Louisiana Transportation Research Center

🔍 New research by Louay N. Mohammad, Ph.D., P.E. (WY) and his team proposes enhanced performance tests for asphalt mixtures, focusing on the practical implementation of the semi-circular bend (SCB) test for quality control and quality assurance to ensure flexible pavement durability.

Implementation of Semi-circular Bend (SCB) Test for QC/QA of Asphalt Mixtures See the story

Balancing daily tasks in the asphalt lab with precision, from prepping instruments and samples to performing a variety of tests, Engineering Technician 5 Angela LeMay maintains high standards in every step of the process.

🔗: https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/LJf5O9MY8T0ba

🚨 Job Opportunity Alert! 🚨

Section 33’s Internal Training is hiring a DOTD Program Specialist 1-4 (HQ Training/CPTP/Special Topics Program Manager). Learn more or apply now by clicking the link below!

🔗: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/louisiana/jobs/4574272-0/dotd-program-specialist-1-4-admin-leadership-dev-special-topics-training

Happy 4th of July from your friends at LTRC! As we celebrate our nation's independence, we remind everyone to travel safely and responsibly. Enjoy the festivities, and have a safe holiday!

Curious how LTRC has evolved? For nearly 40 years, we've merged state and university resources to improve Louisiana's transportation, saving millions with innovations like high-strength concrete and recycled asphalt. Read more about our progress and milestones.

🔗:https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/asuLIGbiOTQDz

Juggling phone calls and emails while scheduling statewide training as well as ensuring smooth operations for her section and classes, meet our talented Training and Development Program Manager, Melissa Lee.

🔗: https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/t7SBumw1fXyMY

Stacey Wilton, LTRC’s Education Outreach Program Manager, recently partnered with AASHTO STEM Outreach to host a two-day training for Louisiana teachers. Participating teachers of all grade levels received a comprehensive collection of materials and detailed instructions to take back to their schools and utilize with students of all ages. Learn more below!

🔗: https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/LGjYk79rFuOat

AASHTO Stem Outreach Solutions Launches Louisiana's Students and Teachers into the Wonderful World of Transportation A story told with Adobe Express

With 4,200 employees across 50+ sections, DOTD’s training needs are vast and ever-changing. LTRC’s Strategic Program Manager Garrett Wheat, Ph.D., is tackling this with a multi-year competency modeling project. Learn more below!

🔗:https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/qUnQYgvXIVMau

Dr Wheat's Competency Model Continues to Strengthen DOTD Training Efforts A story told with Adobe Express

With multiple methods used to collect and analyze rut depth on our roads, Qiming Chen, Ph.D., P.E., set out to find a way to streamline the data sources.

Read more as Dr. Chen has proposed a plan to correlate and preserve this data, and as a result, more effectively evaluate and maintain Louisiana roadways.

LTRC Project Aims to Get Pavement Management Out of a Rut A story told with Adobe Express

Next up in our Employee Spotlight, meet Courtney Dupre, our LTAP Program Manager! Whether she's managing office operations or traveling across the state to facilitate LTAP training classes and connect with locals, Courtney's dedication and hard work shine through in everything she does.

🔗: https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/NGqPDsiFkuIB4

🚨 Job Opportunity Alert! 🚨

We're hiring a Communications & Technology Transfer Manager for the Louisiana LTAP Center. Apply now by clicking the link below!

🔗: https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU/job/LSU---Baton-Rouge/LTAP-Communications---Technology-Transfer-Manager_R00094108

📢 New Research Project: "Develop a Methodology for Pavement Drainage System Rating" by Qiming Chen, Ph.D., P.E.

Develop a Methodology for Pavement Drainage System Rating [Project Capsule 24-2P] See the story

🚨 Job Opportunity Alert! 🚨

We're hiring an Engineering Technician DCL to join our team as the PCC/Embankment/Structures and Special Topics Training Program Manager in Section 33's Training and Tech Transfer!

Apply now by clicking the link below!

🔗: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/louisiana/jobs/4527776/engineering-technician-dcl-pcc-embankment-structures-and-special-topics-trainin?keywords=PCC&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

Dedicated researcher with a passion for pavement and geotechnical studies, meet Qiming Chen, Ph.D., P.E., Pavement Research Manager.

Read more below!
https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/2nxYiQFAZ6758

After 15 years with our previous brand, we are thrilled to unveil our new logo!

🔍 Fun Fact: In tribute to our former logo, our talented designer, Chris Melton, hid a fleur-de-lis within the new design. Can you spot it? Comment below if you think you've found it!

👏: Thank you to our publications team's hard work in creating this fresh look. Be sure to check out our website and socials as they are updated, and let us know what you think!

Shifting gears with a new look...

