Infrastructure Technology Podcast

The ITP team opens this episode by responding to a listener question about whether artificial intelligence is being pushed too quickly — and what the surge of AI marketing says about regulation, responsibility and public trust.  Later in the episode, Gavin sits down with UC Berkeley civil engineering students Michael Yamaguchi and Sarah Saadeh from the American Society of Civil Engineers student chapter to explore how digital tools like AI, building information modeling (BIM) and digital twins are reshaping construction and transportation.  To wrap up the episode, Brandon quizzes Gavin and Jessica on the history of some of the oldest transit systems and bridges in the United States. Featured Guests  Michael Yamaguchi - UC Berkeley Michael Yamaguchi is the president of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) UC Berkeley Student Chapter and a civil engineering student with a focus on construction and rail infrastructure. Sarah Saadeh - UC Berkeley Sarah Saadeh is the vice president of the ASCE UC Berkeley Student Chapter and a civil engineering student with a data science background, interested in the intersection of technology, ethics and infrastructure delivery. What You’ll Learn Why the rapid rise of AI is raising questions about regulation, ethics, and public trust. How digital twins, BIM and real‑time data are changing how infrastructure is designed, built and maintained. Where data collection and AI cross ethical boundaries in transportation and construction. How the next generation of engineers views technology, workforce challenges and long‑term infrastructure impact. Insight into the history and longevity of major U.S. transit systems and bridges. Inside the Episode Episode Length: 1:12:55 Timestamps:  6:25 — Listener emails  13:15 — Interview with Sarah Saadeh and Michael Yamaguchi 1:00:40 — Over and Under with Mass Transit Useful Links American Society of Civil Engineers UC Berkeley Student Chapter UC Berkeley Civil and Environmental Engineering  "AI Moves From Concept to Construction" Roads & Bridges "How Technology is Reshaping Roadway Safety and Traffic Management" Roads & Bridges Send us a topic suggestion!  Don’t forget to subscribe to the ITP and rate and review our podcast! Email [email protected] with your thoughts on AI and transportation  — we might read them on air.   

Co-hosts Brandon Lewis and Jessica Parks lead this episode of the ITP, joined by Mass Transit's Noah Kolenda. They examine one year of congestion pricing and its impact on traffic patterns and urban mobility in New York City and beyond.  Brandon also sits down with Penn State student Jorge Diaz to explore the future of transit through the lens of an emerging professional — from data analytics and machine learning to the growing need for more multimodal, people-focused infrastructure. To close out the episode, Jessica quizzes Brandon and Noah on project pricing from Roads & Bridges' 2025 Top 10 Bridge Awards.  Featured Guests Jorge Diaz - Penn State University  Jorge Diaz is a transportation engineering student in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Penn State. His studies focus on transit systems, with research spanning the impacts of transit policies on ridership, security incidents, accessibility and equity.  Noah Kolenda - Mass Transit  Noah Kolenda is the associate editor at Mass Transit, where he specializes in data-driven coverage of transit operations, ridership and urban mobility trends.  What You'll Learn How congestion pricing in New York City has reduced traffic in Manhattan and reshaped travel behavior across the Five Boroughs in its first year.  How a new generation of transit professionals is applying data-driven thinking, global perspective and multimodal planning.  Why the next generation of the industry is shifting from car-centric design towards systems focused on moving people more efficiently.  How well you can stack up on bridge project pricing from Roads & Bridges' 2025 Top 10 Bridge Awards.  Inside the Episode Episode length: 44:34  Timestamps:  2:17 — Congestion pricing 14:18  — Interview with Jorge Diaz 32:43 — Quiz on Roads & Bridges 2025 Top 10 Bridge Awards Useful Links "NYC marks one year of congestion pricing with faster travel, cleaner air, safer streets and more revenue than expected" — Noah Kolenda  Congestion Relief Zone Tolling First Evaluation Report Roads & Bridges Top 10 Bridge Awards Send us a topic suggestion! Don’t forget to subscribe to the ITP and rate and review our podcast! Email [email protected] with your thoughts on congestion pricing  — we might read them on air. 

