Accelerated Bridge Construction – Small Bridge Replacement Strategies

Accelerated bridge construction incorporates several fundamental attributes that reduce road user impacts, costs and construction time.  Incorporation of ABC practices into your project will help minimize traffic delays and community disruption while increasing safety in the construction zone.  The instructor uses Accelerated Bridge Construction to introduce several strategies that state and local agencies utilize to replace small bridges.

Join instructor, Walt Catlett for this lively online class and discussion forum that will change the way you think about small bridge replacement options.  You will learn more about accelerated bridge construction fundamentals, bridge terminology, precast concrete box culverts, three-sided rigid frames, precast modular bridges and geosynthetic reinforced soil integrated bridge systems.  By the end of the training, you will learn the basic steps for manufacturing, delivery and installation of these ABC options while challenging your perceptions on current practices.

Access Management (Two Day)

The workshop will cover the latest access design principles, access management techniques, retrofit programs, legal implications, and design guidelines. Included in the materials will be examples of State Highway Access Code and procedures for estimating the potential benefits from an access management program. Impacts on the business community will also be discussed. This course concludes with an access management exercise that will require participants to design a retrofit access plan for Leesburg Road in Northern Virginia.

Accident Reconstruction as an Element of Risk Management

With the growing number of claims alleging various roadway defects against roadway agencies, traffic crash investigation and reconstruction are key elements of an effective risk management program.  On-scene field personnel must be aware of the data needs of the reconstructionist to gather the perishable data required for a successful defense or resolution of a claim.

Understanding the capabilities and limitations of accident reconstruction will prepare agency attorneys to better evaluate a claim’s validity.  At-scene and after-accident investigation and data collection are discussed.  Collection techniques for roadway, vehicle, and other crash-related data are described.  Common reconstruction techniques and their applications are reviewed.

ADA and the Public Right-of-Way – Overview and Preparing Transition Plans

It is critical that local governments recognize their obligation to upgrade streets, sidewalks and facilities for accessibility. ADA requires that public agencies perform self-evaluations and prepare transition plans. They were to have been completed by July 26, 1992 and be updated periodically. The morning portion of the workshop examines the background to, contents of and enforcement of the self-evaluation and transition plan requirements. Several landmark court cases are also highlighted. A case study is presented to illustrate these items. Participants will leave the session with a “To Do” list of next steps they need to take and a toolkit of helpful resources. The afternoon session overviews the current criteria for accessible public rights-of-way including the pedestrian access route, curb ramps and detectable warnings, accessible pedestrian signals, street furniture, on-street parking and temporary traffic control requirements for pedestrians.

Advanced Work Zone Traffic Control

Federal requirements now instruct state and local governments to train personnel in work zone traffic control relevant to the job decisions that each individual is required to make. This workshop provides training needed to properly install and monitor work zones for construction and maintenance projects for long-term (greater than three consecutive days) operations. This course provides comprehensive training on work zone standards, guidelines, installations and removal procedures, inspection, liability, documentation and supervisory skills. Several workshops included in this course are designed to provide hands-on experience implementing and modifying temporary traffic control plans for various real-life situations. It also teaches how to recognize, analyze, correct, and document deficiencies. At the conclusion of this workshop, a short open-book written exam will be administered to all attendees. A VDOT-issued training card will be given to each attendee who achieves a passing grade of 80% or higher.

Asphalt Roads: Common Maintenance Problems and Repairs

Aside from constructing a new roadway, maintenance and repairs are one of the most expensive activities associated with pavements. While construction of new pavements is taking place, and others are rehabilitated, most pavements were constructed more than 30 years ago and now need attention to restore their structural and functional (i.e., ride, appearance) condition. This training session will focus on various phases of a pavement’s life cycle, from initial design and construction to maintenance and repairs. The instructors will discuss the typical failure mechanisms of pavements and the most economical approaches to restoration. Special attention will be devoted to the various preventive, corrective, and restorative maintenance activities available to pavement owners. We will answer the fundamental question – when should these activities be considered, and when should they not? Two group exercises will be held to reinforce the lessons of this session through a “What would you do?” approach. Upon completion, attendees will have a better understanding of the overall design, construction, and maintenance of pavements.

Basic Work Zone Traffic Control

As traffic volumes increase and the need to repair and improve roadways becomes greater, so does the need to plan, install, and review work zone traffic control to effectively and safely perform the work. Federal requirements now instruct state and local governments to train personnel in work zone traffic control relevant to the job decisions that each individual is required to make. This workshop provides training needed to properly install work zones to perform daily maintenance or short-term operations. Emphasis is placed on the basics of work zone traffic control, focusing on work zone devices and how to effectively install and maintain them. At the conclusion of this workshop, a short open-book written exam will be administered to all attendees. A VDOT-issued training card will be given to each attendee who achieves a passing grade of 80% or higher.

Basic Work Zone Traffic Control is for individuals who have:

  1. Direct responsibility for placement of work zone traffic control devices
  2. Direct responsibility for field maintenance of work zone traffic control devices

Basics of Asphalt Paving and Inspection

The construction and maintenance of a pavement are the most expensive activities performed by the owner. Ensuring the practices followed by the contractor, whether constructing a new roadway or placing an asphalt overlay, is an important function of an inspector. The instructors will discuss the typical construction processes when building a new asphalt pavement or overlay. Special attention will be devoted to the inspection points followed in Virginia Department of Transportation projects. Upon completion, attendees will have a better understanding of the overall construction/overlay procedures and the relevant specifications.  

The outcomes of this class should allow the attendee to: 

  • Learn the key factors that must be evaluated for a proper new pavement or overlay construction. 
  • Learn the inspection points during the construction paving process. 

Basics of Construction Math

This Construction Math course is designed to provide basic training on methods for measuring and computing quantities such as linear, area, volume, weight, yield, etc. This goal is achieved by teaching the basic math theory needed to complete proper measurements and computations for verification of estimates performed by highway inspectors and estimating personnel. It can also be used by materials testing, design and other technical fields.

Workshop attendees will be provided with the concepts, knowledge, and tools used to analyze commonly-encountered questions demanding to know quantities for the purpose of payment or acceptance.

**A Scientific calculator with the ability to perform exponential operations.**

Basics of Pavement Design

The design of a new pavement or an overlay of an existing pavement must account for the subgrade conditions, traffic volume, traffic loading, and environmental conditions. With asphalt overlays, the condition of the existing pavement must be known. To learn the processes and techniques of pavement design, this class will cover the input parameters for design and considerations for overlaying an existing pavement.

To aid in the facilitating of pavement designs, the PaveXpress application (www.pavexpress.com) will be utilized in class. PaveXpress integrates all the considerations for pavement design in an easy-to-use stepwise process following AASHTO and other nationally recognized design procedures. Laptops are required for this course.

The outcomes of this class should allow the attendee to:

  • Learn the key factors that must be evaluated for a proper new or overlay pavement design.
  • Learn to use PaveXpress for designing pavements.
  • Perform basic pavement designs and understand the economic consequences of over- or under-designing a pavement.

Bicycles and Pedestrians: Meeting the Needs

Many communities in the United States were not designed for pedestrian and bicycle travel. However, today walkability and bikeability are important for active transportation and are indicators of a livable community. The objective of this workshop is to equip participants with information on designing safer, more comfortable, accessible communities so that walking is a viable transportation choice for everyone, including seniors, children and people with visual, mobility and other disabilities and that bicycling is a viable transportation choice for people of all ages.

The class provides current information on the design, operation and maintenance of successful pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Emphasis is placed on the importance of maintaining accessibility and MUTCD compliance while at the same time encouraging innovation. Course topics covered are outlined below.

Bridge Preservation for Locally Maintained Bridges

This course will provide an overview of best practices of bridge preservation for locally maintained bridges in Virginia.  The topics will include the definition of bridge preservation, a summary of structure data, description of structure conditions, a description of the Virginia bridge/structure program and details of bridge preservation treatments.

 

Bucket Truck Operations and Safety

The Bucket TruckSafety workshop is designed to cover allthe key safety guidelines and procedures related to the most common activities workers perform while operating this equipment. The classroom portion of training covers basic operational rules, reviews OSHA standards and general bucket truck work zone safety issues with operators and ground crew personnel. Hands-on training provides students with the opportunity to apply what they learned in the classroom by performing the pre-trip inspection, equipment set-up and practice of safe aerial operations.

Business Writing Basics

Business Writing Basics” focuses on specific skills that can help anyone write with greater precision and clarity. Understanding the foundations of sentence structures will help each participant compose stronger documents. Moreover, by practicing how to write different sentence patterns and how to edit out errors, participants will learn techniques for communicating ideas more clearly.

Combating Road Departures and Improving Intersection Safety with Low-Cost Countermeasures

This workshop provides local agencies with relevant information to reduce roadway departure crashes on their roadway network. It addresses best practices for identifying locations with historical or potential rural roadway departure issues and introduces countermeasures that address them. It offers information on the procedures and processes to improve safety by reducing the potential for roadway departure crashes.  The workshop raises awareness about the tools and resources available through VDOT’s HSIP program, systemic safety analysis and project development.

Confined Space Entry

Working in confined spaces is often very dangerous and requires planning to keep workers safe. OSHA’s confined space standards for construction and general industry are among the most difficult OSHA standards to comprehend and to achieve compliance. This training includes a clear and easy to understand explanation of OSHA’s confined space standards.

The hands-on phase of the training will include trainees conducting pre-plans, use of Confined Space Permits, practice rescues, inspection and maintenance of equipment including tripod, harnesses, 4-gas meter, etc. Class duration may exceed 4 hours based on the number of participates to complete the hands-on portion of the day.

Designing Pedestrian Facilities for Accessibility (1 Day)

Sidewalks, like roadways, need to be designed to serve all users.  To meet the requirements of all sidewalk users, designers and builders need a clear understanding of the wide range of abilities that occur within the population.  Pedestrian facility design and operation must comply with accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  This workshop focuses on all current and emerging accessibility issues and the design parameters that affect sidewalk and street crossing design and operation.

Designing, Building and Maintaining Compliant Curb Ramps

Facilities in the public right-of-way (including sidewalks, ramps, curb ramps and crosswalks) must be designed, constructed and maintained to serve all users. Curb ramps are considered the basic element of accessibility. To meet the needs of all users, those involved with designing, building and maintaining curb ramps need a clear understanding of the wide range of abilities that occur within the population and the challenges in the public right-of-way faced by persons with disabilities.

This class will introduce the ADA requirements for the pedestrian access route. Requirements for ensuring accessibility in existing facilities versus work in new construction and alternations will be discussed. The focus of the class will be curb ramps in the public right-of-way. Design elements such as width, cross slope, grade and surface necessary for achieving accessibility in the public right-of-way will be reviewed. The requirements for detectable warning surfaces at the base of curb ramps will be described. The requirements for temporary traffic control and an alternate pedestrian access route when a sidewalk is temporarily closed for construction, maintenance or utility work will be explained. A detailed handout will be provided, including resources on accessibility.

Drainage Maintenance Basics

There are three things you need to have a good road: drainage, drainage, and drainage. As existing infrastructure struggles to keep up with increased use and severe weather events, proper design and maintenance of drainage structures are critical. This program covers drainage principles, drainage policy, ditches, pipes, and other drainage features, including installation, maintenance and construction of drainage components.

Effective Communication Skills

By attending this dynamic workshop you will learn the basic principles of communication and receive useful tips on how communication works; effective listening techniques, seeing things from a different perspective, and handling difficult people and situations. Attendees will participate in individual and group exercises designed to provide practice with some of the communication principles presented. You will leave this workshop with some new ideas to try!

Upon completion of the class, attendees should be able to:

  • Identify the parts of the communication process and their importance
  • Identify communication/personality types
  • Identify and deliver clear messages
  • Recognize the positive impact of active listening and body language on communication
  • Change the tone of a message to fit the situation
  • Manage conflict professionally
  • Provide effective customer services through learning different communication skills

Erosion and Sediment Control Training

Upon completion of this course, attendees will have a better understanding of how to:

Develop a working knowledge of regulatory agencies and regulations; evaluate the design and construction of temporary and permanent erosion and sediment control and identify sediment control measures and their appropriate applications; understand what erosion and sediment control measures identified in the plans and be able to review their applicability for installation; effectively manage the erosion and sediment control plans, installation, and maintenance; evaluate requirements that influence the installation, maintenance, inspection, and removal of erosion and sediment control measures.

Erosion and Sediment Control: Principles and Practices

Formally Storm Water Fundamentals and Inspection, this class will provide students with an understanding about the requirements for erosion and sediment control for construction. Students will learn about the various types of erosion and how to select and install Best Management Practices (BMPs) to prevent erosion and control sediment on job-sites. The course will also address routine inspection checklists, and proper maintenance necessary to ensure your BMPs remain effective. The course concludes with Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan Development. Where we will address key elements of a SWPPP, roles and responsibilities, and Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Development.

Ethics in Engineering (1 Day Online Hybrid Class)

This hybrid online class will combine both live instruction and independent online work that you will complete during the day.  Independent work will include quizzes, readings, videos and short assignments.  Access to a computer with a webcam (either a camera that is built into your laptop or one that connects via USB), a reliable internet connection and a workspace that is free from distraction and noise will set you up for success.

The study of professional ethics is more than simply a hypothetical exercise, it is the very foundation of engineering practice.   Many practicing engineers in the United States swear an oath to uphold the “Obligation of an Engineer” upon completion of their degree.  Among other things, the Obligation pledges integrity, respect, and honesty for the good of the public.  This course will explore the history of professional ethics; the ethical canons upheld by national engineering societies; and the narrow line that separates legal and professional responsibilities.

Continue your personal and professional development with this course, which addresses the importance of holding paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public in the performance of your professional duties.

Excavating and Trench Safety

Trenching and excavation work presents serious hazards to all workers involved. Cave-ins pose the greatest risk and are more likely than some other excavation-related incidents to result in worker fatalities.  This course will address key steps towards preventing or greatly reducing the risk of cave-ins and other excavation related events.  The course accomplishes this by walking the student through ways to define soil classifications, raising awareness about the importance of proper preplanning procedures, identifying protective systems, and describing sloping and benching options for different soil classifications.

Learning Outcomes

Describe the difference between an Excavation and a Trench
Describe the dangers of trenching and excavation operations
Describe the four protective systems commonly used that protect workers from cave-ins
Describe the different techniques for classifying soil
Describe other excavation hazards that workers are exposed to while performing excavation work

Falls Protection

Most injuries and fatalities in roadway construction are caused by four basic hazards: being struck by an object, being caught-in-or between equipment, electrocutions, and falls.

Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry.  This workshop introduces attendees to the various fall hazards we experience in the workplace and on construction sites.  It then highlights effective measures for preventing serious injuries and fatalities related to falls.   Join us and learn industry recognized best practices for avoiding falls.

