Summer 2009 Technology Exchange
Maintenance Expo
Roads Scholars honored at maintenance expo
The annual Spring Maintenance Training Expo included training sessions, an equipment expo, and the Roads Scholar ceremony.
Retroreflectivity: Keeping drivers safe one sign at a time
Mn/DOT’s Ken Schroepfer was on hand at this year’s expo to discuss road sign retroreflectivity.
The healthy tree program: Growing green assets, not brown liabilities
Gary Johnson from the University of Minnesota’s Department of Forest Resources discussed the importance of healthy trees at this year’s expo.
Maintenance research round-up: fleets, dust, gravel, and safety gear
LTAP director Jim Grothaus hosted a breakout session to update participants on new developments in maintenance research in Minnesota.
Awards
Stearns County wins NACE Award
The National Association of County Engineers (NACE) selected Jodi Teich, the assistant county engineer in Stearns County’s Highway Department, as the 2008 Project/Program Manager of the Year.
St Paul project earns FHWA design award
The"new" Phalen Boulevard project in St. Paul was one of the 2008 winners in the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) biennial Excellence in Highway Design competition.
LRRB update
Truck-weight workshop provides industry with tools to succeed
Greg Hayes and co-trainer Keith Williamson teach a course titled the "Minnesota Truck-Weight Education Project," with a mission to enhance knowledge of and voluntary compliance with Minnesota’s truck-weight limits.
OPERA funding proposals due September 14
The Minnesota Local Road Research Board is seeking research proposal summaries for FY2010 OPERA funding.
Communications
Technical writing for transportation professionals, #2
Define your purpose, gather background information, and organize your thoughts
Maintenance
Maintenance Research Corner: Road groom/shoulder reclaimer, anti–corrosion system, mud cannon
Information Services
The Shelf
Selected reports and other materials
Minnesota LTAP enhances Web site design, adds
New pages make it easier for you to find information.
New LTAP Steering Committee members
Steve Lillehaug and Laurie McGinnis joined the committee.
Training & Education
'Off the beaten' path with the Minnesota Association of Townships
The Minnesota Association of Townships held 15 meetings—termed "Short Courses for Township Officials"—across Minnesota in March and April this year to help townships with issues such as maintaining and funding roads.
New training options for fall
New options from Minnesota LTAP and other organizations.
Fall maintenance expo: October 7—8
Mark your calendars for the Minnesota Fall Maintenance Expo at the St. Cloud Public Works Facility.