Latest news with #DepartmentofTransportationandInfrastructure
Hamilton Spectator
01-08-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Bridge replacement going ‘as quickly as possible': minister
The province's minister of transportation and infrastructure says that staff are pushing a project to replace Sussex's Maple Avenue bridge 'as quickly as possible.' At Sussex council's committee of the whole meeting July 21, councillors saw a letter from Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Chuck Chiasson to CAO Jason Thorne replying to 'concerns' regarding the bridge replacement. The bridge, built in 1938, is scheduled for replacement in 2027, but a new three-tonne weight restriction in May has led to safety concerns if Main Street, the other east-west route through the town core, is blocked. In the letter, Chiasson said the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure 'recognizes the importance of this bridge and takes the safety of the travelling public ... very seriously.' The Liberal government minister wrote that 'several activities have been advanced in an attempt to advance the timeline for its construction,' which is currently in the pre-design stage. But he said the project is 'complex,' including site restraints and 'significant developments in the area.' 'Environmental permits will be necessary and both property acquisition and utility relocation may be necessary,' Chiasson wrote. 'These activities all take a considerable amount of time and DTI staff are doing their best to advance the project as quickly as possible without compromising safety.' Mayor Marc Thorne told the committee that they had met with the department in an attempt to suggest they 'advance the timetable,' noting that the span handles an average of 6,000 vehicles per day. Committee chair Coun. Paul Maguire said the tone of the letter suggests they 'understand the importance' of the project. Thorne told Brunswick News after the meeting that the province 'answered as best they can,' saying they were 'receptive' to concerns that the project could rule out full operation on Maple Avenue for the next three years. He said the bridge site poses some issues, including the fact that it was built up on an embankment at the time but requirements have changed, including for height clearances. 'We feel the meeting was positive and it's our belief is that if the minister and his staff can advance the file they will,' Thorne said. Sussex-Three Rivers Progressive Conservative MLA Tammy Scott-Wallace, who was copied on the letter, said in an email that she was 'so happy the minister heard the community's concerns around the urgent need for speedier repairs.' 'The Maple Avenue bridge lies in the heart of Sussex and is a critical piece of infrastructure that cannot be pushed to a back burner,' said Scott-Wallace. 'It's too important.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
CBS News
30-07-2025
- CBS News
Fake QR code scams target Denver drivers trying to pay city parking fees
A new scam is tricking drivers across Denver into thinking they're paying for parking when in fact they're handing over personal information to scammers. Fake QR code stickers have been spotted on parking meters from Broadway to Cherry Creek, and they're convincing enough to fool people like Audrey Bissonnett. "I do it all the time," said Bissonnett. "Typically, I've scanned that and paid for that." She said it was embarrassing to realize she'd been duped. The fraudulent stickers redirect users to suspicious websites, often with odd formatting and misspelled text. They resemble legitimate parking payment portals, but they're designed to steal personal or financial information. Denver's Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has been proactively removing fake QR codes from parking meters. Ben Chason, another Denver resident, said he uses the official app to pay for parking and hasn't fallen for the scam. "Well, I think that's pretty awful, because people are just trying to be good citizens and pay their parking bill," Chason said. But others may not be so lucky. Many are now double checking their bank accounts and online safety. Nancy Kuhn with DOTI says the scam sites appear to originate from overseas. However, the website in question is now showing up as invalid, but it still raises concerns. "It did look like these were websites that were created in other countries," Kuhn explained. "Sometimes the information was misspelled, and the websites just looked a little odd." According to city officials, legitimate QR codes used for parking in Denver have green dots in the center and are usually found on overhead signs in designated areas -- like LoHi -- not directly on the meter poles. "The valid QR code is going to prompt you to either download the PayByPhone app, or if you already have the app it will open the app," Kuhn said. "But we're not asking people when they use pay-by-phone to plug their information into a website." While city officials are proactively removing the fake QR codes, they say there's a chance the stickers could reappear since the person or people behind the scam have not yet been caught. Denver police say there is currently only one report filed which is under investigation. However, no arrests have been made. Police add the investigation is ongoing and are urging anyone with information about someone placing stickers on parking meters -- or any other relevant details -- to come forward. Some residents are urging the city to take stronger action. "They should do something right there," said one driver, pointing to a meter pole. "Because that's like a perfect space for a QR code." If you've received a parking ticket and suspect it's connected to one of these fake QR codes, you can contest it online. The city also encourages anyone who sees a suspicious QR code to report it by calling 311 or submitting a claim through Denver's Consumer Protection website.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Study shows nearly 3,000 crashes over 4-year period in Denver
