Infrastructure Technology Podcast

Key Takeaways

· State DOTs are increasingly trusting of integrating crowd-sourced mobility data as it becomes more robust and comprehensive, offering greater temporal and spatial coverage than traditional sensors.

· New data types like origin-destination and volume data are emerging, but agencies must evaluate their credibility before relying on them for planning and funding decisions.

· Vehicle probe data, now collected from rough...

Key takeaways:

• Jake Bailosky developed OnStation to solve a specific pain point in the field: determining exact location on a project site. Inspired by golf yardage apps, the tool automates stationing for road workers and inspectors.
• The app immediately improved field efficiency by eliminating manual calculations and replacing measuring wheels—offering instant location data to crews and helping streamline project documentation...

Key Takeaways: 

• By using unmanned aerial systems (UAS), the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) significantly reduces the need for crews and equipment on busy roadways, minimizing worker exposure to traffic and improving safety conditions.
• Drone-collected data is processed and delivered to engineers within 24 to 48 hours, allowing for rapid decision-mak...

• The Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Second Chance Program helps returning residents and others with employment barriers gain one year of paid, supportive work experience, with a focus on long-term career development.
• The program has grown from 50 to 350 positions and includes technological resources, resume workshops, CDL prep and connections to both internal CTA roles and outside employment.
• The Regional Tra...

• Importance of infrastructure maintenance – Michigan DOT’s Ancillary Structures Program, supported by HNTB software, emphasizes the need for proactive inspections and maintenance of critical structures like bridges, overpasses and traffic signals.
• Risk mitigation – By assessing vulnerabilities, programs like the Ancillary Structures Program helps prevent structural failures, ensuring public safety and reducing cos...

In this episode of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast, Gavin Jenkins is joined by WSP’s digital leaders, Jay Wratten and Chris Harman, for a discussion on the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology in infrastructure. They explore key trends in 2025, including AI's increasing implementation in transportation, predictive analytics for road and rail maintenance and the shift from 2D to 3D data mo...

In the fourth episode of the ITP, co-host Brandon Lewis interviews Stacey Matlen, Senior Vice President of Innovation at the Partnership for New York City, which co-founded the Transit Tech Lab. They discuss how the lab navigates the "choreographed chaos" of NYC transit, the innovations driving infrastructure and transportation resilience and the challenges of modernizing transit systems. Later, Mark Pittman, founder of Blyncsy and...

In our new episode of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast, Gavin, Harlee and Brandon focus on transportation technology and safety with two interviews. Harlee interviews Terri Johnson, director of public sector services at INRIX, with the conversation focusing on traffic slowdown alerts and intelligent transportation systems. Then, Brandon has a chat with Bill Khelm, the CEO and chairman of ebliss Global, as the two discuss the c...

In this episode of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast, hosts Gavin Jenkins, Brandon Lewis, and Harlee Hewitt talk advancements in transportation infrastructure. Gavin interviews Dr. Darcy Bullock from Purdue University, who shares insights on how telematics and big data are transforming highway safety, from identifying crash patterns to enhance safety, to optimizing work zone management. Brandon sits down with Terri Mestas, depu...

Welcome to the first episode of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast, presented by Roads and Bridges and Mass Transit magazines!

Hosts Gavin Jenkins, Brandon Lewis and Harlee Hewitt introduce themselves and share their excitement about launching the podcast. They also discuss their locations and briefly talk about how they began thinking more about the supply chain, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The episode focuses on...

On Jan. 14, Roads & Bridges will launch a podcast that examines how technology shapes infrastructure. Produced by Endeavor Business Media, the Infrastructure Technology Podcast, or ITP for short, is a collaboration with Mass Transit magazine, one of our sister publications.

Episodes will be released every other Tuesday. The bi-weekly show will be hosted by Gavin Jenkins, Roads & Bridges’ senior managing editor, Brandon Lewi...