Fundamentals of Traffic Engineering

This course is intended to provide an overview of traffic engineering fundamentals. A one-day course on this topic can address a wide range of areas upon which additional continuing education can be built. Therefore, this course can serve as a refresher for the experienced traffic engineer as well as a foundation for the less-seasoned traffic engineer or engineering technician. The course material is grouped into four general topics: traffic control and management, traffic engineering studies, safety studies, and capacity and level-of-service analyses. An introduction will preface the material, and a summary and review of available resources will be provided at the end of the day.

The objective of this course is to provide fundamental knowledge in traffic engineering. At the end of this course, participants will be able to understand principles applied in the traffic engineering as well as related engineering studies. 

Gravel Road Maintenance & Construction

Maintaining a gravel road properly requires a clear understand of the need for three basic elements; a crowned driving surface; a shoulder area that slopes directly away from the edge of the driving surface; and a ditch to carry the drainage away from the roadway.  Operators and managers should possess knowledge about good base gravel and gravel driving surface material.  The learner will develop a better understanding of the materials, techniques, and equipment needed for maintaining gravel roads. Participants will learn gravel road design fundamentals starting with construction to reshaping as well as recognizing the necessity of proper drainage.

Join instructor, Walt Catlett for this lively online class and discussion forum that will change the way you think about gravel road maintenance and construction.  You will have the chance to learn about the best practices for not only maintaining gravel roads but learn the key elements in constructing a gravel road.  You will learn organizational tips for selecting the best aggregates for your gravel roads and selecting the best approaches for addressing drainage.  By the end of the training, you will have sharpened your skills about gravel road maintenance and construction.

Heavy Equipment Operations & Safety

This course covers the basic principles of safe and efficient heavy equipment operations. Topics covered include Work Site Hazard Analysis, Job Set-Up and Pre-Job Checklists, Job Site & Equipment Safety Rules, Walk-Around / Pre-Use Inspection of Heavy Equipment, Equipment Start-Up Procedures, Traveling with Loads, Spotter Rules & Hand Signals, Transporting of Heavy Equipment and more!

Highway Safety Fundamentals

  • 8 Contact Hours

This one-day course covers the highlights of conducting a highway safety study.  The first portion of the course presents how to find hazardous and promising sites where our limited safety budget can do the most good.  The second portion of the course discusses how to select countermeasures for the selected sites with an eye on cost-effectiveness.  The final portion of the course shows how to evaluate the countermeasures that have been put in place so that we build our knowledge base and can make better future decisions.  The course will present new techniques, including the Highway Safety Manual, but no advanced knowledge of statistics or traffic engineering is needed.

Human Behavior: Impacts and Strategies for Road Safety (1 Day Hybrid Online Class)

This training identifies systems that drive human behavior and the impact on designing and implementing systems or programs. Road safety is a complex issue, and any efforts to improve safety must address not only the roadway but also road user behavior, vehicle design, interaction between road users, and the effect of the roadway on all road users. This course will identify the key principles of human behaviors and the importance in including education, safety messaging and awareness in road safety planning.

Hydraulic Modeling II: Applications of HEC-RAS

This hands-on workshop focuses on hydraulic modeling applications using the Hydrologic Engineering Center’s River Analysis System, HEC-RAS. By working through eight different applications throughout the day, participants will become familiar with relevant model tools as well as develop modeling skills applicable to a range of hydraulic analyses that can impact transportation design. Workshop applications include: (1) calibrating a model using known water surface elevations; (2) incorporating survey data to modify channel geometry; (3) integrating proposed channel modifications; (4) designing a stream crossing through model iteration; (5) running a multiple opening stream crossing analysis; (6) computing bridge scour; (7) building a 1D model in RAS Mapper; and (8) viewing and analyzing simulation results geospatially in RAS Mapper. A brief description of 2D modeling capabilities in HEC-RAS 6.2 will also be presented, including an example project. HEC-RAS tools and techniques will be discussed and explored interactively throughout the workshop. Participants will be provided with electronic files of partial HEC-RAS models ahead of time, thereby emphasizing HEC-RAS applications rather than full model development.

 This is a hands-on workshop, so it is required that all participants bring a laptop with HEC-RAS downloaded ahead of time. Version 6.2 is the newest release, which is the preferred version for this workshop. Go to https://www.hec.usace.army.mil/software/hec-ras/download.aspx to download the latest version a week before the class takes place.

Hydraulic Modeling: Introduction to HEC-RAS

This hands-on workshop introduces hydraulic modeling using the Hydrologic Engineering Center’s River Analysis System, HEC-RAS. The workshop teaches participants how to use the program primarily through direct application, requiring each participant to build, run, and analyze their own 1D HEC-RAS model in progressive stages during the day. After discussion on the setup and theoretical considerations of the program, model components will be covered including channel geometry and steady flow data, steady flow simulation setup and execution, tabular and graphical results, and modeling bridges and culverts. Upon completion of the workshop, participants will be able to determine necessary data input requirements for a basic hydraulic model, develop a simple 1D HEC-RAS model from scratch, perform steady flow analyses to compute water surface elevations, review and analyze simulation results, and incorporate bridge and culvert geometry into a 1D stream model.

This course is designed to include lecture, discussion, and hands-on exercises in the HEC-RAS software. Participants must bring a laptop with Microsoft Excel and HEC-RAS downloaded before the day of the workshop. Go to https://www.hec.usace.army.mil/software/hec-ras/download.aspx to download Version 6.2 a week before the class takes place. If you are not able to bring a laptop with these programs, then you will work with another participant, and you may want to bring a USB/flash drive to save your work. Please also bring a calculator.

Intermediate Work Zone Traffic Control

Federal requirements now instruct state and local governments to train personnel in work zone traffic control relevant to the job decisions that each individual is required to make. This workshop provides training needed to properly install and monitor work zones for construction and maintenance projects for long-term (greater than three consecutive days) operations. This course provides comprehensive training on work zone standards, guidelines, installations and removal procedures, inspection, liability, documentation and supervisory skills. Several workshops included in this course are designed to provide hands-on experience implementing and modifying temporary traffic control plans for various real-life situations. It also teaches how to recognize, analyze, correct, and document deficiencies. At the conclusion of this workshop, a short open-book written exam will be administered to all attendees. A VDOT-issued training card will be given to each attendee who achieves a passing grade of 80% or higher.

Intermediate Writing for the Transportation Professional: Proposals/Technical Documents

This hybrid online class will combine both live instruction and independent online work that you will complete each week. Modules will be released on Mondays on a weekly basis beginning with a 30-minute live zoom session from 4:30pm to 5:00pm.  Independent online work will include a recorded lecture, quiz, and homework assignment. You will have 7 days to review the lecture and complete the weekly assignments. The instructor will be available by email and phone for questions and comments during the class and will be interacting with students as needed. The 4-week class will take approximately 6-8 hours to complete over the 4-week period.

Do you have a proposal or a grant application? Or another significant technical work product?  This mini-course will guide you through the writing process, from understanding your task through outlining, revising, and editing. Using examples from successful (and unsuccessful) work products, you will see how specific techniques can give your writing more clarity and power. By the end of our course, you should have the tools to produce a sharp, polished written document that will stand out within your organization.

Intersection Safety Workshop

Intersection safety is a significant part of highway safety.  Intersections are intended to operate with vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists proceeding in many directions, often simultaneously.  Given these conflicts, it is not surprising that nationally, intersection fatalities, injuries and crashes make up about 21 percent of all crashes and 55 percent of crashes in urban areas.

There are a number of “best practice” techniques for reducing the incidence of intersection crashes.  The objective of this workshop is to reduce the incidence of intersection crashes through the application of readily available best practices.  The focus of the session is on what can be done now through traffic control devices, geometric design and other applications to improve traffic safety and reduce crashes.  The results of effectiveness and engineering studies conducted across the country have been synthesized into this workshop for direct application to improve intersection safety, including reducing crashes, and traffic and pedestrian and bicycle safety.

Intersection Safety, Design, and Capacity

This course is designed to give the participants an understanding of the planning, design, capacity, and operations of signalized intersections.  As the first step in the process for signalizing an intersection, the type of data necessary to conduct an analysis will be reviewed.  Participants learn of how to choose the type of traffic control device that should be installed.  They will learn the advantages and disadvantages of each type of control as well as signal and stop sign warrants.  They will estimate the capacity of an intersection and how the signal timing will affect the capacity.  Software will be demonstrated to show how the timing for optimizing the operation of a signal can be determined.  The MUTCD standards and guidelines for signal head location, markings, and signs will be reviewed.

Introduction to Intersection Capacity Design

This one day course discusses the relationship between intersection capacity, design, and safety. Design features such as turning lanes, radius for turning movements, corner clearances, bus stops, sight distances, lane widths, driveway spacing, fundamental areas, accommodation for pedestrians, as well as signal timing will be covered in terms of capacity and safety. The class will also cover the principles used for determining intersection capacity. The class will include a comparison between signalized intersections versus stop control intersections versus roundabouts.

Introduction to NEPA

  • 6.8 Contact Hours

Transportation projects utilizing federal funding or requiring federal approval are required to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other federal environmental laws before final decisions are made, actions taken, and resources committed that could have environmental effects.  NEPA requires Federal agencies to consider the environmental effects of their proposed actions that include, among others, effects on social, cultural, natural and economic resources. Additionally, NEPA requires coordination with citizens and other federal agencies because they often have valuable information about places and resources that they value and the potential social, environmental, and economic effects that proposed projects may have on those places and resources.

This course has been developed to help state and local agencies receiving federal funding, as well as consultants assisting those agencies, to understand the overall purpose of the legislation and its applicability as well as other federal laws and requirements that may come into play during the environmental review process.

Introduction to Roadway Safety Fundamentals

Road safety is an important part of everyday life. Across the nation, people use roads and sidewalks to get to work, school, stores, and home. Public agencies work to ensure that people arrive at their destination without incident. However, not every trip is without incident. Deaths and injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes represent a significant public health concern.   This challenge requires a comprehensive approach to improving safety, involving numerous stakeholders and decision makers from a variety of perspectives and disciplines. The end result will be a road that moves a step closer to the ultimate goal of having a transportation system free of injuries and deaths.

This workshop looks at the various ways we measure the safety of a roadway and identifies changes we can make to roadways to make them safer. We will visit our state’s safety website to learn more about our Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) and the different initiatives employed at the state level.  We will discuss ways to apply these initiatives at the local level.  The workshop also highlights the benefit of a multidisciplinary approach to roadway safety than involves educators, law enforcement, emergency responders and engineers.

Introduction to Soils and Aggregate: The Scoop on Dirt

This course will cover the basics of soils, or what you need to know about soils to be able to properly work with them. Content will include soils as a 3 phase medium, Atterberg limits, sieve analysis, proctor testing, and field compaction techniques.

Introduction to Transportation Asset Management Plans

At a fundamental level, asset management involves understanding an agency’s assets, the level of performance expected of those assets, and the relationship between performance and the funding needed to operate and maintain the assets. A solid understanding of these relationships helps agencies determine the best strategy for investing in their asset network. The training starts with a discussion on the benefits of an asset management plan and wraps up identifying performance measures of an asset management plan.  This 1 Day Online Hybrid class introduces asset and data management guiding principles and key components of a transportation asset management plan.

Life Cycle Cost & Benefit Cost Analyses Applied to Transportation Description Decision Making

Decision-making has become a major aspect of the transportation professional’s daily activity. Making smart economic decisions is no longer a luxury but a necessity. This workshop will provide attendees with an analytical framework for decision-making from an economic viewpoint. Workshop attendees will be provided with the theory, knowledge, and tools used to analyze commonly-encountered project selection dilemmas, and to make appropriate and defensible choices between competing alternative solutions based on sound economic principles. It is a good course for learning the fundamentals of economic theory and how to apply it to provide transportation solutions.

Local Road Safety Plan

This hybrid online class will combine both live instruction and independent online work that you will complete during the day.  Independent work will include quizzes, readings, videos and short assignments.  Access to a computer with a webcam (either a camera that is built into your laptop or one that connects via USB), a reliable internet connection and a workspace that is free from distraction and noise will set you up for success.

A Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP) is a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) proven safety countermea­sure that provides a framework for identifying, analyzing, and prioritizing roadway safety improve­ments on local roads.  Local road agencies should consider developing an LRSP to be used as a tool for reducing roadway fatalities, injuries, and crashes. LRSPs can help agencies create a prioritized list of improvements. They are also a proactive risk management technique to demonstrate an agency’s responsiveness.

Join us to learn the proper steps for developing and implementing a Local Road Safety Plan.

 

Locally Administered Project Qualification Program

  • 15 Contact Hours

The Locally Administered Project Qualification Program is broken in to two courses, each with a series of online modules. The first course is Program Development and the second course is Project Management.

The Program Development series of modules will be helpful to LPAs in understanding VDOT’s approach to locally administered projects. The modules in this section are focused on overall program development that addresses roles and responsibilities, qualifications, and project initiation and details requirements for federal-funded projects.

The Project Management series of modules is focused on project management and provides guidance for project development and construction. These modules also address standards and practices for functional areas that cut across phases of project delivery including: civil rights, environmental, right of way, and financial management.

Please note: All Program Development and Project Management modules include online components that must be completed prior to attending the in-person Project Management classroom session. Instructions for accessing online materials will be provided to you by email.

Locally Administered Project Qualification Program (1 Day Hybrid Online Class 7:45am EST to 4:30pm EST)

  • 15 Contact Hours

The Locally Administered Project Qualification Program is broken in to two courses, each with a series of online modules. The first course is Program Development and the second course is Project Management.

The Program Development series of modules will be helpful to LPAs in understanding VDOT’s approach to locally administered projects. The modules in this section are focused on overall program development that addresses roles and responsibilities, qualifications, and project initiation and details requirements for federal-funded projects.

The Project Management series of modules is focused on project management and provides guidance for project development and construction. These modules also address standards and practices for functional areas that cut across phases of project delivery including: civil rights, environmental, right of way, and financial management.

Please note: All Program Development and Project Management modules include online components that must be completed prior to attending the in-person Project Management classroom session. Instructions for accessing online materials will be provided to you by email.

Low Cost Safety Improvements

Each year, motor vehicle crashes on U.S. roadways claim more than 33,000 lives, cause 3 million injuries, and involve $230 billion in costs. The Federal Highway Administration and AASHTO, among others, have identified roadway safety as a high priority. The consequences of motor vehicle crashes would not be nearly so high if programs, tools, and technologies that have been developed were more extensively deployed to make roads safer for travel.

This workshop emphasizes the application of traffic control devices, enhanced traffic control device application measures, low-cost safety improvements, and their specific safety benefits in terms of crash modification factors. Signing, marking, and illumination are highlighted. The information is directly applicable to addressing requests and comments from the public.

