Western/Pacific Smooth Ride Sentinel
The Voice of the APA Pacific Coast and Rocky Mountain Regional Councils
The third edition of the Asphalt Institute’s “MS 22 – Construction of Quality Asphalt Pavements” is now available. For 35 years, this book has served as the Asphalt Institute’s comprehensive manual on asphalt pavement construction. It has been widely seen as one of the finest resources on the topic. Click here for additional information and… Continue reading Updated MS-22 Manual is Now Available
The Utah Asphalt Pavement Association (UAPA) recently held the UAPA Fall Conference (formerly known as the Southern Utah Asphalt Seminar) in St. George in early November. A record number of attendees and exhibitors were at the event showcasing a Welcome Address from Dr. Williams, the President of Dixie State University, and a panel discussion from… Continue reading UAPA Reaches New Milestone with Creation of Regional Leadership Council and Expanded Conference
Utahns recognize that the state per-gallon gasoline tax doesn’t pay for all the road needs and that sales tax is diverted to roads, but they don’t like the idea of raising the gas tax, and they really don’t like the idea of charging tolls on some major roads, a new Analytics survey finds. But like… Continue reading How should your state fund road needs?
When faced with the option of turning paved roads back into gravel due to budget constraints, one Utah county decided to do something different – a decision that is paying off in spades. The county decided to use a new repaving process developed by Lithified Technologies on two sections of County Road 110, referred to… Continue reading ‘Nature’s cement’ is key ingredient in new road paving technology
The effects of truck platooning on the nation’s infrastructure continues to be studied, federal officials told the American Society of Civil Engineers’ International Conference on Transportation and Development here. Derek Constable, a bridge management engineer for the Federal Highway Administration, said the agency has a research project underway to investigate platooning’s impact on structural safety,… Continue reading Platooning Continues to Be Put Under Microscope at Federal Level
Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., Tuesday introduced the Rebuild America Act of 2019, which would incrementally increase the federal gasoline and diesel taxes to invest in America’s infrastructure. The legislation raises the fuels tax by five cents a year over five years, indexes it to inflation, and establishes Congress’ intention to replace it with a more… Continue reading Oregon lawmaker introduces bill to raise gas tax, eventually linking it to inflation
Pondering the use of wildlife bridges, tunnels and fences to protect animals crossing the road but finding them too expense and time consuming get constructed? UDOT came up with an idea they think will be a quick, cheap, and first-of-its-kind solution. Click here for the article in the Salt Lake Tribune that shares their solution… Continue reading UDOT installs new radar-triggered signs that warn drivers when wildlife is near
The issue of workforce development, particularly in construction, remains a huge challenge for Utah. This article describes a great way the state is approaching the issue to help us in the asphalt industry. In late March, the Governor's Office of Economic Development announced the launch of the Utah Architecture, Engineering and Construction Pathway program as… Continue reading Utah launches new career pathways program aimed at construction industry
U.S. state governments face growing challenges attracting, building and retaining critically important talent and workforce skills, according to research by the National Association of State Chief Administrators, conducted in collaboration with global consulting company Accenture and human resources provider NEOGOV. According to the report, chief administrators and HR directors find “difficulty attracting new employees” as… Continue reading Survey: Recruiting, Retaining New Workers Becoming More Difficult for State Governments
According to a news release, UDOT triggers about 330 avalanches annually in Little Cottonwood Canyon to decrease the threat of snowfall from the mountains to drivers and property. UDOT has refined its technology over the years. It uses Remote Avalanche Control Systems to trigger avalanches in a "more customized, fine-tuned approach," the news release explained.… Continue reading UDOT avalanche crews prep for winter storm
