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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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/

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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/

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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

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