Guest blogger: Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez introduces readers to the FHWA

I've only been Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration for less than two months and I've already been invited to blog? This truly IS the Fast Lane!

First, I have to say I am very thankful to President Obama and Secretary LaHood for their faith in choosing me to lead the FHWA. I've spent most of my career in transportation and am honored to be a part of it during the most exciting time in the history of American highways.

We haven't seen this kind of presidential interest in America's highway system since the Eisenhower Administration. With both President Obama and Vice President Biden helping Secretary LaHood reinvigorate the economy with the $27 billion available for roads and bridges in the Recovery Act, highways are getting some of the attention they need.

Though America's highway network is serving more drivers now than at any other time, our roads are the safest they've ever been. Some credit must go to the auto industry, which has made great advances in automotive safety, but road design and safety hardware are equally responsible. Better use of guardrails and cable median barriers and more subtle improvements like brighter signs and pavement markings also contribute to a safer roadway. FHWA will continue to make safety our top priority.
 
However, our highway system faces numerous challenges. While the Highway Trust Fund--a key part of state highway funding--received an infusion of $7 billion to ensure solvency into the next fiscal year, we must find a long-term solution. This was, after all, the second year in a row it fell billions of dollars short. In addition, with the end of SAFETEA-LU only weeks away, I will help Secretary LaHood work with Congress to pass an 18-month extension this year and devote ourselves over the coming year to work on solutions for our long-term transportation needs.

In the months ahead, I will work to continue improving the relationship between infrastructure and community needs - specifically to improve a community's "livability" - to enhance the environmental sensitivity of roads and bridges and to help states explore multi-modal transportation options.

There is much work ahead of us, but I look forward to it. Our mission is to bring you the highway system you deserve, and I welcome the challenge!

Comments

[Mike Siffer]

Pass a bill now. And fund it with real dollars instead of printing money. The gas tax has not been raised since 1993 and the price of materials has increased 50 % in the last 5 years. And when considering tolls, do not forget the impact tolls on interstates have on the adjacent two lane roads that are not built to handle the heavy trucks. If safety is a priority than this must be considered in the equation. Please do not borrow any more money. Our nation is $100 trillion in the hole already with unfunded obligations from Social Security and medicare.

[Ingo Petersen]

Stop and look at what is going on around the world before setting priorities. In Alberta, CA. cars
travel AT the speed limit, not above. Cameras under bridges assure that.There are plenty of warning signs. Also people do not
cross between streets and wait for
green to cross at corners. Also no dangerous high speed chase to give tickets,
it comes in the mail.Fail to pay and you lose drivers license. From
Maine to Florida speed limits are ignored. 70 mph is for the right
lane only. You have a opertunity to bring us into the 21 century,
please give it your best. No more laws, just improved technology and enforcement of existing laws.
THEN & ONLY THEN can you talk
SAFETY IS #1.

[Ingo Petersen]

Don't build new highways or put up more traffic signs if you can't
cut the tree branches and brush that hides present directional signs. Federal, state, counties
and municipalities are all asleep on this subject. They need motivation.

[John Hauskins]

Hey Victor! Good job. I am so glad to see you in Washington. Your pragmatic point of view will be much appreciated there. I know you will do a great job for the Country as you have for Arizona. Hang in there, there are many challenges ahead and we are your best supporters. The best of luck to you!

John Hauskins

[Florin N.]

It's good that somebody is thinking about bridges. Many of them are forgotten and is why there are those unpleasant events.

Succeses!

[Ranger Tickets]

Nice blog.. those are events are great.