Lunch and Learn: Advances in Pavement Testing and Rehabilitation

The Virginia LTAP, in partnership with the Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC), the research leg of VDOT, invite you to join us for a one-hour lunch and learn event. This new series will showcase VTRC’s transportation innovation and research.

These monthly, one-hour events will take place at various locations across the Commonwealth from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. You may join remotely via Zoom or attend in-person. Lunch will be provided for those who attend in-person. Those attending in-person will also receive some swag.

TOPIC: Advances in Pavement Testing and Rehabilitation

Lunch and Learn: Balanced Mix Design for Asphalt Mixtures – What Does It Mean for Your Roads?

  • 1 Contact Hours

Topic: Balanced Mix Design for Asphalt Mixtures – What Does It Mean for Your Roads?

Over the past several years, VDOT has become increasingly interested in ways to improve asphalt mixture lifespan, as pavement surfaces are not meeting life span expectations. In addition, evolving technologies like additives and the desire to incorporate recycled or reclaimed materials into asphalt mixtures have highlighted the shortcomings of traditional volumetric asphalt mix design. Balanced Mix Design (BMD) is a methodology that incorporates performance evaluation into the design and acceptance of asphalt mixtures, an aspect that has been missing in current design and acceptance practices. The BMD methodology has been selected by VDOT for implementation as a means to improve mixture performance. VDOT is in the process of implementing a special provision for several dense-graded asphalt surface mixes (SM-9.5A, SM-9.5D, SM-12.5A, and SM-12.5D mixes) that incorporates the Balanced Mix Design (BMD) methodology. These mixes are commonly used on many non-interstate roadway surfaces and will eventually replace the current Superpave volumetrically designed mixes in the VDOT specification. Learn what BMD is, how the VDOT specifications are changing, and how these changes can benefit your roads.

Speaker: Stacey Diefender

Stacey Diefenderfer is Associate Principal Research Scientist at the Virginia Transportation Research Council. She specializes in asphalt mixtures including characterization, evaluation, performance and design. Special interests include balanced mix design, reclaimed asphalt pavement, and warm mix. She earned a PhD from Virginia Tech and is a licensed professional engineer in Virginia.

 

VTRC is one of the nation’s leading transportation research centers and specializes in basic and applied research to support VDOT, its primary customer.  It also provides technical consulting and training of future transportation professionals through its work with the University of Virginia and other Virginia universities.  VDOT recognizes research s one of its core businesses, a rarity for a state transportation department. This means VDOT will develop and deliver a robust transportation research program that results in saving lives, saving time, and saving money.

Lunch and Learn: Congestion Analysis: Identifying Arterial Bottlenecks and Determining the Cost of Congestion Due to Incidents

The Virginia LTAP, in partnership with the Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC), the research leg of VDOT, invite you to join us for a one-hour lunch and learn event. This new series will showcase VTRC’s transportation innovation and research.

These monthly, one-hour events will take place at various locations across the Commonwealth from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. You may join remotely via Zoom or attend in-person. Lunch will be provided for those who attend in-person. Those attending in-person will also receive some swag.

TOPIC: Congestion Analysis: Identifying Arterial Bottlenecks and Determining the Cost of Congestion Due to Incidents

Congestion bottleneck analysis using volume and probe speed data are widely used in project planning and performance evaluation. The first part of this presentation will discuss the use of three tools for bottleneck analysis on arterials: RITIS Bottleneck Ranking tool, FHWA CBI tool, and a tool developed by Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC). The RITIS and CBI tools are designed to identify congested road segments in one travel direction, while the VTRC tool is customized to rank intersection bottlenecks as it considers the traffic on all intersection approaches at the same time. The pros and cons of each tool will be discussed.

Traffic incidents are one of the major causes of congestion. VDOT regularly considers how an effective incident management strategy can benefit the public. The big question is: how much money could commuters save if an incident response plan reduced the time roads were closed by just one minute? The second part of this presentation will discuss a study that uses economic, traffic, incident, and roadway geometry datasets to estimate the per-minute incident congestion costs for freeways in Virginia. The study reveals significant cost variations across VDOT districts, routes, time-of-day, and day-of-week; the costs can range from less than $1 per minute for shoulder-closing events in rural areas to more than $1,000 per minute for lane-blocking incidents in Northern Virginia during AM peak hours. With the variation in costs, this study recommends that corridor-based cost values be used for analyses of project across different locations and time periods. A visualization tool was developed to provide easy access to the congestion cost values for VDOT staff.

 

Lunch and Learn: Development of a Two Lane Rural Road Systemic Safety Improvement Plan and Characteristics of Wrong Way Driving Crashes

The Virginia LTAP, in partnership with the Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC), the research leg of VDOT, invite you to join us for a one-hour lunch and learn event. This new series will showcase VTRC’s transportation innovation and research.

These monthly, one-hour events will take place at various locations across the Commonwealth from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. You may join remotely via Zoom or attend in-person. Lunch will be provided for those who attend in-person. Those attending in-person will also receive some swag.

Topic One: Development of a Two Lane Rural Road Systemic Safety Improvement Plan (12:00pm – 12:30pm)

About 17,500 crashes per year occur on the more than 32,800 lane-miles of undivided two-lane rural roads maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), and crash numbers are increasing. Roadway departure (RD) crashes comprise about 58% of crashes on these roads. Many significant efforts have been aimed at reducing RD crashes, and a continued focus on preventing these crashes is needed.

VTRC developed a systemic safety improvement plan for crashes on two-lane rural roads using low-cost countermeasures. The systemic safety approach represents a two‐pronged effort to reduce crashes and serious injuries on roadways. The focus was on road departure (RD) crashes. This approach offers a means to:

  1. Identify the road and crash characteristics (e.g., AADT, shoulder width, speed limit, and lighting conditions) that contribute to the highest number of fatal and serious injury crashes of each type from a system-wide data-driven analysis. This resulted in a list of candidate sites with a positive potential for safety improvement (PSI>0) for each district.
  2. Widely implement low‐cost countermeasures over many locations with similar crash characteristics and/or similar roadway features. The countermeasures were traffic control devices such as signs and markings that are intended to warn of curves ahead, delineate curves, and warn of potential lane/road departure.

The output of the study was a safety improvement plan to deploy treatments systemically to two-lane rural roads as part of VDOT’s safety program. The next step was to implement the research outcomes including the step-by-step action plan in a pilot project. Six VDOT districts participated in the implementation of the research outcomes; to review the sites, and to select and implement countermeasures.

Topic Two: Characteristics of Wrong Way Driving Crashes (12:30pm – 1:00pm)

Wrong Way Driving (WWD) on divided highways occurs when a vehicle enters a divided roadway on the wrong side at an interchange or intersection and travels in the opposite direction.  WWD incidents present an immediate and significant operational impact, and carry severe risk of a head-on collision that is likely to cause severe injuries and/or fatalities. In the U.S., between 2010 and 2018, there were 2,921 fatal wrong-way crashes resulting in 3,885 deaths—an average of 430 deaths per year.

Wrong Way Driving (WWD) on divided highways occurs when a vehicle enters a divided roadway on the wrong side at an interchange or intersection and travels in the opposite direction.  WWD incidents present an immediate and significant operational impact, and carry severe risk of a head-on collision that is likely to cause severe injuries and/or fatalities. In the U.S., between 2010 and 2018, there were 2,921 fatal wrong-way crashes resulting in 3,885 deaths—an average of 430 deaths per year.

This ongoing study analyzed WWD crashes and WWD 911 calls on all limited access highways and selected non-limited access highways. WWD incidents and crash data were gathered for the years 2016 to 2021. The study identified types of WWD ramp termini designs at rural and urban interchanges by combining VDOT’s roadway, and investigated the closest and reasonable right-way downstream ramps from the WWD crash location

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VTRC is one of the nation’s leading transportation research centers and specializes in basic and applied research to support VDOT, its primary customer.  It also provides technical consulting and training of future transportation professionals through its work with the University of Virginia  and other Virginia universities.  VDOT recognizes research s one of its core businesses, a rarity for a state transportation department. This means VDOT will develop and deliver a robust transportation research program that results in saving lives, saving time and saving money.

Lunch and Learn: Durability of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Strengthening Systems Bonded to Steel

  • 1 Contact Hours

Inevitably, VDOT’s infrastructure continues to age and deteriorate. Steel bridges are particularly susceptible to corrosion damage when exposed to aggressive environments and deicing salts. Conventional methods for repairing steel structures can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. Thus, engineers are increasingly looking for innovative and effective methods for repairing and maintaining the inventory. One alternative is to utilize anon-corrosive material, called carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP).

Many studies documenting CFRP’s ability to enhance the strength of existing structures have focused on steels having a smooth surface condition, which are not representative of deteriorated structures. Other research has examined the durability of CFRP-steel bonds, but under conditions that do not reflect the service conditions for typical bridge applications. This study examined the effects of the surface condition and environmental exposure on the bond between two different CFRP materials and steel to determine whether structures with non-uniform, pitted surfaces are economical candidates for CFRP retrofits. Durability of CFRP-steel bonded systems was investigated through laboratory hygrothermal aging and chloride exposure, as well as in-situ environmental conditioning in multiple environments in Virginia.

The different materials and various exposure environments had variable results in terms of performance relative to the level of corrosion and degree of conservatism in predicted versus tested strengths. Economic analysis showed that a one-to-one replacement of CFRP strengthening material would be dramatically cheaper than a steel repair. However, if the amount of CFRP needed to increase by 70% to ensure sufficient bond with sound steel, then only one CFRP configuration in this study would be cost-effective. These research results can be useful in the development of guidelines that will assist engineers in determining whether a CFRP retrofit solution is applicable in a given environmental setting and appropriate for the level of deterioration of a steel structure.

 

Speaker: Bernie Kassner

Bernie Kassner, Ph.D., P.E. has served as a research scientist at the Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC) for 18 years and currently works on the Council’s Structures Team. Bernie earned his Ph.D.in Civil Engineering at Virginia Tech while studying the shear strength of prestressed, high-strength lightweight concrete girders as a part of NCHRP project 18-15. More recently, Dr. Kassner has focused his research on bridge design, maintenance, and load rating, as well as non-destructive evaluation of structures.

 

VTRC is one of the nation’s leading transportation research centers and specializes in basic and applied research to support VDOT, its primary customer.  It also provides technical consulting and training of future transportation professionals through its work with the University of Virginia and other Virginia universities.  VDOT recognizes research s one of its core businesses, a rarity for a state transportation department. This means VDOT will develop and deliver a robust transportation research program that results in saving lives, saving time, and saving money.

Lunch and Learn: Evaluation of Electric Vehicles

The Virginia LTAP, in partnership with the Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC), the research leg of VDOT, invite you to join us for a one-hour lunch and learn event. This new series will showcase VTRC’s transportation innovation and research.

These monthly, one-hour events will take place at various locations across the Commonwealth from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. You may join remotely via Zoom or attend in-person. Lunch will be provided for those who attend in-person. Those attending in-person will also receive some swag.

Topic:Evaluation of Electric Vehicles in the VDOT Fleet

This project explored the potential to introduce electric pickup trucks into the fleet of vehicles operated by the the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). These light vehicles are used to maintain and operat roadways. The project estimated electric truck range in severe temperatures and compared these ranges to actual VDOT daily driving. The costs and benefits of transitioning to EVs was examined, including a comparison of the upfront and long-term costs of EVs versus conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. An Excel-based Electric Vehicle Transition Decision Support Tool is introduced to assist with cost-benefit decisions when introducing EVs into the VDOT fleet based on currently available EVs with ranges adjust to reflect VDOT operating conditions.

VTRC is one of the nation’s leading transportation research centers and specializes in basic and applied research to support VDOT, its primary customer.  It also provides technical consulting and training of future transportation professionals through its work with the University of Virginia and other Virginia universities.  VDOT recognizes research s one of its core businesses, a rarity for a state transportation department. This means VDOT will develop and deliver a robust transportation research program that results in saving lives, saving time, and saving money.

Lunch and Learn: Fiber Reinforced Concrete and Metal Culvert Repair Using Sprayable Fiber Reinforced Concrete

Lunch and Learn Series:
Presented by VDOT’s Virginia Transportation Research Council 

The Virginia LTAP and the Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC) invite you to join us for a one-hour lunch and learn event. This new series will showcase VTRC’s transportation innovation and research. 

Topic: Fiber Reinforced Concrete and Metal Culvert Repair Using Sprayable Fiber Reinforced Concrete (12 pm – 1 pm)

Speakers: Celik Ozyildirim & Mary Sharifi 

High-performance fiber reinforced concretes (HPFRCs) provide high workability, high compressive and tensile strengths, high ductility, and high durability. They exhibit strain and deflection hardening. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), U.S., has been experimenting with various types of HPFRC, including high early strength versions, to control cracking in transverse and longitudinal connections, shear keys, blockouts that connect adjacent members, overlays, and inverts of corrugated metal pipe culverts. The researchers have conducted both laboratory and field work using three classes of HPFRC for different VDOT applications, with results that indicate use in different situations.

The presentation will provide an overview of fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC): what it is, why we use it, different types and applications in Virginia, and its effect on longevity of structures.

  1. Fiber Reinforced Concrete Overview:  Concrete is the most widely used construction material with good compressive strength and durability, but also the downsides of brittleness and subject to cracking.  In reinforced concrete structures, cracks facilitate intrusion of harmful solutions.  Chlorides penetrating and reaching the level of steel cause corrosion, which is the main deterioration mechanism in bridge structures.  To reduce the potential for cracking and width of cracks, fibers can be added to concrete to increase the tensile and flexural strengths.  Tight cracks, less than 0.1 mm in width, resist the penetration of solutions.  The type and amount of fibers used will affect the level of crack control.
  2. Fiber Reinforced Concrete Applications in VDOT:  VDOT has been using fibers in bridge structures to improve the longevity of structures by controlling cracks in bridge decks, connections, link slabs, and shear keys.   High performance fiber-reinforced concretes (HPFRC) have high amounts of fibers.  When they are used, the cracked sections become strong since the fibers carry the load.  The crack does not widen but a nearby location cracks leading to multiple tight cracks.  There are three types of HPFRC used in Virginia: ECC (engineered cementitious composite), VHPC (very high performance concrete), and UHPC (ultra high performance concrete).  In some applications, short splice lengths for the reinforcement is needed and HPFRC with high strengths used.  Inverts of the culverts exhibit distress due to abrasion and corrosion.  Repairs need to be thin to minimize the restrictions in water flow.  ECC with high tensile strength and high ductility are being used in culvert repairs in thin layers.  Examples of FRC applications in VDOT will be presented.

VTRC is one of the nation’s leading transportation research centers and specializes in basic and applied research to support VDOT, its primary customer.  It also provides technical consulting and training of future transportation professionals through its work with the University of Virginia and other Virginia universities. VDOT recognizes research as one of its core functions, a rarity for a state transportation department. This means VDOT will develop and deliver a robust transportation research program that results in saving lives, saving time and saving money.

