Biweekly #143

Note: During the summer, Iowa LTAP releases its “Biweekly” on a monthly basis where it will continue to provide valuable event and workshop information. In September, we will restart our twice a month distribution as well as LTAP’s monthly webinars (see below). Have a great summer.

Biweekly #143

• Sign-Related Speed Studies and Update on New Worker Safety Awareness Series, Thursday, 9/10 at 12:00 PM – This webinar includes two presentations. (1) Sign-Related Speed Studies: Many local agencies in Iowa are reviewing the placement of various speed-related signs along their roadways. Different studies may need to be made to determine what, if any changes in sign placement are required. This presentation will provide an overview of the different speed-related studies tied to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and signing, such as spot speed, curve speed, and stopping sight distance. (2) Update on New Worker Safety Awareness Series: LTAP is developing and plans to offer a new Worker Safety Awareness workshop series. This presentation will provide an update on the progress and potential content (with some examples) of what is currently being planned to be an interactive discussion- and scenario-based workshop. The current objective of the workshop is to deliver real-world safety practices that help improved safety awareness, reduce workplace injuries, and strengthen organizational safety culture. More information and registration can be found at the event page.
• Bridge Deck Sealing and Material Type Comparison, Thursday, 10/15 at 12:00 PM – This webinar will cover the deck sealing process with various sealers and also include a summary of an analysis of the various types of concrete sealers. The analysis results summarized were done in a study completed by Iowa State University and the University of Missouri Kansas City. More information and registration can be found at the event page.

Biweekly #143

Iowa Streets and Roads Workshop and Conference (ISRMSA), Tuesday–Thursday, 9/22–9/24 (Des Moines) – The workshop will be held on 9/22. Attend this year’s workshop to learn about building and leading teams that thrive. There will be presentations on hiring and recruiting employees, retaining your workforce, leading and motivating teams, and working with challenging employees, just to name a few. We will also be touring Ziegler Caterpillar in Altoona after the workshop. The conference will be held on 9/23 and 9/24. Along with a slate of several relevant presentations, this conference will include information about excavation safety, effective annual evaluations, approaches to brush management, “mousetraps and gadgets,” and roundtable discussions. Attendees will have ample time to meet with their peers and many exhibitors. Both the workshop and conference will be held at the Holiday Inn Des Moines Airport. More information and registration can be found at the event page.

Biweekly #143

• Worker Safety Awareness Series, Tuesday, 10/13 (Ames); Thursday, 10/29 (Council Bluffs); and Thursday, 11/12 (Cedar Rapids) – We are piloting a workshop series focused on worker safety awareness this fall. County and city maintenance employees face daily hazards while working around equipment, traffic, utilities, and maintenance facilities. This interactive workshop will help participants increase awareness, recognize hazards, assess risks, and apply practical injury prevention strategies. Save the date at the location nearest you, and registration for this workshop will be out soon.
• Winter Maintenance Workshop Series, Tuesday, 10/27 (Atlantic); Wednesday, 10/28 (Indianola); Tuesday, 11/3 (Ainsworth); Tuesday, 11/17 (Oelwein); Wednesday, 11/18 (Webster City); and Thursday, 11/19 (Holstein) – Snow and ice control can be the most demanding, challenging, and visible tasks performed by local public agencies. This workshop will cover many of the topics needed for operations staff to be prepared for the upcoming winter season. This workshop will be held at six locations in October and November. Save the date at the location nearest you, and registration for this workshop will be out soon.

Biweekly #143

Pedestrian Safety Countermeasures, Wednesday, 9/9 and Tuesday, 9/15 at 10:00 AM – Iowa LTAP, in conjunction with the Iowa Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB), will be providing a pair of webinar trainings focused on addressing the safety of vulnerable road users. These free trainings will provide an overview and resources for local agencies on a variety of pedestrian safety countermeasures. The focus of the webinar will be on proven countermeasures that directly improve pedestrian safety. This includes passive (e.g., enhanced markings) and active (e.g., leading pedestrian interval signals) improvements. The treatments that will be discussed are applicable in a variety of settings, and the information covered will provide agencies with a set of features to address the safety of vulnerable users. More information and registration can be found at the event page.

Biweekly #143

MINK Conference (Regional LTAPs), Wednesday and Thursday, 9/16 and 9/17 (St. Joseph, MO) – MINK is an annual meeting that brings together officials from local road agencies, state departments of transportation (DOTs), and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) divisions in Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas (MINK). The agenda covers timely and practical topics on maintenance, administration, innovative ideas, safety, and funding. Attendees from any state are welcome. Registration is through Missouri LTAP. More information and registration can be found at the event page.

Biweekly #143

Iowa Transportation Summit (Iowa DOT), Wednesday and Thursday, 11/4 and 11/5 (West Des Moines) – Join Iowa’s transportation community for the statewide Transportation Safety Summit—a refreshed and expanded event that will bring together the strengths of the Traffic and Safety Forum, the Statewide Traffic Incident Management Conference, and TraCS Users Conference. This summit is designed to unite traffic safety professionals, including law enforcement, driver education, first responders and emergency management personnel, planners, and anyone committed to building a safer transportation system for all Iowans. The summit will foster cross-disciplinary collaboration through technical presentations, panel discussions, training, and networking opportunities. More information and registration, which will open soon, can be found at the event page.