Biweekly #115

• Motor Grader Operator Workshops, Tuesday, 5/6 (Oelwein); Wednesday, 5/7 (Webster City); Thursday, 5/8 (Ainsworth); Tuesday, 5/13 (Storm Lake); Wednesday, 5/14 (Chariton); and Thursday, 5/15 (Atlantic) – Motor Grader Operator (MoGO) training is a one- or two-day program led by experienced operators who teach others efficient and safe operating practices. The classroom session primarily focuses on blading techniques for different tasks, roadway/roadside cross-section elements, safety, and equipment. Participants are often from several cities or counties, which promotes discussion and exchange of ideas and techniques. The optional field session for new operators attending a classroom session in 2025 is expected to occur the week of 8/11–8/15 at the Iowa Army National Guard Base, Camp Dodge in Johnston. Details for the field session are still in development and more information concerning it will be sent to all cities and counties that have participants registered for a classroom session. For more information and to register, please go here.
• MUTCD 2023 Overview, Wednesday, 5/14 (Cedar Rapids); Thursday, 5/15 (Waverly); Tuesday, 5/20 (Ames); Wednesday 5/21 (Atlantic); Thursday, 5/22 (Storm Lake); and Wednesday, 6/5 (Fairfield) – A new national Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) came out in 2023. This workshop will include a summary of some of content and the changes in the 2023 MUTCD. More specifically, presentations will focus on parts of the MUTCD related to its introductory general content (Part 1) and the installation of locally relevant regulatory, warning, and guide signs (Part 2). In addition, information related to school area (Part 7), railroad (Part 8) and bicycle facility (Part 9) signs will also be covered. More limited amounts of material may also be covered for other types of signs (e.g., changeable message), pavement markings (Part 3), and traffic signals (Part 4). Temporary traffic control (Part 6) material is covered in other workshops. NOTE: States that have their own MUTCDs or Supplements have two years to do revisions, and this process is currently ongoing. For more information, contact information if you have questions, and to register, please go here.

Biweekly #115

• A Fresh Look at Concrete Pavement for Local Agencies, Tuesday, 4/29 at 12:00 PM – The National Concrete Pavement Technology Center (CP Tech Center) has developed a concrete pavement guidance document for local agencies. This webinar will be approximately one hour and cover the contents of the guide including the benefits of concrete as well as how perceived challenges can be overcome to produce a long-lasting and durable pavement. Registration and more information can be found here.
• Pavement Management Resources for Local Agencies, Thursday, 5/15 at 12:00 PM – This free one-hour webinar will include a comprehensive overview of the essential data sets, tools, and services available to local agencies for effective pavement management. Attendees will gain insights into optimizing their pavement management strategies and ensuring sustainable, high-quality road networks for their communities. Registration and more information can be found here.

Biweekly #115

• Iowa Build a Better Mousetrap Competition – Applications Being Accepted! Each year, Iowa LTAP sponsors a statewide Build a Better Mousetrap (BABM) Competition. It is the people on the front lines who often discover the latest and best practices, whether through new gadgets that improve the quality and safety of a project or innovative processes that reduce costs and improve efficiency. Iowa’s BABM Competition provides a great opportunity to share your new ideas with others! We are looking for submissions from Iowa’s local public agencies (e.g., cities and counties) that have created different solutions to problems or found better ways of doing things. The top three winners are recognized statewide and are offered free workshop registrations. The application deadline is 5/9. For more information and to apply online, please go here.

Biweekly #115

• Public Speaking Skills for Engineers 101 (FL LTAP), Thursday, 5/1 – Public speaking is one of the most effective and marketable skills any professional can have. Public speaking is also one of the most common fears of most people, especially engineers! So, can you learn to master the fear and speak in front of others? Yes! At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to: Understand the root causes and physiology of public speaking fear. Apply techniques to manage anxiety and speak with greater confidence. Demonstrate practical strategies to improve public speaking skills immediately. Communicate complex engineering concepts clearly to non-technical audiences. Prepare and structure presentations for maximum audience engagement. Registration and more information can be found here.
• County Engineers Research Focus Group (Iowa DOT), Wednesday, 5/7 (Ames) – Each year, the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) and LTAP cosponsor an annual County Engineers Research Focus Group (CERFG) meeting in Ames. At this event, you will hear about research updates, local innovations, and you will also participate in a brainstorming session to identify needed research projects that will be presented to the Iowa Highway Research Board (IHRB) for consideration. More information and registration can be found here.