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This week’s episode covers three stories that highlight the real-world challenges facing municipalities during winter and beyond: ❄️ When Snow Becomes a Launch PadSeveral vehicles have vaulted over guardrails after striking packed snow along Ontario highways, including a dramatic incident linking Highway 427 and Highway 401. While driver error has been cited, Good Roads argues that road design must account for human mistakes — especially during winter conditions. Overpasses freeze faster, snowplows create unintended ramps, and the consequences can be fatal. 🧂 Is There a Better Way Than Road Salt?With ongoing salt shortages and environmental concerns mounting, researchers at Western University are testing alternative de-icing products — from sodium acetate to beet juice blends. Rock salt remains cheap and effective, but corrosion, environmental runoff, and rising costs are forcing municipalities to rethink winter maintenance strategies. 🚗 Could Robotaxis Transform Rural Transportation?Rural communities often lack transit options, leaving residents without cars isolated from jobs, healthcare, and essential services. Some argue autonomous vehicles could change that. While AVs aren’t yet legal in Ontario, the technology continues to evolve — raising questions about safety, accessibility, and whether rural areas will once again be left behind.

This week, our hosts discuss three developments shaping roads, transit, and infrastructure funding in Canada and beyond: 🚜 Advocating for Safer Rural Roads Good Roads President and Hornepayne Mayor Cheryl Fort appeared at provincial pre-budget consultations in Thunder Bay, calling for dedicated funding to improve safety on rural and northern roads. With vast road networks, limited tax bases, and infrastructure designed a century ago, municipalities face growing safety and liability risks without adequate provincial support.  ⚡ Canada’s National EV Strategy Takes Shape The federal government has revised its electric vehicle approach, replacing sales mandates with rebates, emissions standards aligned with Europe, and a new $1.5 billion EV infrastructure fund. As the U.S. steps back from emissions tracking, Canada appears to be charting a different path—raising important questions for municipal infrastructure planning and charging networks.  🚍 What Would It Take to Fix American Transit?  New research estimates that bringing U.S. public transit up to international standards would require $4.6 trillion USD over 20 years—still less than what’s planned for highways. The analysis highlights how vehicle density, long-term investment, and global benchmarks could reshape transit debates, even amid political resistance.

This week, our hosts dig into three developments that matter to municipalities across Ontario and beyond: 🏗  Buy Ontario Rules: What Municipalities Need to Know New regulations under the Buy Ontario Act could soon require municipalities to prioritize Ontario- and Canadian-made goods in procurement. While intended to support local jobs, these rules raise serious concerns around cost, supplier choice, trade agreement conflicts, and funding risk. Good Roads explains what’s at stake and why clarity from the province is critical. 🚧 Northern Ontarians Rally for Safer Roads Hundreds gathered in Cochrane to demand action on Highway 11, calling it a corridor of unacceptable risk. With tragic stories driving the message home, the province is responding with enhanced enforcement and coordination. This movement may mark a turning point for northern road safety. 🤖 AI Traffic Cameras Target Distracted Driving Arkansas has deployed AI-powered cameras in work zones that detect phone use behind the wheel—flagging drivers for police without issuing automated tickets. With similar technology already active worldwide, is this the future of work-zone safety?

Why do so many infrastructure projects—big or small—go over budget, run late, or fall apart? And how can Ontario’s municipalities avoid the same fate? In this episode of the Good Roads Podcast, bestselling author, journalist, and human-behaviour expert Dan Gardner breaks down the real reasons projects fail—and the surprisingly simple principles that can make them succeed. Drawing from his book How Big Things Get Done, co-authored with megaproject scholar Bent Flyvbjerg, Dan explains why planning slow and acting fast, managing risk, and understanding human behaviour are essential for municipalities of every size.  From California’s high-speed rail disaster to Morocco’s success story, Dan shows how politics, culture, and psychology shape project outcomes far more than engineering ever will. He also shares practical lessons for municipal leaders: building cohesive teams, defining clear project goals, maximizing experience, and creating a culture where every worker understands their role in the mission. Dan Gardner will also be the keynote speaker at the 2026 Good Roads Conference—catch a preview of his insights here. Register for the 2026 Good Roads Conference: https://goodroads.ca/conference  How Big Things Get Done (Dan Gardner & Bent Flyvbjerg): https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/boo...  🎧 Listen to more Good Roads Podcast episodes: https://goodroads.ca/podcast  📚 Learn more about Good Roads training & education: https://goodroads.ca/education