Lunch and Learn: Innovation in the Virginia Department of Transportation

The Virginia LTAP, in partnership with the Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC), the research leg of VDOT, invite you to join us for a one-hour lunch and learn event. This new series will showcase VTRC’s transportation innovation and research.

These monthly, one-hour events will take place at various locations across the Commonwealth from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. You may join remotely via Zoom or attend in-person. Lunch will be provided for those who attend in-person. Those attending in-person will also receive some swag.

TOPIC: Innovation in VDOT
Learn about the principles and examples of innovation at VDOT. We are an organization with a large and talented workforce that is introducing and adopting many new ideas and methods within a fast-changing industry. Innovation and creativity are no longer luxuries; they are necessary for on-point seamless operations continuity. VDOT defines innovation as “not just new devices, ideas, or methods but also a way of thinking and doing things that is consistent with VDOT’s unique culture and traditions.” The key to most successful innovations is they are not just new or different, they are better. They save people time, money, and effort. Let’s learn what principles govern innovation at VDOT, how VDOT is handling Innovation and what initiatives are amplifying the core innovation at VDOT.

VTRC is one of the nation’s leading transportation research centers and specializes in basic and applied research to support VDOT, its primary customer.  It also provides technical consulting and training of future transportation professionals through its work with the University of Virginia and other Virginia universities.  VDOT recognizes research s one of its core businesses, a rarity for a state transportation department. This means VDOT will develop and deliver a robust transportation research program that results in saving lives, saving time, and saving money.

Lunch and Learn: Paving the Way for Sustainable Asphalt Surface Mixtures Through Material Recycling

The Virginia LTAP, in partnership with the Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC), the research leg of VDOT, invite you to join us for a one-hour lunch and learn event. This new series will showcase VTRC’s transportation innovation and research.

These monthly, one-hour events will take place at various locations across the Commonwealth from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. You may join remotely via Zoom or attend in-person. Lunch will be provided for those who attend in-person. Those attending in-person will also receive some swag.

Topic: Paving the Way for Sustainable Asphalt Surface Mixtures Through Material Recycling

Speaker: Dr. Jhony Habbouche, P.E.

Over the last several decades, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has evaluated the use and performance of various technologies in asphalt mixtures. These technologies have the potential to enhance infrastructure and roadways while reducing environmental burdens in transportation systems. Furthermore, like many other state highway agencies, VDOT is actively working to determine the most effective methods of incorporating recycled materials, such as plastic waste, reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), tire rubber waste, and others, into their roads. The purpose of this talk is to showcase the efforts undertaken by the Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC) from multiple perspectives, including design, lab work, field testing, and media exposure. Get ready to embark on an exhilarating journey of innovation and sustainability as we explore these remarkable advancements!

    About Jhony Habbouche:

Dr. Habbouche is a senior research scientist at VTRC, the research division of Virginia DOT. He specializes in all aspects of engineered paving materials including advanced testing and characterization, evaluation, modeling, mechanistic analysis and cost-benefit analysis. He is a member of the Association of Asphalt Paving Technologists, where he chairs the Communication Committee and serves as an Associate Editor, and is also a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Highway Pavement Committee, American Society for Testing and Materials and the Transportation Research Board. Jhony serves as an  editor for the Transportation Research Record: the journal of the Transportation Research Board. He is licensed as professional engineer in Virginia. Jhony received his PhD in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Nevada Reno in 2019 where he won multiple Outstanding International Graduate Student Awards.

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VTRC is one of the nation’s leading transportation research centers and specializes in basic and applied research to support VDOT, its primary customer.  It also provides technical consulting and training of future transportation professionals through its work with the University of Virginia  and other Virginia universities.  VDOT recognizes research s one of its core businesses, a rarity for a state transportation department. This means VDOT will develop and deliver a robust transportation research program that results in saving lives, saving time and saving money.

Lunch and Learn: Quantitative Characterization via Raman Imaging: From Traditional Aggregates to Modern Cements

  • 1 Contact Hours

The Virginia LTAP, in partnership with the Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC), the research leg of VDOT, invites you to join us for a one-hour lunch and learn event. This new series will showcase VTRC’s transportation innovation and research.

These monthly, one-hour events will take place at various locations across the Commonwealth from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. You may join remotely via Zoom or attend in-person. Lunch will be provided for those who attend in-person. Those attending in-person will also receive some swag.

 

Raman spectroscopy has been used for the characterization of a variety of cementitious materials for nearly 50 years. However, hyperspectral mapping or Raman imaging is a relatively new technique that produces phase maps or spectral images of sample surfaces by collecting a Raman spectrum on every pixel.

Over the last 10 years, the capabilities of Raman imaging have significantly improved, primarily due to hardware and software advancements in the Raman confocal microscopes and spectrometers.

In this talk, I will outline recent applications of Raman imaging on construction materials and discuss opportunities as well as challenges. Specifically, Raman imaging allows highly accurate and precise mineral mapping of heterogenous ingredients of concrete (ranging from traditional aggregates to modern, blended cements). By collecting high-resolution (µm scale) and large-area (mm scale) Raman images of diverse systems, my group has recently demonstrated mineral quantification in complex phase assemblages.

In addition, most recently, we have also shown how this technique can be exploited to obtain phase-specific Particle Size Distributions (PSDs) in blended cements which are key for predicting myriad concrete properties such as workability, strength, and durability.

Lunch and Learn: Virginia’s Socioeconomic Forecasts and the Statewide Multimodal Plan

  • 1 Contact Hours

For the last decade, VTRC staff have played a leading role in preparing a summary of 4 core sociodemographic trends in Virginia for the Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment (OIPI). The core trends are total population, population age 65 and older, total employment and employment in professional and technical services. VTRC’s work supports OIPI’s annual update of the state transportation plan VTrans, but the trend summaries and forecasts are also a resource for other transportation agencies including metropolitan planning organizations and planning district commissions.  This presentation will expand the identification and analysis of trends in population and employment beyond the purchased data and scope required in VTrans.

 

Speakers: James Gillespie and Audrey Moruza

Audrey Moruza, M.A., is a senior research scientist with the Virginia Transportation Research Council, a partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation and the University of Virginia.  As an economist, she has researched innovative materials and technologies, and impacts on VDOT business practices of new legislation and economic trends.

James S. (Jim)Gillespie is a senior research scientist at the Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC), the research arm of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).  VTRC benefits from access both to the administrators in Richmond who determine state-wide policy and to the area superintendents, resident administrators and district staff who carry out day-to-day maintenance and operation of the highway system.  Mr. Gillespie has done transport research on projects ranging from finance, modeling and forecasting, and cost-benefit analysis, to life-cycle cost analysis, equipment management, and innovative contracting.  He has a M.A. in Economics from UVa and a B.A. in Chemistry from U. of Chicago.

 

Lunch and Learn: Virtual Public Involvement and Improving Transit Ridership Projections

The Virginia LTAP, in partnership with the Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC), the research leg of VDOT, invite you to join us for a one-hour lunch and learn event. This new series will showcase VTRC’s transportation innovation and research.

These monthly, one-hour events will take place at various locations across the Commonwealth from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. You may join remotely via Zoom or attend in-person. Lunch will be provided for those who attend in-person. Those attending in-person will also receive some swag.

Topic:  Virtual Public Involvement (12:00 – 12:30)

Traditional public information meetings (PIMs) are often not well attended, feedback is sparse, and participation can be limited to special interest groups.  Adding virtual public involvement (VPI) techniques extends the reach of engagement strategies by making stakeholder participation more convenient, affordable, and even enjoyable.

The effects of COVID-19 on public gatherings has shed light on a more immediate need to explore VPI opportunities.  Although meeting the challenges of conducting business during a public health crisis is important, VPI provides an opportunity even beyond public health crises, to consistently reach a broader, more diverse audience and provide a different approach to traditional public involvement in transportation.

MetroQuest is one virtual public input platform VDOT is utilizing for PIMs and engagement efforts have led to higher levels of public participation than has previously been the case.  The impacts of using such VPI platforms in terms of data on market penetration, participation, demographics, and agency cost-savings is not well understood.  The purpose of this project was to assess the role of VPI in VDOT’s business practices, examine its potential to reach a broader public, and document lessons learned for improved efficacy.  VDOT’s Transportation and Mobility Planning Division and the Communications Division will use the results of this study to promote VPI and to develop outreach strategies and guidance to VDOT districts.  The findings may also be useful for localities and MPOs/PDCs that seek to broaden public outreach through virtual mechanisms.

Topic:  Improving Transit Ridership Projections (12:30 – 1:00)

Transit ridership data is one of the performance metrics examined when allocating funding to transportation projects, especially for those designed to reduce traffic congestion. The better the quality of the data, the more efficient the project prioritization process.

This study aimed to seek better ridership data by answering the following three questions using Virginia-based data: (1) How is transit ridership affected by changes to infrastructure and transit service such as the addition of real-time information systems, shelters, and lighting or increases to service frequency? (2) What percentage of transit ridership occurs during peak hours? (3) How does crowdsourced transit activity data compare to ridership data from Virginia transit agencies? Study methods involved extensive literature reviews, collection of ridership data from transit agencies, and statistical analyses. The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation can use the results of this study to update and improve the current project prioritization process for proposed bus and rail transit projects, which could consequently lead to more efficient funding allocation.
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VTRC is one of the nation’s leading transportation research centers and specializes in basic and applied research to support VDOT, its primary customer.  It also provides technical consulting and training of future transportation professionals through its work with the University of Virginia  and other Virginia universities.  VDOT recognizes research s one of its core businesses, a rarity for a state transportation department. This means VDOT will develop and deliver a robust transportation research program that results in saving lives, saving time and saving money.

Lunch and Learn: Wildlife Crossings and Other Animal Crash Countermeasures: Research and Initiatives in Virginia

The Virginia LTAP, in partnership with the Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC), the research leg of VDOT, invite you to join us for a one-hour lunch and learn event. This new series will showcase VTRC's transportation innovation and research.

These monthly, one-hour events will take place at various locations across the Commonwealth from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. You may join remotely via Zoom or attend in-person. Lunch will be provided for those who attend in-person. Those attending in-person will also receive some swag.

Topic:  Wildlife Crossings and Other Animal Crash Countermeasures: Research and Initiatives in Virginia

Speaker: Bridget Donaldson

This presentation will provide information on the scale of wildlife-vehicle collisions in Virginia and examples of effective measures to reduce these crashes. An unprecedented number of laws and policy tools have been established in the U.S in recent years to reduce wildlife crashes and restore habitat connectivity across roads. Virginia consistently has among the highest number of deer-vehicle collisions, with over 80,000 reported in 2022. The presentation will provide examples of research and implemented countermeasures that apply to wildlife ranging from salamanders to elk (and yes, we now have elk in Virginia!). Whether you’re a practitioner hoping to learn about measures to increase driver safety, or an outdoor enthusiast hoping to see plenty of live wildlife photos, you will learn about existing and future efforts in Virginia to benefit drivers and wildlife.

About Bridget Donaldson: Bridget Donaldson is an associate principal research scientist with the Virginia Transportation Research Council, the research division of the Virginia Department of Transportation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Colorado and an MS in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Tennessee. She conducts a variety of research and implementation projects on measures to reduce the environmental impacts from transportation projects, and is particularly interested in road ecology and wildlife crash countermeasures

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VTRC is one of the nation’s leading transportation research centers and specializes in basic and applied research to support VDOT, its primary customer.  It also provides technical consulting and training of future transportation professionals through its work with the University of Virginia  and other Virginia universities.  VDOT recognizes research s one of its core businesses, a rarity for a state transportation department. This means VDOT will develop and deliver a robust transportation research program that results in saving lives, saving time and saving money.

Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)

This course will introduce students to the principles of traffic control devices and the fundamentals of evaluating the need for and the implications of decisions to install traffic control devices. Traffic control devices are critical to ensuring the safe and efficient flow of people, traffic and goods on the surface transportation system. The appropriate installation, maintenance and operation of traffic control devices are critical to ensuring the safe and efficient operation of these facilities.

All public agencies and owners of private roads open to public travel across the nation rely on the MUTCD to bring uniformity to the use of traffic control devices.  The MUTCD defines the minimum standards and provides guidance to ensure uniformity and consistency with how traffic control devices are designed, installed, maintained, operated, and managed on streets and highways open to public travel.  Decisions to design and install traffic control devices for specific applications should be based on an engineering study and use of engineering judgment.  This ability to evaluate the need for, design, install, maintain, and operate traffic control devices is foundational to ensuring the safety along with the sound operation and management of travel on any facility on the surface transportation system.

States adopt the National MUTCD as their legal State standard for traffic control devices.  The FHWA released a comprehensive update to the MUTCD and adopted the 2009 Edition of the MUTCD on December 16, 2009.  The topics and material that will be covered in this course will be based on the 2009 MUTCD.  Participants will develop an appreciation for how to use the MUTCD; what are traffic control devices; signs; markings; highway traffic signals; and traffic control devices for special applications.

MUTCD with VA Supplement REDUCED PRICE

This course will introduce students to the principles of traffic control devices and the fundamentals of evaluating the need for and the implications of decisions to install traffic control devices.  Students will gain an appreciation of how the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) can be used to support decisions concerning traffic control devices.  Traffic control devices are critical to ensuring the safe and efficient flow of people, traffic and goods on the surface transportation system.  The appropriate installation, maintenance and operation of traffic control devices are critical to ensuring the safe and efficient operation of these facilities.

All public agencies and owners of private roads open to public travel across the nation rely on the MUTCD to bring uniformity to the use of traffic control devices.  The MUTCD defines the minimum standards and provides guidance to ensure uniformity and consistency with how traffic control devices are designed, installed, maintained, operated, and managed on streets and highways open to public travel.  Decisions to design and install traffic control devices for specific applications should be based on an engineering study and use of engineering judgment.  This ability to evaluate the need for, design, install, maintain, and operate traffic control devices is foundational to sound traffic and transportation management.

States adopt the National MUTCD as their legal State standard for traffic control devices.  The FHWA released a comprehensive update to the MUTCD and adopted the 2009 Edition of the MUTCD on December 16, 2009.  The topics and material that will be covered in this course will be based on the 2009 MUTCD.  Participants will develop an appreciation for how to use the MUTCD; what are traffic control devices; signs; markings; highway traffic signals; and traffic control devices for special applications.

OSHA 10 Construction

The OSHA 10 Hour Construction Course is a component of OSHA’s Outreach Training Program.  OSHA’s Outreach Training Program is a voluntary program focused on promoting workplace safety and health, making workers more knowledgeable about workplace hazards and their rights.

The OSHA 10-hour training program takes place over 1 ½  days.  It includes a combination of topics that are mandatory, elective, and optional.  It is primarily intended for entry level workers. It is intended to provide workers with an increased awareness about safety.  OSHA 10 Construction covers an overview of the hazards a worker may encounter on a construction site. Training emphasizes hazard identification, avoidance, control, and prevention, not OSHA standards.

