The Nation

NEW YORK (AP) — Elon Musk’s cost-cutting team is eliminating jobs at the vehicle safety agency that oversees Tesla and has launched investigations into deadly crashes involving his company’s cars. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has cut a “modest” amount of positions, according to a statement from the agency. Musk has accused NHTSA of holding back progress on self-driving technology with its investigations and recalls. Asked about whether the cuts would impact any probes into Tesla, the agency referred to its statement that says it will “enforce the law on all manufacturers of motor vehicles and equipment.” The job cuts at NHTSA enacted by Musk’s advisory group on shrinking the federal government, the Department of Government Efficiency, was earlier reported by The Washington Post. In addition to investigations into Tesla’s partially automated vehicles, NHTSA has mandated that Tesla and other automakers using self-driving technology report crash data on vehicles, a requirement that Tesla has criticized and that watchdogs fear could be eliminated. The staff reductions have come through a combination of firings, buyouts and layoffs. The agency noted in its statement that the Biden administration had expanded its payroll, suggesting the smaller staff was sufficient to carry out its mission. “Even with these modest efficiencies, NHTSA is still considerably larger today than it was four years ago,” the statement said. “We have retained positions critical to the mission of saving lives, preventing injuries, and reducing economic costs due to road traffic crashes.”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The recent heavy rains and winter weather have created an abundance of potholes along interstates and state routes in Tennessee. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has enacted its statewide effort using all available resources, including contractors, to repair the damaged areas as quickly as possible. “Each year, we anticipate severe weather will impact our roads, and we’ve proactively planned for pothole repairs while also addressing winter conditions,” said Butch Eley, Deputy Governor and TDOT Commissioner. “Our teams have been focused on putting contracts in place ahead of time, enabling us to immediately mobilize and begin repairs. This approach ensures we can respond quickly and effectively, prioritizing the safety and service of Tennesseans.” Multiple Crews Dispatched Multiple crews will be patching potholes over the coming days and weeks. Cold mix asphalt is currently being used for temporary repairs. Permanent repairs will be made in spring and early summer when asphalt plants are producing ample amounts of hot mix. In some cases, motorists should be prepared for short-term traffic delays during these pothole repair operations. While every effort will be made to perform repairs during off-peak travel times, some lane closures may extend into the late afternoon, evening and weekends. “We ask drivers to be patient and to watch out for TDOT crews on interstates and state highways,” TDOT said. “Work with us. Move over and slow down. Repair Disruptions Further inclement weather, emergency repairs or incidents may disrupt daily schedules. TDOT does not count potholes. The do not keep a tally of how many potholes have been repaired or the cost of repairs per pothole. These repairs are part of normal highway maintenance operations. Drivers can report potholes by calling the TDOTFIX Hotline at 833-TDOTFIX or by submitting an online maintenance request form.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) have released the results of an 18-month study looking at transportation investments to support economic growth and development in the state. “The goal is to help us understand how Ohio’s highways influence and support statewide economic growth and prioritize transportation projects, as funding is available,” Governor DeWine said. “Ohio’s economy is growing and to keep this momentum going, we must get people to work and deliver goods on time.” 18-Month Effort For more than a year, ODOT has worked with the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, the Ohio Department of Development, JobsOhio, and more than 500 elected officials, business leaders, and transportation and regional planning experts to identify needs, opportunities, and concerns. Staff from ODOT’s 12 districts also shared their local expertise. Ohio ranks 6th in the nation in terms of freight volume with nearly 1.4 billion tons of freight moving to, from, and through the state annually. Ohio-based businesses can access more than 60% of the U.S. and Canadian population within a one-day drive. The state’s multimodal transportation system, which includes highways, rail corridors, airports, transit systems, and marine ports, lead the nation by many measures. This system supports the industries and the workforce that drive the state’s economy. Planning Tool “Overall, most of Ohio’s major highway corridors are handling the needs of today and are expected to do so in the future, even if current population and economic growth trends accelerate,” said Pamela Boratyn, ODOT director. “However, we have identified congestion risks that could hinder future economic development. This tool will assist ODOT and local leaders in ensuring transportation is never a roadblock to economic opportunity.” In just the past five years, Ohio has seen major investments from companies like Intel, Amazon, Google, Meta, Honda, PharmaVite, Anduril Industries, Joby, and many others. These companies are choosing Ohio due to workforce, location, and quality of life. However, each of these things rely on a strong transportation system. In 2023, Ohio’s gross domestic product (GDP) was $872.7 billion, the seventh highest in the nation. Six of Ohio’s metropolitan statistical areas ranked in the top 100 in the nation for GDP. Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland are in the top 40. What the Study Found The report identifies 72 congestion risk locations across the state, referred to as “hotspots.” All were considered in the context of Ohio’s economic goals and ODOT’s broader mission to provide a transportation system that is safe, accessible, well-maintained, and positioned for the future. Of the 72 congestion risk locations, all but 21 were already on ODOT’s radar. The 51 projects already in the ODOT pipeline represent a total investment of $13 billion. However, $6.1 billion worth of the projects remain unfunded. There is no funding source identified for the other 21 projects the study recommends. Six Corridor Focus ODOT analyzed risks associated with congestion in seven geographic/economic regions and studied interregional connections along six focus corridors. These corridors included Toledo to Columbus and Sandusky to Columbus, as specified in Ohio House Bill 23. They specifically examined how these corridors will meet travel needs over the next 10, 20, and 30 years. Toledo – Columbus This corridor includes I-75, US 68, State Route 31, and US 23. It connects Northwest Ohio, including Toledo, with Central Ohio’s fast-growing Delaware and Union counties. It is also a critical link to Detroit and US-Canada border crossings from Central Ohio, including the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which is expected to open later this year. The study confirmed the need to make significant improvements to the throughfares that connect Columbus and Toledo. Population is expected to grow south along I-75 in Toledo’s suburbs and in Bowling Green and Findlay. Continued growth is also expected in Delaware, Marysville, and northern Columbus suburbs. There are significant, existing congestion issues in that area, particularly along US 23 in Delaware County, and other areas are nearing capacity. Future congestion risks are expected to expand unless addressed. The corridor has a mix of full, partial, and no access control with almost 2,000 private driveways and over 400 at-grade intersections. These conflict points can lead to crashes and congestion, which degrade the safety and reliability of the travel route. This corridor contains 20% of the top segments identified in the state’s Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) which funds infrastructure improvements to prevent serious injuries and traffic deaths on Ohio roads. The priority recommendation is to improve US 23 between Waldo and I-270. However, the study does not recommend construction of an alternative freeway due to the cost as well as minimal travel time reductions from such an alternative freeway. Sandusky – Columbus This corridor includes SR 4, US 250, I-71, and US 23. It connects Sandusky and resort areas along Lake Erie with communities in Delaware and Franklin counties. Sandusky’s economy relies on tourism and manufacturing while the Delaware County economy is expected to continue to diversify. Population growth along the corridor has been mixed. The Port of Sandusky and proximity to I-90 provide growth opportunities for logistics-related businesses. Population is forecasted to continue declining in rural areas between Sandusky and Marion. Delaware and northern Columbus suburbs will continue to grow and generate strong travel demand on the corridor. Several corridor segments are experiencing congestion while others are nearing capacity. US 23 and I-71 between US 36 and I-270 have the highest number of future congestion risks. Approximately 50% of the mileage along the corridor has no access control and numerous driveways. These conflict points can lead to crashes and congestion, which degrade the safety and reliability of the travel route. The corridor includes over 20% of the state’s top 100 highway safety improvement locations with priority segments along I-71. The study recommended evaluating potential improvements to SR 4 and US 250 to address constraints through city and town centers such as Bucyrus and Norwalk. Improvements could include widening narrow shoulders and adding turn lanes in rural areas. Columbus – Kentucky/West Virginia This corridor includes US 23 and US 52 and connects Central Ohio with Southeast Ohio, Portsmouth, the Ohio River, West Virginia, and Kentucky. Grove City and the southeastern segments of I-270 have attracted a workforce searching for affordable housing. Bedroom communities are anticipated to continue to develop along US 23 south toward Circleville as well as in Grove City and the southeastern segment of the Columbus I-270 outer belt. Rickenbacker International