ITE's 2024 Young Member of the Year Sam Harris, P.E., joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to share his journey from beginning at ITE through a Student Chapter to his current leadership roles on the Safety Council and the ITE Georgia Section. He also shares his passion for safety and how he has progressed in his career, as well as what he loo…

in 2004 a group of 5 states got together and pooled their money to test winter maintenance materials, equipment and methods for use by highway maintenance operations. The program has grown to 40 states and amassed a large collection of research and training. The Clear Roads Pooled Fund Program is funded through a $25,000 annual contribution per sub…

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) mandates federal agencies evaluate the environmental impacts of their actions, crucially influencing transportation projects like road construction and bridge expansions. Our guest on The Stream by AASHTO is Ted Boling, a partner at Perkins Coie with over 30 years of public service. He discusses NEPA’s r…

Twenty years ago in 2004 “Where The Weather Meets The Road” was published by the National Academy of Science and it proposed a research roadmap over the next 20-years to advance road weather services. Now in 2024 the future described in Where The Weather Meets The Road is here Paul Pisano, Chair of the TRB Road Weather Committee and Dr. Gina Eosco,…

Kathy Falk, a vice president with Kimley-Horn, joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to discuss the newly released edition of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). She discusses the significant changes within the 11th edition, and highlights how the manual addresses safety concerns surrounding pedestrians and bicyclists, inclu…

Often, the highway infrastructure of the state is taken for granted. We hop in our cars and drive from place to place with little thought of what’s necessary to let it happen. When something goes wrong, however, we quickly realize how fragile our infrastructure can be. Chris Feinthel, Assistant Commissioner for Operations in the New Jersey Departme…

This episode marks the conclusion of a two-part series delving into effective management strategies during a solar eclipse. Specifically, we focus on emergency transportation management during and following the event. With contributions from Brandon Keller, Emergency Coordinator at Illinois DOT, we glean valuable insights into navigating the seamle…

Rachel Carpenter, Chief Safety Officer at the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to discuss why the department adopted the Safe System Approach in an effort to reverse traffic fatality rates and address speed, among other safety improvements. She also explains their work with the Safe Syst…

Full scale testing of modern snowplow blades can be a difficult and often unrepeatable proposition depending on the weather and where your test track is located. In this episode Alex Klein-Paste of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) set about to design scale model testing of a particular snowplow blade design in a laboratory …

You would think that it wouldn’t be difficult to see something as big as a snowplow but during a winter storm event at night you’d be surprised how hard it is recognize a slow moving maintenance vehicle. In this episode Jeff Pifer, Director of the Equipment Division at the West Virginia Division of Highways discusses techniques that are being used …

This is the first episode of a two-part series on The Stream by AASHTO where we explore effective management during a solar eclipse. This episode highlights the significance of preparation, planning, training, and effective communication. Featuring insights from Michael White, Assistant Director of the Safety and Emergency Management Division in th…

Odessa L. Phillip, P.E., President and CEO of Assedo Consulting, LLC, joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to discuss community engagement as part of the decision-making process for transportation planning and project design, addressing the challenges of this process as well as the most effective strategies she's found. She also speaks to the…

We share some of the highlights from this past season and explain why we take a break in March and April (spoiler, it's because of the AASHTO re:source Technical Exchange). Related information: AASHTO re:source Events The Stream by AASHTO: A Conversation with AASHTO President, Craig Thompson S4 E05: Paving with Recycled Plastic - Hawaii's Pilot Pro…

We share the audio from January 2024's webinar "A Behind-the-scenes Look at Assessment Scheduling." Related informaiton: AASHTO re:university Webinar Series: A Behind-the-scenes Look at Assessment Scheduling http://aashtoresource.org/lap Share your thoughts. Send us a message.By AASHTO resource

Whenever you mix snowplows, winter storms, and motorists on the same stretch of pavement everyone needs to be at the top of their game in vehicles equipped for conditions. Most of the time folks get where there headed and the roads get cleared without incident. But, there are times when vehicles get tangled up with a snow plow and the outcomes can …

As the newly elected president of AASHTO, Wisconsin DOT Secretary Craig Thompson is committed to fortifying the workforce to construct a modern and efficient transportation system that centers the needs of all citizens. Recognizing the profound impact of transportation on our daily lives, the economy, and society at large, President Thompson looks …

Get a high-level overview of why a laboratory's AASHTO Accreditation is not an "umbrella" accreditation that extends to other locations. Related information: S1 E13: FAQ - Mobile Lab Accreditation S1 E16: Understanding Technician Certification Requirements S1 E35: FAQ - AASHTO Accreditation Directory S1 E37: FAQ - Multi-Site and Off-Site Personnel …

