Innovation

Roadway Safety Innovation

Innovation in the roadway safety industry

Outsiders of the transportation infrastructure industry may look to autonomous vehicles as an icon of innovation on the roadways, but for state Department of Transportation (DOT) officials, manufacturers, suppliers, and contractors in the roadway safety and infrastructure industry, innovation is not a stationary achievement. It is much more than a mile marker and not as easily defined.

With different perspectives and priorities, industry stakeholders are finding that in addition to new technologies, innovation is heavily reliant on communication between entities. Industry leaders are working together to move forward and ATSSA is no different. The association works year-round to progress and develop creative solutions for all of its initiatives including highlighting innovative products and technologies, training, and ATSSA membership.


One innovative effort ATSSA is involved in is a joint initiative with the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Standing Committee on Traffic Control Devices (AHB50). Both ATSSA and TRB sponsor and conduct an exciting design competition, the Traffic Control Device (TCD) Student Challenge, to promote innovation and stimulate ideas in the traffic control devices area with a goal to improve operations and safety.


Find recent updates on the latest innovations in the resource list below and be sure to check back for updates.



Exhibit at ATSSA's Annual Traffic Expo

NPRO

Do you have an innovative roadway safety product? Exhibitors can showcase their innovations in the New Products Rollout at the Annual Convention & Traffic Expo. Products released after Jan. 1 of this year qualify for entry. Twenty will be accepted for the New Product Listing and just 12 will be accepted for presentation to a panel of judges. The top three products will earn an Innovation Award that will be announced during the Convention.


Learn more about featuring your innovative product to key industry professionals. View videos of last year's entries and award winners.



Resources

Pam
/ Categories: Advocacy, ATSSA, FHWA, Government, Infrastructure, Policy, Transportation, Temporary Traffic Control, Work Zones

ATSSA asks Buttigieg to delay new Buy America requirements

ATSSA president also asks for exemption of some temporary products

ATSSA President & CEO Stacy Tetschner today sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg making three requests regarding changes to the Buy America requirements included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

“In a recent survey of ATSSA members regarding the new Buy America requirements for federally-funded infrastructure projects, there is considerable concern about the impact that these new policies will have on roadway safety,” Tetschner wrote. “Knowing of your strong commitment to reducing the number of fatalities and serious injuries on this nation’s roadways, it is important for you to consider the serious effect the new Buy America requirements will have not only on the roadway safety industry but the public as well.”

Tetschner shared with Buttigieg key findings of a recent survey of ATSSA members regarding the Buy America requirements:

  • 72% would not expect to be able to domestically source materials or products
  • 86% believe the cost of safety devices and projects will increase - with some projecting increases of as much as 50%
  • 66% believe that there will either be work interruptions, project completion challenges and delays, liquidated damages, or all three
  • 85% are concerned with the potential for a burdensome or confusing certification process

 

As a result of the concerns, Tetschner wrote that ATSSA “strongly urges” the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to do the following:

  • Delay implementation of the new Buy America provisions to give industry time to domestically source proven, lifesaving materials and products for roadway safety projects
  • Create a streamlined process for Buy America certification
  • Adopt policies consistent with the Office of Management and Budget guidance from April of this year which exempts temporary products, such as temporary traffic control and work zone safety devices.

 

Tetschner noted his concern regarding the "looming deadline" for implementation of the new Buy America requirements and ended his letter by emphasizing the shared commitment of ATSSA and USDOT to roadway safety and eliminating deaths on the nation’s roadways.

“As an industry, we are committed to moving Toward Zero Deaths on the roads and streets across America for all users of the transportation system,” he wrote. “ATSSA members are passionate about saving lives and reducing serious injuries, and we look forward to working with U.S. DOT to realize a future with zero roadway fatalities.”

 

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Tags: work zones Toward Zero Deaths USDOT Tetschner U.S. Secretary of Transportation Buttigieg temporary traffic control Buy America work zone safety devices
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