Airport has spurred strong logistics-related businesses nearby, resulting in significant growth in employment and truck trips. Ross County and areas further south are expected to decline in population but there are pockets of development and manufacturing opportunities north of Chillicothe. Portsmouth has experienced population and employment declines, but increases in development are expected. There are multiple roadway segments nearing capacity. Access control varies significantly along US 23 and US 52. Dense commercial driveway spacing and numerous residential driveways can lead to crashes and congestion risks, which degrade the safety and reliability of the travel route. The priority recommendation is to initiate a feasibility analysis and initial project development activities that will position ODOT to increase capacity and manage access on US 23 from I-270 to south of Circleville. Columbus-West Virginia The US 33 corridor connects Central Ohio with Southeast Ohio, the Ohio River, and West Virginia. It also connects Columbus and its southeast suburbs of Groveport and Canal Winchester and travels along the south edge of Pickerington. This segment of US 33 is a four-lane highway with partial access control. Strong economic growth in Columbus and the southeast suburbs of Franklin County is expected to continue. Groveport, Canal Winchester, and Pickerington have experienced strong population and employment growth over the last 20 years. Rickenbacker International Airport, which can be accessed from US 33, is a major employer and truck trip generator. Athens has experienced modest population growth over the last 20 to 30 years. US 33 is a key gateway for tourism destinations, while population and employment in Ohio River communities have declined over the last several decades. Congestion is concentrated at the northern end of the corridor on US 33 from the I-270 interchange to SR 317. US 33 is nearing capacity almost entirely from SR 317 through Groveport and Canal Winchester to the US 33 Business Route branch in Fairfield County. Access varies between partial and full control, which can lead to crashes and congestion and degrade the safety and reliability of the travel route. The corridor has 29 safety improvement locations. It also recommended seeking construction funding for existing ODOT projects on US 33 in Franklin and Fairfield counties. Cincinnati-Dayton The I-75 corridor connects Dayton and Cincinnati. The north end of the corridor is near Dayton International Airport and Union Global Logistics Airpark at Dayton Airport, with many logistics-related businesses located nearby. To the east of the corridor, with access from I-675, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is a major military installation focusing on logistics. The corridor includes large, fast-growing suburbs as well as large manufacturing employers. Major employers and logistics-related businesses are located in downtown Cincinnati and at the Port of Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky, which recently expanded and is now the largest inland port in the country. I-75 currently is experiencing congestion on several segments. In the future, the highest congestion risks are on I-75 near the I-275 interchange north of Cincinnati and from SR 73 north through downtown Dayton. Interchanges are adequately spaced and have signalized intersections, except the northbound entrance ramp from Stewart Street. The segments with the most safety concerns are primarily near system interchanges and in downtown Dayton. The corridor has 12 priority segments and nine priority intersections in the highway safety program’s top 100 locations. The study recommended continuing to develop projects associated with the I-75/I-275 interchange and work with regional planning organizations to improve Cincinnati to Dayton corridor connections. Canton/Youngstown-West Virginia/Pennsylvania This corridor includes US 30 and SR 11 and connects Northeast Ohio with West Virginia and the Pittsburgh metropolitan area in Pennsylvania. Canton and Youngstown have experienced population and employment declines in their urban cores. However, Canton has recorded population growth in some northern areas, while Youngstown has observed growth in its southwestern suburbs. Employment trends have fluctuated, with significant job losses in higher-paying manufacturing industries. In East Canton, US 30 features rural areas with existing warehousing and logistics businesses. Austintown Township has shown population and employment growth trends. US 224 provides connectivity to SR 11 and I-680, facilitating regional movement. I-680 and I-76 enhance network connectivity and access to logistics and warehousing industries. The corridor includes a mix of roadway types. The western portion lacks access control, consisting primarily of a two-lane roadway with sections that expand to three lanes near villages or for truck climbing lanes. The eastern portion is a four-lane, fully access-controlled interstate highway with 10 interchanges. No corridor segments are experiencing congestion currently, and traffic volumes are generally well below roadway capacity. Safety concerns have been identified along US 30 between East Canton and Minerva and on SR 11 from the I-80 interchange to the US 224 interchange, which records the highest crash frequency on the corridor. The study recommended addressing local safety concerns and updating interchanges on US 30 in Stark and Columbiana counties. The full report, including appendices, and a digital interactive mapping tool can be found at transportation.ohio.gov/statewidestudy