We go through Brian's inbox to answer some of the questions he's been asked recently. Related information: S3 E17: From the Cutting Room Floor - Consensus Standards S2 E19: FAQ - Refusal of Service S1 E39: FAQ - Policy for New Lab Internal Audits and Management Reviews S1 E31: FAQ - How long does it take to get accredited? AASHTO re:university Webi…

When it comes to liquid deicing products how do you know you’re getting what you paid for and that it’s likely to perform as promised? The Nebraska DOT has been working on developing a easy to run, repeatable, and cost effective test method to determine the ice melting capacity of liquid deicing products. Mike Mattison and Jasmine Dondlinger of the…

How familiar are you with fine and coarse aggregate specific gravity tests? Does your knowledge surpass Kim's? It's not difficult, but find out as we discuss some of the most common nonconformities for AASHTO T 84/ASTM C128 and AASTHO T 85/ASTM C127. Related information: Common Findings In Aggregate Testing S4 E34: Common Findings in Aggregate Test…

FHWA Administrator Shailen Bhatt joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to talk about the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and how it will impact communities taking advantage of the various funding opportunities it provides. He also discusses safety and why it’s his top priority in his role, and what it will take to see improvement in thi…

Have Kim's guesses of common nonconformities improved as we move along in this series? Find out how she does as we discuss some of the most common nonconformities during aggregate testing in regards to general equipment, AASHTO T 11/ASTM C117 and AASHTO T 27/ASTM C136. Related information: S4 E32: Common Findings in Concrete Assessments: ASTM C138,…

While the policy on how to publicize your AASHTO Accreditation hasn't really changed, how it is being enforced recently did. We discuss what this means for AASHTO Accredited laboratories. Related informaiton: AASHTO Accreditation Policy on Publicizing Accreditation S2 E07: FAQ - Publicizing AASHTO Accreditation AASHTO Accreditation Directory False …

In this "Common Findings" episode, we continue with the concrete series and discuss ASTM C138, C172, C173, C231, C617, and C1231. As a refresher, in this series, Kim blindly tries to guess some of the most common nonconformities in concrete assessment reports, and then Brian shares the actual findings and some possible ways to resolve them. Related…

John, Ryan, and Joe join us once again, this time to discuss the recent Performance Graded Asphalt Binder, Viscosity Graded Asphalt Cement, and Slurry and Micro Systems samples. Related information: S4 E27: November PSP Insights - Unmodified Emulsified Asphalt and Paint S4 E20: October PSP Insights - Aggregate Gradation and Gravity S4 E14: August P…

Learn who, what, where, why, and when we can share specific customer information. Related information: AASHTO re:source Policy on Confidentiality S2 E28: FAQ - Mail Call! S2 E15: What is the ATG? S1 E35: FAQ - AASHTO Accreditation Directory Share your thoughts. Send us a message.By AASHTO resource

Continuing the "Common Findings" series, with no context, Kim guesses the most common nonconformity in concrete assessment reports for ASTM C31, C39, C78, and C511. Then Brian shares a few of the real common findings for those standards and some general tips on how to resolve them. Related information: Common Findings in Concrete Assessments - ASTM…

This episode concludes AASHTO's four-part series on equity, where we've focused on transportation professionals' work towards building an equitable transportation system. This episode is brought to you from the AASHTO 2023 Annual Meeting where we spoke with guests and attendees from all over the country. Our guests today join us from the audience a…

We are giving listeners a sneak peek into the planning of the 2024 AASHTO re:source Technical Exchange and sharing details about what they can expect from this unique industry event. Related information: aashtoresource.org/events Share your thoughts. Send us a message.By AASHTO resource

Alejandra "Alex" Argudin, CEO of the Miami Parking Authority in Florida, joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to talk about parking trends and challenges in a densely populated city, how Miami is utilizing parking more efficiently and effectively, and how these trends are affecting other urban areas. Alex, who is chair-elect of the Internatio…

John and Joe join us to discuss the most recent Unmodified Emulsified Asphalt and Paint sample rounds. Related Information: S3 E30 November PSP Insights (2022) http://aashtoresource.org/psp/schedule http://aashtoresource.org/psp/reports http://aashtoresource.org/psp/sample-round-analysis Share your thoughts. Send us a message.…

In this "Family Feud" type episode, Kim tries to guess the most common nonconformity in concrete assessment reports for ASTM C1077. Then Brian shares a few of the real common findings for that standard and some general tips on how to resolve them. Related information: Common Findings in Concrete Assessments - ASTM C1077 companion document How to Re…

We look into the AASHTO Accreditation Program's recent internal audit to share insights as to how the process has added value to the program and organization. Related Information S4 E24: The Value of Internal Audits - Part 1 February 2023 Webinar - Internal Audits: What's the Point? S3 E7: Internal Audits - Back to Basics S3 E3: Internal Audit Awar…

