A lot of changes have taken place in the highway industry since the last
ConExpo three years ago in Las Vegas. The industry was making a push toward
research and development of technology that would allow the building of
safer, longer-lasting roads. The SHRP program was at the forefront of this
technological push, and now is in the implementation stage (see Assessing
the Results of SHRP, 3/96). Study tours were being conducted in Europe that
would expose U.S. road designers and builders to different approaches to
road construction, such as warranties, that are now making inroads in this
country.
The nation was rebounding from a recession and highway personnel had high
hopes for vigor to return to the industry, in part through funding of the
Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA). But budget-cuts
have cast a shadow over the remainder of ISTEA, and threaten to adversely
impact the gains the industry may be able to achieve through passage of
the National Highway System. A once bright future for highways seems to
have dimmed.
Change also has come to ConExpo. With the teaming of ConExpo with Con/Agg,
the show's organizers have combined to create a mega event. Change and growth
also continues fast and furious in Las Vegas. In November, a Las Vegas and
ConExpo fixture, the Landmark Hotel, was imploded. Built by Howard Hughes,
the silver-topped, spaceship-on-a-stick-shaped tower located across Paradise
Boulevard from the convention center is no more. But as the highway construction
industry ponders an uncertain future, the growth of ConExpo-Con/Agg is a
sign of hope for the industry. The exposition has expanded across the street
to occupy the Landmark Exhibit Area where the Landmark once stood.
ROADS & BRIDGES would like to recognize two of its contributing editors
who recently have been invited to speak at several important industry events.
Ken Kelley, editor of our monthly column, Truck Tracks (see 3/96), has been
asked to speak before a meeting of state highway superintendents in June.
The meeting, sponsored by the Transportation Research Board, is to take
place in Syracuse, N.Y. Ken has been asked to comment on the subject of
his December 1995 column, 1995: Year of the Engine Engineer (see 3/96).
Cordell Parvin, editor of our monthly column, LAW: The Contractor's Side
(see 3/96), is to speak at the opening ceremonies of the 1996 American Road
& Transportation Builders Association Convention in Las Vegas March
19. Cordell will provide convention attendees with a status report on disadvantaged
business enterprise (DBE) programs following the U.S. Supreme Court's Adarand
decision (see Adarand Decision: What is the Impact?, July 1995,). He also
was to discuss the controversial topic at the National Asphalt Pavement
Association's (NAPA) 41st Annual Convention in San Antonio in February,
in addition to Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR).
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