Pavement Basics

The most recent data provided by the American Driving Survey, shows Americans drove approximately 2.5 trillion miles in 2019, a 2.4 percent increase from 2018. To put this into perspective, a recent survey reveals most every adult in the United States regularly drives a car or some other type of vehicle, with 83% reporting they do so at least several times a week. This workshop covers pavement evaluation, asphalt mix materials, hot plant mix production and pavement construction methods, routing pavement maintenance techniques, and pothole patching.

Pavement Preservation: Construction of Quality Treatments for Preventive Maintenance

This hybrid online class will combine both live instruction and independent online work that you will complete during the day.  Independent work will include quizzes, readings, videos and short assignments.  Access to a computer with a webcam (either a camera that is built into your laptop or one that connects via USB), a reliable internet connection and a workspace that is free from distraction and noise will set you up for success.

This training is designed to provide participants with a better understanding of the value added by incorporating pavement preservation strategies into maintaining a roadway network. Gaining this better understating will be accomplished by providing participants the opportunity to become familiar with the general concept of pavement preservation and the valuable role it plays in maintaining a roadway network. Participants will gain more detailed knowledge necessary to properly incorporate the concept of pavement preservation into maintaining an interactive workshop. The strategically placed workshops provide hands-on learning opportunities by simulating real-world situations that require participants to systematically apply knowledge gained from this training to evaluate pavement preservation applicability, identify feasible strategies and determine appropriate treatments. Examples of good practices for determining candidate projects, selecting specific strategies and applying appropriate treatments provided throughout this training will support decision-making necessary to successfully complete the workshops.

Plans Reading

Roadway plans are developed to provide a pictorial view of the existing facilities and

proposed improvements on a particular section of undeveloped land or existing roadway. They convey information relevant to the construction of the roadway, ranging from the quantities of construction materials required to the horizontal layout of the roadway.  Reading a set of plans can seem overwhelming but at the conclusion of this class every student will possess the knowledge to read a set of plans, calculate quantities, measure distances as well as many other issues related to roadway plan interpretation.

This lively class will change the way you think about reading and understanding roadway construction plans.  You will learn the primary elements of a set of roadway plans and what each element contains.  We will touch on the title sheet, schematic plan, utility plan, typical sections, general notes, maintenance of traffic plans, plan/profile sheets, cross sections, and miscellaneous details.   By the end of the training, you will possess the knowledge to communicate key details about any set of roadway plans to those interested.

Project Cost Estimating

This course will introduce participants to the principles of cost estimating and the fundamentals of developing and managing a cost estimate for a highway related construction project. The accurate estimation of costs provides a foundation for the effective management, development, and delivery of these projects. It is critical to prepare a cost estimate at the concept phase of an improvement project and ensure it is updated throughout the design, development, and construction phases of a project or the delivery of a transportation related support services.

The escalation of costs and challenges encountered with proactively managing a project’s cost estimate is a concern and important to all public agencies. The ability to develop, manage, and control a cost estimate is a critical function that is conducted during the planning, programming, preliminary and final design, and procurement phases of an improvement project. There are a number of factors and issues that contribute to the potential escalation of cost throughout the project development process. Public agencies continue to evolve how they use different methods, practices, and tools to develop, manage, and control cost estimates.

The ability to consistently develop a cost estimate, manage, and control costs is critical to the success of each construction project and the agencies highway improvement or public works program. This course will introduce students to the basic concepts, methods, tools, challenges, and opportunities to improve the estimating and management of project cost estimates.  This course will provide an overview of: 1) cost estimating, 2) process of developing project costs, 3) techniques to manage cost estimates, 4) cost escalation, 5) deterministic and risked bases cost estimating, 6) sources of uncertainty with project cost estimates, and 7) how cost estimates may vary during the process of developing projects.

Project Inspection

This course provides state, and local inspectors with practical knowledge and standard industry practices for inspecting road-related construction tasks at project sites. This course covers the proper installation of pipe materials, as well as how to monitor earthwork, concrete, and asphalt placement, including calculation of quantities for payment and documentation of workmanship.

Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:
• Explain the inspector’s role, duties, and responsibilities
• State the qualifications and limitations of an inspector
• Use proper communication and coordination with the engineer and contractor
• Recognize key inspection elements of the contract documents
• Perform basic calculations of common areas and volumes
• Perform rates of application, and slope-related calculations
• Understand the classification of soils and aggregates
• Identify the different classes of bedding
• Understand the key elements of a pile installation process
• Identify the different kinds of pipe
• Understand the difference between Rigid, Flexible and Composite Pavements
• Learn about the different kinds of Asphalt Pavements
• Learn about the different types of Concrete Pavements
• Identify important areas to monitor
• Understand the Accept/Reject Criteria
• Identify some of the key evaluation points to look for on the job site
• See the general construction process/procedures related to roadway projects

Project Management Basics

Whether involved in planning, design, construction, maintenance, operations, environmental studies, or business support, transportation professionals frequently find themselves in the role of project manager. Regardless of the type of project, knowledge of project management terminology, concepts, and the tools available to monitor and control project phases can be the difference between success and failure. The objective of Project Management for the Transportation Professional is to introduce and demonstrate essential processes and tools needed to successfully manage projects. The course will focus on the basics of project planning, project control, and leadership.

Registrants are requested to have Microsoft Project (any version) installed before the class begins.  If you do not have access to Microsoft Project, you may also install the open source alternative “ProjectLibre” on your computers/laptops (paste www.projectlibre.org into the address bar).  This is a free alternative to Microsoft Project and will work fine for this class.

Just a reminder that this is a hands-on course and you will work with Project Management software to build resource-loaded schedules for example projects.

Project Scheduling

This course will introduce participants to the principles of project scheduling and the fundamentals to support developing and managing a schedule for a highway related construction project. The ability to effectively develop, use, and maintain a schedule is foundational to managing the development and delivery of these projects. It is critical to prepare and maintain a schedule at the initial concept of a project and ensure it is updated throughout the design, development, construction, or delivery phase of a project or the delivery of transportation related support service.

The ability to consistently develop a schedule, manage, and control changes is critical to the success of each construction project and the agencies highway improvement or public works program. This class will introduce participants to processes and methods they may consider using when developing a schedule for a construction related project. This course will introduce the basic concepts, challenges, and proven practices with establishing, monitoring, managing, considering and making revisions to project schedules.

Participants will gain hands-on experience with the key elements, steps, and methods with developing a project schedule and determining a project’s critical path. This course will provide an overview of the: 1) fundamentals of project scheduling, 2) commonly used methods and steps to develop a project schedule, 3) key elements of a schedule, 4) critical path method (CPM), 5) process to determine a project’s critical path, 6) issues to consider with monitoring and evaluating a schedule, 7) techniques to manage a schedule, and 8) possible risks and controls to manage possible schedule changes

Proper Storm Drainage Pipe Installation and Inspection Practices

A properly installed pipe should remain in service for 50 to 100 years with little or no repair. The instructor has documented installation practices for both flexible and rigid pipe at the local and state level. The focus of this class remains on promoting a solid understanding of installation, specifications, design requirements and material differences for pipe systems. Empower your staff with the ability to properly inspect, design, install and accept both flexible and rigid pipe systems.

Join instructor, Walt Catlett for this lively online class and discussion forum that will change the way you think about installing storm drainage pipe.  During the day, you will learn more about pipe fundamentals, soil gradation and compaction, excavation, bedding, joining pipe, backfilling and testing of storm drainage pipe.  You will learn common crew tasks implemented during the installation and inspection of a properly installed storm drainage pipe.  By the end of the day, you will have challenged your current perceptions on pipe installation, identified risks associated with pipe installation and ways to mitigate those risks, learned proper density  testing requirements and learned how to recognize proper installation techniques.

Public Works Maintenance and Safety

This is a two-day, maintenance and safety training workshop specifically for public works employees. The course will cover everything from basic roadside safety to work zone hazards to storm preparations. If you are a streets, roads or parks maintenance or transportation employee, you’ll want to attend this workshop to sharpen your safety awareness and hone your maintenance skills.

Taught through a series of modules, each section provides opportunities for group discussion around practical examples and real-world scenarios.

Reducing Roadway Departure Crashes

When a vehicle leaves the travel lane or the roadway, the results can be deadly. More than half of the annual fatal crashes in the U.S. relate to roadway departures. Roadway departure crashes are the leading cause of traffic deaths in many states.  This workshop provides participants with some tools for addressing roadway departure crashes. Topics covered include a discussion of engineering countermeasures as well as implementation strategies.

One, often low-cost, strategy to address this issue is to reduce the potential for leaving the roadway, i.e., techniques to help keep vehicles on the roadway. Use of signing, delineation and rumble strips/stripes to reduce roadway departures is described with specific reference to relevant sections of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. For those vehicles leaving the traveled way, it is important to try to improve the chances for a safe recovery. Techniques for improving shoulders and slopes and ditches are reviewed. Removing or relocating objects such as trees and utility poles in the clear zone are also addressed. The workshop concludes with discussion of how to minimize the severity of roadway departure crashes that do occur. Relevant techniques include breakaway supports, making roadside features traversable and shielding obstacles. Enhancing mailbox safety is also discussed. Numerous links to technical resources on this topic will be provided

Right-of Way Requirements for Local Public Agency Federal-Aid Projects

  • 6.8 Contact Hours

This one-day course covers an overview of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Act and its application especially for Local Public Agency Federal-Aid Projects.  The primary training goal for this course is to provide a better understanding of the various requirements and pitfalls Local Public Agencies may experience during ROW acquisition and the potential of the loss of federal-aid when these requirements are not met.  As part of the course subjects that. will be covered include on the Uniform Act, Administration, Valuation, Acquisition and Negotiation, Relocation Assistance, and Property Management.

Who Should Attend:  Local Planning Agency staff and other public and private staff involved with Federal-aid local projects involving ROW acquisition.

Road & Bridge Safety (1/2-Day Hybrid Online Class)

This hybrid online class will combine both live instruction and independent online work that you will complete during the day.  Independent work will include quizzes, readings, videos and short assignments.  Access to a computer with a webcam (either a camera that is built into your laptop or one that connects via USB), a reliable internet connection and a workspace that is free from distraction and noise will set you up for success.

 

Road Safety Assessments

A Road Safety Assessment (RSA) is the formal safety performance examination of an existing or future road or intersection by an independent, multidisciplinary team. It qualitatively estimates and reports on potential road safety issues and identifies opportunities for improvements in safety for all road users.

RSAs are performed by a team (at least three auditors) who represent a variety of experience and expertise (design, traffic, maintenance, construction, safety, local officials, enforcement personnel, first-responders, human factors) specifically tailored to the project.

Participants will learn the steps to perform a Road Safety Assessment, better identify projects for RSAs, and walk away with the resources and confidence to conduct an RSA.

Public agencies with a desire to improve the overall safety performance of roadways under their jurisdiction should be excited about the concept of RSAs.

Roadside Safety

  • 6.8 Contact Hours

This workshop provides an overview of safety treatments and countermeasures that can be used to help reduce the frequency and severity of roadway departure crashes. One low-cost strategy is to use various treatments to help keep vehicles on the roadway. For those vehicles leaving the traveled way, it is important to reduce the potential for a crash, i.e., allow the vehicle to recover without overturning or striking fixed objects.  Techniques for improving shoulders, slopes and ditches are reviewed.  Removing, relocating or redesigning features such as trees, utility poles and drainage structures in the clear zone are also addressed. Enhancing mailbox safety is also covered. The session includes discussion of minimizing the severity of roadway departure crashes through use of breakaway supports and shielding obstacles. The essentials of barrier design, installation and inspection are reviewed.  The session concludes with case study exercises where participants apply what they learned to address actual roadway locations. Specific topics covered include:

Nature and Magnitude of the Roadway Departure Problem
Signing and Delineation to Help Keep Vehicles on the Road
Rumble Strips/Rumble Stripes
Road Surface Condition and Friction
The Clear Zone
Improving the Recovery Area, Including Urban & Suburban Roadsides
Removing/Redesigning/Relocating Obstacles
Barrier Classification, Types and Warrants
Barrier Installation Parameters
End Treatments and Transitions
Basics of Barrier Design
Inspecting for Common Problems
Crash Cushions

Roadside Safety and Maintenance

The Roadside Maintenance Safety workshop is designed to cover all of the key safety guidelines and procedures related to the most common activities workers perform while on or near the roadway. We aim to teach workers and their supervisors how the keep themselves and their co-workers safe while working in often very hazardous situations. From temporary traffic control and flagging operations to working with heavy equipment, mowing & maintenance of rights of way and roadside excavating and trench safety – we cover it all. In this very comprehensive workshop – we work to identify all the things that can (and often do) go wrong while performing roadside maintenance and provide guidance how to avoid worker accidents, injuries and fatalities.

Roadway Geometric Design I

This course is intended to provide an overview of the basics of roadway geometric design, particularly establishment of the alignment and selection of design elements and their impacts on safety.  The course material is grouped into five general topics: selection of design elements, horizontal alignment, superelevation, vertical alignment, and current topics.  The current topics module provides overviews of trends that impact safety for all users, such as the complete streets movement, traffic calming, and context sensitive solutions.

Roadway Geometric Design II

This course is intended to delve into topics beyond basics of roadway geometric design. After a brief review of design actors and establishment of horizontal and vertical alignments, topics addressed include roadside design, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and safety implications of intersection design decisions.

Roundabouts, A Safer Solution

Many jurisdictions are looking for alternative intersection control methods to improve safety and carry more traffic without widening roadways. Roundabouts provide one of those methods.  Roundabouts are a common form of intersection control used throughout the United States. They are becoming more popular based on the multiple advantages to safety, operations, and aesthetics. However, as agencies become increasingly familiar with these types of intersections, it is important to understand both advantages and disadvantages, which this workshop addresses.

Selection and design of a roundabout, as with any intersection treatment, requires the balancing of competing objectives. These range from transportation-oriented objectives like safety, operational performance, and accessibility for all users to other factors such as economics, land use, aesthetics, and environmental aspects. This workshop highlights roundabout principles, providing participants a foundation, when combined with experience will produce favorable outcomes that benefit the traveling public and community.

Roundtable Discussion: Highway Safety improvement Program VHSIP

Join us Friday the 13th from 11:00 to 12:00 as our panel of speakers discuss how Virginia’s Highway Safety Improvement Program (VHSIP) benefits the state and local agencies.

Deepak Koirala (VDOT HSIP Project Delivery Team Lead), Mike Sawyer (Richmond City Transportation Engineer) and Walt Catlett (Virginia Safety Circuit Rider) will share the different ways the VHSIP Systemic Safety Program provides funding for local agencies to make systemic safety improvements to their roadways.  Deepak will provide an overview of the VHSIP program and the upcoming deadline for local agencies to submit applications.  Mike will provide insight into how the City of Richmond approached the funding opportunity.  Walt will explain how Virginia’s Safety Circuit Rider program provides technical assistance to local agencies through crash data analysis and road safety assessments.

