INTERCHANGE. Looking to a New Year. Nebraska Local Technical Assistance Program. A message from John Craig, Director, Nebraska Department of Roads.

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1 INTERCHANGE Nebraska Local Technical Assistance Program Volume 20 Issue 1 Inside this issue: MUTCD GIS & Crime 4 Concrete Conference 8 Bridge Refresher 10 Terrorism Awareness 12 NE LTAP in Canada 13 SafeKids USA 14 Web Site: ne-ltap@unl.edu ADVISORY BOARD Curt Beck, Executive Director, NE AGC Heavy Highway Chapter Doug Broderick, Executive Director, Nebraska Concrete Paving Association Stephen Burnham, NE Division LTAP Liaison, Federal Highway Administration Russell Daehling, Highway Superintendent, Seward County Raymond Hogrefe, Vice President, Jebro, Inc. Don Jiracek, Highway Superintendent, Boyd County Terry McArthur, P.E., HDR-Omaha Raymond K. Moore, Associate Dean for Omaha Based Programs, UN-L Dalyce Ronnau, Maintenance Engineer, NDOR Larry Shafer, Government Affairs Manager, NDOR Dennis Smith, Executive Director, Nebraska Concrete & Aggregate Association Gary Story, Street Commissioner, City of Kearney Tim Weander, Dist. 2 Eng., NDOR Edward Wootton, County Highway Superintendents Association Winter 2006 Looking to a New Year A message from John Craig, Director, Nebraska Department of Roads. This past year has been another great year. It has also been another year of change, especially in senior leadership within the Department of Roads (NDOR). For example, in the last four years, seven of the eight District Engineers have changed and there are parallel changes in the central office. While there are opportunities in these changes, it is also an enormous loss of institutional knowledge and memory. In effect, the era of the original interstate construction is passing from the Department. There are a great many areas as a Department that we will continue to improve including our focus on our mission and performance measures to track our results, leadership development, succession planning, our revised recognition program, and our continuous improvement of planning, design, construction, maintenance and operations. So, what are some of the Department's broad focus areas for 2006? As always, everything we do must be focused on accomplishing our mission and be based on our values of safety, integrity and quality. More specifically, some of these focus areas include: Implement our update of the Long-Range State Transportation Plan. The cities and counties are important stakeholders. Implement the Strategic Highway Safety Plan to reduce fatalities from the current 1.4 to 1.0 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled by The counties and cities are also key stakeholders in this effort. Larry Dix, Executive Director of NACO, and Lynn Rex, Executive Director of the League of Municipalities, are members of our Leadership Team along with the Directors of Department of Motor Vehicles, State Patrol and Health & Human Services- Regulation and Licensure. Implementation of this plan will begin early in 2006 and in compliance with SAFETEA-LU. About half of the fatalities are on the state system while the other half are shared by the city and county systems. In 2004, fatality and crash rates were the lowest on record, and state system construction zone crashes have been reduced 45 percent in the past six years. Still, there is a lot of work to do. Improve project management (construction and pre-construction) by implementing a new pre construction project management system and enhancing project manager training as we develop dedicated pre-construction project managers. The ultimate goal is to make pre-construction and construction project management as seamless as possible and apply rigorous project

2 PAGE 2 THE INTERCHANGE VOLUME 20 ISSUE 1 Looking to a New Year, continued from Page 1 management to non-construction projects as well. Aggressively pursue accelerated construction, carefully weighing time and cost. Improve document, data and its application management, making us a more effective and efficient Department in serving our customers. Implement a more robust training program for all employees, including leadership development and succession planning. leveraging internet-based training as much as practicable. Web-based training can now be accessed through the training icon on the NDOR website. I have a continuing interest in collaborating on training within our industry, whether contractors, consultants, cities, counties or others. I believe that more common understanding can be developed, costs can be reduced and relationships enhanced by joint training. LTAP is a key player in this regard. Continue to improve our relationship with internal and external partners. It's all about people and we are building the economy of Nebraska by what we do. As always, our Government Affairs Division, lead by Larry Shafer, is available to assist you on issues. Continue to increase our credibility with the public through demonstrated performance. The currency of the future is trust. If these or other areas have peaked your interest, and you would like to know more or you have suggestions for improvements, contact me, Larry Shafer, or Dan Cady and we will do our best to assist. Have a safe and happy new year! John L. Craig, Director Nebraska Adopts the MUTCD 2003 Edition by Don Neary, NE LTAP The Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR) has adopted the 2003 Edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The Manual provides for a uniform system of traffic control devices for use on highways and streets within the State. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued the new MUTCD 2003 Edition in November 2003, which replaced the 2000 Edition of the national manual. When the new national manual was issued, each state was allowed two years to adopt the new manual or to write its own state manual in compliance with the new MUTCD. NDOR has updated the Nebraska Supplement to the MUTCD to make a limited number of additions and addendums to the new national manual. These additions and addendums reflect Nebraska statutes, rules and practice regarding the use of traffic control devices on the roads and streets in Nebraska. Effective December 11, 2005, the MUTCD 2003 Edition together with the 2005 Nebraska Supplement to the MUTCD will provide the standard for the traffic control devices on all Nebraska roads and streets. The Department will not distribute these new manuals; however both manuals are available on-line through the Nebraska Department of Roads website. To view the manuals go to mutcd.htm. Continued on next page