The ITP team returns to dive into post-pandemic transit and the evolving forces shaping infrastructure today. Mass Transit’s Noah Kolenda joins Gavin, Brandon, and Jessica to break down five years of ridership recovery across the New York MTA system — revealing how commuter rail, buses, subways and paratransit have each rebounded differently as travel habits shift. Later in the episode, Gavin speaks with Keith Plokhoy of CMC to explore how construction materials, supply chains and pre‑engineered bridge technology are transforming project delivery. Their conversation highlights how accelerated bridge construction can improve resilience, cut man‑hours and reopen critical routes faster after disruptive events. To wrap up the episode, Brandon puts the team to the test with a fresh round of Mass Transit trivia. Featured Guests  Noah Kolenda - Mass Transit  Noah Kolenda is the associate editor at Mass Transit, where he specializes in data-driven coverage of transit operations, ridership and urban mobility trends.  Keith Plokhoy - CMC  Keith Plokhoy is the director of bridge systems at CMC. His work focuses on bringing pre‑engineered, accelerated bridge construction solutions to market, helping agencies deliver projects faster, more safely and with greater long‑term resilience. What You'll Learn How ridership has recovered across MTA modes — from commuter rail to subways — and what the data reveals about changing post‑pandemic travel habits. How construction materials, supply chains and accelerated bridge construction technologies are influencing project delivery timelines and cost savings. How pre‑engineered bridge systems improve resilience in areas facing extreme weather and repeated flooding. Insights from Brandon’s Mass Transit trivia showdown — covering the latest news, fleet transitions and funding shifts across the industry. Inside the Episode  Episode Length: 50:50 Timestamps:  1:40 – Noah's MTA data dive  16:53 – Interview with Keith Plokhoy 44:10 – Mass Transit news quiz Useful Links CMC Bridge Systems MTA Ridership Data (NY Open Data Portal)  Send us a topic suggestion!  Don’t forget to subscribe to the ITP and rate and review our podcast! Email [email protected] with your transit or infrastructure hot takes — we might read them on air.  

The Season 3 premiere of the ITP kicks off with a forward-looking conversation on where transportation and infrastructure technology are headed next. Gavin, Brandon and Jessica break down predictions on AI adoption, smart roads, real-time traffic management and the uncertain future of federal infrastructure funding.   The episode also features an in-depth interview with leaders from HNTB and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), exploring how transit agencies are leveraging data and AI to improve safety, operations and the rider experience.  To wrap up the episode, Brandon reflects on his recent trip to Washington, D.C., and the city’s standout accessibility. Featured Guests  Joanna M. Pinkerton - HNTB Joanna M. Pinkerton is HNTB’s national practice leader for digital infrastructure solutions, where she advances programs focused on digital transformation of public infrastructure, integration of AI, and the use of advanced analytics to serve communities more efficiently. She previously served as president and CEO of the Central Ohio Transit Authority. Dee Leggett - DART Dee Leggett is the former executive vice president and chief development officer at DART. A nationally recognized transit leader with more than 20 years of experience, she has overseen planning, engineering, real estate, design, construction, and development programs for major transportation projects across the U.S. What You'll Learn The team’s top predictions for 2026, including how AI, real‑time traffic tools, and emerging safety tech could shape both transit and roadway operations. Why the upcoming expiration of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act may create uncertainty for long‑term infrastructure planning, funding stability and project delivery. How transit agencies like DART and HNTB are using data, AI analytics, and customer journey mapping to improve safety, communication and the overall rider experience. What Brandon discovered about Washington, D.C.’s accessibility — and how the city’s design compares to other U.S. transit environments. Inside the Episode Episode Length: 1:01:53 Timestamps: 1:30- 2026 predictions 12:40- Interview with HNTB and DART 47:00- Washington, D.C. accessibility  Useful Links HNTB Digital Infrastructure Solutions  DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit)  Roads & Bridges - AI Moves from Concept to Construction Send us a topic suggestion!  Don't forget to subscribe to the ITP, and rate and review our podcast! Email [email protected] with your boldest 2026 infrastructure prediction — we might read it on air!   

On the Season 2 finale of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast, Gavin, Brandon, and Jessica are joined by Noah, who breaks down the U.S. transit industry’s zero-emission bus transition, including fleet size, propulsion types, infrastructure gaps, and the impact of tariffs. Returning guests Jay Wratten and Chris Harman from WSP review their 2025 technology predictions, discussing what came true and how AI, digital twins, USDOT requirements, and digital delivery are accelerating into 2026. 

In this episode of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast, the team dives into the city of Albuquerque’s new smart bus shelters—a project aimed at making transit safer, cleaner and more efficient for riders. Brandon Lewis interviews Bobby Sisneros, the deputy director of Albuquerque’s Transit Department, who explains how these shelters integrate technology and thoughtful design to improve the rider experience. 

In this episode of the ITP, the team dives into fresh ridership data from the American Public Transportation Association, revealing that heavy rail has seen the strongest post-pandemic rebound. Later, Gavin Jenkins speaks with Steve Davidson, chief strategy officer at American Structurepoint, explains how technologies like virtual and augmented reality are enhancing collaboration, improving project accuracy and helping both stakeholders and the public visualize infrastructure before it’s built. 