Virginia Highway Safety Improvement Program (VHSIP) is guided by our Strategic Highway Safety Plan and receives federal and state safety funding to implement safety improvements across the roadway network in Virginia. The VHSIP requires a data-driven, strategic approach to improving highway safety on all public roads that focuses on safety performance. VDOT advances highway safety improvement projects that have the greatest potential to reduce the State’s roadway fatalities and serious injuries.” 

Roundtable Discussion: Local Road Safety Plans

A Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP) is a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) proven safety countermea­sure that provides a framework for identifying, analyzing, and prioritizing roadway safety improve­ments on local roads.  Local road agencies should consider developing an LRSP to be used as a tool for reducing roadway fatalities, injuries, and crashes. LRSPs can help agencies create a prioritized list of improvements. They are also a proactive risk management technique to demonstrate an agency’s responsiveness.

Roundtable Discussion: Local Safety Planning: The Genesis of Measurable Crash Reductions

Roundtable Discussion on Local Safety Planning led by Stephen Read, P.E., HSIP Planning Manager, VDOT Traffic Engineering Division

Roundtable Discussion: Pedestrian Safety

Join panelists for a virtual Roundtable Discussion on pedestrian safety.  Panelists include Emily Dalphy from the City of Richmond, Valerie Henschel from the City of Virginia Beach and Lauren Delmare from Fairfax County.

Roundtable Discussion: Road Safety Assessments

  • 1 Contact Hours

Virginia’s Safety Circuit Rider is excited about this month’s Roundtable – Road Safety Assessments, which they provide to local agencies across the Commonwealth.

“A Road Safety Assessment (RSA) is the formal safety performance examination of an existing or future road or intersection by an independent, multidisciplinary team.

It qualitatively estimates and reports on potential road safety issues and identifies opportunities for improvements in safety for all road users.”

Join us Thursday, 9 November from 1:00 to 2:00 PM as our panel of speakers discuss how performing Road Safety Assessments benefit local and state agencies in their pursuit of Zero deaths on our roadways.

Our panelists will share the different ways they use Road Safety Assessments to improve that safety of their roadway networks at the federal, state and local level.

David Petrucci (Senior Safety Engineer – FHWA Resource Center) will highlight the various RSA tools that FHWA provides to assist RSA efforts.

Stephen Read (State Highway Safety Engineer – VDOT) will highlight the increased focus on vulnerable road users during Road Safety Assessments.

Dempsey Bruton (Transportation Engineer, City of Virginia Beach) will share the takeaways from a recent RSA the City of Virginia Beach completed.

Roundtable Discussion: Systemic Safety Improvement Funding for Locally-Maintained Roadways – What You Need to Know Now!

Don’t wait to start planning!  Join Mark Cole and Tracy Turpin from VDOT’s Traffic Engineering Division as they give a brief overview of what to anticipate for systemic safety improvement funding opportunities for locally-maintained roadways this coming Fall.

Roundtable Discussion: The Road Safety Champion Program

Join us Thursday, December 7th from 12:30 to 1:30 PM  EST as our panel of speakers discuss the benefits of the Road Safety Champion Program and how it helps Virginia Arrive Alive.

Our panelists will share the different ways the Road Safety Champion Program has empowered them to advocate for safer roads and build the partnerships needed to achieve Zero Deaths on Virginia roadways.

“The Road Safety Champion Program (RSCP) is a nationally recognized certificate program designed to build a knowledgeable, safety minded workforce, responsible for operating, maintaining, and designing local roads. Road Safety Champions prioritize safety and are motivated to implement safety improvements that reduce fatalities and serious injuries on rural and local roadways.  Training participants will complete a series of courses in core and specialized safety issues. When all requirements are met, participants will be awarded a Road Safety Champion Program Certificate. “

RSCP: Anatomy of a Crash – Understanding Human Factors

  • 4 Contact Hours

This workshop provides an overview of human factors principles and a framework for crash analysis. It will allow the non-expert in human factors to bring consideration of the road user’s capabilities and limitations more effectively into policies and practices. Knowing how road users interact with their vehicle, the roadway and other road users can also provide useful insights to the process of crash analysis. A framework for crash analysis will be introduced that helps make best use of available safety data and supporting documentation to identify factors that contribute to crashes. Armed with that knowledge, construction and maintenance personnel, planners, engineers, public health professionals and law enforcement can work together to target appropriate countermeasures to help reduce injury crashes.

Instructor Led On-line Training.  Road Safety Champion Program workshops combine both live sessions and independent online work that the student completes during the training time.  Independent work includes short assignments, which include videos, quizzes, and/or readings.  The live session allows the students to apply the knowledge they just learned during the independent online work time.  Access to a computer with a webcam and a reliable computer connection will set you up for success.  Come prepared to lean forward into the training, being an active participant.

The Road Safety Champion Program (RSCP) is a nationally recognized certificate program designed to build a knowledgeable, safety minded workforce, responsible for operating, maintaining, and designing local roads. Road Safety Champions prioritize safety and are motivated to implement safety improvements that reduce fatalities and serious injuries on rural and local roadways.

The program is separated into four career pathways: Maintenance & Construction, Planning & Engineering, Public Health, and Law Enforcement. For a Level 1 Certificate, participants will complete approximately 14 classes. All program participants will complete the seven core courses. They will also complete up to seven additional specialized courses based on their career pathway. When all requirements are met, participants will be awarded a Road Safety Champion Program Certificate.

 

RSCP: Basic Work Zone

As traffic volumes increase and the need to repair and improve roadways becomes greater, so does the need to plan, install, and review work zone traffic control to perform the work effectively and safely. Federal requirements now instruct state and local governments to train personnel in work zone traffic control relevant to the job decisions that everyone is required to make. This workshop provides training needed to properly install work zones to perform daily maintenance or short-term operations. Emphasis is placed on the basics of work zone traffic control, focusing on work zone devices and how to effectively install and maintain them. At the conclusion of this workshop, a short open book written exam will be administered to all attendees. A VDOT-issued training card will be given to each attendee who achieves a passing grade of 80% or higher.

Instructor Led On-line Training.  Road Safety Champion Program workshops combine both live sessions and independent online work that the student completes during the training time.  Independent work includes short assignments, which include videos, quizzes, and/or readings.  The live session allows the students to apply the knowledge they just learned during the independent online work time.  Access to a computer with a webcam and a reliable computer connection will set you up for success.  Come prepared to lean forward into the training, being an active participant.

The Road Safety Champion Program (RSCP) is a nationally recognized certificate program designed to build a knowledgeable, safety minded workforce, responsible for operating, maintaining, and designing local roads. Road Safety Champions prioritize safety and are motivated to implement safety improvements that reduce fatalities and serious injuries on rural and local roadways.

The program is separated into four career pathways: Maintenance & Construction, Planning & Engineering, Public Health, and Law Enforcement. For a Level 1 Certificate, participants will complete approximately 14 classes. All program participants will complete the seven core courses. They will also complete up to seven additional specialized courses based on their career pathway. When all requirements are met, participants will be awarded a Road Safety Champion Program Certificate.

RSCP: Basic Work Zone Safety

  • 8 Contact Hours

As traffic volumes increase and the need to repair and improve roadways becomes greater, so does the need to plan, install, and review work zone traffic control to perform the work effectively and safely. Federal requirements now instruct state and local governments to train personnel in work zone traffic control relevant to the job decisions that everyone is required to make. This workshop provides training needed to properly install work zones to perform daily maintenance or short-term operations. Emphasis is placed on the basics of work zone traffic control, focusing on work zone devices and how to effectively install and maintain them. At the conclusion of this workshop, a short open book written exam will be administered to all attendees. A VDOT-issued training card will be given to each attendee who achieves a passing grade of 80% or higher.

Instructor Led On-line Training.  Road Safety Champion Program workshops combine both live sessions and independent online work that the student completes during the training time.  Independent work includes short assignments, which include videos, quizzes, and/or readings.  The live session allows the students to apply the knowledge they just learned during the independent online work time.  Access to a computer with a webcam and a reliable computer connection will set you up for success.  Come prepared to lean forward into the training, being an active participant.

The Road Safety Champion Program (RSCP) is a nationally recognized certificate program designed to build a knowledgeable, safety minded workforce, responsible for operating, maintaining, and designing local roads. Road Safety Champions prioritize safety and are motivated to implement safety improvements that reduce fatalities and serious injuries on rural and local roadways.

The program is separated into four career pathways: Maintenance & Construction, Planning & Engineering, Public Health, and Law Enforcement. For a Level 1 Certificate, participants will complete approximately 14 classes. All program participants will complete the seven core courses. They will also complete up to seven additional specialized courses based on their career pathway. When all requirements are met, participants will be awarded a Road Safety Champion Program Certificate.

 

RSCP: Countermeasures for Road Safety

  • 4 Contact Hours

Road safety countermeasures are actions taken to improve transportation safety and therefore decrease the number of injuries and fatalities.  These countermeasures can consist of infrastructure, behavioral, or programmatic/policy implementation.  This two-hour training will provide an overview of safety countermeasures applicable to local roads with an emphasis on low-cost practices.  Discussions include Crash Modification Factors (CMFs), systemic safety analysis, and factors for evaluating and selecting countermeasures.

Instructor Led On-line Training.  Road Safety Champion Program workshops combine both live sessions and independent online work that the student completes during the training time.  Independent work includes short assignments, which include videos, quizzes, and/or readings.  The live session allows the students to apply the knowledge they just learned during the independent online work time.  Access to a computer with a webcam and a reliable computer connection will set you up for success.  Come prepared to lean forward into the training, being an active participant.

The Road Safety Champion Program (RSCP) is a nationally recognized certificate program designed to build a knowledgeable, safety minded workforce, responsible for operating, maintaining, and designing local roads. Road Safety Champions prioritize safety and are motivated to implement safety improvements that reduce fatalities and serious injuries on rural and local roadways.

RSCP: Flagger Certification

  • 8 Contact Hours

The flagger’s role is to protect project personnel and provide safe, courteous, and authoritative directions to traffic seeking passage through the work area. This workshop provides students standard flagger control references, proper flagging signals procedures, and standard flagger practices for various situations.

Instructor Led On-line Training.  Road Safety Champion Program workshops combine both live sessions and independent online work that the student completes during the training time.  Independent work includes short assignments, which include videos, quizzes, and/or readings.  The live session allows the students to apply the knowledge they just learned during the independent online work time.  Access to a computer with a webcam and a reliable computer connection will set you up for success.  Come prepared to lean forward into the training, being an active participant.

The Road Safety Champion Program (RSCP) is a nationally recognized certificate program designed to build a knowledgeable, safety minded workforce, responsible for operating, maintaining, and designing local roads. Road Safety Champions prioritize safety and are motivated to implement safety improvements that reduce fatalities and serious injuries on rural and local roadways.

The program is separated into four career pathways: Maintenance & Construction, Planning & Engineering, Public Health, and Law Enforcement. For a Level 1 Certificate, participants will complete approximately 14 classes. All program participants will complete the seven core courses. They will also complete up to seven additional specialized courses based on their career pathway. When all requirements are met, participants will be awarded a Road Safety Champion Program Certificate.

 

RSCP: Intersection of Transportation with Public Health and Law Enforcement

  • 4 Contact Hours

This workshop highlights the need for transportation, public health and law enforcement agencies to work together on the road to zero and developing strategies to achieve zero deaths on our roadways.   This workshop raises awareness about how law enforcement and public health are intertwined in transportation safety, and how their collaborative efforts will make our roadway safer.

Instructor Led On-line Training.  Road Safety Champion Program workshops combine both live sessions and independent online work that the student completes during the training time.  Independent work includes short assignments, which include videos, quizzes, and/or readings.  The live session allows the students to apply the knowledge they just learned during the independent online work time.  Access to a computer with a webcam and a reliable computer connection will set you up for success.  Come prepared to lean forward into the training, being an active participant.

The Road Safety Champion Program (RSCP) is a nationally recognized certificate program designed to build a knowledgeable, safety minded workforce, responsible for operating, maintaining, and designing local roads. Road Safety Champions prioritize safety and are motivated to implement safety improvements that reduce fatalities and serious injuries on rural and local roadways.

The program is separated into four career pathways: Maintenance & Construction, Planning & Engineering, Public Health, and Law Enforcement. For a Level 1 Certificate, participants will complete approximately 14 classes. All program participants will complete the seven core courses. They will also complete up to seven additional specialized courses based on their career pathway. When all requirements are met, participants will be awarded a Road Safety Champion Program Certificate.

RSCP: Introduction to Road Safety

  • 4 Contact Hours

This training provides an overview of safety trends, an understanding of the national safety vision, and discusses the principles of a comprehensive safety program. It will also discuss the importance of prioritizing safety and how an individual can become a Road Safety Champion.

Instructor Led On-line Training.  Road Safety Champion Program workshops combine both live sessions and independent online work that the student completes during the training time.  Independent work includes short assignments, which include videos, quizzes, and/or readings.  The live session allows the students to apply the knowledge they just learned during the independent online work time.  Access to a computer with a webcam and a reliable computer connection will set you up for success.  Come prepared to lean forward into the training, being an active participant.

The Road Safety Champion Program (RSCP) is a nationally recognized certificate program designed to build a knowledgeable, safety minded workforce, responsible for operating, maintaining, and designing local roads. Road Safety Champions prioritize safety and are motivated to implement safety improvements that reduce fatalities and serious injuries on rural and local roadways.

The program is separated into four career pathways: Maintenance & Construction, Planning & Engineering, Public Health, and Law Enforcement. For a Level 1 Certificate, participants will complete approximately 14 classes. All program participants will complete the seven core courses. They will also complete up to seven additional specialized courses based on their career pathway. When all requirements are met, participants will be awarded a Road Safety Champion Program Certificate.

RSCP: Introduction to Traffic Safety Culture

  • 4 Contact Hours

This workshop introduces growing positive traffic safety culture to significantly improve road safety in America. Participants will leave the training with a better understanding of the elements that shape traffic safety culture, how those factors interact to affect behaviors related to traffic safety, strategies that can be implemented to improve traffic safety culture among various groups, and ideas about how they can leverage their role (and the role of others) in growing a positive traffic safety culture. The workshop’s goal is to provide a high-level overview of traffic safety culture and strategies to foster improved traffic safety culture.

Instructor Led On-line Training.  Road Safety Champion Program workshops combine both live sessions and independent online work that the student completes during the training time.  Independent work includes short assignments, which include videos, quizzes, and/or readings.  The live session allows the students to apply the knowledge they just learned during the independent online work time.  Access to a computer with a webcam and a reliable computer connection will set you up for success.  Come prepared to lean forward into the training, being an active participant.

