Each year, the federal BUILD Grant program creates a rare opportunity for communities to turn long-planned transportation improvements into reality. With the release of the FY 2026 BUILD Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the U.S. Department of Transportation has once again opened the door for transformative investments in surface transportation infrastructure across the country. This…
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In the midst of the holiday season, many of us are focused on traditions—family gatherings, festive meals, and safely getting from one celebration to the next. It’s also a time when travel increases, schedules get tighter, and roadways become busier than usual. A Timely Start to Safety Planning Last week, the Mobile County Safe Streets…
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If you’ve driven near the Birmingham Zoo or Botanical Gardens lately, you’ve probably noticed something big taking shape at one of the metro’s busiest gateways. Two roundabouts are transforming the high-volume intersection cluster shared by Birmingham and Mountain Brook, and the story of how we got here goes back over a decade. In 2009, roundabouts…
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October is recognized as Pedestrian Safety Month by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This annual observance serves as an important reminder of the shared responsibility we all carry to keep people safe when walking. Pedestrian crashes remain a serious concern across the nation. In 2023, a pedestrian…
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Alabama communities once again have a chance to secure critical funding for transportation improvements through the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation & Improvement Program II (ATRIP-II). For local governments with projects tied to the state highway system, this funding could be the catalyst to move long-needed improvements forward. What Is ATRIP-II? Administered by the Alabama Department of…
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Each year, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recognizes National Roundabout Week to highlight the safety and efficiency benefits of modern roundabouts. Roundabouts have been shown to reduce severe crashes, improve traffic flow, and create safer experiences for both drivers and pedestrians. With these proven results, roundabouts are increasingly becoming a preferred solution for communities across…
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As Assistant Director of Transportation Design and CEI, I have the privilege of overseeing work that directly shapes communities, and few projects embody this better than the ongoing extension of the Chief Ladiga Trail in Anniston, Alabama. This initiative, which began construction in February 2024, is steadily transforming a vision into reality, and I’m proud…
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If you’re looking for ways to improve travel times, reduce traffic crashes and congestion, preserve property values, and protect the long-term capacity of our roadways, one strategy rises to the top: access management. Access management is the planning, design, and implementation of strategies that balance land use needs with roadway function. It aims to maintain…
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Every time we get behind the wheel or step onto a roadway, we become part of a complex system where safety is a shared responsibility. Whether you’re a driver, cyclist, or pedestrian, understanding and practicing fundamental traffic safety habits is key to reducing crashes and protecting lives. Below are three tips to help everyone stay…
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At Sain Associates, we understand that every state DOT and municipality faces unique traffic challenges. Their leaders often require flexible and efficient solutions, and that’s where on-call traffic engineering contracts come into play. An on-call contract is a partnership between a state DOT or municipality and our engineering firm. Instead of procuring services for each…
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