Description

Episode 55 of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast explores how emerging technologies are helping transportation agencies improve project oversight, safety and operational efficiency. The episode examines the North Carolina Turnpike Authority’s use of drone-based LiDAR on the Complete 540 Phase 2 project, where detailed aerial data is helping teams track construction progress, compare field conditions against project schedules and reduce the need for surveyors to enter active construction zones.  

The episode also looks at the future of artificial intelligence in public transportation, including MIT Transit Lab’s $2.1 million Google.org grant to support development of the Public Transit Intelligence Hub (PTIQ). The AI-powered platform aims to integrate real-time monitoring, operations control and passenger communications, helping transit agencies respond to service disruptions and make more informed decisions.  

Travis Howell- WSP in the U.S. 

Travis Howell serves as the geospatial manager at WSP in the U.S. 

Cameron Richards- North Carolina Turnpike Authority

Cameron Richards is the eastern deputy chief engineer at the North Carolina Turnpike Authority. 

• How drone-based LiDAR is helping North Carolina's Complete 540 project capture more comprehensive survey data.
• Why drone technology can improve safety by reducing worker exposure in active construction areas.
• The biggest implementation challenges, from flight planning to managing large datasets.
• Key factors agencies should consider before adopting drone-based LiDAR on future projects.

Episode Length: 36:23 

Timestamps: 

• 2:20 - Public Transportation and AI Discussion
• 6:20 - Roads & Bridges Interview with NCTA and WSP
• 31:15 - Interview Takeaways

• Roads & Bridges
• Mass Transit
• Send us a topic suggestion! 

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