In recent years, my research has focused on enhancing traffic safety at partial cloverleaf (parclo) interchanges, particularly addressing the persistent issue of wrong-way driving (WWD). Parclo interchanges, designed to manage traffic flow between highways and arterial roads, unfortunately exhibit a higher incidence of WWD events compared to other interchange types. Wrong-way driving poses significant risks,…
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As engineers, we take great pride in making a difference in communities. Being part of the Marketplace at 17 Springs project in Millbrook, Alabama has been nothing short of exhilarating. The project not only showcases our expertise in master planning, traffic engineering, and site design, but it also reflects our commitment to providing clients with…
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Within the past year, the State of Alabama has been transitioning from CUBE Voyager to TransCAD. These Travel Demand Model (TDM) software packages are typically used for statewide models and large urban areas with Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs). MPOs and states typically develop Long Range Transportation Plans (LRTP) with these software packages; Sain has experience…
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At Sain Associates, we continually work with municipalities and local agencies to implement transportation safety initiatives, programs, and strategies. While prioritizing safety is not a challenge, navigating the appropriate regulations and terminology can be. Today’s blog dives into some of the most common acronyms and newer initiatives you might hear related to the new Bipartisan…
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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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In January 2023, construction of a new roundabout was completed at the intersection of Sportsplex Parkway and West Point Parkway in Opelika, Alabama. The transformation of this intersection into a roundabout is a great example of how a city can roll up its sleeves and efficiently take an important project through conceptual planning, engineering design,…
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In 2021, Sain Associates undertook a comprehensive operations and safety analysis along a 7.7-mile stretch of US-31, spanning from South Colonial Parkway in Alabaster to Amphitheater Road in Pelham. This study included 19 signalized intersections as well as 69 unsignalized intersections. We reviewed roadway geometry, traffic control equipment, crash trends, planned developments in the area,…
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If you live in the Birmingham area, you may frequent the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover for some last-minute gifts this holiday season! Did you know that Sain has been an instrumental force behind the engineering and surveying developments at the iconic Galleria for over three decades? Our involvement has spanned from the original survey of…
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I recently became a licensed drone pilot after our team realized we had an opportunity to enhance our ability to gather information for traffic projects, whether through obtaining a more comprehensive understanding of the existing conditions within a project area or enhancing our deliverables to clients. Drone Use in Engineering While not all engineering projects…
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Vissim modeling allows individuals to map various intelligent traffic management systems to stabilize traffic flow and increase traffic safety. Vissim is a microsimulation tool that models individual vehicles in the traffic stream, considering the actions of virtual drivers in response to other vehicles, the road network, and various traffic controls. Sain Associates built a Vissim…
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