Blog | FirmoGraphs, LLC

Transportation Market Recap, December 2024

Written by FirmoGraphs Staff | January 8, 2025

The December 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 trending blogs from top AEC firms and notable projects.

Notable Capital Improvement Programs

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.

Solano Transportation Authority, California, Planned Capital Expenditure Increased By 55%

In the CIP covering the 2024-2025 fiscal years, Solano Transportation Authority, California, detailed plans to spend nearly $9.5 billion on capital projects, an increase of 55% from $6.2 billion in its 2023-2024 CIP. The current CIP has 61 line items, compared to 56 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down Solano Transportation Authority's planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.

Increase Going to Existing Projects

Planned spending increased with funding towards ongoing projects, including the top project, the SR 37 Corridor, which increased by $4 billion as well as five more projects were added in the recent period. 

Over $8 Billion Programmed For The Improvement of State Route

Solano Transportation Authority, California, has one notable line item valued at over $1 billion and four at over $100 million. The largest line item is the SR 37 Corridor, worth $8.5 million. Other notable line items include:

  • I-80 Managed/High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes - worth $273 million.
  • I-80 Westbound Cordelia Truck Scales - worth $272 million.
  • I-80/I-680/SR 12 Interchange - worth $197 million.
  • Jepson Parkway Project - worth $106 million.

Click Here to See Solano Transportation Authority, California, CIP

Raleigh-Durham International Airport, North Carolina, Planned Capital Program Increased By 26%

In the CIP covering the 2025 fiscal year, the Raleigh-Durham International Airport detailed plans to spend $843 million on capital projects, an increase of 26% from $669 million in its 2024 CIP. The current CIP has 45 line items, compared to 39 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down Raleigh-Durham International Airport’s planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs. 

Funding for Parking and Terminal Categories Increases

Planned spending in the Parking category increased by 211% due to the nearly $100 million expansion of Park Economy 3. The Terminal category also increased by 164%, funding the ongoing Terminal 2 Landside Expansion Program and the new T2 Airside Restroom Refresh, which includes demolishing and rebuilding airside toilet facilities with updated interior architecture and systems.

Over $100 Million Investment for Airport Upgrades

Raleigh-Durham International Airport has one line item over $100 million and three over $20 million. The largest is the Park Economy 3 Expansion, valued at $140 million, which includes a 7,000-space expansion of the existing facility, lighting, signage, bus shelters, a Customer Amenity Building (CAB) for law enforcement and parking operations, and enhanced security systems. Other notable line items include:

  • Terminal 2 Landside Expansion Program - valued at $40 million, under the Terminal category for expanding Terminal 2, relocating John Brantley Blvd, demolishing and replacing Parking Garages 1 and 2, and creating a Ground Transportation Center.
  • North Cargo Apron Reconstruction - valued at $37 million, under the Airfield category.
  • Runway 5L-23R, Bravo South & Taxiway J Preservation - valued at $25 million, under the Airfield category for preserving Runway 5L-23R, Taxiway B south, and Taxiway J, including necessary concrete replacement.

Click Here to See Raleigh-Durham International Airport, North Carolina, CIP

City of Farmington Hills, Michigan, Planned Capital Expenditure Decreased By 24%

In the CIP covering the 2025-2030 fiscal years, City of Farmington Hills, Michigan, detailed plans to spend $280 million on capital projects, a decrease of 24% from $386 million in its 2024-2029 CIP. The current CIP has 225 line items, compared to 194 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down Farmington’s planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.

Transportation and Parks & Recreation Budgets Slashed by 55% as Projects Reach Completion

Planned spending in the Transportation category decreased by 55% due to projects nearing completion.  Parks & Recreation also decreased largely for the same reason. 

Over $20 Million Planned For the Local Roads Project

Farmington Hill has only one line item valued at over $15 million. The line item is the Richland Gardens Area Project, worth $20 million, under the Local Roads category. 

Click Here to See City of Farmington Hills, Michigan CIP

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, District of Columbia Planned Capital Expenditure Decreased By 9%

In the CIP covering the 2025-2030 fiscal years, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, District of Columbia detailed plans to spend $11.2 billion on capital projects, a decrease of 9% from $12.4 billion in its 2024-2029 CIP. The current CIP has 117 line items, compared to 144 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs. 

Spending Declines Across Various Business Areas

Numerous business areas experienced declines in spending. Particularly notable was the 20% decrease in Stations and Passenger Facilities, attributed to ongoing projects. Furthermore, the Bridge Rehabilitation Program saw a reduction of $117 million within the Track and Structures Rehabilitation category, leading to a 17% decrease in planned expenditures.

