AutoTURN 7.0 – CAD software for vehicle simulation and drive path analysis – is now available from Transoft Solutions. This latest release features special transportation systems for maneuvering larger, more complex vehicle types along with support for independent rear steering. Visit our website to download the demo, request more information, or sign up for a webcast.

The House of Representatives approved legislation on May 28, 2010, that would provide $521 million in additional highway funding, increasing allocations for 37 states, according to the AASHTO Journal.

Granite Construction Incorporated announced on June 7 that Granite Construction Co. was awarded a $22 million contract by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for the widening of approximately seven miles of Highway 46 near Bakersfield, Calif.

Scope of the work includes the construction and widening of the existing two-lane highway to a four-lane expressway. Along with the roadway excavation, work will include the placement of aggregate base, asphalt and concrete paving, and the construction of drainage culverts.

Thomas J. Gibson, president and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), whose members produce more than 75 percent of the steel produced in America, issued the following statement on the Senate’s failure to pass S.J. Res 26:

If Congress and the President do not act later this year or in early 2011 on passage of a new, multi-year highway and transit authorization bill, hundreds of thousands of U.S. jobs could be lost and states could face at a 50-percent cut in federal funding, American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) President and CEO Pete Ruane warned industry executives gathered in Pittsburgh for the 27th International Bridge Conference (IBC).

Sapa Extrusions manufactures and installs time-proven aluminum bridge decking at installations worldwide. Sapa’s isotropic design accelerates bridge construction and lowers lifecycle costs. Its reduced weight permits widening using the existing substructure.

More than one-third of Arkansas’ major roads are deteriorated, 23 percent of the state’s bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete, urban traffic congestion is mounting, and the traffic fatality rate is among the highest in the nation.

This is according to a new report released by TRIP, a Washington, D.C.-based national transportation organization. TRIP’s report finds that increased investment in the state’s transportation infrastructure could improve road and bridge conditions, enhance safety, and support long-term economic growth in the state.

A strategic rail plan being prepared by the U.S. Department of Transportation should propose dedicated financing mechanisms outside of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) to support high speed passenger rail, encourage open competition for work on all types of rail projects, recognize that new rail investments can catalyze public support for investment in all modes of transportation, and include a focus on goods movement.

These were the recommendations of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) in comments filed last week with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on its proposed National Rail Plan.

Rotary Lift can show vehicle maintenance providers how to add $70,000 to their profits (or reduce labor costs) every year.  Let us prove it. In YOUR shop, at OUR expense.
800-640-5438

The Construction Safety Council developed a new train-the-trainer Health Hazards Awareness Program for the construction industry. Using federal funding from the Susan Harwood Training Grant, the CSC delivers a curriculum covering chemical, physical and biological hazards on the job
site.

Vacall – AllJetVac models by Vacall,  industry’s ultimate combination sewer cleaner models, deliver high performance and excellent reliability — benefits you want and need to handle emergencies as well as routine maintenance. Using both jetting and vacuum forces, AllJetVac models enable municipalities and contractors to open clogged sewer lines and remove debris quickly and efficiently.

Roadtec began construction this month on a new two-story 11,500-square-foot training center. The new facility will have a large auditorium with state-of-the-art projection equipment, a dining facility that will be able to accommodate more the 100 people, and separate class rooms for specific courses in the Roadtec training curriculum, the company says.

Knaack LLC has announced the launch of its new online dealer locator to make Web searches simpler for prospective end users.

A dealer locator is a tool that allows website visitors to search for the nearest jobsite, truck and van equipment dealers based on a zip/postal code and radius search.

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) will begin accepting nominations on July 1 for its 2010 AEM Hall of Fame program to create a wider public understanding and appreciation of the industry’s role, the organization announced on June 17. Nominations may be submitted on the Hall of Fame Website.

Case Construction Equipment on June 17 celebrated production of its 250,000th skid steer loader.

A special ceremony was held at the company’s global skid steer manufacturing facility in Wichita, Kan.

Vermeer Corp. has launched a new multilingual and multimedia Web site designed to provide easy access to product and market-specific industry information.

The redesigned Vermeer.com site provides detailed information on the current line of Vermeer products, including 360-degree walkarounds of select models that allow customers to get familiar with the product features and benefits. Customers will also be able to compare features, benefits, and specifications for all Vermeer models to determine the equipment that is the best fit for their specific needs.

Mack Trucks, Inc. recently honored Mack Centro of Valencia, Venezuela, as its 2009 International Dealer of the Year.

Each year, Mack acknowledges the efforts and contributions of its dealer network by honoring high-performing distributors in its North American and International operations.

Selection criteria include sales, facilities, personnel, service, parts, general management, customer satisfaction, and community service.

JLG Industries, Inc., an Oshkosh Corp. company and manufacturer of aerial work platforms and telescopic material handlers, announced the promotion of Scott Milligan to the position of vice president, customer support and aftermarket development for the Americas region.

Knaack LLC has announced the launch of its new online dealer locator to make Web searches simpler for prospective end users.

A dealer locator is a tool that allows website visitors to search for the nearest jobsite, truck and van equipment dealers based on a zip/postal code and radius search.

Following a previously announced succession plan, the board of directors of Caterpillar Inc. has elected Doug Oberhelman as CEO and a member of Caterpillar’s Board of Directors, effective July 1.

Oberhelman succeeds Jim Owens as CEO, while Owens will remain chairman of the board until Oct. 31, when he will retire after more than 38 years with the company. At that time, Oberhelman will replace Owens as chairman.

Mohamad Hussein, P.E. has received the Florida Engineering Society’s 2010 Geotechnical and Materials Engineering Council (GMEC) Award.

This award, presented by the Florida Institute of Consulting Engineers (FICE), recognizes outstanding personal efforts on the part of its recipient to advance the technical and professional practice of geotechnical engineering firms in Florida for a minimum of 10 years.

Hussein is a vice president of GRL Engineers, Inc., and manages its Florida and Louisiana offices. He is also a partner in Pile Dynamics, Inc.

Charles A. Halbroth, P.E., PMP, has joined Urban Engineers as a senior project manager in the Construction and Program Management Services Department.  He will be located in the firm’s New York City office.

The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) on June 17 presented U.S. Congressman Eric Cantor (R-Va.) with its Free Enterprise Legislator of the Year award.

July 22-23, 2010 — Renaissance Washington Hotel, Washington, D.C.

July 26–28, 2010 — Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Washington, D.C.

888-468-6499

August 15-18, 2009 — Boston

October 8-9, 2010 — Charlotte Motor Speedway & MAX Dragway, Concord, N.C.

888-349-4287

Feb. 6-9, 2011, Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, Fla.

888-468-6499

March 22-26, 2011 — Las Vegas Convention Center

The Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) rose 0.3 percent in April from its March level, rising for the third consecutive month, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reported earlier this month.

BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that the Freight TSI index has risen 4.9 percent during the last 11 months, starting in June 2009, after declining 15.3 percent in the previous 10 months beginning in August 2008. The index has increased in nine of the last 11 months. The index started 2010 with a decrease of 1.4 percent.

Click here for the Economy At A Glance.