Champions of Change in Transportation solving Beyond Traffic challenges

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) said Friday its Beyond Traffic document about the challenges and trends facing the U.S. transportation infrastructure industry during the next 30 years, has already resulted in innovations, thanks to the White House Champions of Change in Transportation.

The Beyond Traffic report has opened a discussion about infrastructure and its future. The document includes an outline of several various challenges, including an increase in U.S. population by 70 million people in 2045, even more frequent extreme weather events, and a 45 percent rise in freight volume. These estimations show that the U.S. will be in a nationwide gridlock if these challenges are not addressed soon.

The White House Champions of Change in Transportation are striving to solve the challenges before they worsen, DOT said, and 11 people were honored at a ceremony for their efforts involving various transportation modes.

These champions include Indiana University James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children Morris Green Professor of Pediatrics Marilyn Bull , Florida International University  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Chairman Atorod Azizinamini and University of Maine Advanced Structures & Composites Center Director Habib Dagher.