How Data Advances Accessibility in Transportation

Episode SummaryAnat Caspi PhD, director of the Taskar Center, discusses how OpenSidewalks, AccessMap, and artificial intelligence, combined with enhanced data can help state departments of transportation better understand “accessibility gaps” in mobility infrastructure networks – particularly where pedestrians are concerned. Episode NotesOn the latest episode of The Stream by AASHTO podcast, Anat Caspi, PhD – director of the Taskar Center for Accessible Technology at the University of Washington – discusses how better data and emerging technologies can help transportation agencies create more accessible pedestrian networks.On the podcast, Caspi explains how she created “OpenSidewalks” with the Transportation Data Exchange Initiative, Washington State OS-CONNECT, and AccessMap; a personalized mobile application that tracks objects and low-noise routes to improve navigation for visually impaired people.Caspi also discusses the challenges transportation agencies face in collecting and maintaining reliable pedestrian data. She highlights opportunities for state DOTs and their partners to combine better data with new technologies to build safer, more accessible mobility networks.This podcast series is part of the AASHTO Environmental Management technical service program operated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. It explores a wide array of environmental topics that affect state DOTs and the infrastructure programs they oversee.

In this episode of ITE Talks Transportation, Jon Kostyniuk, P.Eng., Principal and Senior Transportation Engineer and Planner at JK Traffic Solutions, explores how artificial intelligence can transform transportation workflows beyond simply saving time. Drawing on his October ITE Journal article, “The Missing Middle of AI Productivity,” Kostyniuk discusses how AI can improve project outcomes, enhance decision-making, and help transportation professionals deliver greater value. He shares real-world examples of AI-assisted workflows while emphasizing the importance of human oversight, professional judgment, and accountability. Kostyniuk also highlights the collaborative efforts of ITE’s AI Great Ideas Group to advance the practical application of AI across the transportation profession.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Caleb Knerr and Tayler MacDonald discuss the steps the Missouri Department of Transportation has taken to address wildlife-vehicle collisions on state roadways. Episode NotesOn the latest episode of The Stream by AASHTO podcast, Caleb Knerr and Tayler MacDonald– both senior environmental specialists, with the Missouri Department of Transportation – discuss how their agency used tracking technology to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs) on state roadways.In Missouri, wildlife vehicle collisions have become an increasing concern. On MoDOT roads, 8-10% of wildlife vehicle collisions result in injury or faality. There was a total of 17,609 WVCs, so around 1,584. Further, these WVCs cost the state of Missouri over $230 million dollars. The conversation explores the parameters to identify them and how they decided to most effectively act.In this episode, they discuss MoDOT's use of technology to track wildlife sightings, including the Roadkill Observation and Data System “ROaDS” mobile application. The app allows drivers to identify and place wildlife presences along highways. They also share MoDOTs 2021 pilot program that was designed to identify WVCs hotspots and how to reduce them. It focuses on improving safety while restoring habitat connectivity. The project was awarded $320,000 in federal funds.  This podcast series is part of the AASHTO Environmental Management technical service program operated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. It explores a wide array of environmental topics that affect state DOTs and the infrastructure programs they oversee.Editor’s note about similar Utah DOT app: https://aashtojournal.transportation.org/utah-introduces-roadkill-reporter-app-for-motorists/

In this episode of ITE Talks Transportation, longtime ITE member Dan Hardy, PE, PTP, reflects on his 40-year career and the evolution of transportation planning, including the growing importance of collaboration across industry disciplines. Hardy discusses how planners and engineers can combine data, community perspectives, and diverse expertise to develop solutions that lead to meaningful change. He also explores the future of the profession, the importance of communicating transportation and safety goals effectively, and the value of the Professional Transportation Planner (PTP) certification through the Transportation Professionals Certification Board in demonstrating expertise and fostering continued professional growth.

In this episode of the ITE Talks Transportation podcast, Dr. Shauna Hallmark, Professor at Iowa State University, and Ginny O’Connor, P.E., PTOE, RSP2I, Transportation Engineer at toXcel, explore the critical role of speed management in reducing fatal and serious injury crashes. They discuss how agencies can take a more proactive, systemic approach by examining operating speeds, roadway conditions, and potential conflict points rather than relying solely on crash data. The conversation also highlights speed management strategies, real-world examples from communities across the country, and the importance of matching roadway design with safe operating speeds. Hallmark and O’Connor close with practical considerations for transportation professionals, including appropriately setting speed limits, accounting for roadway users and conditions, and building public understanding of why speed management measures are needed.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Alissa Fadden – wildlife connectivity project manager for The Nature Conservancy in New York – and Chris Slesar, environmental resources coordinator at the Vermont Agency of Transportation, join The Stream by AASHTO podcast to discuss “Highways and Habitats,” a video training series that helps bridge the gap between road ecology and habitat connectivity. The pair discussed the importance of bringing transportation ecology to the forefront of state department of transportation projects and how this new training program helps teach state DOT professionals the ins-and-outs of connecting both people and wildlife safely across the northeast.Episode NotesChris Slesar and Alissa Fadden,  join The Stream by AASHTO podcast to discuss “Highways and Habitats,” a video training series created by a partnership between The Nature Conservancy and eight state departments of transportation.In the Northeast, where the training is particularly focused, state DOTs have noticed a recent uptick in changing species patterns as a result of various habitat changes, including increased flooding and road construction. For those state DOTs, it became evident that a more “connected landscape” is necessary to make roads safer while simultaneously improving protections for local ecologies.In this episode, Fadden and Slesar discuss a variety of topics – including how to build cross-border state DOT relationships, the impact of Vermont’s original award-winning “Highways and Habitats” training program, regional habitat connectivity successes, and what this new training initiative could mean for state DOTs in other parts of the United States. More information about the program can be found in The Leaflet by AASHTO’s June 2026 article about the training.This podcast series is part of the AASHTO Environmental Management technical service program operated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. It explores a wide array of environmental topics that affect state DOTs and the infrastructure programs they oversee.

