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- $26B upgrade to aging D.C. transit system proposed
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority wants to build two rail tunnels as part of a $26 billion plan to upgrade the Washington, D.C., area's transit system over the next 30 years. The plan includes an overhaul of the system’s electrical grid, construction of pedestrian corridors and improvement of existing infrastructure. "Now is the time for the region -- with Metro in the lead -- to begin talking about projects that make the most sense for making long-term investments," Metro General Manager Richard Sarles said. The Washington Post
(1/23)     
| Infrastructure Watch | | |
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- Wash. state needs $1.4B to complete work on SR 520 project
Exactly where to run the new Highway 520 bridge across Lake Washington to Interstate 5 in Seattle has been controversial, but now the City Council seeks to finalize the placement and speed up construction. In a formal draft resolution, the Council is asking the Washington state transportation department to shift the Portage Bay bridge section a bit to the north and keep it as narrow as possible to save money and construction time. Meanwhile, there is still a $1.4 billion shortfall in the project's funding. KUOW-FM (Seattle)
(1/23), The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.)
(1/24)
| Trends & Technology | | |
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- Event tackles high-tech tools, ideas in transportation sector
The adoption of modern technology tools and concepts in the transportation industry was a hot topic during the recent Transportation Research Board's 92nd annual meeting. Several sessions dealt with MAP-21, which leverages the use of innovative construction data for improved efficiency, reliability and safety in the movement of people and freight. Engineering News-Record
(1/23)
| Sustainable Development | | |
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- NREL and energy efficiency: A successful venture others emulate
Although private-sector obstacles to net-zero energy buildings exist, lessons can be learned from what the Research Support Facility at the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado is doing. RSF, constructed for the same price as a far less energy-efficient building, is a net-zero building that uses rooftop photovoltaics. This article details how the building's success has inspired cities, states and private companies to develop similar projects. CleanTechnica
(1/24)
- Calif. 49ers stadium to be net-zero energy facility
Several types of solar technology will be installed at the $1.2 billion new stadium for the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif. Enough will be installed to make the stadium "the first professional sports venue in California to achieve net zero energy performance," according to the team. Plumbing will focus on water efficiency, and recycled materials are being used to build the stadium. American City Business Journals/San Jose, Calif.
(1/23)
| Advancing the Profession | | |
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- Women in STEM still face challenges
The list of women who have overcome barriers and become role models in science, technology, engineering and math continues to grow, but many still face major obstacles, founder and president of PK Electrical Karen Purcell writes in this commentary. Earlier exposure to STEM subjects and access to mentors in the field are some ways to overcome remaining obstacles, she writes. Scientist, The (free registration)
(1/2013)
- What's your big idea?
Leaders need to have a big, bold vision that others can rally around, writes Karen Kang. That's the best way to burnish your personal brand and to get the most out of your workers, Kang writes. "The measure of your success is not just what others are saying about you, but in the impact you are making on the world," she writes. ThoughtLeaders blog
(1/23)
| News from ASCE | | |
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Prepare to pass the P.E. exam with ASCE’s live webinar review courses
Planning to take the P.E. Exam this spring? Will you be ready? ASCE's P.E. Exam Review Courses will assist you with passing your exam. ASCE offers three live review courses – one for the civil exam, one for the structural exam, and one for the environmental exam. Each is presented live over the web by highly experienced exam instructors using ASCE’s popular webinar format, and being live, you'll benefit from immediate feedback and assistance. In addition, you'll receive unlimited 24/7 access to the recorded course sessions so that you can reinforce your learning by reviewing the live sessions at times that are convenient to you. Register for a live review course individually or as a group, with reduced rates for individuals. If you are with an organization with multiple engineers preparing for an exam, ASCE’s group rate will allow you to train an unlimited number at one site at one low rate. Courses for the spring exams will begin in early February and continue through late March. Registration deadline is next Friday, Jan. 31. Get additional information and sign up at www.asce.org/pereviewlive.
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