DENVER (KDVR) — New numbers are being looked at from a traffic study done by Denver's Department of Transportation and Infrastructure along troublesome corridors. The traffic study focused on East 13th and 14th Avenues from Broadway to Yosemite, East 16th Avenue from Detroit Street to Colorado Boulevard and East 17th Avenue from Colorado Boulevard to Yosemite Street, all over a four-year period. An outside transportation firm, 'Fehr & Peers,' found that between 2018 and 2022, there were 2,383 crashes, with 537 of those resulting in death or injury. 86 crashes involved a pedestrian or bicyclist. The majority of the crashes happened along 13th and 14th Avenues, which have been the focus of FOX31 reporting over the years. Crashes on 14th totaled 1,076, and there were 909 along 13th in the study time frame. The study found that on these corridors, between 31% and 88% of drivers are speeding. Something residents in the area, like Kay Spring, feel is the main issue. 'It's terrible. I've been here a long time, lots of years, and so I know it's really increased. I think it's just excessive speed. There's cars being hit all the time and accidents,' Spring said. Denver among best, while other metro city among worst places to raise a family: Study The study lists short-term and long-term solutions or as they're named in the study 'near-term countermeasures and additional countermeasures.' Near-term countermeasures are those that can be implemented with quick-build materials and that already meet DOTI standards or have otherwise recently been designed/implemented elsewhere in Denver. Additional countermeasures are those that have been shown to reduce crashes but are either non-standard in Denver or require technology upgrades that could be costly or require citywide prioritization for implementation. According to the study, those recommended countermeasures at what the city will determine are priority locations will cost between $960,000 and $1.2 million. The city's budget is limited to implementing the recommendations of the city but the first phase of safety improvements will include some of those low-cost, short-term solutions, but those larger, more costly improvements the city has would have to find the money for. You can find the full study and information on the DOTI website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hamilton Spectator
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
St. Stephen council debates draft crosswalk policy
The council in St. Stephen continues to debate a proposed crosswalk policy for the municipal district. It seeks to outline the requirements for getting a coloured crosswalk, including the responsibility for the cost of putting them up, labour, and maintenance, which would fall to the individual or organization requesting it. Any crosswalk would also be subject to approval by Public Works, according to the policy. It also outlines what would or wouldn't be allowed. For example, the crosswalk's transverse lines must be painted white per the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. The crosswalk markings should provide visual contrast and be reflective as per DTI. The proposed policy indicates that only durable, slip-resistant pavement marking should be used. If passed, it would not allow for commercial or trademark crosswalks, or of a religious or political nature. Nor does it allow for crosswalks that are contrary to the philosophy of the municipal district or that espouse hatred, violence, or racism. The policy allows for the denial of any crosswalk based on content and location. It should also celebrate 'our' culture, history, and events. The proposed policy did face concerns and questions from the current council. Coun. Joyce Wright said she had many concerns when it came to the policy, including who could support a proposed crosswalk, who might be able to submit one, and who decides what is cultural or historical. 'If we're going to allow coloured crosswalks of whatever strip, of whatever theme, that everybody in the municipality can take part,' she said. Meanwhile, Coun. Brian Cornish said he felt there should only be black and white crosswalks. 'I think they should be black and white,' he said. 'There (a) safety issue. Everybody understands them (black and white). Lots of times, you come along … it looks like a crosswalk and it looks like a lot of paint too. Far as I'm concerned, crosswalks, remove the advertisement off the street and go back to what they used to before.' He sought to back to basics, he explained to the council. Coun. Emily Rodas defended the coloured crosswalks. 'It's important to remember it's not just a colour when it comes to equity and inclusion,' she said. 'There are lots of kids that I speak to every day who will in passing say 'oh, I never thought that crosswalk would be in my community,' so you have no idea the difference it makes if you're a youth who is totally isolated.' She said inclusive crosswalks have become part of the fabric of most communities across the country. Annually, municipalities paint a rainbow crosswalk for the LGBTQIA+ community and more recently, orange crosswalks to represent all the lives lost and those who continue to struggle with the impacts of residential schools in Canada. 'I'd rather go with the new than go backward,' she said. In 2017, the municipality faced controversy over the painting of a rainbow crosswalk, where several members of council opposed it, according to reports from CBC New Brunswick. Some of those members are no longer on the council. Coun. Wade Greenlaw said he would like to see a better definition of what constitutes a neighbourhood. The proposed policy requires majority support from whatever neighbourhood the crosswalk is in. 'There should be a decommissioning fee as well,' he said. 