Training and Educational Opportunities
2024 Work Zone Safety Workshops – February 27 through March 28
During February and March 2024, work zone traffic control and safety training will be offered at several Iowa venues so that workers across the state can participate conveniently. Each one-day workshop will cover the 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), particularly Part 6.
The workshops consist of a general session for all participants, plus breakout sessions tailored to specific categories of work zone activities: city, county, Iowa DOT construction and contractors, Iowa DOT maintenance, and utility.
Dates and venues for the 2024 Work Zone Safety Series:
Tuesday, February 27 – Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids Raddison
Wednesday, February 28 – Cedar Falls, Bien Venu Event Center
Thursday, February 29 – Ottumwa, Bridgeview Event Center
Tuesday, March 5 – Storm Lake, Buena Vista University, Siebens Forum
Thursday, March 21 – Ankeny, DMACC FFA Enrichment Center
Tuesday, March 26 – Council Bluffs, Holiday Inn Express
Thursday, March 28 – Ankeny, DMACC FFA Enrichment Center
More detailed information and registration can be found here.
Iowa Certified Construction Site Pollution Prevention Inspector Training – March 20
The Iowa Certified Construction Site Pollution Prevention Inspector (ICCSPPI) training is an affordable, efficient certification opportunity for construction site inspectors who are responsible for weekly construction site or quarterly MS-4 inspections. This course has been merged with the Iowa Certified Installer of Construction Site Pollution Prevention Practices (ICICSP3) training program. Click here for the flyer or here to register.
Overview of Iowa DOT Access Management Manual – March 21
This webinar includes an overview of what the Access Management Manual includes, uses, and its purpose. The presentation will cover the key topics and takeaways from each chapter of the Iowa Department of Transportation’s (DOT’s) Access Management Manual and demonstrate ways to utilize it. This presentation will also briefly go over the development of the manual and its purpose. Click here for more information to to register.
Basic Construction Inspection Webinar Series – April 16-18 and 23-25
This webinar series covers roadway related construction inspection. It will consist of six one-hour online sessions beginning each day at 12:00 PM (Central Time). During each session, there will be time for questions from the attendees. Registration is required to attend any or all of the six sessions.
This webinar series is co-sponsored by the Iowa Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP), the Iowa Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA), and the Iowa County Engineers Association. The contributions of these organization make this series possible and have the thanks of the Iowa LTAP.
Click here to read more about each of the sessions and to register.
Excavation Safety Workshops – April 23 to May 2
The workshop explains the hazards of excavation and trenching, how accidents happen, and how worker protective measures should be applied. It’s a great way to inform new employees of safety protocol or to update more experienced employees on new safety information.
The workshop covers:
- Critical definitions and context for excavation safety
- Soils analysis: testing local soils and handling testing equipment
- Shoring options: a walk-through of all the basic systems—sloping, shoring, and shielding
The workshop also provides assurance that all relevant duties of a competent person at an excavation site will be fully covered and explained. However, the employer has responsibility and authority to actually designate a worker as a Competent Person. The course covers the requirements of 29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart P-Excavations, of the OSHA standards for the construction industry and essential material on the similarities and differences between General Industry Confined Space and the new Construction Confined Space standard Subpart AA. For more information and to register, click here.
Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges (2 week) – April 29 to May 3 and May 6 to May 10
A detailed description of this course is on the National Highway Institute website. It was updated in 2022 and is based on the FHWA Bridge Inspector’s Reference Manual (BIRM – 1995 Coding Guide Version), National Bridge Inspection Standards (2009 NBIS) and 1995 FHWA Recording and Coding Guide for the Structure Inventory and Appraisal of the Nations Bridges (Coding Guide). The completion of this course fulfills the training requirements of the NBIS (23 CFR 650.309) for an FHWA-approved comprehensive training course. There is a required pre-requisite to attend this course. For more information and to register, click here.
Accessible Sidewalks and Curb Ramps: Design to Installation – April 30
This workshop will benefit state and local professionals who plan, design, inspect, and construct Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-related facilities within the public right-of-way. State and local agency staff, consultants, and contractors are encouraged to attend. NOTE: This workshop will not cover changes that have recently occurred to the national Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) until any alterations that may be needed are approved for publishing within the Iowa Statewide Urban Design and Specification (SUDAS) and/or the Iowa DOT Design Manual. For more information and to register, click here.
Iowa DOT’s Technical Training & Certification Program (TTCP)
More information on all dates and options is available in the registration book.
CDL Training for Maintenance Equipment Operators
Under a new federal rule, all providers (individual locations) of entry-level commercial driver’s license (CDL) training must be listed on Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Training Provider Registry (TPR). To be listed on the TPR, the lead trainer at each location must certify that the location meets these requirements:
- Follows a training curriculum that meets specific criteria for theory and behind-the-wheel training.
- Utilizes facilities, vehicles, and instructors meeting federal requirements.
- Meets federal record-keeping requirements.
- Complies with any applicable state laws and regulations.
For a complete overview, please click here.
Additional resources:
- Dane Robinson, Arapahoe County Public Works, CDL Training Log (three tabs, first is the driving log with the lesson plan check on back, and the second tab is driver trainer notes)
- FMCSA Field Offices
- Clear Roads – Entry-Level Driver Training (CDL) for Maintenance Equipment Operators
- Ohio LTAP CDL Theory Training
- Kentucky Transportation Center Link (Summer 2022)
- Minnesota LTAP Commercial Drivers License Mentimeter Survey Pre-presentation
- CT LTAP ELDT Presentation
Iowa’s Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP)
The Iowa Local Technical Assistance Program is dedicated to providing technical and management assistance to Iowa’s local governments. And to accomplish their mission—of improving traffic safety through locally coordinated multidisciplinary efforts built on trusted relationships—the Iowa LTAP offers a variety of programs and resources aimed toward assisting local agencies with the ever-growing demands on the roads, streets, bridges, and public transportation of Iowa. Click here for a current list of LTAP events.
Institute for Transportation (InTrans)
The Institute for Transportation is a hub of local, regional, and national transportation-focused research, education, workforce development, and technology transfer. InTrans administers 15 centers and programs, and several other distinct research specialties, and a variety of technology transfer and professional education initiatives. Click here for a current list of InTrans events.
Research
Check out the latest research publications from the Iowa Highway Research Board. Information related to research activities including project highlights and successes, requests for proposal, unique collaborations, and more are available through the News section of the DOT’s Research Ideas site.