Event Highlights
Annual Report
CTR Symposium
CTR hosted its annual symposium on April 4, 2007. There were 135 participants. The theme of this year’s symposium was “Smart Highways.” Keynote Speaker Gregory Krueger, Manager of the Statewide ITS Program for the Michigan Department of Transportation, presented The DOT of the 21st Century: Innovative Technology to Improve Safety and Mobility on Our Roads. The keynote’s subject is one close to every commuter’s heart: highway construction costs, particularly recent developments and the future outlook. CTR researchers also addressed other topics that affect Texas drivers’ daily driving experiences.
The Mac Shelby Award for outstanding TxDOT Project Director was presented to Mr. Carol Nixon.
CTR Director Randy Machemehl (left) with Shelby Award winner Carol Nixon.
Breakout Session Topics
- Methods to Develop Composite Action in Non-Composite Bridge Floor Systems, presented by Dr. Michael Engelhardt of UT’s Cockrell School of Engineering
- Remote Detection of Ice Formation in Porous Pavements, presented by Terry Dossey, Research Scientist at the Center for Transportation Research
- Workforce Development Partnership: What the Construction Industry Can Share with the Transportation Industry, presented by Dr. Cindy Menches, P.E., of UT’s Cockrell School of Engineering
- Shifting Trade Flow in Texas: Impact on Transportation Infrastructure, presented by Dr. John McCray of The University of Texas at San Antonio
- Just Riding Along: Cyclist and Motorist Interaction during Passing Maneuvers, presented by Ian Hallet, Research Fellow Associate at the Center for Transportation Research
- Improving Roadside Characteristics Using Native Plants, presented by Dr. Steven Windhager, Director of Landscape Restoration at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Dr. Steven Windhager presenting at Symposium
Low-Volume Roads Conference
CTR hosted the ninth International Conference on Low-Volume Roads June 24-27, 2007, at the downtown Austin Sheraton Hotel. More than 200 delegates attended, from 6 continents and more than 40 countries. Presentations included the examination of new technologies and new techniques in the planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and administration of low-volume roads. Emphasis was given to discussing case studies and finding practical solutions to common road problems.
Seminar presentation
The keynote speaker was Dr. Maryvonne Plessis-Fraissard, Senior Advisor on Sustainable Development at the World Bank. She spoke on planning roads for rural communities.
“As the state with the most extensive farm-to-market road network in the U.S.,” said conference organizer Jolanda Prozzi, “Texas was considered the ideal site for the ninth Low-Volume Roads Conference.”
Poster session
The conference was the ninth in a series of Low-Volume Roads Conferences that began in 1975 and have since been held every four years. Organized by the Transportation Research Board, the Low-Volume Roads Conferences provide a unique opportunity for transportation professionals world-wide to network, exchange best practices, discuss research results, share innovations, and explore lessons learned.