Washington Metro Initiates Over $100M Overhaul, Including Sustainable Upgrades and Modernized Facilities

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, District of Columbia has five notable line items valued at over $100 million. This project involves replacing the aging Northern Bus Garage, resolving structural concerns, optimizing space, and accommodating approximately 150 buses. It may also incorporate retail or public spaces and will be capable of supporting 100% zero-emission buses. Other notable line items include:

  • Bladensburg Bus Garage Replacement - worth $232 million, under the Bus, Bus Facilities and Paratransit category. This project involves demolishing and replacing the outdated bus maintenance and operations facility at Bladensburg to optimize space usage and capacity. The new facility, designed for LEED certification, will feature multiple access points, parking for up to 300 buses, 31 maintenance bays, and fueling options for diesel and compressed natural gas.
  • Advanced Signaling System Project Development - worth $227 million, under the Rail Systems category. The project involves creating an implementation plan and initial supplier engagement strategy for a new advanced signaling system.
  • Enterprise Resource Planning Software Replacement - worth $177 million, under the Business and Operations Support category. The project focuses on implementing a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
  • Radio Infrastructure Replacement - worth $101 million, under the Rail Systems. This project is about replacing Metro's obsolete internal communication and public safety radio systems, as mandated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It covers upgrades to the public safety radio system, the Metro area radio system, and enhancing cellular services across the system, enabling customers to use cellular service while underground.

Click Here to See Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, District of Columbia, CIP

City of Overland Park, Kansas, Planned Capital Spending Increased By 8%

In the CIP covering the 2025-2029 fiscal years, City of Overland Park, Kansas, detailed plans to spend $312 million on capital projects, an increase of 8% from $289  million in its 2024-2028 CIP. The current CIP has 167 line items, compared to 163 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down Overland Park’s planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.

Residential Street Program and Public Equipment Increases

Planned spending in the Residential Street Program increased by 29% due to the 2028 Neighborhood Streets Reconstruction Program, which was increased by $16 million. Funding for Public Equipment also increased, supporting new projects such as the 2029 Radio Replacement project.

Overland Park Allocates Over $20 Million for Switzer Road Reconstruction

Overland Park has three notable line items valued at over $10 million, all belonging to the Thoroughfares category.  The largest line item is the Switzer Road, 167th to 179th, worth $24 million. The project includes reconstruction of Switzer Road from 167th Street to 179th Street to an improved two lane thoroughfare standards with curb and gutter, storm sewers, and sidewalks. It also includes a bridge over Coffee Creek and roundabouts at 175th Street and 179th Street. The other two line items include:

  • 175th Street, 179th to Switzer - worth $16 million. The project includes reconstruction and widening of 175th Street from 179th Street to Switzer to an improved three lane thoroughfare with curb and gutter, storm sewers, sidewalks, and trails. The project includes construction of a roundabout at the intersection of 179th Street and 175th Street.
  • Pflumm Road, 175th to 183rd - worth $15 million for the reconstruction of an improved two lane thoroughfare standard with curb and gutter, storm sewers, and sidewalks. Includes a roundabout at 175th Street.

Click Here to See City of Overland Park, Kansas, CIP

Trending Blogs from Top AEC Firms

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 December.

Parsons Awarded Contract to Support Caltrans Transportation Facilities

Summary: On December 11, 2024, Parsons Corporation announced in a blog post that it has been awarded a $23 million contract by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to provide engineering and inspection services for structure construction projects in Districts 1, 2, and 3-North. This contract, which offers 'as needed' services, will support a variety of projects, including roadway rehabilitation, new facility construction, and improvements to existing infrastructure. Parsons has been working with Caltrans for decades, with a history of delivering construction engineering and inspection services for bridge and infrastructure projects. The company's efforts aim to improve California's transportation system and ensure the state is prepared for major events like the Olympics and World Cup. Parsons' expertise spans over 10,000 miles of roadways, 4,500 bridges, and advanced traffic management systems, contributing to safer and more efficient transportation networks.

Johnson County Approves First Transportation Bond Program

Summary: On December 18, 2024, Freese & Nichols, a firm with extensive experience in transportation planning, discussed in an article that Johnson County is experiencing rapid population growth, leading to increased demand on its transportation infrastructure. In response, voters approved the county's first $60 million transportation bond program on November 5, 2024. The bond aims to improve safety and mobility for residents by supporting project planning and engineering efforts with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG). The program will also help secure additional state and federal funding for construction projects. 

AECOM to support transformed mobility across Austin, Texas by delivering the city’s first light rail system

Summary: On December 19, 2024, AECOM discussed in an article that it has been selected by the Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) as the delivery partner for Phase 1 of Austin’s first light rail transit system. The company’s responsibilities include program management, environmental services, design management, rail activation, and operational readiness for this transformative project. The 10-mile light rail system will have 15 stations, enhancing regional connectivity and mobility in Austin. This initiative is part of the city's larger Strategic Mobility Plan, which aims to improve transportation accessibility and reliability. AECOM will lead a team of subconsultants, including Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms, to ensure social and economic inclusion in the project. The light rail system will link key destinations in Austin, such as Lady Bird Lake, downtown, and the University of Texas.

NV5 Awarded $5 Million Bypass Project by Georgia Department of Transportation

Summary: On December 23, 2024, NV5, a provider of technology, consulting, and conformity assessment solutions, published a blog post announcing that it has been awarded a $5 million, five-year contract by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to lead the Watkinsville Bypass project in Oconee County, Georgia. The project will connect SR 24 and SR 15 and includes a range of services, such as roadway and bridge design, environmental studies, and traffic engineering. This bypass, which emerged from a 2021 transportation study, aims to improve traffic flow by rerouting trucks away from downtown Watkinsville, thus enhancing regional development and transportation efficiency. NV5's CEO, Alex Hockman, highlighted that this project demonstrates the company's ability to offer diverse solutions and drive growth in the infrastructure sector.