'If it is only there for one year or two years and they decide not to support it anymore, then it is going to have to be cleaned up and changed or whatever.' Renaud said the council could set parameters about what it would ultimately like for the neighbourhood to be, like residents or businesses within a certain number of metres of the crosswalk. 'We didn't want to define it for you,' he said. 'What's the sphere of influence around the neighbourhood that needs to be considered.' Renaud said distance is the usual measurement used for notification of things like these, including certain types of permits. Wright said her concern remains that the proposed policy could leave out the mainly rural areas of the municipal district. She would like to see designated ones that anyone could sponsor. She said she believes there should potentially be designated crosswalks that anyone could sponsor. Mayor Allan MacEachern said part of the responsibility of the council is to grow and change. 'I was part of the first crosswalk that ever came to St. Stephen and it was not fun, but it was an experience this community needed to get through,' he said. 'That's our job. We are a voice for the community.' Rodas suggested there be a clause for grandfathering in the LGBTQIA+ crosswalk and the Indigenous crosswalk. 'Those two are downtown-owned,' she said. 'I don't believe in standing for something and then backing off.' She said having these difficult conversations is how change happens. 'We don't see eye-to-eye on every single thing,' she said. 'There is a certain level of respect and there is value to it.' Coun. Earle Eastman said he believes the primary objective of the proposed policy would be the cost to do these crosswalks and maintain them. 'The whole intent was not an individual saying I'm going to pay for a crosswalk, it was a group or an organization to get together and make that decision,' he said. In November 2024, there was a viral crosswalk supporting veterans approaching Remembrance Day. Many places saw residents asking municipalities to follow suit. MacEachern said that the desire by groups is what propelled the creation of a standardized policy, as well as, taking the financial burden off the taxpayer. Coun. Marg Harding said she believes the rainbow crosswalk was one of her proudest accomplishments on the council. 'I would be really upset if anything happened to it,' she said. 'If it is not grandfathered in, it should be.' MacEachern said he has over the years received a lot of vocal support for the LGBTQ crosswalk. 'It goes to what you're saying, it does show inclusiveness and diversity,' he said. Ultimately, MacEachern said it is about balancing the financial strain of maintaining these crosswalks while upholding the inclusivity they represent and value they bring to members of the community and those who visit. The crosswalk policy is still in the draft phase and has no standing until formalized and passed by a vote of the council.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Cherokee Nation invests $23.8 Million into water improvements across the reservation
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Cherokee Nation's goal to bring clean water to its citizens hit a milestone, which was celebrated with the announcement of additional funds for the Mankiller/Soap Water Act. Under the umbrella of the Cherokee Nation, the tribe has allocated $65 million for Mankiller/Soap Water Act projects. Out of these funds, Cherokee Nation has spent $23.8 million in the past four years to increase water quality access for citizens across the 14-county reservation. This includes $500,000 to help elders or those on low income with water utility bills and $25,000 to help install new water taps in homes under the new home construction program. As part of the anniversary celebration of the Wilma P. Mankiller and Charlie Soap Water Act, Chief Hoskin announced an increase in spending under the act by $500,000 using the tribe's Public Health and Wellness Fund Act revenue. The primary objective of the Mankiller/Soap Water Act is to provide access to water to Cherokee citizens who lack access to water systems. It allocates a minimum of $2 million annually, doubling the Cherokee Nation's general fund spending on water infrastructure projects. It prioritizes addressing deficiencies in water and wastewater systems, particularly in rural and underserved areas within the reservation. Since the beginning of this effort, Cherokee Nation has surveyed nearly 2,000 citizens, examined 121 public water systems and 53 wastewater systems, identified more than 8,000 homes lacking public water access, and pinpointed the water and wastewater systems with the most deficiencies. 'Four years ago, the Cherokee Nation took a significant step forward with the Wilma P. Mankiller and Charlie Soap Water Act, a measure inspired by the enduring legacy of two visionaries who dedicated their lives to uplifting our communities,' said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. The Cherokee Nation's Department of Transportation and Infrastructure is tasked with conducting studies to identify citizens lacking access to reliable water systems and developing action plans to address these gaps. Of the 1,900 Cherokee Nation citizens who live on the reservation and responded to last year's survey, 120 self-reported that they had poor or insufficient water quality. The clean water initiative was named to honor the legacy of late former Principal Chief Wilma Mankiller and her husband, Charlie Soap, who were instrumental in water access projects in the 1980s. It was signed into law in April 2021 by Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner. 'Some city water departments had no maps, or had paper copies, so this is a new tool that can make water access extremely more efficient for everyone,' said Council Speaker Mike Shambaugh. The Cherokee Nation has a digital map showing where it can tap into water-saving time and work efficiency. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
