The August 2024 Transportation Market Recap is a recap of some of the most interesting and useful transit industry news from the previous month. It contains updates on industry drivers, notable projects, as well as some interesting reads.
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Our data team tracks new and updated industry drivers. Here are some recent drivers we have been following this month:
Status: Effective
Organization: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
Summary: On August 22, 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) proposed a new rule that would mandate that sidewalks, crosswalks, and transit facilities must meet specific accessibility standards to accommodate people with disabilities. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance mobility and safety for all pedestrians. It includes requirements for more accessible design and maintenance practices to ensure that infrastructure is usable for everyone, including those with mobility impairments.
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Here are some recent, notable Capital Improvement Programs (CIPs). FirmoGraphs has deconstructed the CIPs into data elements, along with available project descriptions. Please feel free to request a meeting and review the data live in our business intelligence application.
In the CIP covering the 2025-2029 fiscal years, North County Transit District detailed plans to spend $144 million on capital projects, an increase of 35% from $107 million in its 2024-2028 CIP. The current CIP has 59 line items, compared to 49 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down North County Transit District’s planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.
Planned spending in the Rail Stations, Stops and Terminals increased significantly by $41 million with funding for seven new projects and programs, including the San Dieguito Lagoon Double-Track and Fairgrounds Station project.
The North County Transit District has only one notable line item valued at over $25 million: the San Dieguito Lagoon Double-Track and Fairgrounds Station, worth $36 million. This project falls under the Rail Stations, Stops, and Terminals category and focuses on improving rail infrastructure and service in the region.
Click Here to See North County Transit District, California, CIP
In the CIP covering the 2025-2029 fiscal years, the city of Fresno detailed plans to spend $2 billion on capital projects, an increase of 22% from $1.7 billion in its 2024-2028 CIP. The current CIP and prior CIP both have 829 line items. The table below breaks down Fresno’s planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.
Almost all business areas saw an increase in funding. The largest increase goes to the Parks, Afte7r School, Recreation and Community category, which increased by 112%, or over $140 million, with funding going toward ongoing projects. The Airports category also saw an increase of 40%, or over $80 million, for the same reason.
Fresno has two notable line items in the Public Works category: one valued at over $100 million and the other at nearly $50 million. The Blackstone-McKinley Grade Separation project, valued at $155 million, aims to improve traffic flow and safety by constructing a grade separation at the intersection of Blackstone Avenue and McKinley Avenue. It will also include improvements to surrounding infrastructure, such as roadways, sidewalks, and possibly utilities. Additionally, approximately $50 million is planned for the Downtown Infrastructure Grant – Parking Structure, which will support the development of a new parking structure to meet the growing demands of businesses, residents, and visitors in the downtown district.
Click Here to See City of Fresno, California, CIP
Here are some recent articles our team has been reading:
To stay abreast of industry marketing trends, we regularly review blogs of the nation's top consulting and construction firms. These are some notable customer-focused blogs in August.
Summary: In August 2024, Walsh Group and Vinci Construction, in partnership with Transit Community Partners, discussed in a blog that they have been selected by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) to design and build the Red Line Extension Project. This significant project aims to extend the Red Line of the CTA further south into underserved areas of Chicago. The extension is expected to improve transportation access for thousands of residents, stimulate economic development, and reduce travel times. Construction is anticipated to commence shortly, with a focus on integrating community needs and sustainability.
Summary: On August 20, 2024, Jacobs published in a blog that it has been awarded a program management extension for the U.S. Capital Transit Project, continuing their role in overseeing this critical initiative. It involves managing the development and implementation of the transit project aimed at improving transportation infrastructure in the U.S. capital region. The project seeks to enhance connectivity, reduce congestion, and support economic growth in the area. Jacobs will oversee various aspects of the project, ensuring it meets its objectives and adheres to budget and timeline constraints.
Summary: On August 29, 2024, HNTB announced in a blog post the opening of Sound Transit's Lynnwood Link Extension, a major milestone for public transportation in the Seattle metropolitan area. The extension extends the light rail line from the University of Washington to Lynnwood, providing a crucial link for commuters in the region. This project aims to enhance transit accessibility, reduce traffic congestion, and support regional growth by connecting underserved areas with downtown Seattle.
Summary: On August 22, 2024, DLZ published on a blog that the Jason Hargrove Transit Center has been recognized as the Best Airport Transit Project by ENR Midwest. The award highlights the project's excellence in design and execution. Located at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, the transit center serves as a vital hub for airport transportation, enhancing connectivity and efficiency for travelers. The facility features state-of-the-art amenities and infrastructure designed to streamline passenger flow and improve the overall transit experience. The recognition underscores the project's impact on modernizing airport transit systems and reflects the successful collaboration between the design and construction teams.