Do your state’s ride share laws address rider safety? This week the NYTimes discusses ride share safety issues. It says an allegation of sexual assault by a ride share driver occurs every 8 minutes. The discussion includes whether avoiding lawsuits against ride share companies trumps rider safety. Look for states to step up and address the issue.
World’s largest wildlife bridge
Colorado is building the world’s largest wildlife bridge on I-25. It has a $15 million price tag and is expected to reduce collisions between vehicles and animals by 90%. (I’m not a fan of the exclamation point as it is overused. Should this remarkable statistic have an exclamation point, probably, but I’m a Swedish person who has a distaste for drama.) @goodgoodgoodco
Better draining roads made of plastic
According to Orbia, engineering firms KWS, Wavin, and VolkerWessels created a roadway material from recycled plastic to address both environmental challenges and infrastructure durability. These roads are stronger, more durable than asphalt, and drain water efficiently. @thebrainypedia
Trucking industry growth
A report by the American Transportation Research Institute talks about how to replace the current truck drivers who are retiring. The report suggests that a pool of new drivers can be found by engaging younger, more diverse, and historically underrepresented populations. Specifically, the report suggests that a new driver pool may be found in tin those aging out of foster care and state prison CDL programs.
Highway construction trend
We’ve talked about solar panels along and embedded in highways. We’ve talked about EV charging roads and sustainable concrete sources. But here’s a new one. How do you beautify infrastructure and also improve communities? Look to Mexico City. The city is adding vertical gardens to highway pillars that clean the air and beautify the city.
There’s also been a lot said lately about the use of moss as a highly efficient air cleaner. Welcome moss covered pillars that could clean the air and lower temperatures. @thebrainypedia
Economic impact of a EV battery manufacturer
Panasonic opened a $4 billion, 4.7 million square foot, EV battery manufacturing facility in DeSoto Kansas. The state estimates the facility will add $2.5 billion to the state’s economy annually. It received $829 million in state incentives.
Arial threats.
Move over black helicopters, we have new arial threats. Louisiana is addressing arial threats with its We Will Act (Act).
Lousiana is the 1st state to pass a bill about arial threats. Guess where the idea was first talked about? If your guess is Mar-a-lago, you are correct. Gold stars for you
Route Fifty | Louisiana’s counter-UAS legislation empowers local law enforcement to secure airspace
Roundabouts for safety
A town in Indiana replaced nearly all of its intersections with roundabouts. How very European of them…and also, how very safe. Fatal accidents declined by 90%, all other traffic incidents were reduced by 40%. The city also saved $180,000 in long term maintenance for the intersections and 24,000 gallons on fuel. @unbfacts
Mapping rural EV charging
As of early 2025, 45% of rural counties in the U.S. had at least 1 EV fast charging location. In contrast, 76% of urban counties had at least 1 fast charging location. Nationally, there are 60,000 fast chartering locations in the U.S., of which 600 have been added in 2025. North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana have the lowest state-wide EV charging use rates. Welcome to the emerging charging divide.
Daily Yonder | We Mapped Fast EV Charging Ports Across Rural America. Here’s What We Found
What’s going on with Houston Port volume?
With tariff’s looming, let’s take a peak at Houston Port traffic. According to the Greater Houston Partnership, container volume is up and international trade has declined in terms of dollars.