In this episode of the Good Roads Podcast, Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict joins us for a vital conversation on Indigenous leadership, municipal collaboration, and community development. Chief Benedict represents 133 First Nations across Ontario and brings deep insight into the challenges and opportunities in infrastructure, economic development, and reconciliation. We explore successful partnerships like the joint Akwesasne-Cornwall waterfront project, the infrastructure gap affecting First Nations, the impacts of Bill 5, and why Indigenous inclusion from day one is essential to responsible development. This episode is a must-listen for municipal leaders, planners, and anyone working toward a more equitable and collaborative Ontario. https://twitter.com/Goodroads https://www.instagram.com/on.goodroads/ https://www.facebook.com/goodroads.ca https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodroads/ https://www.GoodRoads.ca

In this powerful episode of the Good Roads Podcast, co-hosts Thomas Barakat and Andrew Blackburn sit down with Eleanor McMahon — founder of the Share the Road Cycling Coalition and a former Ontario Cabinet Minister — to talk about the tragic loss that inspired a movement, and the decades of advocacy that followed. Eleanor shares her personal story of loss, the creation of Share the Road, and the fight for safer, more inclusive streets across Ontario. From legislative victories like Greg’s Law and the 1m Safe Passing Rule, to the rise of cycling tourism and infrastructure in rural communities, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in road safety, active transportation, and community well-being. https://twitter.com/Goodroads https://www.instagram.com/on.goodroads/ https://www.facebook.com/goodroads.ca https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodroads/ https://www.GoodRoads.ca

Dr. Wes Marshall, professor of civil engineering and urban planning at the University of Colorado, Denver, joins the Good Roads Podcast to discuss road safety and outdated traffic engineering practices. His book, Killed by a Traffic Engineer, challenges long-held assumptions about road design and its impact on safety. In this episode, he debunks common myths, explains how municipalities can push for better design, and highlights the role of data in making roads safer. As a keynote speaker at the upcoming Good Roads Conference, Dr. Marshall shares insights on changing the culture of traffic engineering to prioritize safety over convenience. Tune in to rethink what makes roads truly safe. Good Roads Conference - https://www.goodroads.ca/conference https://twitter.com/Goodroads https://www.instagram.com/on.goodroads/ https://www.facebook.com/goodroads.ca https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodroads/ https://www.GoodRoads.ca

David Zipper, senior fellow at the MIT Mobility Initiative and transportation policy expert, recently joined Good Roads Podcast hosts Thomas Barakat and Andrew Blackburn. Zipper shared his insights on the future of urban mobility, from changes in U.S. transportation policy to Ontario’s bike lane battles. In this interview, we explore the big-picture shifts Zipper anticipates and the lessons Canadian cities might take from global trends. Good Roads Conference - https://www.goodroads.ca/conference https://twitter.com/Goodroads https://www.instagram.com/on.goodroads/ https://www.facebook.com/goodroads.ca https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodroads/ https://www.GoodRoads.ca

In this episode, we dive into the complexities of municipal winter maintenance with expert instructors from Good Roads Snow School. As winter approaches, learn essential strategies and solutions to keep your roads safe and communities secure. Scott Holmes and Darnell Bernardo share insights on planning, equipment, and best practices for navigating the challenges that come with snow and ice. Whether you're in a rural or urban setting, this discussion will equip you with the knowledge needed to tackle winter head-on. Don't miss this valuable conversation on mastering municipal winter maintenance.   Good Roads 2024 Snow School - https://goodroads.ca/courses/snowschool/ https://twitter.com/Goodroads https://www.instagram.com/on.goodroads/ https://www.facebook.com/goodroads.ca https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodroads/ https://www.GoodRoads.ca

In Episode 34 of the Good Roads Podcast, Jared and guest host Dr. James Smith interview Brian Keierleber, the County Engineer for Buchanan County, Iowa. Brian is a a keynote speaker for the upcoming Low Volume Roads workshop in October. Many municipalities responsible for low volume roads share the same pain points and Mr. Keierleber discusses bridge construction, maintenance of low volume roads, and cost-saving strategies to help you and your municipality effectively maintain this type of roadway. Discover the innovative techniques and sustainable solutions Brian has implemented to enhance infrastructure in rural areas. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the challenges and future of rural transportation networks, with a focus on cost efficiency.   Railroad Flatcar Bridge Construction Live Feed: https://app.truelook.cloud/?code=a3x1duh3gfc2tkc621dmnivdt Good Roads Quarterly: Summer 2022 - https://goodroads.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GR003-Summer-v4.pdf  Low Volume Roads Workshop - https://goodroads.ca/courses/navigating-low-volume-roads-workshop/  https://twitter.com/Goodroads  https://www.instagram.com/on.goodroads/  https://www.facebook.com/goodroads.ca  https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodroads/  https://www.GoodRoads.ca