We are joined by AASHTO re:source Quality Manager, Tracy Barnhart to cover some of the basics of conducting an internal audit and how the process is valuable to individuals and organizations. Related Information February 2023 Webinar - Internal Audits: What's the Point? S3 E7: Internal Audits - Back to Basics S3 E3: Internal Audit Awareness Month -…

We share audio from the October 19, 2023 webinar Benefits of a Corporate Quality Management System (QMS) Review. Senior Quality Analyst, Trudy Eckstine covers the basics of if an AASHTO re:source corporate QMS review is right for your laboratory. Related information: Complete Webinar Recording: https://youtu.be/odHZLzSJhSI?si=K7Wo4R65mvxajldW Polic…

There’s lots of discussion going on these days regarding artificial intelligence or AI. Like it or not you’re probably using or at least taking advantage of AI applications right now and you might not even know it. Winter operations takes place in an environment well suited for AI applications to provide assistance across a broad spectrum of activi…

After eight years of service, ITE Executive Director and CEO Jeff Paniati is retiring at the end of October. He joins the podcast to reflect on his storied career in transportation, including his many years at the Federal Highway Administration and his tenure at ITE. He also shares his hopes and vision for the future of the organization, and a bit …

We share 8 brainstorming questions to help you set more effective goals and discuss how these questions would be tweaked based on if you are setting personal or professional/organizational goals. Related information: S4 E21: Soft Skills: Goal Setting Part 1 S4 E10: Soft Skills: Dealing with Stress S3 E18: Soft Skills: Authentic Networking Share you…

We discuss the basics of personal and professional goal setting (including SMART, HARD, and DUMB goals), as well as the role personal and organizational values play in creating effective goals. Related information: S4 E10: Soft Skills: Dealing with Stress S3 E18: Soft Skills: Authentic Networking Share your thoughts. Send us a message.…

John Malusky and Ryan LaQuay from the Proficiency Sample Program (PSP) join us to discuss the results of the recent Aggregate Gradation and Gravity samples 3 and 4. Plus, share in our excitement as we discover the benefits of using slide lock bags in the PSP packaging process. Related information: S4 E14: S4 E14: August PSP Insights - Polymer-Modif…

Public works agencies have struggled for years recruiting and retaining a skilled workforce. These challenges have reached critical levels for many agencies since the pandemic. In this episode were Talkin’ Winter Ops with the City of Columbus Department of Public Service Human Resource Officer Lauren Hunter and Infrastructure Operations Coordinator…

This is the second episode of a four-part series on AASHTO's ETAP Podcast that focuses on how transportation professionals may work towards building an equitable transportation system. Our guests highlight the crucial connection between active transportation and equity as transportation planners, policymakers, and communities' team up to create a m…

We want your feedback! Head over to the AASHTO re:source LinkedIn page and answer the current poll. We want to know what types of podcast episodes you want to hear more of in the future. Share your thoughts. Send us a message.By AASHTO resource

Part 3 of our workforce recruiting and retention series showcases a grass roots program the Washington State DOT launched a few years back to encourage high school students to consider a career in transportation maintenance. Pasco Bakotich, State Maintenance Engineer for the Washington State DOT explains the program, the benefits they’ve seen, and …

Gabe Klein, Executive Director of the US Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, joins the ITE Talks Transportation podcast to talk about transportation electrification in the United States. He discusses how his newly created office is working to help deploy its share of the US Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to build out infrastructure across the…

Some people call them gigs, docks, dings, notes, or deficiencies. CCRL calls them footnotes. AASHTO re:source calls them findings and classifies findings into 2 categories: observations and nonconformities. We learn the differences and discuss some best practices on how to resolve them. Related Information: How to Resolve AASHTO re:source and CCRL …

We learn how, and why changes are made to the AASHTO re:source Proficiency Sample Program. Plus get a sneak peek at some potential changes coming soon. Related information: S4 E13: August PSP Insights - Gyratory aashtoresource.org/psp Share your thoughts. Send us a message.By AASHTO resource

Part 2 of the workforce series focuses on the No Boundaries synthesis Innovation strategies in Recruiting and Retention with Sandi Sauter, Deputy Director of Operations for the Maryland State Highway Administration. This episode zeros in on recruiting and retention and steps that some states are taking to include all segments of the applicant pool.…

Craig Wieden, from Colorado DOT, joins us to discuss Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and shares insights into implementing EPD requirements for material used in projects throughout the state. Related information: https://www.codot.gov/business/designsupport/materials-and-geotechnical/epd https://www.asphaltpavement.org/programs/napa-progr…

This is the first episode of a four-part series from AASHTO's ETAP Podcast that will focuses on building an equitable transportation system. We are joined by Keith Baker, the executive director of ReConnect Rondo, and we discuss a variety of topics including the vision behind ReConnect Rondo, and the innovative approach they are taking to transform…