In Episode 9 of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast, the team responds to listener emails before Brandon's interview with Dave Karwaski of UCLA Transportation, who outlines the university’s cutting-edge Sustainable Transportation Plan, including full bus fleet electrification, inductive charging technology and the integration of Waymo autonomous vehicles into campus life. The episode closes with Ileana’s Bunny Man Bridge urban legend.

This week on the ITP, the team guesses which U.S. transit agencies led 2024’s bus ridership rankings before Virginia Lingham of WSP details how V2X technology is transforming roadway safety through connected infrastructure, collaboration and workforce innovation.

The ITP team brings back infrastructure-themed Two Truths and a Lie before Jacksonville Transportation Authority CEO Nat Ford discusses the city's NAVI autonomous vehicle pilot. Jacksonville's aging Skyway system was transformed into a 10-mile AV corridor while keeping safety and multimodal transportation access in mind.

The ITP team dives into two key discussions — bike lane safety and the evolving role of technology in construction. Scott Crozier, vice president of civil construction field systems at Trimble, discusses how technology like 3D modeling, GPS machine control and predictive analytics is helping contractors and state DOTs navigate economic volatility, extend asset life and modernize infrastructure.

The ITP team plays an infrastructure news-themed round of "What's the Word" and breaks down potholes, while guest Joe Marchiafava from STV discusses a pilot with the Chicago Transit Authority that uses AI-powered video analytics and edge computing to detect intrusions on rail tracks.

The ITP team starts and ends the episode with a transit-themed over-under game and listener emails. For this week's interview, Gavin Jenkins talks with Bentley Systems’ Ian Rosam and Joey LouAllen about OpenSite+, a next-gen AI-powered tool for site engineering that reduces project timelines and boosts collaboration through data-centric, cloud-based design.

The ITP team debuts a new Buy or Sell game this episode, playing both at the beginning and the end. Additionally, Mass Transit's Brandon Lewis interviews Michael Younan from Metrolink about wireless crossing near-side station technology.

The ITP team kicks off this episode with Roads & Bridges trivia before diving into an interview with Sean Poole of IntelliRoad. Poole breaks down the alarming scale of wrong-way driving crashes and how IntelliRoad’s AI- and LIDAR-powered IntelliConnect platform is working to prevent them with real-time detection and alerts. The episode wraps up with an explainer on bump outs, exploring how curb extensions and bus bulbs make streets safer and transit more efficient.

Season 2 of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast kicks off with new co-host, games and history segment. Brandon Lewis, associate editor of Mass Transit magazine, also interviews representatives from Hayden AI, the city of Sacramento and SacRT about their automated bike lane enforcement program, which equips buses with AI-powered cameras to detect illegal parking in bike lanes and bus stops.

In the season one finale of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast, hosts Gavin Jenkins, Brandon Lewis and Harlee Hewitt reflect on their inaugural season before Gavin interviews Brad Miller, senior product manager at AT&T. The pair discuss the company’s internet of things video intelligence technology, which aims to improve road safety, especially in rural and construction zones, by allowing cities and transportation agencies to monitor intersections and roadways in real time.

Key Takeaways · State DOTs are increasingly trusting of integrating crowd-sourced mobility data as it becomes more robust and comprehensive, offering greater temporal and spatial coverage than traditional sensors. · New data types like origin-destination and volume data are emerging, but agencies must evaluate their credibility before relying on them for planning and funding decisions. · Vehicle probe data, now collected from roughly one in three vehicles, offers significant insights into traffic flow, energy use, and emissions, especially valuable in high-density urban areas. · Despite advances, rural areas still face challenges due to limited data penetration and connectivity, but emerging connected vehicle technologies may help close that gap. About the episode What if your car’s data could help shape the future of transportation? In this episode of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast, Harlee Hewitt speaks with three leading mobility data experts about the evolution and future of crowd-sourced transportation data. Michael Fontaine of the Virginia Transportation Research Council discusses how mobility data has progressed and what it means for state DOTs. Then, Stanley Young and Jeff Gonder of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory join to share insights into how real-time vehicle probe data is transforming everything from energy efficiency to rural infrastructure monitoring. Tune in to hear how mobility data is shaping the future of infrastructure planning and public transportation.