3 VOLUME 20 ISSUE 1 THE INTERCHANGE PAGE 3 Nebraska Adopts the MUTCD 2003 Edition (continued) To obtain a hard copy of either Manual contact any of the sources listed. Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices 2003 Edition (MUTCD) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) You may print the entire MUTCD, or any portion, from this address at no charge. Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) All requests for the MUTCD must include a completed order form. Order forms may be obtained on-line or by calling the number below. (202) American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) 444 North Capitol Street, NW Suite 249 Washington, DC (202) American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) 15 Riverside Parkway Suite 100 Fredericksburg, VA (800) Nebraska Supplement to the MUTCD Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR) Contact for pricing information on printed or CD-ROM format. NDOR Traffic Engineering 1500 Highway 2, PO Box Lincoln, NE (402)

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6 PAGE 6 THE INTERCHANGE VOLUME 20 ISSUE 1 The article above written by the Chief of Police in Lincoln, Nebraska was reprinted from a national web page to combat alcoholism in our youth. Please browse the web site and join the fight. The web site has many resources for individuals and communities.

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8 PAGE 8 THE INTERCHANGE VOLUME 20 ISSUE 1 27 th Annual Concrete Paving Workshop The 27 th Annual Concrete Paving Workshop held in Lincoln on January 24 th and 25 th boasted over 350 registrants plus a number of UNL engineering students. The workshop was hosted by The Nebraska Concrete Paving Association (NCPA) in conjunction with the American Concrete Institute (ACI) Nebraska Chapter. Local industry professionals had the opportunity to see projects from other states. There were also many presentations on new technologies as well as improving present practices. For more high lights and related information visit; Excellence in Paving Award Winners The Nebraska Concrete Paving Association recognized 9 paving projects in various categories as award winners. NCPA Executive Director Doug Broderick said this year there were a lot of great projects submitted. Picking an award winner becomes more of a challenge every year because of the quality of concrete supplied and the quality of work performed in Nebraska. Airports Project: Central Nebraska Regional Airport Grand Island Owner: CNRA Contractor: Dobson Brothers Construction Company Designer: Bucher Willis & Ratliff Corp. Municipal Streets Project: N-22 In Genoa Owner/DesignerNDOR District 4 Contractor: Paulson Inc. Designer: Speece Lewis Engineers Secondary State Highways & County Roads Project: Lincoln Road Sarpy County Owner/Designer: Sarpy County Contractor: Luxa Construction Co. Urban Streets Project: 84 th Street Widening Owner: City of Lincoln Contractor: Dobson Brothers Construction Co.

9 VOLUME 20 ISSUE 1 THE INTERCHANGE PAGE 9 27 th Annual Concrete Paving Workshop, continued Interstate Highways and Expressways Project: US 81 Norfolk North Owner/Designer: NDOR District 3 Contractor: Dobson Brothers Construction Co. Concrete Pavement Rehabilitation Project: US-77 Fremont to Nickerson Owner/Designer: NDOR District 2 Contractor: Diamond Surfacing Inc. Secondary State Highways & County Roads Project: US - 30 Merrick County Line Owner/Designer: NDOR District 4 Contractor: Dobson Brothers Construction Co. Recreational Trails Project: Pioneer Spirit Trail; Hastings Owner/Designer: City of Hastings Contractor: Westland Building Co. Project: Blair Municipal Airport apron and taxiways Owner: Blair Airport Authority Contractor: Cedar Valley Corp. Designer: HWS Consulting Group Inc.