BEAR LAKE, Idaho – One person has died after a three-vehicle crash that involved two big rigs. Idaho State Police (ISP) stated that the fatality crash that occurred at 1:21 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, on US30 at milepost 421.8 in Bear Lake County killed an 85-year-old man. Authorities say a 2017 Kenworth driven by a 39-year-old male with a 49-year-old female passenger, both from Port Orchard, Washington, was stopped eastbound on US30 at milepost 421.8 waiting for a crash to be cleared. A 2018 Lincoln MKC driven by a 85-year-old female with a 85-year-old male passenger both from Georgetown, Idaho, was stopped behind the Kenworth when a white 2019 freightliner, driven by a 42-year-old male from Las Vegas, Nevada, failed to yield for the stopped vehicles. The Freightliner collided with the Lincoln, pushing the vehicle into the left shoulder. It then collided into the Kenworth’s Trailer where it came to a rest. The driver and passenger of the Lincoln were transported by ground ambulance to a local hospital and later died from his injuries. The roadway was closed for approximately 10 hours.

CLEAR CREEK, SUMMIT, EAGLE COUNTIES, Colo. — Winter operations teams have safely triggered and cleared avalanche slide paths along I-70 through the mountain corridor following successive storms from last Thursday night through Tuesday morning. “Mother Nature did not take off for the holiday weekend,” said Shoshana Lew, CDOT executive director. “To the contrary, we saw some of the most intense snow totals of the season in the high country and multiple consecutive storms. Mountain Corridor ski resorts reported more than a foot and a half of fresh snow in 48 hours and more than four feet of snow in the past seven days. CDOT crews have been working around the clock to clear roads and mitigate avalanche risk, including a number of mitigation missions this morning. We remind drivers that conditions remain challenging. Please drive carefully through the tail end of this weather system, and watch out for snow plows and law enforcement who are working hard to keep the roads safe,”  Heavy Snow Accumulation Measurements taken on the summit of Vail Pass counted 28 inches of snow and 2.2 inches of snow water equivalent., according to a CDOT press release. Storms brought heavy accumulations of snow and high winds, which made for extreme conditions over long stretches of the Presidents Day weekend. With high volumes of car and truck travel, CDOT crews and law enforcement cleared vehicle spinouts, in addition to clearing roads of snow throughout the extended holiday weekend. Some periods of time saw short and intense bursts of snow that impeded visibility. Avalanche Mitigation Every winter, CDOT and its sister agency, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), regularly monitor and control 278 of 522 known avalanche paths located above Colorado highways. These efforts help prevent avalanches from impacting motorists on the highways below. When there is a high risk of avalanche danger, CDOT will close the highway at the location of the avalanche path to conduct avalanche control. After the highway is closed, CDOT crews bring down the unstable snow from the mountain side and clear all snow and debris from the roadway before reopening the highway to traffic. “The mitigation methods used in the early morning hours, before daylight, allowed our crews to work when traffic volumes are low,” said Shawn Smith, CDOT director of maintenance and operations. “This work is critical for keeping our roads safe, especially after the volume of snow we have seen over the past few days. We appreciate drivers’ patience as the team performs this important work of triggering avalanches and subsequent cleanup, which significantly reduces the risk of natural slides.”  Slide Paths Four avalanche slide paths between the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel and the town of Silverthorne released debris onto the lanes of I-70 early this morning as crews performed mitigation missions. I-70 was briefly closed while these slides were triggered and crews cleared the road. “CAIC forecasters have been busy reading the snowpack for both backcountry users and Colorado highways,” said Ethan Greene, director of the CAIC. “With avalanche danger rated as HIGH in the Northern Mountains, we’ve been diligent about communicating this danger to the public and working closely with CDOT maintenance crews.” During a later morning mission, crews performed essential winter maintenance operations on Vail Pass, between Exit 180/ East Vail and Exit 195/ Copper Mountain with five snowslides mitigation and one reaching the interstate lanes, as much as four feet deep and 175 feet in length. Visit COtrip.org for the latest information on road closures and conditions. Visit the Colorado Avalanche Information Center’s website, colorado.gov/avalanche for avalanche forecasts.

