InfraTalk America

This episode was hosted and produced by Wired to Build, a podcast by Avicado Construction Technology Services. In this episode of Wired to Build, host Nick Caravella and Christy Hunt are joined by infrastructure experts Matthew Valle and Nick Nadeau of Infrastructure Ventures and InfraTalk. Together, they dive deep into the exciting developments and challenges in digital construction, infrastructure modernization, and the future of transportation in the U.S. From the LA Olympics' infrastructure needs to the rise of AI and digital tools in the construction industry, this episode explores how technology is transforming the way we build. Learn about the latest advancements, the importance of open data systems, and how innovators are reshaping transportation for the 21st century. Tune in for a data-driven conversation that will leave you wired to build!Takeaways The Impact of Digital Construction: How digital tools like BIM and AI are reshaping infrastructure projects, creating more efficient workflows, and enhancing data management. The Role of Public-Private Partnerships: How collaborations between government and private sector innovators are crucial for advancing infrastructure projects. Funding and Modernization: Insights into the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and how it's fueling the modernization of U.S. infrastructure. The Importance of Open Data: Learn about the push for open, interoperable data standards and their impact on construction and asset management. Future of Transportation: What cities like Los Angeles are doing to prepare for global events like the Olympics and how transportation innovation is set to change how we move. Chapters [00:00] Welcome and Introduction: Nick Caravella sets the stage for today’s conversation on infrastructure and transportation.[03:45] LA’s Olympic Infrastructure Plans: Matthew Valley and Nick Nadeau discuss the challenges Los Angeles faces ahead of the 2028 Olympics.[10:22] The Federal Highway System & Funding: The role of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in the modernization of U.S. infrastructure.[15:56] The Future of Digital Construction: The experts talk about the shift towards digital tools and BIM for Infrastructure.[24:33] Everyday Counts Initiative: Highlighting how public-private partnerships are shaping the future of digital construction.[30:45] Open Data and Interoperability: Why open data standards are critical for the success of large-scale infrastructure projects.[39:17] Workforce Development in Construction: How innovation is linked to attracting and retaining talent in the industry.[50:00] Closing Thoughts and What’s Next: Final thoughts on the future of infrastructure and the role of technology in building smarter, more efficient systems.

Contractors are essential to the advancement of digital project delivery. Their partnership and insight is foundational to creating systems that work for all parties in the transportation infrastructure industry. This episode features a panel from Trimble's Innovate User Conference, which took place last month. The session was titled "ARTBA Innovation Technology Policy Forum: The Critical Role Contractors are Playing to Advance Digital Project Delivery." The panel features Matthew Valle of Infrastructure Ventures, Brian McInnis and Doug Reichard of Trimble, Janet Treadway of the Ohio Department of Transportation, and Chris Engle of Ohio Contractors Association. Listen in as they discuss: Driving the standardization of digital project delivery throughout the industry; Successful collaboration between associations, contractors, and the public and private sector; And Every Day Counts’ (EDC) impact and encouragement to advancing digitization.

While agency sizes differ among transportation departments, from small states to the largest in the country, transportation issues remain consistent. At the core of the industry should be people and safety. In this episode of the InfraTalk Podcast, Secretary for the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA), Toks Omishakin, sits down with InfraTalk America Publisher and Host, Greg Nadeau. Prior to his role as secretary of CalSTA, Omishakin spent 8 years as deputy commissioner for Tennessee DOT and served as director of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). Listen in as they discuss: Omishakin’s career and how it's led to his current role as secretary of CalSTA, California’s core four values: safety, equity, climate action and economic prosperity, And tackling today’s transportation problems with modern solutions.

Engineers are foundational to the transportation infrastructure industry. Their knowledge and trust move projects, innovation and solutions forward. Joyce Taylor, chief engineer for the Maine Department of Transportation, joins InfraTalk Publisher, Gregory Nadeau, on this episode of the InfraTalk Podcast. Taylor is the first woman to serve as chief engineer for Maine Department of Transportation. She is active with the American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials (AASHTO), serving as a vice chair of the Council of Highways & Streets and co-chair of the Climate Council's Transportation Working Group. Listen in as they discuss: Changes in the climate and how it impacts transportation projects, The value in listening to your peers when making decisions, And Maine’s leadership in the use of sustainable composite structures. This interview was recorded at the 2023 AASHTO Annual Meeting and is part of our ‘InfraTalk On The Road’ series.