Key takeaways: Jake Bailosky developed OnStation to solve a specific pain point in the field: determining exact location on a project site. Inspired by golf yardage apps, the tool automates stationing for road workers and inspectors. The app immediately improved field efficiency by eliminating manual calculations and replacing measuring wheels—offering instant location data to crews and helping streamline project documentation. Transit App’s new bike routing feature prioritizes safety by routing cyclists through protected lanes and quieter streets using Open Street Map data, with visual warnings for busy roads. Real-time data accuracy is critical not just for buses, but for all modes of transit; Transit App’s ongoing feedback loops and data refinement ensure reliable and accessible trip planning for riders. There’s an app for everything these days—even for navigating construction zones and biking city streets. In this episode of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast, Host Gavin Jenkins and Co-hosts Harlee Hewitt and Brandon Lewis dive into the transformative role of apps in transit and construction. Gavin speaks with Jake Bailosky, the former Ohio Department of Transportation engineer who created OnStation—a job site location app that revolutionized field operations. Then, Brandon interviews Stephen Miller, policy lead at Transit App, about how real-time data and turn-by-turn bike routing are enhancing the rider experience. From simplifying site inspections to safer cycling routes, this episode explores how app-based innovations are streamlining infrastructure work on the ground and on the go.

Key Takeaways:  By using unmanned aerial systems (UAS), the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) significantly reduces the need for crews and equipment on busy roadways, minimizing worker exposure to traffic and improving safety conditions. Drone-collected data is processed and delivered to engineers within 24 to 48 hours, allowing for rapid decision-making, real-time project monitoring and quicker responses to infrastructure needs. Cincinnati’s new bus rapid transit corridors will feature level boarding, transit signal priority, queue jumps and articulated buses—designed to provide faster, more accessible service while reflecting the character of each neighborhood. Cincinnati Metro uses fare data and origin-destination analysis to plan routes more effectively while also investing in alternative-fuel vehicles and infrastructure with long-term flexibility in mind. Description: In episode nine of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast, the team explores innovation on the ground and in the air. First, Roads and Bridges’ Gavin Jenkins speaks with Dr. Sinan Abood from MassDOT Aeronautics Division about how drones (UAS technology) are transforming highway inspections, increasing safety and reducing costs. Then, Mass Transit’s  Brandon Lewis sits down with Khaled Shammout, newly promoted deputy innovation and vision officer at Cincinnati Metro, to explore the city's ambitious plans for bus rapid transit, the challenges of transitioning to zero-emission vehicles and how data and advanced modeling are driving smarter public transit systems.

Key takeaways:  The Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Second Chance Program helps returning residents and others with employment barriers gain one year of paid, supportive work experience, with a focus on long-term career development. The program has grown from 50 to 350 positions and includes technological resources, resume workshops, CDL prep and connections to both internal CTA roles and outside employment. The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada uses artificial intelligence (AI)-driven tools like Rekor and ZeroEyes to enhance traffic management, detect weapons in real time and reduce response times to incidents. AI-powered intersection analytics identified patterns of red-light running and jaywalking, helping RTC make data-informed decisions for improving roadway safety. In this episode, the ITP team dives into the power of transformation—both human and technological. First, Brandon Lewis interviews Geisha Ester, former VP of training and workforce development at the CTA, about CTA’s Second Chance program. This initiative supports returning residents and others with employment barriers as they reenter the workforce and build lasting careers. Next up, Harlee Hewitt speaks with MJ Maynard, CEO of the RTC of Southern Nevada, about how AI is reshaping transit safety. From predictive analytics to weapon detection and smart intersections, Maynard shares how the RTC is leveraging AI to enhance public safety and improve regional mobility. This episode is all about opportunity, innovation and the human side of infrastructure and transit.

Key takeaways Importance of infrastructure maintenance – Michigan DOT’s Ancillary Structures Program, supported by HNTB software, emphasizes the need for proactive inspections and maintenance of critical structures like bridges, overpasses and traffic signals. Risk mitigation – By assessing vulnerabilities, programs like the Ancillary Structures Program helps prevent structural failures, ensuring public safety and reducing costly emergency repairs. AI-driven traffic optimization – LYT’s system leverages AI to adjust traffic signals dynamically, reducing congestion and improving traffic flow. Data-Driven Decision-Making – The platform provides cities with real-time data insights, allowing for more effective transportation planning and long-term infrastructure improvements. Episode seven of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast explores the latest innovations revolutionizing urban infrastructure and traffic management. The episode dives into Michigan Department of Transportation’s Ancillary Structures Program, an initiative designed to maintain the safety and integrity of bridges, overpasses and other critical structures through proactive inspections and advanced technology. Brandon Lewis sits down with the founder of LYT, a leader in smart traffic solutions, to discuss how artificial intelligence-driven technology is optimizing traffic flow, reducing congestion and improving emergency response times. From enhancing sustainability to making data-driven urban planning decisions, this episode sheds light on the future of intelligent city infrastructure.