PADUCAH, Ky. — A section of U.S. 51 in Hickman County, south of Clinton has reopened to normal traffic flow between KY 2209 and KY 780. U.S. 51 was was temporarily blocked to allow local law enforcement and emergency crews to remove a commercial vehicle from the roadway. The semi was swept off the roadway along a flooded section of U.S. 51 South between the 4- and 5-mile marker over the weekend when the driver drove around road closed signs. The site is cleared.  All lanes are open.

AMES, Iowa —  Winter arrived with a vengeance during Valentine’s Day week, but a record number of Iowa DOT snowplows did not feel the love. The statewide storm system that impacted Iowa on Wednesday, Feb. 12, resulted in a total of 15 snowplow hits, setting a one-day record for equipment strikes during a winter season. The previous single-day record of snowplow hits was nine in 2024. Prior to this week’s storms, the 2025 winter season total count for snowplow hits was also nine. Snow Plow Chaos Since the official Iowa DOT winter season started on October 15, a total of 25 DOT snowplows have been hit by vehicles and experienced several other close calls. Two months remain until the DOT’s winter season officially ends April 15. The average snowplow hits from 2015 to 2024 was 32, with a record high year in 2019 that ended with 47 motorists colliding with snowplows. The DOT’s winter operations team indicates that the types of snowplow strikes that happened on Feb. 12 consisted of an even split between rear-end collisions and sideswipes. These hits occurred across Iowa on roadways in the northeast, southeast and southwest quadrants of the state. Although those incidents happened primarily on interstates, and multi-lane US and state highways, seven of the hits took place along the I-80 corridor. Despite the long duration of snowfall, most of the incidents happened during daytime hours. While all plow hits resulted in some level of equipment damage, no damage estimates are available at this time. Contributing Factors “There are a number of factors that are contributing to these hits,” said Craig Bargfrede, winter operations administrator. “Many motorists are distracted and not recognizing what is ahead and or adjusting following distance in winter driving conditions, but it’s also clear that speed and visibility are other key reasons. “Working plows travel 10 to 35 miles per hour and create a cloud of snow that impacts visibility. We’re seeing drivers approach these plumes without reducing their speeds.” Bargfrede said the snowplow hits need to stop, and can often be prevented with smarter winter driving behaviors. DOT employees and the traveling public are put at extreme risk when these strikes occur. Collisions also often take plows out of service at critical times. To enhance safety, use these quick tips the next time you approach the flashing white, amber, and blue lights of a snowplow: TIPS FOR DRIVING SAFELY AROUND SNOWPLOWS Don’t crowd the plow: Maintenance vehicles plow far and wide, have big blind spots, and turn and exit the road frequently. The front plow extends several feet in front of the truck and may cross the centerline and shoulders during plowing operations. Never pass on the shoulder-side of a plow: Operators are trained to move snow to the shoulder. It’s safer to hang back; plows can be tricky to maneuver around. Watch for wing blades: These side blades mounted on either side of a truck can be hard to spot under blowing snow. Don’t tailgate or stop too close behind snowplows: Snowplows are usually spreading deicing materials from the back of the truck. They may need to stop or take evasive action to avoid stranded vehicles. If following a snowplow, stay behind it or use extreme caution when passing. The road behind a snowplow will be safer to drive on. Don’t travel beside a plow for long periods: When plowing through a snowdrift or packed snow, the impact can move the truck sideways and can create a cloud of snow that can reduce your visibility to zero in less time than you can react. Move as far away from the centerline of the pavement: When meeting a snowplow on a two-lane road, move to the right of the centerline to give them more room. Allow plenty of room if passing: If passing is absolutely necessary, identify a very large opening, and don’t cut in too quickly. Operators will pull over periodically to let vehicles pass. Use your headlights: Snowplow operators can more easily spot approaching vehicles in their mirrors when drivers turn on their headlights.