10 PAGE 10 THE INTERCHANGE VOLUME 20 ISSUE 1 NHI Bridge Inspection Refresher Course Jan. 31 Feb. 2, 2006 The National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) were established in As of January 13, 2006, the revised NBIS Regulations took effect. The revisions are an enhancement of the previous NBIS to aid bridge inspectors in their duties: Provide accurate bridge records Maintain public safety through inspection Protect our public investment Don t Let this happen to your structures! Eric Mann (below left) of Baker Engineering & Greg Kolle (below right) of the FHWA Nebraska Bridge Division present the NHI 3-day Bridge Inspection Refresher Course to 29 Certified Bridge Inspectors. FHWA Tom Everett (pictured below) stopped in to talk about the National Bridge Inspection Standards. Tom is the Principal Bridge Engineer- Bridge Program-Team Leader from the Office of Bridge Technology in Washington. The course was held at our NEW Nebraska LTAP Training Facility and seemed to accommodate everyone quite well. Something to keep in mind if you are planning a workshop or get together in the Lincoln area Be sure to check our calendar for upcoming bridge courses as well as other available workshops.

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12 PAGE 12 THE INTERCHANGE VOLUME 20 ISSUE 1 Terrorism Awareness Training Highway Watch (HWW) By Dan Cady, NE LTAP The Nebraska LTAP trainers presented the voluntary enrollment training in level one terrorism awareness to over 1,000 transportation agency employees across Nebraska in The transportation employees were primarily employees of the Nebraska Department of Roads. Employees in every NDOR District and the Main Headquarters were given the opportunity to become certified Highway Watch team members. Employees of two cities in Nebraska and three counties also received the training and the opportunity. Not all employees decided to sign up for Highway Watch. 60% of the personnel that received the training did sign on as Highway Watch Team Members. Here are some excerpts from the HWW web site that explains the program: ( Highway Watch is the roadway sector's national safety and security program that utilizes the skills, experiences, and "road smarts" of America's transportation workers to help protect the nation's critical infrastructure and the transportation of goods, services, and people. Highway Watch participants - transportation infrastructure construction, maintenance and operations personnel workers, commercial and public truck and bus drivers, truck drivers, transit personnel, buses drivers, and other highway sector professionals - are specially trained to recognize potential safety and security threats and avoid becoming a target of terrorists. The Highway Watch effort seeks to prevent terrorists from using large vehicles or hazardous cargoes as weapons. This training consists of a DVD presentation that lasts approximately one (1) hour and is accompanied by discussion on possible targets here in Nebraska. Enrollment in this program, although strongly encouraged, is voluntary. This training will benefit everyone in their everyday acts of living in today s society. The NE LTAP considers this training very important and will be offering it at every opportunity. We hope to offer this training as an add on to our workshops. You may be asked to stay an hour over at our regular workshops in order to receive this opportunity. If any Nebraska city, village or county wishes to have this training on site for their agency then please call into the NE LTAP or ne-ltap@unl.edu and one of the trainers will contact you to discuss arrangements. When we travel to your site to present this training we will request that you offer an invitation to neighboring jurisdictions and well as law enforcement and fire/emergency services. You should check with appropriate authorities but you should find that this training is applicable as CDL, HazMat, level one terror Awareness training. Please contact us soon for the 2006 training season. Highway Watch training provides Highway Watch participants with the observational tools and the opportunity to exercise their expert understanding of the transportation environment to report safety and security concerns rapidly and accurately to the authorities. Highway Watch training provides Highway Watch participants with the observational tools and the opportunity to exercise their expert understanding of the transportation environment to report safety and security concerns rapidly and accurately to the authorities. Dan Cady Director, NE LTAP dcady1@unl.edu