In this episode of ITE Talks Transportation, ITE Global District Director Farukh Ijaz, PE, shares his inspiring journey from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to becoming a transportation leader and entrepreneur in the United States. Farukh reflects on how relationships, mentorship, and a passion for transportation shaped both his career and the growth of Consulting Services USA. He also discusses his vision for strengthening ITE’s global network by fostering meaningful professional connections and creating pathways for knowledge exchange across borders. Tune in to hear how international collaboration can help transportation professionals tackle shared challenges and build a stronger, more connected future for the industry.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Alan Hejl talks about how his work at General Motors addressing the vehicle needs of the disabled, along with the travel difficulties experienced by his wheelchair-bound wife, inspired him to form his company, Spark Access. Hejl dives into how those personal experiences pushed him to advocate for the mobility needs of the disabled – especially in terms of how greater mobility for the disabled fosters more inclusion for them in society. Hejl also explains how his advocacy efforts include creating more autonomous vehicle accessibility for the disabled.Episode NotesThe latest episode of “The Stream by AASHTO” podcast features an interview with Alan Hejl, founder and lead consultant of Spark Access; a company that helps people with disabilities gain more mobility options to help foster a greater sense of belonging and inclusion for them more broadly in society.This podcast series is part of the AASHTO Environmental Management Technical Service Program operated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. It explores a wide array of environmental topics that affect state departments of transportation and the infrastructure programs they oversee.The mission of Spark Access is foster more awareness, accessibility, and inclusion for the disabled within the mobility industry. The firm’s advocacy efforts focus on helping people with both visible and hidden disabilities gain more transportation options to fit their travel needs.In this episode, Hejl talks about how his work at General Motors helped open his eyes to the wide array of mobility issues people with disabilities face – a passion that deepened and became more personal in light of the mobility struggles faced by his wheelchair-bound wife.Hejl discusses how different kinds of disabilities – both visible and hidden – can impact transportation options; how transportation systems are often built with the needs of the disabled as an afterthought; and how autonomous vehicles can offer the disabled greater travel opportunities if they meet their accessibility needs.

In this special anniversary episode, host Bernie Wagenblast and ITE Executive Director and CEO Steve Kuciemba celebrate 10 years of ITE Talks Transportation. Together, they reflect on a decade of conversations with industry leaders whose insights have helped shape discussions on transportation safety, transportation systems operations and management, emerging technologies, and other critical issues impacting mobility. Join us for a look back at the voices, ideas, and innovations that have influenced the transportation profession over the past 10 years.

Episode SummaryThe latest episode of the “The Stream by AASHTO” podcast features Russell McMurry – commissioner of the Georgia Department of Transportation – discussing his emphasis areas as 2025-2026 president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials; emphasis areas focused on safety, National Environmental Policy Act or NEPA compliance, ways to improve project delivery, and federal surface transportation funding reauthorization.Episode NotesThis podcast series is part of the AASHTO Environmental Management technical service program operated by AASHTO. It explores a wide array of environmental topics that affect state departments of transportation and the infrastructure programs they oversee.In this episode, McMurry – who graduated cum laude from Georgia Southern University with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering – traces his career path at Georgia DOT; starting as an intern in 1990 and then progressing all the way up to his appointment as commissioner in 2015.McMurry also shares what he’s learned over the more than three decades he’s spent at Georgia DOT in a wide variety of roles, such as construction project manager, district engineer, director of engineering, chief engineer, and planning director. McMurry also discusses his emphasis areas as AASHTO president, especially in terms of how he selected them. His focus areas include surface transportation reauthorization, improvement of project delivery, and safety. “Until there are zero deaths on our nation’s highways and roadsides, we all have work to do,” he said.Finally, McMurry details what federal surface transportation funding reauthorization legislation could look like if passed by Congress this year; a bill he hopes will contain strong formula funding programs to support state transportation needs and how he wants it to be easier for states to take on NEPA assignment duties from the U.S. Department of Transportation.