In this episode of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast, Gavin Jenkins is joined by WSP’s digital leaders, Jay Wratten and Chris Harman, for a discussion on the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology in infrastructure. They explore key trends in 2025, including AI's increasing implementation in transportation, predictive analytics for road and rail maintenance and the shift from 2D to 3D data modeling. The conversation highlights how major engineering firms like WSP are evolving to keep up with state department of transportation's ambitious AI-driven strategies. The guests also tackle the responsibilities of large AEC firms in shaping AI’s role, the future of digital twins and whether futuristic technology like virtual reality is ready for widespread adoption in the industry.

Episode five of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast features an interview with Tyler Duvall, CEO and co-founder of Cavnue, who discusses the future of smart roadways and the I-94 CAV Corridor project in Michigan.

In the fourth episode of the ITP, co-host Brandon Lewis interviews Stacey Matlen, Senior Vice President of Innovation at the Partnership for New York City, which co-founded the Transit Tech Lab. They discuss how the lab navigates the "choreographed chaos" of NYC transit, the innovations driving infrastructure and transportation resilience and the challenges of modernizing transit systems. Later, Mark Pittman, founder of Blyncsy and Director of Transportation AI for Bentley Systems, shares insights with host Gavin Jenkins on leveraging AI to improve roadway maintenance and streamline traffic operations. Tune in for a fascinating look at technology transforming infrastructure and transportation.

In our new episode of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast, Gavin, Harlee and Brandon focus on transportation technology and safety with two interviews. Harlee interviews Terri Johnson, director of public sector services at INRIX, with the conversation focusing on traffic slowdown alerts and intelligent transportation systems. Then, Brandon has a chat with Bill Khelm, the CEO and chairman of ebliss Global, as the two discuss the current state and the future of e-bikes. This episode emphasizes how technology is transforming transportation safety, from large-scale traffic management for trucks to innovations in personal e-bike commuting. The hosts discuss how connected vehicle technology and smart roadways will shape the future.

In this episode of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast, hosts Gavin Jenkins, Brandon Lewis, and Harlee Hewitt talk advancements in transportation infrastructure. Gavin interviews Dr. Darcy Bullock from Purdue University, who shares insights on how telematics and big data are transforming highway safety, from identifying crash patterns to enhance safety, to optimizing work zone management. Brandon sits down with Terri Mestas, deputy CEO for Megaproject Delivery at Sound Transit, to discuss the ambitious $75 billion ST3 Plan, the largest transit expansion project in the U.S., which aims to enhance connectivity in the Seattle region through light rail and bus rapid transit systems. This episode highlights how technology and innovation intersect with infrastructure to address challenges, improve safety, and build a more sustainable future.

Welcome to the first episode of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast, presented by Roads and Bridges and Mass Transit magazines! Hosts Gavin Jenkins, Brandon Lewis and Harlee Hewitt introduce themselves and share their excitement about launching the podcast. They also discuss their locations and briefly talk about how they began thinking more about the supply chain, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The episode focuses on the supply chain and its relationship with technology. Guest Gary Smith, a supply chain expert with 40 years of experience, provides insights into the evolution of the supply chain, starting from its early days as "physical distribution", to its modern form influenced by technology like AI and RFID. He explains how the supply chain has become essential in competitive industries, particularly mass transit and construction. Smith shares how events like the COVID-19 pandemic and disruptions like the key bridge collapse in Baltimore highlight the fragility of supply chains. He emphasizes the need for visibility across the entire supply chain to handle disruptions and manage risks.

On Jan. 14, Roads & Bridges will launch a podcast that examines how technology shapes infrastructure. Produced by Endeavor Business Media, the Infrastructure Technology Podcast, or ITP for short, is a collaboration with Mass Transit magazine, one of our sister publications. Episodes will be released every other Tuesday. The bi-weekly show will be hosted by Gavin Jenkins, Roads & Bridges’ senior managing editor, Brandon Lewis, associate editor of Mass Transit, and Harlee Hewitt, associate editor of Roads & Bridges and Construction Equipment, which is another sister publication of ours at Endeavor Business Media. Ryan Curtiss, Roads & Bridges’ digital editor, will produce the episodes. The ITP will feature interviews with experts and industry thought leaders, as well as roundtable discussions. The podcast will examine the leading software, changes to construction equipment, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, emerging data sets, connected and automated vehicle corridors and how technology impacts safety, the supply chain, congestion and asset management.