Leadership roles provide the opportunity to encourage and advance innovation. These positions lead organizations head first into change. Kirk Steudle, President of Steudle Executive Group, joins InfraTalk Publisher, Gregory Nadeau, on this episode of the InfraTalk Podcast. Steudle previously served as Michigan Department of Transportation's director for 12 years. An active member of the transportation community, he's also served as president for American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and president of TRB's Executive Committee. Listen in as they discuss: Steudle's various leadership roles throughout his career, Harnessing technology to make us better and more efficient, And how pilot projects encourage and advance the state of practice. This interview was recorded at the 2023 AASHTO Annual Meeting and is part of our ‘InfraTalk On The Road’ series.

Safety on our nation’s roadways is one of the highest priorities in the transportation infrastructure industry. Innovation plays a vital role in increasing roadway safety. Russell McMurry, commissioner for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), joins InfraTalk Publisher, Gregory Nadeau, on this episode of the InfraTalk Podcast. Prior to becoming commissioner in 2015, McMurry was the agency’s chief engineer. Listen in as they discuss:- His role as chair of AASHTO’s Council on Highways and Streets, - How learning from other state agencies can help your organization move innovation forward, - And the importance of empowering your staff to seek out leadership opportunities and take risks. This interview was recorded at the 2023 AASHTO Annual Meeting and is part of our ‘InfraTalk On The Road’ series.

Bringing the public and private sector together is a crucial step to advancing our transportation infrastructure. These partnerships are the foundation that brings our industry into the next generation. Keith Platte, director for AASHTOWare, joins InfraTalk Publisher, Gregory Nadeau, on this episode of the InfraTalk Podcast. Platte facilitates AASHTOWare’s alliances with private sector companies to provide software services for the 52 departments of transportation. Listen in as they discuss:- The formation of AASHTOWare in the 1980s and how it's grown,- Bringing the industry together to create a flow between planning, asset management and data collection,- And the long-term impact that comes from these innovations. This interview was recorded at the 2023 AASHTO Annual Meeting and is part of our ‘InfraTalk On The Road’ series.

Whether we’re getting to work, meeting up with friends, or transporting goods, we rely on our nation’s transportation network. As such, understanding how important our transportation system is to our daily lives is vital to advocating for further investment in our nation’s infrastructure. Carlos Braceras, executive director for the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), joins InfraTalk Publisher, Gregory Nadeau, on this episode of the InfraTalk Podcast. Braceras began with UDOT nearly 40 years ago as a civil engineer and was appointed as the agency’s director in 2013. Listen in as they discuss:- The value of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (IIJA),- Partnering with the private sector to advance the industry,- And the importance of giving space for mistakes when moving the industry forward. This interview was recorded at the 2023 AASHTO Annual Meeting and is part of our ‘InfraTalk On The Road’ series.

As the industry evolves, it's crucial to rethink how we tackle our infrastructure and transportation projects. Secretary for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), Roger Millar, joins InfraTalk Publisher, Gregory Nadeau, on this episode of the InfraTalk Podcast. As an engineer, planner, and program manager with over 40 years of experience, Millar brings a well-rounded perspective to his role. Listen in as they discuss:- Washington State’s history of delivering major infrastructure projects,- Resiliency and the ability to prepare for the challenges and obstacles ahead,- And Millar's recent experience and term as AASHTO president. This interview was recorded at the 2023 AASHTO Annual Meeting and is part of our ‘InfraTalk On The Road’ series.

An equitable transportation network is vital to the future of our industry and, more importantly, our country. In this episode of the InfraTalk Podcast, National Agency Coordination Leader for Transportation and Infrastructure at WSP, Dr. Shawn Wilson, sits down with InfraTalk America Publisher and Host, Greg Nadeau. Wilson’s impressive career has included his role as former secretary for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, as well as serving as the first African American president in AASHTO’s 107-year history. It is important to note that this episode was recorded the day after the Key Bridge collapsed in Baltimore.Listen in as they discuss: The building blocks that led to Shawn’s extensive career in Louisiana State Government, The importance of equity and diversity in the transportation sector, And the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s role in ensuring that our transportation system serves every American.