Did You Know

Update to the Tennessee Strategic Highway Safety Plan

On behalf of the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), Sain Associates recently completed the update to the Tennessee Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP). The SHSP is a five-year document required by the Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) through the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), which is the primary federal funding source for transportation safety projects. The…
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Celebrating Black Innovators Who Shaped the AEC Industry

As Black History Month comes to a close, it’s important to recognize the Black innovators in the AEC Industry. From transportation safety to GPS technology, Black inventors and engineers have played a pivotal role in building the infrastructure that keeps our communities moving. But have you heard their names before? Let’s highlight some of these…
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GIS for Severe Weather: More Than Just a Pretty Map

Severe weather conditions are common throughout the Southeast. Whether it is tornado and hurricane season or a snow and ice storm, there are many benefits of utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) during these conditions that people may not normally consider. During severe weather, GIS capabilities are more than likely used in some capacity to assess…
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The RPCGB’s APPLE Program

For this week’s blog, we asked Mike “Kaz” Kaczorowski, the Principal Planner of Transportation for the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham (RPCGB), to dive into their APPLE program and its success story. Under his leadership, the program has made significant strides in supporting local governments and improving infrastructure across the Greater Birmingham region. APPLE,…
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New Regulations Under the MUTCD

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, also known as the MUTCD, is the national standard for traffic control devices on all streets, highways, and other public roads. The MUTCD provides the purpose and application of traffic control devices such as signs, roadway striping, and traffic signals. In December of 2023, the Federal Highway Administration…
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Understanding Driveway Cracking

Driveways are often plagued by a common nemesis: cracks. But fear not, understanding the cause is the first step to keeping them at bay. It’s not a matter of if your driveway will crack, but when. Not all cracks are the same, so understanding what causes cracking to occur can help prevent the deterioration of…
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National Work Zone Awareness Week: 25 Years of Safety

As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), it’s crucial to reflect on the origins and impact of this important safety campaign. Initiated by a group of dedicated Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) staff members in 1997, NWZAW aimed to raise awareness about the critical importance of safety in work…
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Did You Know: Longitudinal Traffic Barriers

Did you know that there are three classifications for traffic barriers? Traffic barriers are roadside safety measures implemented to reduce motorist harm after leaving the roadway. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) categorizes roadside medians into three classifications: flexible, semi-rigid, and rigid. These classifications are defined by the deflection of the barrier when impacted by a…
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Alabama SEEDS Act: Boosting Economic Development with Grants

The Alabama Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) Act is a groundbreaking grant program that aims to expedite the process of developing economic sites throughout the state. The program is a critical component of Governor Ivey’s Game Plan to boost economic development in Alabama. Under the SEEDS program, the State Industrial Development Authority (SIDA)…
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Let’s Get Out and Walk to School!

National Walk to School Day is an annual event encouraging families and students to walk to school to promote physical activity, reduce traffic congestion, and teach safe walking habits. As an engineering firm, we believe this event is not only important for promoting healthy habits and reducing traffic congestion, but it also presents an opportunity…
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