Built to Last
Season 1
Built to Last: Gainesville Proposal
by Jonathan Hermida
Gainesville's University Corridor, home to UF and Shands Hospital, runs on outdated fixed-timer traffic signals that can't keep up with class schedules, shift changes, and emergency vehicle traffic. This episode breaks down the fix: not a full adaptive signal overhaul, but a faster, cheaper first step using ATSPM (Automated Traffic Signal Performance Measures) to retime signals with real data. Target results: 10% less travel time, 15% fewer split failures, zero pedestrian delay increase, all within 90 days. Sources: FHWA signal performance research, Engineering News-Record (ITS World Congress coverage), Journal of Transportation Engineering.
In this two-minute micro-podcast, host Jonathan Hermida breaks down the hidden systems that keep modern cities safe, efficient, and resilient. From adaptive traffic signals to flood-proof infrastructure and stronger, smarter buildings, Built to Last explores how civil engineers blend creativity, technology, and problem-solving to tackle today’s biggest urban challenges. Perfect for students, future engineers, or anyone curious about how cities really work. Check out these sites for more information. McLean, D., Rachal, M., & Zukowski, D. (2021, November 9). Smart city evolution: How cities have stepped back from a ‘tech arms race’. Smart Cities Dive. https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/smart-city-evolution-how-cities-have-stepped-back-from-a-tech-arms-race/609732/ Federal Highway Administration. (n.d.). Adaptive signal control—Everyday Counts. U.S. Department of Transportation. https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/innovation/everydaycounts/edc-1/asct.cfm Mitchell, M. M. (2025, September 1). Civil engineering is evolving. Civil Engineering Magazine. https://www.asce.org/publications-and-news/civil-engineering-source/civil-engineering-magazine/issues/magazine-issue/article/2025/09/civil-engineering-is-evolving Tuchman, J. L. (2024, March 25). A call to action to design ‘future-ready’ buildings. Engineering News-Record. https://www.enr.com/articles/58367-a-call-to-action-to-design-future-ready-buildings American Society of Civil Engineers. (2025, March 14). It doesn’t have to be like this: The ASCE Infrastructure Report Card as a resilience tool before disaster strikes. Civil Engineering Source. https://www.asce.org/publications-and-news/civil-engineering-source/article/2025/03/14/it-doesnt-have-to-be-like-this-the-asce-infrastructure-report-card-as-a-resilience-tool-before-disaster-strikes