Page 52 • May 16, 2018 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT GUIDE
MassDOT Begins Repair Work on Boston’s Tobin Bridge The Massachusetts Department of while southbound vehicles move Transportation announced that traffic overhead. disruptions including lane closures The work will include steel repairs which began April 22 and continue to the upper and lower decks, conduring several construction seasons crete work on the lower deck, folthrough 2020 as it makes repairs to lowed by waterproofing, resurfacing the aging Tobin Bridge that carries and installing pavement markings. It U.S. 1 over the Mystic River between also will include utility installation, Boston’s Charlestown neighborhood curbing, paving and building a new and Chelsea. parking lot under the bridge. “Members of the public should MassDOT said that “to allow make informed decisions on route, crews and contractors to safely and timing and mode of travel during this effectively conduct operations,” one time,” MassDOT said. lane on the lower deck (Route 1 “We encourage people throughout northbound) was closed at all times the greater Boston area to recognize beginning April 22, and lasting the upcoming traffic impacts on the through November. Off-peak lane Tobin Bridge and make smart choices closures will be implemented on the if they will be traveling along the upper deck (Route 1 southbound) as MassDOT Repair Project website photo Route 1 corridor or throughout the The Massachusetts Department of Transportation announced that traffic operations require, also beginning disruptions includregion,” said MassDOT Highway ing lane closures began April 22 and continue during several construction seasons through April 22. Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. Ahead of that, “preparation activi2020 as it makes repairs to the aging Tobin Bridge that carries U.S. 1 over the Mystic River “Before heading out onto the road- between Boston’s Charlestown neighborhood and Chelsea. ties including sign installation and ways, people should consider public work-zone setup will begin in the transportation options and check coming weeks as operations allow, tools such as mass511.com, our GoTime on a 1950 structure involves repairing a the 2018, 2019 and 2020 construction sea- and these activities may be accompanied sons,” MassDOT said. travel app, and other navigational apps to section of the bridge deck. by temporary impacts.” “Work is scheduled to be completed at The two-level, cantilever truss bridge reach their destination in a timely and effi(This story also can be found on the end of 2020 with lane closures and has three travel lanes on each level with Construction Equipment Guide’s website at cient manner.” The $41.6 million maintenance project traffic impacts occurring during each of northbound traffic on the lower level www.constructionequipmentguide.com.)
Protect Against Cyber Attacks: Tips for Companies of All Sizes As companies introduce connected technologies into the workplace and on the job site, they increase the risk of cyber attacks. Cyber attacks are affecting companies of all sizes. Smaller companies may actually be at higher risk if they don’t think it can happen to them and don’t take precautions. Don’t be complacent, says the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). Cybersecurity has become more complex, as malware attacks have continued to skyrocket, with ransomware leading the charge. AEM has relayed cybersecurity tips through its ConExpo-Con/AGG 365 initiative, including the information below. Learn more at http://www.conexpoconagg.com/subscribe/.
Don’t Forget the Basics Be proactive and diligent, putting basic controls and protocols in place: • Create a regular backup plan for all data stored off site; • Use only name brand security software that automatically updates on every computer, tablet and laptop to combat the latest threats; • Update all operating systems regularly and never use unsupported, outdated software; • Verify all firewalls have the latScott Schober est security patches installed; • Ensure all network mobile Berkeley Varitronics Systems devices have both hardware and software encryption with a long and strong password or PIN required for access; • Verify the Wi-Fi network within Effective cybersecurity also requires the company and at the job site is secure, everyone to participate. encrypted and has a long and strong passKey steps include: word. Set up MAC filtering to accept only • implementing cyber awareness training pre-approved employee devices; and for all employees; • Reinforce these controls and protocols • teaching good cyber-hygiene throughout through regular training sessions to help all all levels and departments, in the office and employees so that “thinking cyber” becomes at the job site; and part of everyone’s daily job requirements. • enlisting a qualified third party to help “By raising awareness, employees will train and test staff. realize the importance of slowing down to
“User behavior has not changed fast enough to keep pace with the onslaught of attacks.”
Commit to a Cybersecurity Strategy Routine data backup is the most effective counter to any ransomware demand, said Scott Schober, president and CEO of Berkeley Varitronics Systems. “User behavior has not changed fast enough to keep pace with the onslaught of attacks.”
question anything that seems a bit off,” Schober said. Looking Ahead While cybersecurity concerns are complex today, they will continue to grow as technology continues to evolve and impact organizations at every level. Every company that is connected to the Internet is a potential target for hackers. Taking the time now to invest in cybersecurity training and prevention methods can help ensure your company and job sites remain safe and secure in the future. Learn more about cybersecurity and other industry trending topics through AEM’s ConExpo-Con/AGG 365 initiative. AEM is the North American-based international trade group representing off-road equipment manufacturers and suppliers, with more than 950 companies and more than 200 product lines in the agriculture and construction-related sectors worldwide. AEM has an ownership stake in and manages several world-class exhibitions, including ConExpo-Con/AGG. (This story also can be found on Construction Equipment Guide’s website at www.constructionequipmentguide.com.)