America has been celebrating Earth Day for more than 40 years. While many people understand cars have gotten greener, did you know roads have as well?

• Today old road materials are regularly recycled and reused in new road asphalt and concrete.
• Ubiquitous reflective orange barrels (often made of recycled plastic) are placed in construction zones instead of old-style burning oil lamps or battery-powered flashers.
• More and more transportation projects include provisions for bicycling and pedestrians.
• Newer technology has reduced – and in some cases eliminated – the number of toll booths on tollways and turnpikes, reducing stopped traffic and lowering related emissions.

Other green roadway concepts also are gaining in favor.

We’d be happy to help support your Earth Day reporting efforts. HNTB’s David Wenzel, AICP, LEED® AP, urban design and planning chair, is available for interviews. He’s been meeting with transportation officials – including aviation, transit and rail experts – across the country to better understand their sustainability efforts and plans moving forward.