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InTrans / Apr 13, 2021

InTrans director discusses federal infrastructure bill

Shauna Hallmark (Christopher Gannon/Iowa State University)

Institute for Transportation (InTrans) Director Shauna Hallmark recently shared her thoughts on the $2 trillion federal infrastructure bill during an appearance on Iowa Public Radio’s River to River program.

Hallmark told host Ben Kieffer that she appreciates the proposed legislation’s focus on research.

“One thing we need to do is make sure we have new ways of doing things faster, smarter, more efficiently,” Hallmark said. “It’s not just a matter of investing more in doing the same thing. We need to have research that plays a role in doing things that make [infrastructure] more efficient.”

Hallmark cited the accelerated bridge construction research being led by the Bridge Engineering Center and the efforts to use soybean oil as a binder for asphalt led by the Asphalt Materials and Pavements Program as examples of current research projects that advance Iowa and the nation.

She also noted her excitement that the bill addresses underserved communities and high-speed rail infrastructure. Hallmark also answered a couple of listener questions and questions about the impact of infrastructure on safety and quality of life in Iowa.

Hallmark’s portion of the interview begins at about 31 minutes and also includes Dan McGehee, director of the National Advanced Driving Simulator at University of Iowa. To listen to the full interview, click here.

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