Circuit Training and Assistance Program Update
As we mark the end of 1998 and my first year as a full-time CTAP instructor, I want to take a minute to fill you in on the progress of the Circuit Training and Assistance Program. First, I need to tell you how honored I am to hold this position. I have the unique opportunity to visit maintenance facilities all over the state of Minnesota, not only to teach, but to learn and pass on your new and best maintenance practices. I have learned a lot over the past year, and I want to thank those of you who have attended CTAP courses for your participation.
Last spring I put on my training wheels and wobbled my way through my first CTAP asphalt pavement class. The Asphalt Pavement module gives a nice overview of the benefits of patching, crack sealing, chip seals, and overlays. I was lucky enough to have Mitch Vest from the St. Cloud Mn/DOT accompany me; he stole the show sharing his experiences with automated pothole and slurry patching.
Late spring and summer found me on the road... the gravel road. Two new gravel road training modules, Gravel Roads Down and Dirty and Dust Control on Gravel Roads, were added to the CTAP repertoire. I gave 23 classes on gravel gradations and dust control products from one end of the state to the other.
Snow and Ice training, Application Rates and Sander Calibration, was on the menu for this fall and winter. Sanders were calibrated and discussions on the benefit of application rate guidelines were held at 22 different locations.
Next spring I'll be traveling in style in the new CTAP van. The van will be kept well stocked with training videos and CDs, as well as resource materials on the latest roadway technology. Although I'm still in the process of planning next year's curriculum, you can expect a class on roadside vegetation. The T2 Center is in the process of compiling a best practices manual, as well as a vegetation field guide. The vegetation class will be based on these new publications. Look for more details in future CTS newsletters.
One of the most exciting aspects of this job are the endless streams of training topics to choose from. Geotextiles, soil stabilizers, patching materials, crack sealing, Mn/DOT's new Road Weather Information System, pre-wetting, anti-icing, research at the Mn/ROAD facility and, most important, your best practices and innovations. I am looking forward to another full year of training. If you have any questions, want to host a class, or have a suggestion for a future CTAP topic, feel free to contact me at 218-723-4830, or e-mail Broa1Tho@GWDULDO
--Tom Broadbent