Transportation

Extending the Chief Ladiga Trail

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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What is Access Management and Why Does It Matter?

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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Essential Traffic Safety Tips

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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Success through On-Call Traffic Engineering

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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Designing the Interchanges You Drive Every Day

When you drive on the interstate, you may not think twice about the entrance and exit ramps, overpasses, or flyovers that guide your route. However, behind every one of these features is a carefully engineered interchange – a vital structure that connects roadways, keeps traffic flowing, and promotes safety. Interchange design is a critical part…
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Veronica Ramirez Named 2025 ITE Young Leader to Follow

We are proud to announce that Veronica Ramirez, P.E., RSP1, Project Manager and Auburn-Opelika Office Lead, has been selected as one of the 2025 Young Leaders to Follow by the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)! The 2025 Young Leaders to Follow class is comprised of 20 transportation professionals under 35-years-old who have demonstrated leadership and…
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Understanding a Turbo Roundabout’s Design

Turbo roundabouts are an innovative intersection design developed in the Netherlands in the late 1990s. Unlike traditional multi-lane roundabouts, where vehicles can change between lanes within the roundabout, turbo roundabouts use raised lane dividers and lane markings to guide vehicles into specific paths before entering the roundabout. This eliminates lane changing within the roundabout itself,…
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Sain’s First SS4A Safety Action Plan

The Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham (RPCGB) has successfully completed its Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan (SAP). Sain Associates assisted the RPCGB with the SAP’s development through collaborative efforts with local stakeholders and public involvement. The primary goal of the SAP is to enhance transportation safety across the six-county…
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TAP Funding 101

The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) is a federal initiative that provides funding to municipalities for projects aimed at enhancing non-motorized transportation, improving pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and promoting safe routes to schools. As of 2025, there have been several updates and considerations for municipalities seeking TAP funding in Alabama. Application Process Applications must be submitted…
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Asphalt vs. Concrete: Which is Better for Your Next Project?

When it comes to choosing the right material for your paving projects, the decision between asphalt and concrete can be tough. To help shed some light on the benefits of each, we’ve invited two industry experts to share their insights. Dalton Magdon of Wiregrass Construction Company, Inc. discusses the advantages of asphalt, and Shadrack Mboya,…
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