and the buyer takes into consideration that there will be a newer model made available in a fairly short timeframe making their purchase (in their minds) obsolete yet again.

As a trusted advisor to my clients, it is among my duties to understand the latest and greatest technologies being introduced within the Transportation industry. It is also my obligation to look beyond my clients' needs (and wants) of today and understand how these technologies will help meet the mobility needs of their community in the future. DOTs and municipalities don't have the luxury to update their 'gadgets' every time a newer solution is developed. So as design consultants, it is our job to create designs that support allocation of their financial resources to the best, highest and most meaningful long-term use.

When Driving On the Left Is Right: A CFI Story

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 08:26:48 GMT

There was a time when money for transportation projects was not as constrained as it is today and designers were not as limited in the types of solutions that could be implemented to correct capacity or operation of an intersection or interchange. Now that federal, state and local funds have drastically shrunk, designers have been tasked to do more with less - all at a time when people are driving more than ever before.

The solution: Think outside the box. Engineers and DOTs across the country are pushing the barriers of innovation everyday to help stretch available funds and improve mobility. In Georgia - we're switching traffic to the left hand side of the road.

Reaching For Sustainability in Transportation Design – And Achieving It

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:00:00 GMT

Sustainability is associated with plenty of things, but transportation planning and design may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Still yet, as a senior associate in GS&P’s Transportation market, sustainable transportation planning and design is one of my primary focuses. Facilitating energy-efficient modes of transportation, reducing emissions and streamlining traffic operations are at the root of sustainable transportation design, but I’ve learned over the years that sustainability is not just about “good design.” It incorporates countless other variables and objectives, and there are numerous tools available to help you create and measure a sustainable design.

Roundabouts: What took us so long?

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 08:50:07 GMT

It seems roundabouts have finally made it to the southeast United States. Yes, people were not sure if us southerners would be able to traverse the circular intersection - but I'm happy to report we've figured it out. No one has gotten stuck going round and round like Chevy Chase did back in the 80's. The only problem with the new roundabout that just opened in my hometown of Roswell, Georgia is that people in the roundabout were slowing down and waving to people in the circle.

That hospitality lasted just a few days however and people are now getting used to it. The feedback the City is receiving has been tremendously positive – a response that is good for roundabouts everywhere. It's the first roundabout in Roswell and in North Fulton County, and the positive vibes help show how people have become more accepting of roundabouts, and this gives decision makers the confidence to build more of them.

Did you miss the ICT revolution?

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 11:59:59 GMT

I have been with Gresham, Smith and Partners for more than eight years now. I was hired because of my passion for traffic engineering and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). GS&P has been extremely successful in helping clients in Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina and Tennessee design and deploy systems for traffic management that have saved the traveling public tens of thousands of hours of congestion and the cost of the fuel that would have been used.

GS&P has graciously allowed me to be what I am and to participate in a number of organizations including ITS Georgia. I've served on the ITS Georgia Board of Directors for more than a decade and have been Chapter President in 2010 and 2011.

With this short introduction, there is very little doubt that I am on the geeky side of being an engineer. My wife of 41 years tells me regularly that it takes a very special person to tolerate someone with my special characteristics. Being the magnanimous person that I am, I do not take offense, nor do I intend to change.

You Want HOW MUCH for a Gallon of Gas?

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 08:51:04 GMT

A holistic approach to sustainable transportation.

Anyone who’s spent much time behind the wheel of a motor vehicle lately has no doubt felt the pain associated with skyrocketing gas prices which, according to AAA, have risen an average of almost $1.00 per gallon over the last year. You’ve seen your monthly gas costs rise precipitously and will no doubt think twice before loading up the minivan and driving the family to the Grand Canyon this summer. The long term implications for family budgets are scary.

Across the nation, transportation professionals are wringing their hands at the task of building new roads and keeping existing ones in good repair to keep pace with growth in traffic demands, all while federal transportation dollars are shrinking. To wit: according to a recent report from the National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission, over the period from 2008–2035, if current trends continue, there will be enough money to maintain only 44 percent of the of the current transportation system and to make only 36 percent of necessary improvements. Cities, regions and states simply can’t sustain their road programs into the future.

Green is the New Black When it Comes to Street Design

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 09:09:59 GMT

There is no denying that organizations as well as cities and states are consistently being pushed and encouraged to be more "green" and more "sustainable." In my experience as a professional civil engineer, I can also say there is no denying that there has been an increased focus to translating those efforts into the design and maintenance of our country's infrastructure. More specifically, I'm a transportation engineer and for projects that have been traditionally about asphalt, concrete, curb inlets, etc. it has been fascinating to see the innovation that is occurring and the design concepts that are developed and catching on that truly lessen our impact on the environment and promote sustainability.

'Twas the end of my patience and all through the lot, in the worst holiday traffic I found myself caught.

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 10:21:32 GMT

As I muddled through what seemed like an endless disarray of traffic this past Saturday evening, two things occurred to me: 1.) I’m not the only one that waits until the last minute to Christmas shop; and 2.) driving can often be a very frustrating experience.

Surely others must feel this way, too. The question is, have we reached a tipping point such that people will shun their cars for different, better options?

Q&A Recap of 17th Annual ITS World Congress: Ubiquitous Society with ITS

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 11:45:22 GMT

The 17th Annual ITS World Congress was recently held in Busan, Korea. For five days, experts from 80 countries joined together to share the latest trends and discuss the future of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). This year's Congress theme was a "Ubiquitous Society with ITS" and focused on how ITS systems are being created to meet an integrated goal of providing safe, efficient and low-emission transport.

GS&P's Executive Vice President of Transportation Marshall Elizer, P.E., PTOE has been installing and designing intelligent transportation systems for more than 20 years. When he recovered from the jet lag caused by his return flight, he took the time to answer some questions and provide his highlights and takeaways from this year's conference.