13 VOLUME 20 ISSUE 1 THE INTERCHANGE PAGE 13 Same Roads Different Location by Bob Hyberger, NE LTAP Don Neary and I were invited to Canada by the Canadian Public Works Association-Alberta Chapter (APWA) to present a road maintenance and signing workshop. The workshop was held on November 14th in Red Deer which is about 80 miles north of Calgary. It was a good mix of road managers and maintenance operators with about 70 participants. A great group of people that gave us a warm welcome. At first I was a little apprehensive about putting on a workshop in Canada due to Metric Conversions and possible road and law differences of our two countries. Well, was I wrong. It was like we never left home. After spending a considerable amount of time converting our presentations to Metrics, we were told that the US Standard Measurement had been taught in the Canadian schools up to the mid 80 s. Everyone in the workshop knew the difference between an inch and a centimeter. We then had to see how much could be used for discussions of signing from our Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) compared to Canadian law. Their reference on signing is The Canadian Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CMUTCD). Except for the Metric measurements and a couple of signs, there was not much difference. The workshop started with general presentation of un-surfaced road issues that we face in Nebraska. It was no real surprise that they all had the same concerns ranging from budget deficiencies to aggressive drivers and everything else in between. We flew into Calgary on Sunday and flew back to Nebraska on Tuesday. No time to take in the sites but we did have a wonderful time and spread a little Cornhusker know how. This was an experience from which Don and I received as much as we gave and it will not be forgotten. We have invited trainers from the counties in Alberta to travel here this coming summer and participate in one of our Motor Grader Operator Short Courses. While no one could commit to the trip, it would not surprise me to see them take us up on our offer. Post Script to the above on Canada! By Dan Cady, NE LTAP Director The opportunity for Bob & Don to share our gravel roads maintenance best practices with the folks in Alberta, CA came through our affiliation with the American Public Works Association ( I am a member of the Education Committee of the APWA and one of my co-members on the committee is a consultant in Alberta. When the county association up there wanted to know more about gravel road maintenance, the NE LTAP was recommended. I was happy to give Bob & Don the chance to share their knowledge and to develop personally as trainers. The APWA Chapter of Alberta reimbursed the NE LTAP for the traveling expenses. I strongly recommend that all PW agencies consider membership in the APWA.. The Nebraska Chapter of the APWA ( conducts regular training and events to enhance the knowledge of the public works employee in a wide range of subjects. Whether your job is in transportation, fleet management, parks and recreation, water systems, sewage and drainage systems or any other facet of public works, there is something for everyone and for agencies of all sizes at the APWA. The NE LTAP is currently making the APWA Click Listen & Learn event available for viewing every month here at the NE LTAP Facility in Lincoln. Contact APWA or us here at the NE LTAP for more information on APWA training & education opportunities. Thanks! Dan

14 PAGE 14 THE INTERCHANGE VOLUME 20 ISSUE 1 Mail Box Hazards? Not safe! Lot of work and immovable too! Long way between emergencies! Hit this and you will get really hammered! Safe Kids USA Your Nebraska LTAP is currently working with the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety (NOHS) to coordinate The National Standardized Child Passenger Safety Training Program which certifies individuals as child passenger safety technicians and instructors. Please take the time to browse the Safe Kids USA web site and see how you can become involved. NOHS anticipates the following instructor certification courses in 2006: Sidney Grand Island Nebraska City Norfolk Lincoln (tentative) March May June August September For more & updated information check the NOHS website: The following page is a copy of one of the Safe Kids USA web site pages. There are many more that deal with the prevention of accidental injury to children.

15 VOLUME 20 ISSUE 1 THE INTERCHANGE PAGE 15 About Us Programs Research Media Center Public Policy Safety Tips Baby Bike/Helmet Car Fire Home > Safety Tips Safety Tips Accidental injury is the number one killer of America s children, taking more lives than disease, violence and suicide. Prevention is the cure. It s estimated that by taking these and other simple precautions, almost all (90 percent) of these accidental injuries can be avoided. Click on the links on the left to learn how you can keep your kids safe. Also check out our handy safety checklists and frequently asked questions. Firearms Hidden Hazards Home Pedestrian Poison School/Playground Special Needs Sports/Recreation Summer Toddler Toy Water Product Recalls Activities for Kids! Get Involved!

16 UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN PO BOX LINCOLN, NEBRASKA Phone: Fax: Web: Calendar February Bridge Inspection Refresher Kearney, NE February 28-Mar 3 Fracture Critical Bridge Inspection Kearney, NE March 6-8 Pre-Exam Workshop Kearney, NE March 9 Southeast District Beatrice, NE March 10 Northeast District Columbus, NE March 16 Central District Aurora, NE March Fracture Critical Bridge Inspection Lincoln, NE April 7 License Exam NDOR, Lincoln April 9-13 NACE Grand Rapids, MI April Fracture Critical Bridge Inspection Lincoln, NE May 8-12 Bridge Inspector School, Part 1 Lincoln, NE May Bridge Inspection School, Part 2 Lincoln, NE June NACO Hwy Supt Summer Meeting Kearney, NE CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEB SITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TRAINING & TECHNOLOGY Transfer