Senators introduce resolution recognizing NWZAW 2023 Senators introduce resolution recognizing NWZAW 2023 Resolution lists steps for motorists to practice work zone safety Pam / Wednesday, March 15, 2023 0 11719 Article rating: 5.0 Inspired by the death of an Indiana traffic control flagger, Senators Mike Braun (R-IN) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) this week introduced a resolution to recognize National Work Zone Awareness Week, which takes place April 17-21. Ben Fisher was struck and killed in 2019 while working for a traffic control company on Indiana State Road 13, according to a statement from Braun’s office. The statement also notes the increase in work zone fatalities nationwide since 2006 and the goal of increasing awareness of the hazards of work zones for drivers, workers and pedestrians, and the value of training. “Far too many road workers and emergency servicemen are injured and killed each year by automobile drivers. Ensuring the safety of these essential men and women is a no-brainer, and I’m excited to join Sen. Blumenthal to introduce legislation that raises awareness about making America’s roads less hazardous for everyone,” Braun said in announcing the resolution. Read more
ATSSA notes need for flexibility in final rule for Buy America requirements ATSSA notes need for flexibility in final rule for Buy America requirements Letter to OMB seeks clarity on proposed rule, emphasizes impact on roadway safety Pam / Monday, March 13, 2023 0 10868 Article rating: 5.0 ATSSA provided feedback to the Office of Management and Budget on Sunday regarding the proposed rules for Buy America requirements, asking for clarification on four specific issues and noting the importance of roadway safety infrastructure at a time when traffic fatalities are a major issue nationwide. “ATSSA members are generally in favor of increasing the capacity to procure domestically-sourced construction materials and manufactured products for use on surface transportation projects,” ATSSA President & CEO Stacy Tetschner wrote to Deputy Controller Deidre A. Harrison. “However, ATSSA members are deeply concerned with the breadth and scope of the [Notice of Proposed Rulemaking] and the impact it could have on the timely and cost-effective delivery of much-needed roadway safety infrastructure improvements.” The letter is in response to the NPRM on Guidance for Grants and Agreements – 2 CFR Parts 184 and 200 (Docket No. 2023-02617), which was published Feb. 9. The letter notes that ATSSA members manufacture, distribute and install roadway safety infrastructure devices such as guardrail and cable barrier, traffic signs and signals, pavement markings, work zone safety devices. “It is important that any new Buy America requirements not have the unintended consequence of hindering the delivery of important roadway construction and roadway safety projects across the country,” Tetschner wrote. Read more
New Traffic Sign Technician course launches in April New Traffic Sign Technician course launches in April Registration now open for virtual, instructor-led course Pam / Wednesday, March 8, 2023 0 6984 Article rating: 3.0 ATSSA launches its Traffic Sign Technician (TST) training course this spring after investing years in development. This course prepares public and private sector employees responsible for the installation, location and determination of appropriate roadway signing. It addresses the fundamentals of traffic signing and the role of the sign technician and covers several parts of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), temporary traffic control for short-duration activities and basic sign installation techniques. ATSSA Master Instructor Bill Birdwell spent time with the ATSSA Sign Committee in creating the course to be sure it met everyone’s standards, said ATSSA Training Program Manager Jessica Scheyder. Read more
Members immersed in ideas, innovations at 2023 Convention & Traffic Expo Members immersed in ideas, innovations at 2023 Convention & Traffic Expo Save the date for ATSSA’s 2024 event in San Diego, Feb. 2-6 Pam / Wednesday, February 22, 2023 0 9748 Article rating: No rating Thousands of roadway safety advocates filled the Phoenix Convention Center this week for ATSSA’s 53rd Annual Convention & Traffic Expo, exploring the latest technology and equipment for protecting lives within work zones and on the nation’s roadways. A record-setting number of people registered, with more than 3,700 for this year's event. With nearly 50 education sessions to choose from, they gained both practical tips—such as how to negotiate contracts to limit liability—and enhanced their understanding of critical workplace safety and technology issues such as advances in communication between work zones and connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs). Keynote speaker Scott Wozniak, an organizational leadership expert from Atlanta, addressed a key workforce issue on Sunday when he offered insights for building a successful team by focusing on the essential element of employee engagement. Check out some of the highlights of this week's event. Read more
Blue Vigil ALED Portable Light wins Innovation Award at ATSSA’s Convention & Traffic Expo Blue Vigil ALED Portable Light wins Innovation Award at ATSSA’s Convention & Traffic Expo Three products selected for honorable mention Pam / Monday, February 20, 2023 0 9403 Article rating: 4.5 Phoenix (Feb. 21, 2023) – A portable lighting system tethered to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) won the Innovation Award at ATSSA’s 53rd Annual Convention & Traffic Expo with three other new products being recognized for honorable mention. The Blue Vigil ALED Portable Light is a person-portable area lighting system that mounts a high-intensity LED array on a tethered UAV that can be positioned up to 100 feet above a job site, according to Blue Vigil of Sterling, Va. The ALED puts over 8,000 square feet of light on the ground, providing nearly twice as much coverage as the towed light towers commonly used for roadway work zones. The ALED can remain airborne for as long as needed and is designed to withstand the rigors of use in the field and on construction sites, according to company information. The innovative light was chosen from among 18 entered in ATSSA’s New Products Rollout. The products represented companies from the U.S., Canada and Australia, and were evaluated by a panel of judges made up of department of transportation personnel. Read more