VHB Speakers Contribute to Key Transportation Discussions at ITE 2026

From implementing Safe System principles to strengthening transportation resilience, this year's Joint ITE International and Great Lakes District Annual Meeting highlighted the issues shaping transportation agencies nationwide. VHB transportation professionals shared practical approaches informed by projects that help transportation agencies improve safety, strengthen system performance, and better serve their communities.

Advancing the Safe System Approach

Reducing fatalities and serious injuries remained a central theme across several VHB presentations. Eric Tang, Lauren Blackburn, and Chuck Conran explored safety challenges facing Appalachian communities and discussed strategies tailored to rural and mountainous roadways. In a separate session, Elissa Goughnour moderated a panel on the NCHRP Safe System Institutionalization Toolkit, which helps agencies incorporate safety considerations into policies, programs, and project delivery. Ankita Rathi rounded out VHB's safety programming with a poster on Vision Zero planning approaches that support long-term safety goals.

Supporting Safer School Travel

Safe travel for children requires more than infrastructure improvements alone. During a session focused on school transportation safety, Andrew Topp shared best practices for conducting school-area assessments. By covering field review methods, using crash data to guide decisions, and optimizing staff deployment during arrival and dismissal, Andrew gave agencies a clear framework for evaluating and improving safety around their own schools.

Strengthening Transportation Resilience

As agencies prepare for increasingly complex challenges, transportation resilience continues to grow in importance. Ryan Winter presented on coastal transportation resilience, highlighting approaches that help agencies strengthen network reliability, improve emergency preparedness, and support continued mobility during disruptive events.

Advancing Innovative Transportation Design

Innovative intersections and roundabouts can help agencies balance safety, mobility, and community needs. Joe Balskus joined transportation leaders from across the Great Lakes region to share lessons learned from implementing innovative intersection treatments and engaging communities throughout the planning and design process.

Through these presentations, VHB demonstrated its commitment to helping clients deliver practical transportation solutions that support safer travel, stronger infrastructure systems, and lasting community benefits.

Explore how VHB is partnering with transportation agencies to implement practical solutions that improve safety, strengthen resilience, and support better outcomes for communities.