The September 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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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.
Rio Metro Regional Transit District, New Mexico, Planned Capital Program Increased By 77%
In the CIP covering the 2025-2031 fiscal years, the Rio Metro Regional Transit District, New Mexico, detailed plans to spend $671 million on capital projects, an increase of 77% from $380 million in its 2024-2030 CIP. The current CIP has 90 line items, compared to 82 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down the Rio Metro Regional Transit District's planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.
Partner Agency Pass-Through Projects Funding Up 420%, Including Major Intersection Improvements
Planned spending in the Partner Agency Pass-Through Projects category increased by 420% with funding for ongoing projects, which includes Rio Bravo Blvd./2nd Street Intersection & Gap Widening Improvements.
Rio Metro Transit District Highlights $77 Million in Major Capital Projects
Rio Metro Regional Transit District has five notable line items valued at over $10 million. The most significant line item is the Rio Metro Zero Emission Transition-Buses Project, valued at $20 million, under the Rio Metro Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan business area. Other notable line items include:
- Rio Bravo Blvd./2nd Street Intersection & Gap Widening Improvements (A300942/A300945) - valued at $17 million, under the Partner Agency Pass-Through Projects category.
- Rio Metro Valencia County Transit Facility, Phase 2 - valued at $14 million, under the Rio Metro Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan category.
- Valencia County Transit Facility, Phase 2 - valued at $14 million, under the Capital Projects Program (Unfunded) category.
- Southwest Chief Improvements CRISI - valued at $12 million, under the Partner Agency Pass-Through Projects category.
Click Here to See Rio Metro Regional Transit District, New Mexico, CIP
Cecil County, Maryland, Cuts Planned Capital Spending by 7%
In the CIP covering the 2025-2029 fiscal years, Cecil County, Maryland, detailed plans to spend $269 million on capital projects, a decrease of 7% from $290 million in its 2024-2028 CIP. The current CIP has 55 line items, compared to 40 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down Cecil County’s planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.
Cecil County Public Schools’ Budget Drops 19% Despite New Projects
Planned spending for Cecil County Public Schools decreased by 19%. Despite the addition of four more projects in the recent CIP, the overall decrease is primarily due to the $60 million reduction for the North East Middle/High School Replacement Project.
Cecil County’s $140M Major Projects Include School Replacements and Road Improvements
Cecil County, Maryland, has three notable line items valued at over $20 million. The most significant line item is the North East Middle/High School Replacement Project, valued at $91 million, under the Cecil County Public Schools category. Another $27 million is allocated for the replacement or rehabilitation of Thomson Estates Elementary School. Lastly, $22 million will be allocated for the Oldfield Point Road Project (Old Chestnut to Old Ferry), under the Roads and Bridges category. This project includes roadway widening and reconstruction, improvements to horizontal and vertical alignments, construction of a bridge at Jones Creek, an additional six culverts, and onsite and offsite stormwater management facilities, utility relocations, and offsite stream and wetland mitigations.
Click Here to See Cecil County, Maryland, CIP
City of Tacoma Public Works, Washington, Planned Capital Expenditure Decreased By 25%
In the CIP covering the 2025-2030 fiscal years, Tacoma Public Works, Washington detailed plans to spend $845 million on capital projects, a decrease of 25% from $912 million in its 2024-2029 CIP. The current CIP has 115 line items, compared to 120 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down Tacoma Public Works’ planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.
86% Decrease in Bridge Spending as Key Projects Near Completion
Planned spending in the Bridges category decreased 86% due to ongoing projects nearing completion, including the Fishing Wars Memorial Bridge Replacement, which aims to improve safety, enhance infrastructure, and support local transportation needs.
Tacoma Public Works Unveils Over $20M Infrastructure Projects, Highlighting $65M Tacoma Dome Link Extension
The city of Tacoma Public Works, Washington has four notable line items valued at over $20 million. The most significant line item is the Tacoma Dome Link Extension Station Access, valued at $65 million, under the Active Transportation category. This project improves access to the Tacoma Dome and planned Portland Ave Link station, including ADA access, pedestrian enhancements, new/improved bikeways, & transit access. Listed below are the other notable line items:
- South Tacoma Sounder Station Access, valued at $40 million, under the Active Transportation category.
- Puyallup Ave Corridor Improvements with pedestrian access to Fife - valued at $31 million, under the Active Transportation category.
- Tacoma Mall/I-5 Direct Access - valued at $22 million, under the Street Construction category.
Click Here to See City of Tacoma Public Works, Washington, CIP
City of Camas Public Works Department, Washington, Planned Capital Spending Increased by 9%
In the CIP covering the 2025-2030 fiscal years, Camas Public Works Department detailed plans to spend $205 million on capital projects, an increase of 9% from $188 million in its 2024-2029 CIP. The current CIP has 50 line items, compared to 52 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down Camas’ planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.
CIP Spending Up 9% with New Northshore Blvd. Project
Planned spending in the recent CIP increased by 9%, with funding allocated for ongoing projects. There is also a new project: the Northshore Blvd. from NE 242nd Ave. to SR-500/Everett Rd., which includes critical areas and alignment investigation.