In this episode of the Good Roads Podcast, host Jared LeMay dives into the ambitious Downtown Revitalization Project in Brantford. With guest Gagan Batra, Manager of Business Support and Sustainability, they explore the city's plans to transform its car-centric downtown into a vibrant, pedestrian and cyclist-friendly space. They discuss the current state of downtown Brantford, the challenges faced in implementing such a project, and the inspiration behind these forward-thinking urban planning strategies. Gagan shares insights on overcoming financial, council, and public buy-in hurdles while addressing issues like homelessness and the impact on local students.  The episode offers valuable lessons for other municipalities considering similar projects. Don't miss this deep dive into innovative urban planning and the future of Brantford's downtown.   City of Brantford: https://www.brantford.ca/ Brantford Downtown Revitalization Project: https://www.brantford.ca/en/your-government/downtown-revitalization-project.aspx Gagan Batra - https://goodroads.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GRQ-Conference-Edition.pdf   https://twitter.com/Goodroads https://www.instagram.com/on.goodroads/ https://www.facebook.com/goodroads.ca https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodroads/   https://www.GoodRoads.ca

In this episode of the Good Roads Podcast, Thomas and Jared talk with renowned climate scientist, and keynote speaker at this years Good Roads Conference, Katharine Hayhoe. Hayhoe dives deep into the complexities of climate change, offering insightful perspectives on its impact and the urgency of action. Through her engaging storytelling and expertise, she navigates the intersection of climate science and society. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of climate change and discover pathways towards a sustainable future.   https://www.katharinehayhoe.com/ Katharine's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/fae4224ba66d/subscribe-to-katharine-newsletter Katharines TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/katharine_hayhoe_the_most_important_thing_you_can_do_to_fight_climate_change_talk_about_it Katharine on Jimmy Kimmel: https://youtu.be/LVjmGVufADk?si=ujPIQ2aePiiU4v2J Good Roads Conference: http://www.Goodroads.ca/Conference   https://twitter.com/Goodroads https://www.instagram.com/on.goodroads/ https://www.facebook.com/goodroads.ca https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodroads/   https://www.GoodRoads.ca

In this compelling episode of the Good Roads podcast, hosts Thomas and Jared engage in a thought-provoking conversation with urban planner and renowned walkability advocate, Jeff Speck. The trio delves into the transformative concept of walkable cities and its profound impact on the urban landscape.  Jeff Speck, with his extensive expertise in urban design and planning, shares valuable insights on how creating walkable environments not only enhances the quality of life for residents but also contributes to sustainable and resilient urban development.  Poynton roundabout: http://www.urbanmovement.co.uk/thoughts/low-speed-steady-flow-in-poynton-oli-davey Arcade Fire - Suburbs: https://youtu.be/5Euj9f3gdyM?feature=shared  Good Roads Conference: http://www.goodroads.ca/conference https://twitter.com/Goodroads https://www.instagram.com/on.goodroads/ https://www.facebook.com/goodroads.ca https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodroads  https://www.GoodRoads.ca

Thomas and Jared enter their second day of training on the path to becoming Certified Road Safety Auditors through Good Roads' new course. After a long day of class, they sit down with course directors Kenn Beer and Max McCardel to discuss how students of the course will revolutionize road safety. Road Safety Auditors will help municipalities identify problem areas on roads which will not only money save money, but lives as well. Tune in to hear how the practice of road safety auditing is poised to become a gamechanger in Ontario. Meet Graham, 'the only person' designed to survive a car crash: https://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/meet-graham-the-only-person-designed-to-survive-a-car-crash-1.2996916?cache=  Safe System Solutions: https://safesystemsolutions.com.au/ The Road Safety Audit Course: https://youtu.be/c2vefQ35ZN0 Good Roads Podcast Episode 24 - The Pathway to Safer Roads with Kenn Beer: https://youtu.be/QO6U4m56zjg  https://twitter.com/Goodroads https://www.instagram.com/on.goodroads/ https://www.facebook.com/goodroads.ca https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodroads  https://www.GoodRoads.ca

In episode 29 of the Good Roads Podcast, Thomas and Jared explore the inspiring collaboration between municipalities and Indigenous communities as they navigate sustainable resource extraction, from minerals to LNG.   Join us in this insightful conversation on fostering partnerships that prioritize environmental stewardship, mutual benefit, and taking meaningful steps towards reconciliation through trust and collaboration. First Nations LNG Alliance - https://www.fnlngalliance.com/   https://twitter.com/Goodroads https://www.instagram.com/on.goodroads/ https://www.facebook.com/goodroads.ca https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodroads/   https://www.GoodRoads.ca