Safety

Infrastructure needs have emerged as a top priority for most state administrators who received the go-ahead to spend millions of dollars on repairs as well as new construction projects that range from expanding highways to fixing decrepit roads to installing Intelligent Transportation Systems.

WASHINGTON — The chorus of support for funding highways and infrastructure grew louder last week with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce unveiling a four-point plan that would raise fuel taxes, expedite the permitting process, facilitate more private investment and help construction firms address a shortage of skilled labor.

It’s a measure of the current frenzy surrounding self-driving cars that a year-old startup can haul in more than $100 million in its first fundraising round.

Auto companies at the CES tech convention in Las Vegas affirmed plans to have their first true self-driving cars in production by 2021 — or in some cases earlier. But don’t expect to see these vehicles on any dealership lots.

PPG announced Jan. 16 it is partnering with the University of Michigan’s Mcity to test paint and other vehicle coatings specially designed for autonomous vehicles.

Self-driving cars could be coming to Arlington, Mass., soon, as the Board of Selectmen have agreed to allow Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine to take the first steps in bringing autonomous vehicle tests to town.

Highway safety advocates are urging lawmakers to pump the brakes on the development of driverless cars.

Aptiv left a piece of Pittsburgh in Las Vegas when it tore down its booth last week at the largest electronics show in Las Vegas.

Memphis International Airport saw little impact on passenger flights from a winter storm early Jan. 16, but FedEx’s cargo operation experienced disruptions that could affect deliveries.

WASHINGTON — Back in 2016, the Federal Highway Administration gave states a 10-year window to modernize their data collection systems to help better pinpoint hot spots for accidents and congestion on their roads. Nearly two years into the project, it appears that the decadelong grace period was a good idea.