👉 Sponsorship opportunities and tradeshow registration for 2025 LTC are now LIVE online!

💼: Join us at Raising Cane's River Center March 16-19, 2025, to network with key decision-makers, showcase your latest products, and hear from transportation professionals on latest trends and project updates.

🔗: Whether you're looking to become a sponsor or secure your spot at the tradeshow, visit our website at: http://ltrc.lsu.edu/ltc_25/

📅: Individual conference registration will begin August 1, so save the date!

We hope to see you there!

Bentley Systems, Inc., has awarded LTRC a $25,000 grant to enhance LTRC’s outreach initiatives in both K-12 and higher education over the next two years.

As a participating state in the AASHTO STEM Outreach Solutions program, LTRC hosts annual workshops for STEM teachers across Louisiana, who are then equipped with hundreds of lesson plans, a trunk of free supplies, and hours of activities and software that will captivate their students. A portion of the Bentley grant ($15,000) will be distributed as $500 awards to teachers who have previously attended a workshop and need to replenish the consumable supplies used in the hands-on activities.

The remaining grant money will be allotted for Louisiana civil engineering graduate students who are invited to present their research papers at academic conferences. Individual students selected will be awarded (up to) $1,000 scholarships to defray travel costs for these presentations.

On hand for the award were (left to right) Stacey Wilton (LTRC Education Outreach Program Manager), Sam Cooper (LTRC Director), Mo Harmon (Bentley Director Industry Strategy, Design Engineering), and Tyson Rupnow (LTRC Associate Director, Research). Thank you to Bentley for the incredible support!

Always on the move, from prepping for classes, coordinating with instructors, to scouting venues: Meet Haley Ortiz, LTAP Training Program Manager!

Click below to learn more:
🔗: https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/NZAfR2gGp8xJv

Read more about a recent study led by LTRC’s Planning/Intermodal Research Manager Ruijie “Rebecca” Bian, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE., which aimed to evaluate the impacts and effectiveness the Complete Streets policy of DOTD has had on the state.

🔗: https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/EPTeVuhIplcCM

Complete Streets - A Look into What Is Missing See the story

ITS/Traffic Research Manager and Assistant Professor of Research Milhan Moomen, Ph.D., and Research Associate M. Ashifur Rahman, Ph.D., recently sat down to give an in-depth look into the intricacies and capabilities of the ITS and Traffic Research Lab here at LTRC.

🔗: https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/uhDVnigO4Tyol

ITS & Traffic Research Lab Q + A See the story

M. Ashifur Rahman, Ph.D., and Elisabeta Mitran, Ph.D., spearheaded the study “Evaluation of Traffic Crash Characteristics on Elevated Sections of Interstates in Louisiana,” which studied crash characteristics and speeding patterns on major elevated interstate segments statewide.

Read more below!
🔗: https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/lmxz3ZtG45BRc

Researchers Explore Crash Characteristics and Speed Limits on Elevated Interstate Sections See the story

Transportation research is commonly thought of in terms of constructional elementals such as pavement, concrete, asphalt, or structures. However, researchers in our Special Studies section at LTRC demonstrate that transportation research is more than meets the eye—or roadway and bridge.

Learn more about our Special Studies group by clicking below!

[Special Studies] Driving Innovation for Safer and Efficient Transportation See the story

Bridging connections for impactful research and operational success, meet Asphalt Research Manager Asphalt Research Manager Moses Akentuna, Ph.D., P.E. Read more below!

🔗: https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/VON6qZTDd0Hfp

LTAP Director Steve Strength has exited the work zone after 42 years of state government service, 10 years with LTAP, and 32 years with Louisiana DOTD. Congratulations on your retirement, Steve!

LTAP Director Steve Strength Retires A story told with Adobe Express

🚧 National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) unites ATSSA, public agencies, roadway safety organizations, companies, and individuals nationwide to promote work zone safety.

🦺👷‍♂️ Together, let's prioritize safety and remember work zones are a sign to slow down. Every action behind the wheel counts.

🧡 Today, on "Go Orange Day," we honor the memory of those who lost their lives in work zones and show our support for the men and women who work tirelessly maintaining our roads.

Meet Keith Antee, who serves as our Maintenance/Loss Prevention Training Program Manager. Read more below!

🔗: https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/ZSEGLNA9rhDnd

Next up in our Spotlight series: Meet Engineering Technician Training Program Manager Claire Dixon.

https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/buH40TYdpiX9e

Discover the latest from LTAP's "Roads Scholar #6: Heavy Equipment Safety and Maintenance for Local Agencies" class! Learn insights shared by class instructor Dwight Hutchinson by clicking below.

Heavy Equipment Safety: Get ‘Er Done! See the story