Camas Public Works Announces $120 Million in Major Projects
Camas Public Works Department has three notable line items valued at over $25 million. The most significant line item is the SR-500 (Everett St) project from NE 35th Ave to NE 43rd Ave, valued at $47 million, which involves widening the road, adding multi-use paths, illumination, and roundabouts. Additionally, $45 million is planned for the SR-14 West Camas Slough Bridge Project, which will widen the bridge to 4 lanes. Lastly, $28 million is allocated for the NE Goodwin Road/28th Street Project, which will widen the road to 5 lanes and include bike lanes and a sidewalk west of Ingle.
Click Here to See City of Tacoma Public Works, Washington, CIP
City of Port Angeles, Washington, Planned Capital Expenditure Increased by 9%
In the CIP covering the 2025-2030 fiscal years, the city of Port Angeles, Washington, detailed plans to spend $117 million on capital projects, an increase of 9% from $108 million in its 2024-2029 CIP. The current CIP has 307 line items, compared to 283 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down Port Angeles’ planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.
Transportation Spending Up 14%; Water Category Gains $5M for New Project
Planned spending in the Transportation category increased by 14% with funding for ongoing projects. The Water category also saw an increase of $5 million for a new project: the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to 'D' Street Transmission Main Replacement.
Port Angeles Launches $6M Race Street Upgrade
The city of Port Angeles, Washington, has one notable project: the Race Street Complete Construction Phase II, which is valued at $6 million. This project includes the installation of a shared-use trail, pedestrian safety enhancements, plantings, and pavement restoration along Race Street, from Front Street South to the Olympic National Park Visitor and Wilderness Information Center.
Click Here to See City of Port Angeles, Washington, CIP
Sacramento Transportation Authority, California, Planned Capital Spending Decreased By 8%
In the CIP covering the 2025-2029 fiscal years, Sacramento Transportation Authority, California, detailed plans to spend $139 million on capital projects, a decrease of 8% from $152 million in its 2024-2028 CIP. The current CIP has 40 line items, compared to 33 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down Sacramento Transportation Authority’s planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.
Capital SouthEast Connector Budget Cuts Due to Environmental Program; California DOT Spending Falls 11%
Planned spending for the Capital SouthEast Connector has decreased due to the ongoing Transportation Project Environmental Mitigation Program, scheduled for completion in 2026. Additionally, California DOT expenditures also decreased by 11%, despite the addition of two new projects. The decrease is attributed to a $10 million reduction in the notable Interstate 5 Carpool Lanes US 50 - Interstate 80 Project.
Major Budget Allocations: $43M for I-5 Carpool Lanes, $17M for Hazel Avenue
Out of 40 line items, two are notable. The most significant line item is the Interstate 5 Carpool Lanes US 50 - Interstate 80, valued at $43 million, under the California DOT. Additionally, $17 million is planned for the Hazel Avenue 50 to Folsom Project, under the County of Sacramento.
Click Here to See Sacramento Transportation Authority, California, CIP
What Top U.S. Environmental Companies Blog About
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 September.
Montgomery County Celebrates Transit Expansion with New Bus Routes
Summary: On September 11, 2024, VHB published an article about the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) launching the Great Seneca Transit Network (GSTN) on September 9, introducing two new bus routes—Lime Line and Pink Line—to enhance transit access. These routes aim to improve connectivity for residents in the growing suburb of Washington, D.C., linking key destinations such as neighborhoods, employment centers, and healthcare facilities. The expansion is part of a broader effort to support economic development and community livability while reducing reliance on single-occupant vehicles. VHB led the planning and design process, utilizing data and technology to propose efficient routes and stations. The initiative also includes upgrades like Transit Signal Priority and dedicated bus lanes to enhance service reliability.
NJ Transit Corporation, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Transit System (H-BLRTS)
Summary: In September 2024, BEM Systems discussed the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Transit System (HBLRTS) in a blog post. This public transportation initiative in New Jersey is operated by NJ Transit Corporation and connects various communities along the Hudson River, facilitating access to key urban areas, including Hoboken, Jersey City, and Bayonne. The HBLRTS was developed to provide a reliable and efficient alternative to road travel, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and promote sustainable transportation. Additionally, it enhances mobility for residents, commuters, and visitors, contributing to economic growth and development in the region. The system features several stations, making it easier for users to navigate between neighborhoods and access local amenities.
Engineering News-Record ranks The Walsh Group as No. 1 Bridge Builder in America for 2024
Summary: In September 2024, The Walsh Group highlighted its recognition as the number one bridge builder in America for 2024 by Engineering News-Record (ENR) in an article. This accolade underscores the company’s significant achievements in the construction and engineering sectors, particularly in bridge projects. The Walsh Group operates across various locations in the U.S., delivering innovative and durable infrastructure solutions. The ranking reflects the company's commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability in its projects. This achievement also emphasizes the importance of infrastructure development in supporting economic growth and enhancing transportation networks.