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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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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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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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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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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Alabama’s infrastructure is getting a significant boost with the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation & Improvement Program II (ATRIP-II). As a follow-up to the original ATRIP initiative, ATRIP-II aims to address the continuing need for transportation infrastructure improvements across the state. Launched by Governor Ivey through the Rebuild Alabama Act, the ATRIP-II program is designed to enhance…
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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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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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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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