The Road Safety Champion Program (RSCP) is a nationally recognized certificate program designed to build a knowledgeable, safety minded workforce, responsible for operating, maintaining, and designing local roads. Road Safety Champions prioritize safety and are motivated to implement safety improvements that reduce fatalities and serious injuries on rural and local roadways.

The program is separated into four career pathways: Maintenance & Construction, Planning & Engineering, Public Health, and Law Enforcement. For a Level 1 Certificate, participants will complete approximately 14 classes. All program participants will complete the seven core courses. They will also complete up to seven additional specialized courses based on their career pathway. When all requirements are met, participants will be awarded a Road Safety Champion Program Certificate.

RSCP: Joint Training on Crash Reporting (with Law Enforcement)

This workshop provides an overview of crash reports from the perspective of both law enforcement [filling them out] and transportation agencies [using the data for planning and design] and how the agencies can work together to ensure consistency and quality. The workshop examines how crash data is used by traffic engineers and planners. It wraps up with explaining the challenges that crash reports create for law enforcement officers.

Instructor Led On-line Training.  Road Safety Champion Program workshops combine both live sessions and independent online work that the student completes during the training time.  Independent work includes short assignments, which include videos, quizzes, and/or readings.  The live session allows the students to apply the knowledge they just learned during the independent online work time.  Access to a computer with a webcam and a reliable computer connection will set you up for success.  Come prepared to lean forward into the training, being an active participant.

The Road Safety Champion Program (RSCP) is a nationally recognized certificate program designed to build a knowledgeable, safety minded workforce, responsible for operating, maintaining, and designing local roads. Road Safety Champions prioritize safety and are motivated to implement safety improvements that reduce fatalities and serious injuries on rural and local roadways.

The program is separated into four career pathways: Maintenance & Construction, Planning & Engineering, Public Health, and Law Enforcement. For a Level 1 Certificate, participants will complete approximately 14 classes. All program participants will complete the seven core courses. They will also complete up to seven additional specialized courses based on their career pathway. When all requirements are met, participants will be awarded a Road Safety Champion Program Certificate.

RSCP: Maintaining a Safer Roadway

  • 4 Contact Hours

Local agency maintenance forces are in the best position to be the “eyes and ears” of the road when it comes to identifying safety issues. This workshop focuses on maintenance safety solutions that local maintenance forces can implement daily to address safety issues related to elements such as shoulder drop-offs, right-of-way obstructions, striping and signing, guardrails, mowing, sweeping, patching, drainage, winter maintenance, etc. It includes a case study that highlights the benefit of effective maintenance and design practices.

Instructor Led On-line Training.  Road Safety Champion Program workshops combine both live sessions and independent online work that the student completes during the training time.  Independent work includes short assignments, which include videos, quizzes, and/or readings.  The live session allows the students to apply the knowledge they just learned during the independent online work time.  Access to a computer with a webcam and a reliable computer connection will set you up for success.  Come prepared to lean forward into the training, being an active participant.

The Road Safety Champion Program (RSCP) is a nationally recognized certificate program designed to build a knowledgeable, safety minded workforce, responsible for operating, maintaining, and designing local roads. Road Safety Champions prioritize safety and are motivated to implement safety improvements that reduce fatalities and serious injuries on rural and local roadways.

The program is separated into four career pathways: Maintenance & Construction, Planning & Engineering, Public Health, and Law Enforcement. For a Level 1 Certificate, participants will complete approximately 14 classes. All program participants will complete the seven core courses. They will also complete up to seven additional specialized courses based on their career pathway. When all requirements are met, participants will be awarded a Road Safety Champion Program Certificate.

 

 

RSCP: OSHA 10 Hour Construction Course

OSHA 10-hour training teaches basic safety and health information to entry-level workers in construction and general industry. It is part of the OSHA Outreach Training Program, which explains serious workplace hazards, workers’ rights, employer responsibilities and how to file an OSHA complaint.  Our OSHA 10 familiarizes workers with OSHA standards as well as safety and health hazards common to the workplace. The goal of the workshop is to educate workers on identifying, avoiding, controlling, and preventing jobsite hazards.

Instructor Led On-line Training.  Road Safety Champion Program workshops combine both live sessions and independent online work that the student completes during the training time.  Independent work includes short assignments, which include videos, quizzes, and/or readings.  The live session allows the students to apply the knowledge they just learned during the independent online work time.  Access to a computer with a webcam and a reliable computer connection will set you up for success.  Come prepared to lean forward into the training, being an active participant.

The Road Safety Champion Program (RSCP) is a nationally recognized certificate program designed to build a knowledgeable, safety minded workforce, responsible for operating, maintaining, and designing local roads. Road Safety Champions prioritize safety and are motivated to implement safety improvements that reduce fatalities and serious injuries on rural and local roadways.

The program is separated into four career pathways: Maintenance & Construction, Planning & Engineering, Public Health, and Law Enforcement. For a Level 1 Certificate, participants will complete approximately 14 classes. All program participants will complete the seven core courses. They will also complete up to seven additional specialized courses based on their career pathway. When all requirements are met, participants will be awarded a Road Safety Champion Program Certificate.

 

RSCP: Overview of Data and Tools for Safety

  • 4 Contact Hours

Transportation professionals use a data driven approach to safety. During this workshop, attendees learn about the different types of data, data challenges for local agencies, and the various tools available for network screening. Discussions include Highway Safety Manual, usRAP, Road Safety Audits, Systemic Safety Project Selection Tool, and Crash Tree Maker.

Instructor Led On-line Training.  Road Safety Champion Program workshops combine both live sessions and independent online work that the student completes during the training time.  Independent work includes short assignments, which include videos, quizzes, and/or readings.  The live session allows the students to apply the knowledge they just learned during the independent online work time.  Access to a computer with a webcam and a reliable computer connection will set you up for success.  Come prepared to lean forward into the training, being an active participant.

The Road Safety Champion Program (RSCP) is a nationally recognized certificate program designed to build a knowledgeable, safety minded workforce, responsible for operating, maintaining, and designing local roads. Road Safety Champions prioritize safety and are motivated to implement safety improvements that reduce fatalities and serious injuries on rural and local roadways.

The program is separated into four career pathways: Maintenance & Construction, Planning & Engineering, Public Health, and Law Enforcement. For a Level 1 Certificate, participants will complete approximately 14 classes. All program participants will complete the seven core courses. They will also complete up to seven additional specialized courses based on their career pathway. When all requirements are met, participants will be awarded a Road Safety Champion Program Certificate.

RSCP: Overview of Local Road Safety Plans

Local road practitioners across the country play a critical role in addressing crash risks at the local level and may be able to identify the specific or unique conditions that contribute to crashes within their jurisdiction. The Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP) offers a foundation for consensus and focus and helps communities take a proactive stance in reducing and preventing local road fatalities and injuries. This workshop provides an overview of Local Road Safety Plans (LRSP) including how they support safety efforts, the steps to developing a LRSP, and the strategies for implementing a LRSP.

Instructor Led On-line Training.  Road Safety Champion Program workshops combine both live sessions and independent online work that the student completes during the training time.  Independent work includes short assignments, which include videos, quizzes, and/or readings.  The live session allows the students to apply the knowledge they just learned during the independent online work time.  Access to a computer with a webcam and a reliable computer connection will set you up for success.  Come prepared to lean forward into the training, being an active participant.

The Road Safety Champion Program (RSCP) is a nationally recognized certificate program designed to build a knowledgeable, safety minded workforce, responsible for operating, maintaining, and designing local roads. Road Safety Champions prioritize safety and are motivated to implement safety improvements that reduce fatalities and serious injuries on rural and local roadways.

The program is separated into four career pathways: Maintenance & Construction, Planning & Engineering, Public Health, and Law Enforcement. For a Level 1 Certificate, participants will complete approximately 14 classes. All program participants will complete the seven core courses. They will also complete up to seven additional specialized courses based on their career pathway. When all requirements are met, participants will be awarded a Road Safety Champion Program Certificate.

RSCP: Overview of the MUTCD

Traffic control devices (TCDs) are very critical for the safe and efficient transportation of people and goods. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), by setting minimum standards and providing guidance, ensures uniformity of traffic control devices across the nation. The use of uniform TCDs (messages, locations, sizes, shapes, and colors) helps reduce crashes and congestion, and improves the efficiency of the surface transportation system. Uniformity also helps reduce the cost of TCDs through standardization. This workshop places emphasis on MUTCD – Part 6, Temporary Traffic Control, as well as signage and markings on low volume roads.

Instructor Led On-line Training.  Road Safety Champion Program workshops combine both live sessions and independent online work that the student completes during the training time.  Independent work includes short assignments, which include videos, quizzes, and/or readings.  The live session allows the students to apply the knowledge they just learned during the independent online work time.  Access to a computer with a webcam and a reliable computer connection will set you up for success.  Come prepared to lean forward into the training, being an active participant.

The Road Safety Champion Program (RSCP) is a nationally recognized certificate program designed to build a knowledgeable, safety minded workforce, responsible for operating, maintaining, and designing local roads. Road Safety Champions prioritize safety and are motivated to implement safety improvements that reduce fatalities and serious injuries on rural and local roadways.

The program is separated into four career pathways: Maintenance & Construction, Planning & Engineering, Public Health, and Law Enforcement. For a Level 1 Certificate, participants will complete approximately 14 classes. All program participants will complete the seven core courses. They will also complete up to seven additional specialized courses based on their career pathway. When all requirements are met, participants will be awarded a Road Safety Champion Program Certificate.

RSCP: Reading the Roadway

This workshop teaches participants how to “read the road” as well as the importance of doing so in daily activities. It uses real world examples on different roadway components to demonstrate how participants may be able to uncover potential safety issues during their routine activities.  It also highlights how the road safety audit process can be used to “read the road” in a more formal approach. The training also examines the consequences daily activities of workers may have on safety.

Instructor Led On-line Training.  Road Safety Champion Program workshops combine both live sessions and independent online work that the student completes during the training time.  Independent work includes short assignments, which include videos, quizzes, and/or readings.  The live session allows the students to apply the knowledge they just learned during the independent online work time.  Access to a computer with a webcam and a reliable computer connection will set you up for success.  Come prepared to lean forward into the training, being an active participant.

The Road Safety Champion Program (RSCP) is a nationally recognized certificate program designed to build a knowledgeable, safety minded workforce, responsible for operating, maintaining, and designing local roads. Road Safety Champions prioritize safety and are motivated to implement safety improvements that reduce fatalities and serious injuries on rural and local roadways.

The program is separated into four career pathways: Maintenance & Construction, Planning & Engineering, Public Health, and Law Enforcement. For a Level 1 Certificate, participants will complete approximately 14 classes. All program participants will complete the seven core courses. They will also complete up to seven additional specialized courses based on their career pathway. When all requirements are met, participants will be awarded a Road Safety Champion Program Certificate.

RSCP: Safety Analysis Process

  • 4 Contact Hours

The safety analysis process, as part of the FHWA Safety Toolkit, is a systematic process for identifying the factors that can contribute to crashes and implementing effective countermeasures.  It is a best practice method that is flexible and can be used to fit your needs. This workshop will cover the seven-step process and discuss how it can be applied using two different complementary analysis methods: the traditional site safety analysis and the systemic analysis. Additionally, case studies will be utilized to practice applying the process.

Instructor Led On-line Training.  Road Safety Champion Program workshops combine both live sessions and independent online work that the student completes during the training time.  Independent work includes short assignments, which include videos, quizzes, and/or readings.  The live session allows the students to apply the knowledge they just learned during the independent online work time.  Access to a computer with a webcam and a reliable computer connection will set you up for success.  Come prepared to lean forward into the training, being an active participant.

The Road Safety Champion Program (RSCP) is a nationally recognized certificate program designed to build a knowledgeable, safety minded workforce, responsible for operating, maintaining, and designing local roads. Road Safety Champions prioritize safety and are motivated to implement safety improvements that reduce fatalities and serious injuries on rural and local roadways.

The program is separated into four career pathways: Maintenance & Construction, Planning & Engineering, Public Health, and Law Enforcement. For a Level 1 Certificate, participants will complete approximately 14 classes. All program participants will complete the seven core courses. They will also complete up to seven additional specialized courses based on their career pathway. When all requirements are met, participants will be awarded a Road Safety Champion Program Certificate.

 

RSCP: Systemic Safety Project Selection Tool

  • 4 Contact Hours

This workshop introduces participants to the Systemic Safety Project Selection Tool as well as give them an overview of why systemic screening is needed and the benefits of incorporating systemic screening into safety evaluations. Participants will be introduced to the four-step systemic planning process and be given the chance to apply each step using case studies and exercises.

Instructor Led On-line Training.  Road Safety Champion Program workshops combine both live sessions and independent online work that the student completes during the training time.  Independent work includes short assignments, which include videos, quizzes, and/or readings.  The live session allows the students to apply the knowledge they just learned during the independent online work time.  Access to a computer with a webcam and a reliable computer connection will set you up for success.  Come prepared to lean forward into the training, being an active participant.

The Road Safety Champion Program (RSCP) is a nationally recognized certificate program designed to build a knowledgeable, safety minded workforce, responsible for operating, maintaining, and designing local roads. Road Safety Champions prioritize safety and are motivated to implement safety improvements that reduce fatalities and serious injuries on rural and local roadways.

The program is separated into four career pathways: Maintenance & Construction, Planning & Engineering, Public Health, and Law Enforcement. For a Level 1 Certificate, participants will complete approximately 14 classes. All program participants will complete the seven core courses. They will also complete up to seven additional specialized courses based on their career pathway. When all requirements are met, participants will be awarded a Road Safety Champion Program Certificate.

RSCP: Take Action Now - Maintaining Safety

  • 4 Contact Hours

To reach the national goal of zero transportation officials cannot wait for something to happen before taking action. Maintenance and construction workers on the road daily provide a great asset to help identify potential safety issues. This workshop will focus on maintenance safety solutions construction and maintenance personnel can implement on a daily basis. It will focus on safety issues related to signs and supports, vegetation control and drainage features, using the FHWA documents: Vegetation Control for Safety, A Guide for Local Highway and Street Maintenance Personnel, Maintenance of Drainage Features for Safety, A Guide for Local Street and Highway Maintenance Personnel and Maintenance of Signs and Sign Supports: A Guide for Local Roads Maintenance Personnel as the basis.

Instructor Led On-line Training.  Road Safety Champion Program workshops combine both live sessions and independent online work that the student completes during the training time.  Independent work includes short assignments, which include videos, quizzes, and/or readings.  The live session allows the students to apply the knowledge they just learned during the independent online work time.  Access to a computer with a webcam and a reliable computer connection will set you up for success.  Come prepared to lean forward into the training, being an active participant.

