The North Carolina Board of Transportation has approved the 2024-2033 State Transportation Improvement Program, which includes more than 2,300 transportation projects across the state. The program, which is the fourth 10-year plan developed under the Strategic Transportation Investments law, identifies projects that will receive funding from 2024 to 2033. Most of these projects were selected using a data-driven scoring approach called Strategic Prioritization. Due to rising costs, the decision was made to develop the program using existing projects from the previously adopted 2020-2029 STIP. This program is expected to enhance transportation infrastructure in the state, leading to improved mobility and economic growth.
A snap shot of what is happening in North Carolina below.
As temperatures continue to rise, the impact on road construction and maintenance cannot be ignored. The softening and expansion of pavement caused by higher temperatures can lead to rutting and potholes, particularly in high-traffic areas. Additionally, heat waves can limit construction activities, especially in areas with high humidity, leading to further delays and increased costs. With these changes, it may become more challenging and expensive to build and maintain roads and highways.
However, there may also be some positive effects of rising temperatures on road infrastructure. In certain areas, reduced snowfall and less-frequent winter storms due to warmer winters may result in cost savings and improved mobility, as less snow and ice removal will be required, along with reduced salting requirements. Nevertheless, the overall impact of rising temperatures on road construction and maintenance remains a significant concern for communities and governments alike.
Wilderness Ridge Condo Development
The Jan. 10 Board of Adjustment meeting saw a heated debate over the proposed Wilderness Ridge condo development, with traffic and sight-lines from the proposed intersection being the main points of contention. As a result, the vote on the controversial 74-unit project was continued once again. During JMTEs analysis it was discovered that the existing site distance is too short for vehicles to safely enter the Reeves Cove Road. Based on JMTEs discovery the developer for this project will need to address these concerns to improve safety. David Hyder Engineer for J.M. Teague Engineering & Planning is providing Expert Witness services for this project. David Hyder has provided several alternatives to improve safety at the proposed development entrance. Stay tuned for further updates on this contentious issue.
JMTE Employee Spotlight Denise Teague - Finance Manager denise.teague@jmteagueengineering.com 828.456.8383
Denise Teague currently serves as the finance manager at J.M. Teague Engineering. She started with the company in 2010 serving as a technical writer and public relations specialist. Her full-time role as finance manager started in 2017.
The finance role includes staff payroll, accounts payable, company taxes, and accounts receivable. She also works with the team on contract management, insurance, financial reporting, and budget management. Denise works closely with the Work Zone Safety training program within the JMTE Academy to provide administrative support.
Prior to her work with J.M. Teague Engineering, Denise worked in customer relations, social media development, marketing, nonprofit management, and grants management. She worked with at-risk and adjudicated youth and families as well as administered a research program on gang involvement. She administered youth and family services at several non-profits. She owned and operated a toy store.
In addition to her professional roles, Denise is a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts serving as a Troop Leader for 2 troops as well as the Service Unit specialist for the area. She is involved with the Girl Scout cookie program. She also serves as a United Methodist in her local church.
Denise graduated from N.C. State University with a BA in History with a concentration in Education.
Denise has three adult children, 2 dogs, and 1 cat.
Her current reading material includes God Got a Dog by Cynthia Rylant. The Luck of Roaring Camp and Other Stories by Bret Harte is a favorite.
Her favorite movie is The Princess Bride (1987).
Her favorite food is western North Carolina BBQ.
Her favorite quote is: Romans 8:15 The Message (MSG)
15-17 This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?”
NCDOT Improving How Engineers Identify Best Intersection Designs The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Joe Hummer, a national leader on innovative traffic designs, has recently published two papers that highlight the best intersection designs based on safety for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists.
Hummer, the state’s traffic management engineer, published his findings during the past year in the Institute of Transportation Engineers Journal, a publication for traffic engineers, industry partners and state transportation agencies. Hummer has doctorate in civil engineering, and he is a frequent lecturer on designing safer roads. His first paper in 2020 included two tables he created to help engineers decide which design for an intersection would result in decreasing total crashes, or reducing highway deaths and serious injuries. What made his tables unique was he incorporated decades worth of traffic safety research. His second paper published in 2021 used a similar table format, but this time they were based on what was best for pedestrians and bicyclists navigating various types of intersections. “What I discovered, to my great delight, is that if we design the safest feasible intersection, we will also in most cases have a design that is optimum for pedestrians and bicyclists too,” Hummer said. His two sets of tables do not take in account project costs or impacts, which are big considerations in what design is ultimately chosen for constructing or upgrading an intersection. But the tables are now available to help NCDOT’s traffic engineers, designers and project managers design a safer transportation network.
NCDOT New Standard Drawings
Please go to our Education & Training page to access a complete set of New NCDOT Standard Drawings for traffic control setups. Please review to make sure you are in compliance with these new NCDOT Guidelines.
NOW HIRING Work Zone Safety Instructor!
J.M. Teague Engineering is growing! We are in need of an additional Work Zone Safety Instructor to assist with our class offerings to clients. Below is an opening announcement. Please post or distribute to your contacts who may be interested and are qualified.
Thank you for continuing to use J.M. Teague Engineering for your training needs.
HR Contact:
Name: Jon Sears
Title: HR Manager
Email address: jon@jmteagueengineering.com
Come join an already amazing team!
Work Zone Safety Instructor needed for a local, high growth, dynamic, energetic, professional engineering firm. Part-time position based on client demand. Looking for a hardworking, trustworthy, and organized individual, with a strong ability to multitask. A can-do attitude is a must, along with the ability to learn quickly, and adapt to a demanding and changing work environment.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
· Serve as an instructor for assigned courses in Flagger, Installer, and Supervisor subjects per the Academy Coordinator utilizing current engineering standards communicated by individual State DOT, AASHTO and MUTCD standards.
· Assess student performance in adherence to testing guidelines and make recommendations for advanced coursework based on student ability and qualifications.
· Maintain home office with appropriate equipment to conduct all marketing and training issues, or maintain an office at the JMTE office in Waynesville
· Stay up to date on advancements in the field and new research being produced in your area of expertise.
· Provide timely submission of completed testing materials and evaluation forms to J.M. Teague Engineering offices.
· Conduct accurate counts of class participants and expenses incurred in conjunction with the class.
· Develop client relationships and observe potential to provide other services our company offers.
· Employee shall devote their time while engaged in activities for the Company with the attention, energy, and skill necessary to carry out their assigned tasks during the engagement term set forth below.
· Employee engagement shall be on an as needed basis.
Skills & Qualifications:
Required:
· 10 years’ experience in work related to traffic control, traffic management, or highway work zones.
· Desire and ability to instruct and mentor students, while providing the company with accurate feedback on their work force.
· Ability to address student questions using examples or stories from real world experience.
· Ability to travel by motor vehicle extensively throughout the Carolinas, Virginia, and Tennessee, often staying overnight while conducting multiple classes in various locations during a regular work week.
· Ability to use personal vehicle and provide required insurance.
· Flexibility to work within the demands of client’s schedule, as needed.
Preferred:
- Three years serving as an instructor in either formal or informal settings.
- Degree in Transportation Engineering or related field.
Note: On the job training and required certifications will be offered following employment.
To Apply:
Submit a resume and cover letter expressing your interest with your salary requirements to jon@jmteagueengineering.com. Please list Work Zone Safety Instructor in subject line. NO PHONE CALLS.
If you meet qualifications, you will be contacted for an interview.
