Traffic Sign Retroreflectivity Seminar 2011
Traffic & Parking Control Company held its 2011 Transportation Workshop on Friday July 29th. The day was filled with activities, including training sessions and certification, indoor and outdoor vendor exhibits and product demonstrations. Attendees were treated to catered breakfast and lunch, as well as a personal tour of the 135,000 square foot TAPCO facility.
The opening ceremony featured Wisconsin Department of Transportation's (WisDOT) Secretary Mark Gottlieb. Secretary Gottlieb expounded on the value of ITS, and WisDOT's continuing commitment to innovation to enhance traffic safety. He also fielded questions on WisDOT's role in environmental and diversity concerns.
WisDOT is one of the largest state agencies, with 3,500 employees and annual budget of more than $3 billion. The department supports all modes of transportation, including state highways, local roads, railroads, public transit systems, airports, harbors and bicycle and pedestrian facilities. The department also serves 50,000 people each day through the Division of Motor Vehicles, and includes the Wisconsin State Patrol which enforces laws and aids motorists throughout the state.
Seminars were held throughout the day, including that of the Latest in Sign Retroreflectivity Compliance. Dr. Paul Carlson, Research Engineer and Head of Operations & Roadway Safety at the Texas Transportation Institute and member of Texas A&M University gave an in-depth explanation of the new MUTCD regulations on sign retroreflectivity, and FHWA-identified methods to aid municipalities and other entities with their compliance requirements. The informative video is available to view at www.tapconet.com under the "News & Regulations" Tab.
Other informative seminars included: Polara's Matt Baker covered Traffic Signal Devices for the Visually Impaired; Carmen Stevens from Digital Payment Technologies discussed the Advantages of Multi-space Parking Meters; Rick Krueger and Kevin Selvig, of Global Traffic Technologies, detailed Potential Funding Sources; IMSA Member Don Snider, from the City of Carbondale, IL, outlined Workzones – Principles to be Observed in the Design, Installation and Maintenance of Traffic Control Devices; Encom's Kyle Foss spoke about the Simplicity of Wireless Communications; Sheri Herman from Siemens presented Traffic Adaptive Signal Control – Bluetooth Travel Time; Mark Fayta of Iteris introduced the Latest Innovations in Video Detection; and TAPCO's Mike Haley and Aaron Guilbault demonstrated the Delta GR3 Retroreflectometer and Sign Inventory Hands-on Training and Certification.
TAPCO was pleased to have a good number of IMSA sustaining members exhibiting and discussing their latest technology and products, and their impact the future of transportation. Don Snider of the Midwest Section of IMSA provided IMSA Journals, literature on courses, membership and certification to attendees. IMSA members in attendance were offered the opportunity to sign up for TARP points after attending a qualifying seminar.
Thank you to all of our sustaining members and vendors for their support of the event, and all of the attendees for making the workshop a huge success!