The Road Safety Champion Program (RSCP) is a nationally recognized certificate program designed to build a knowledgeable, safety minded workforce, responsible for operating, maintaining, and designing local roads. Road Safety Champions prioritize safety and are motivated to implement safety improvements that reduce fatalities and serious injuries on rural and local roadways.

The program is separated into four career pathways: Maintenance & Construction, Planning & Engineering, Public Health, and Law Enforcement. For a Level 1 Certificate, participants will complete approximately 14 classes. All program participants will complete the seven core courses. They will also complete up to seven additional specialized courses based on their career pathway. When all requirements are met, participants will be awarded a Road Safety Champion Program Certificate.

 

RSCP: Traffic Incident Management

Traffic incidents are unplanned roadway events that affect or impede the normal flow of traffic. Traffic incidents increase the likelihood of secondary crashes and pose a threat to the safety of incident responders as well as the traveling public. Traffic Incident Management (TIM) consists of a planned and coordinated multi-disciplinary process to detect, respond to, and clear traffic incidents so that traffic flow may be restored as safely and quickly as possible. Effective TIM reduces the duration and impacts of traffic incidents; improves the safety of motorists, crash victims, and emergency responders; and reduces the frequency of secondary crashes.  The workshop is broken down into nine lessons that focus on improving the safety of responders and road users, the efficiency of incident and emergency response and the reliability of travel.

The Road Safety Champion Program (RSCP) is a nationally recognized certificate program designed to build a knowledgeable, safety minded workforce, responsible for operating, maintaining, and designing local roads. Road Safety Champions prioritize safety and are motivated to implement safety improvements that reduce fatalities and serious injuries on rural and local roadways.

The program is separated into four career pathways: Maintenance & Construction, Planning & Engineering, Public Health, and Law Enforcement. For a Level 1 Certificate, participants will complete approximately 14 classes. All program participants will complete the seven core courses. They will also complete up to seven additional specialized courses based on their career pathway. When all requirements are met, participants will be awarded a Road Safety Champion Program Certificate.

 

RSCP: Worker Safety

Building roads and bridges can be dangerous. Each year about 7,500 highway construction workers get hurt or sick. More than 80 highway construction workers are killed on the job.  Our work doesn’t have to be dangerous. 

 

The “Worker Safety” half-day workshop raises awareness about the primary hazards in roadway construction followed by industry recognized practices for preventing serious injuries and fatalities in roadway construction.  We wrap up the training discussing common health hazards workers are exposed to in highway construction and ways to mitigate them. 

 

Take a safety moment, and spend four hours with VA LTAP as they raise your awareness about ways to make your work place safer.

Safe Drainage Design & Maintenance Practices

Safety on roadways, trails and sidewalks is critical to pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. Designing and maintaining drainage systems that remove runoff from the traveled ways is key to a safe system. The drainage system is a combination of many features; curbs; gutters, pipes, inlets and ditches. These storm drainage features can produce serious effects when not designed or maintained properly. Erosion and sediment buildup within the traveled way and clear zone can also contribute to the severity of crashes. Even end treatments and pipe openings must be designed and maintained to produce a safe component should an errant vehicle impact them. This lively online class will change the way you think about stormwater drainage components.

Your awareness about the potential risks associated with unsafe drainage features will be increased. Students will learn the necessity for maintaining drainage features so they do not become hazards within the traveled way. We will also discuss administrative controls, personal protective equipment, and engineering controls that improve worker safety. By the end of the training, students will possess the knowledge to identify and mitigate the risks associated with stormwater drainage components on roadway systems.

Safe Roads – Crash Data Analysis and Countermeasure Implementation

Attendees will learn how to access and use mapping resources to identify High Crash Locations in their locality or Planning District Commission (PDC) / Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) / Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) region. The course teaches methods to capture data in Microsoft excel from VDOT’s Crash Tool using filters for crash severity and road departure crash types. Steps to manipulate data and import crash attributes into Google maps closes out the day. The end product for a Virginia county case study demonstrates the value of this process for capital project and regional transportation planning purposes.

Safety Effects of Roadway Design REDUCED PRICE

This course is intended to delve into the relationship between highway safety performance and roadway geometric design. The course will begin with a brief review of design factors and establishment of the roadway alignment. Topics addressed in greater depth include: cross-section elements, access management, and the relationship between geometric design and safety as well as traffic control.  An overview of modern highway safety analysis concepts, such as crash modification factors, safety performance functions, and safety analysis methods, will be discussed.

SHSP: The Four E's of Traffic Safety

Panelists to include Stephen Read, VDOT Highway Safety Improvement Plan Planning Manager, as well as representatives from programs such as
Arrive Alive, Local Heroes, The Youth of Virginia Speak Out and VA Statewide Traffic Incident Management.

Learn how programs such as these support and highlight Strategic Highway Safety Plan initiatives.

Signals, Timings, Signs and Markings

This course is designed to give the participants an understanding of the planning, design, capacity, and operations of signalized intersections.  As the first step in the process for signalizing an intersection, the type of data necessary to conduct an analysis will be reviewed.  Participants learn of how to choose the type of traffic control device that should be installed.  They will learn the advantages and disadvantages of each type of control as well as signal and stop sign warrants.  They will estimate the capacity of an intersection and how the signal timing will affect the capacity.  Software will be demonstrated to show how the timing for optimizing the operation of a signal can be determined.  The MUTCD standards and guidelines for signal head location, markings, and signs will be reviewed.

Speed Management Techniques and Implementation

The Speed Management Techniques and Applications Course is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and principles for applying various techniques for countering speeding and speed related crashes. Participants will have 2 exercises using the NHTSA Fars and FHWA USLIMITS2 programs.

Storm Preparations and Recovery Operations (1/2-Day Hybrid Online Class)

This hybrid online class will combine both live instruction and independent online work that you will complete during the day.  Independent work will include quizzes, readings, videos and short assignments.  Access to a computer with a webcam (either a camera that is built into your laptop or one that connects via USB), a reliable internet connection and a workspace that is free from distraction and noise will set you up for success.

         

Training covers department level preparedness and reviews lists of activities performed on a calendar basis and a timeline basis once an emergency is declared. Detailed activities include items that are critical as storms approach, pass over and exit the community. Many additional activities are detailed related to initiating and completing the storm recovery process.

Strategies in Roadway Injury Prevention (1 Day Hybrid Online Class)

Road safety is a complex issue, and any efforts to improve safety must address not only the roadway but also road user behavior, vehicle design, interaction between road users, and the effect of the roadway on all road users. This training introduces fundamental concepts of injury prevention, crash dynamics, risk factors and interventions.

The Art of Writing for the Transportation Professional (8 Week Online Class)

Designed for the professional interested in sharpening his or her technical writing ability, “The Art of Writing for Transportation Professionals” focuses on specific skills that can help anyone write more concisely and precisely. From the basics of sentence structures and punctuation to the use of more sophisticated syntax, each week’s lesson will address not only how to construct clear sentences but also why certain sentence structures lend more power to one’s writing. Because all writing must, in the end, satisfy an audience, this course will also cover how to edit, revise, and polish one’s writing, with a special emphasis on email etiquette. I hope to give you the skills to write with confidence and clarity.

Modules will be released on Mondays on a weekly basis beginning with a 30-minute live zoom session from 4:30pm to 5:00pm.  Independent online work will include a recorded lecture, quiz, and homework assignment. You will have 7 days to review the lecture and complete the weekly assignments. The instructor will be available by email and phone for questions and comments during the class and will be interacting with students as needed. The 8-week class will take approximately 6-8 hours to complete over the 8-week period.

Tort Liability

This road safety workshop provides an overview of the legal duties and responsibilities of roadway personnel.  The overall goal of the class is to use the lessons learned from tort claims filed against road agencies to develop countermeasures to enhance traffic safety and reduce crashes.  Key legal concepts relating to the liability of roadway agencies are reviewed from a risk management standpoint.  Common types of claims/lawsuits brought against street departments and roadway agencies are identified through examples/case studies.  Examples include traffic control devices, work zones, roadway and shoulder surface conditions, sight distance, drainage, vegetation management and pedestrian incidents.  Risk management principles, aimed at: (1) reducing/preventing crashes and claims and (2) helping agencies defend claims, are highlighted.  Practical risk management activities are identified.

Traffic Calming

This course is intended to provide an overview of traffic calming and the tools needed to make decisions regarding applications. This one-day course on this topic provides a foundation in the evolution of traffic calming policies and practices. Detailed information on commonly-used traffic calming measures is then presented, addressing selection, design, effectiveness, and several case studies. The course concludes with a workshop and review of available resources.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Describe concepts and components in traffic calming plans and policies
  • Select and design traffic calming measures
  • Quantify the effectiveness of commonly-used traffic calming measures
  • Develop a model policy and procedure for applying traffic calming measures

Transportation Infrastructure Funding Strategies

This hybrid online class will combine both live instruction and independent online work that you will complete during the day.  Independent work will include quizzes, readings, videos and short assignments.  Access to a computer with a webcam (either a camera that is built into your laptop or one that connects via USB), a reliable internet connection and a workspace that is free from distraction and noise will set you up for success. 

Funding is the life-blood of any successful transportation program.  In this highly competitive environment, it pays to have a good understanding of the various state and federal transportation funding programs that are available and how to apply successful strategies for maximizing project and program funding.  A successful approach may involve tapping into multiple funding programs. This workshop will review current State and Federal transportation funding programs, explain eligibility requirements, describe the purpose of each program, and review application scoring criteria.  A discussion of Innovative financing options will be included.  Methods of leveraging local funds for transportation will be discussed.  Best practices in Grant proposal writing will be highlighted, as well as project level and program level funding strategies.

Transportation Project Management Institute

The Transportation Project Management Institute (TPMI) is an eight-day intensive residential training program exclusively designed for managing the development phase of transportation projects.

The program’s objective is to enhance the knowledge and skills of project managers in order to complete projects on-time and on-budget. The program has been developed specifically for project management practitioners from VDOT, local government, and private consulting firms. Participants will be able to directly apply their learning of project management principles, practices, and techniques to their day-to-day jobs. Instructional hours in this program may qualify for meeting Virginia professional engineer licensure (or other) continuing education requirements. Certificates of attendance will be awarded to all participants who successfully complete the program.

Additional details and application materials can be found at the TPMI website: https://engineering.virginia.edu/research/centers-institutes/center-transportation-studies/local-programs/transportation-project

Trenchless Technology Methods and Best Practices

A rapidly growing segment of pipe projects include trenchless technology. Jacking projects are less disruptive to the traveling public, communities, utilities and businesses. Trenchless installations save time, money, and improve roadway safety. Understanding this construction process can provide valuable insight into the trenchless process, and how it can be used not only for new construction but also as a replacement of failing culverts. Trenchless culvert replacement incorporates the concept of jacking pipe under existing roadways and consuming the existing pipe while increasing hydraulic capacity. As our nation’s infrastructure approaches the end of its service life, jacking procedures are a valuable option worth considering.

Unconventional Interchange & Intersection Design I

Many arterials and interchanges are terribly congested, and conventional measures offer little prospect for relief.  Unconventional designs offer some potential for relatively inexpensive improvements to those congested arterials and interchanges.  These are designs that have been used in some state or have been researched but have not been placed into widespread use.  Examples include the superstreets (RCUTs, j-turns) being installed in North Carolina, the median u-turns that Michigan has used for many years, and the diverging diamond interchanges that have recently opened in over 20 states.  In the right place with the details designed well, an unconventional design can deliver safety, efficiency, environmental, and cost benefits to motorists and transportation agencies.

The purpose of this workshop will be to discuss the best of the unconventional intersection and interchange options in some depth.  We will explore the history, planning, design, and operation of the major designs.  By the end of the workshop attendees should understand which design has a realistic chance to help in a particular spot.

Unconventional Interchange & Intersection Design II: Case Studies

The unconventional intersection and interchange workshop offered the day prior to this lab will cover the fundamentals of unconventional intersections and interchanges in a lecture format.  The purpose of the follow-up laboratory is to provide attendees the chance to work through hands-on examples and apply the principles discussed at the workshop.  The lab will begin with a review of the tools on hand to analyze intersection and interchange alternatives.  Then, each attendee will work on one surface-street intersection, one grade-separated intersection example, and one interchange example.  Attendees will work together in small teams to develop potential solutions and then will discuss their potential solutions with the larger group.  Cases examined during the lab are drawn from the ones that the instructor has worked on at the NCDOT; the cases are meant to be challenging, with no easy answers, but not impossible.  By the end of the lab attendees should have the skills and confidence to tackle their own challenging intersection and interchange projects.

Virginia Supplement to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)

The Virginia Supplement to the MUTCD documents deviations from the MUTCD and adds Virginia-specific requirements. The Supplement is applicable to all roadways in the Commonwealth of Virginia maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). Further, the MUTCD provisions are applicable to all private roads open to public travel, such as those in shopping centers, theme parks, airports, sports arenas, and other related types of facilities in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

While all public agencies and owners of these private roads and facilities that are open to public travel within Virginia must rely on the 2009 Version of the MUTCD, they are encouraged to bring uniformity with their use of traffic control devices, by adopting and complying with the Virginia Supplement. These documents contain the standards to ensure uniformity and consistency with how traffic control devices are designed, installed, maintained, operated, and managed on streets and highways open to public travel in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Decisions involving these traffic control devices should be based on an engineering study and judgment that considers the conditions and context specific to each application, ensures consistency with the MUTCD, and when appropriate the 2011 Virginia Supplement.

Student will develop an appreciation for how to use the MUTCD and the Virginia Supplement for signs; markings; traffic signals; and traffic control devices for special applications.  Students will also gain an appreciation of the relationship between the MUTCD, the Virginia Supplement, the FHWA Standard Highway Signs, Virginia Standard Highway Signs Book, and the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual

Winter Maintenance Operations

Winter Road Maintenance operations are critical to the economic well-being and quality of life for Virginians all over the state. Instructor Tony DeCresie invites road supervisors, superintendents, public works and maintenance personnel, equipment operators, and city/town managers to a full-day workshop covering all aspects of winter road maintenance operations in Virginia.

This newly updated course covers a wide range of topics critical for anyone responsible for winter road maintenance and snow operations including, In addition to individual and group exercises and discussions, each attendee will receive valuable handouts and reference materials they can take home with them for future reference.

Worker Safety

 

Building roads and bridges can be dangerous. Each year about 7,500 highway construction workers get hurt or sick. More than 80 highway construction workers are killed on the job.  Our work doesn’t have to be dangerous.  

 

The “Worker Safety” half-day workshop raises awareness about the primary hazards in roadway construction followed by industry recognized practices for preventing serious injuries and fatalities in roadway construction.  We wrap up the training discussing common health hazards workers are exposed to in highway construction and ways to mitigate them. 

 

Take a safety moment, and spend four hours with VA LTAP as they raise your awareness about ways to make your work place safer.