Tennessee Transportation Assistance Program

News

Kohls standing in front of a traffic signal computer

AI TechX Awards Seed Funding to Find AI Solutions to Real-World Problems: TTAP Training Coordinator Awarded

Nine projects led by faculty at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, will receive the first round of funding from AI TechX, a new initiative created by UT to empower Tennessee communities and industry partners to adopt AI technologies that enable high-quality job creation. To fulfill this mission, AI TechX focuses on advancing AI research and innovation; preparing, upskilling, and reskilling the workforce; and supporting the AI-enabled businesses that will define Tennessee’s future.

“We officially launched AI TechX in March with key industry partners,” said Vasileios Maroulas, associate vice chancellor and director of AI Tennessee. “Our goal is to de-risk AI adoption, especially for those companies, by providing access to talent, solutions, and trusted university collaboration. This isn’t about theory. AI TechX is about moving AI off the whiteboard and into the workflow.”

The first round of seed funding awarded $60,000 to each project. Each winning team included both UT researchers and industry and community partners to accelerate adoption of artificial intelligence across a variety of disciplines including engineering, business, cybersecurity, and precision agriculture. More than 30 faculty members submitted applications for the first round of funding.

“Our goal is enabling high-impact collaborations and addressing real-world challenges,” said Caleb Knight, director of AI TechX. “Our faculty’s research could lead to new technologies and potential career paths for our graduates.”

The funded projects address a wide array of challenges, here is an overview of the TTAP project that was funded by this initiative:

To read more about the other funded projects, visit this page on research.utk.edu

Tennessee Road

The Conversation: Recycling Asphalt Pavement Can Help the Environment − Now Scientists Are Putting the Safety of Recycled Pavement to the Test

More than 90% of paved roads in the U.S. are made of asphalt, which is constructed with nonrenewable materials such as petroleum. One way to make paving more sustainable is to recycle old pavement. When roads break down and need repaving, transportation agencies can recycle their old pavement into a reusable material called reclaimed asphalt pavement, or RAP. This method reduces carbon emissions and conserves natural resources.

Nearly 95% of new asphalt pavement projects in the U.S. incorporate RAP.

However, researchers don’t know as much about the long-term safety and durability of RAP as they do about new pavement.

Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and CTR Affiliated Faculty member Baoshan Huang and graduate student Jongtao Zhong are working with the Tennessee Department of Transportation to see if engineers can make roads more sustainable without compromising safety. Read more about their research at The Conversation.

TTAP Congratulates First Graduates of the Road Safety Champion Program

Knoxville, TN – June 2025 – The Tennessee Transportation Assistance Program (TTAP) proudly congratulates 52 transportation professionals from across the country who have successfully completed the first phase of the Road Safety Champion Program (RSCP). These individuals have demonstrated a strong commitment to roadway safety and public service by completing all seven core modules of the nationally recognized certificate program.

Developed by the National Center for Rural Road Safety to build a safety-focused transportation workforce, the RSCP provides foundational knowledge on key safety issues, human factors, traffic culture, and effective roadway countermeasures. With participants from local transportation agencies, state departments of transportation, engineering firms, and other public institutions, this graduating cohort represents a diverse and dedicated cross-section of professionals committed to making our roads safer for everyone.

TTAP Director Matt Cate shared his congratulations:

“We are incredibly proud of this group of RSCP graduates. Their dedication to improving roadway safety will have a lasting impact on the communities they serve. By completing this program, they’ve taken a meaningful step toward saving lives.”

The following professionals have earned their RSCP Basic Certificate:

  • Bryan Bartnik – TDOT
  • Howard Blankenship – TDOT
  • Kwaku Boakye – CDM Smith
  • Jacob Brashear – TDOT
  • Paul Brown – City of Morristown
  • Peter Brown – Hamilton County Highway
  • Vicky Bumgardner – Town of Coopertown
  • Brenden Day – Nashville DOT
  • Lisa Dunn – TDOT
  • Timothy Elsea – City of Kingsport
  • James Ensley – T-Square Engineering, Inc
  • Sharees Fife – TDOT
  • Chris Foster – T-Square Engineering, Inc
  • Assaye Gabre – Maryland DOT State Highway Administration
  • Curt Gibbs – TDOT
  • Aaron Hascher – Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority
  • Logan Haynes – City of Knoxville
  • Jonathan Hemenway – Town of Smyrna
  • Robert Hope – TDOT
  • Michelle Hunt – TDOT
  • Robert Jacks – Ajax Engineering, LLC
  • Jesse Jacobsen – Summers-Taylor, Inc
  • Cal Joy – Buchart Horn
  • Hunter Joyner – TDOT
  • Nolan King – TDOT
  • Ryan Lindsay – TDOT
  • Aaron Lynch – Virginia DOT
  • Jeff McCormick – City of Goodlettsville
  • Kendra McCoy – Gresham Smith
  • David Metzger – City of Bristol TN
  • Michael Miner – TDOT
  • James Pittman – City of Chattanooga
  • Randy Plummer – TDOT
  • Humayra Kabir Priyanka – HNTB
  • Alexandria Pruett – TDOT
  • Erin Rakus – TDOT
  • John Ramirez IV – Metra Rail IL
  • Rudolfo Reyes – University of Tennessee
  • Kristen Rice – City of Lebanon
  • Brandon Richardson – SSR-Inc
  • Sunny Sarna – City of Fairfax VA
  • Austin Scott – Barge Design Solutions
  • Amy Shaffer – Washington State DOT
  • Laura Smith – East Tennessee Development District
  • Nicholas Stephens – TDOT
  • Daniel Swain – Nashville DOT
  • Marie Swaney – Anderson County Roads & Bridges SC
  • Randall Tatum – City of Memphis
  • Elisa Taylor – TDOT
  • Coby Webster – City of Knoxville
  • Jonathan West – City of Chicago IL
  • Di Zhu – TDOT
two men working in a train yard. the CTR logo is featured.

Advancing Railroad Training: Over 30 Years and Counting

For over 30 years, the University of Tennessee’s Center for Transportation Research (CTR) and the Tennessee Transportation Assistance Program (TTAP) have been a leader in providing specialized education and training to the railroad industry. With a strong commitment to safety, innovation, and industry best practices, CTR offers a wide range of courses designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in railroad operations, maintenance, and engineering.

Our railroad training programs serve professionals at all levels, from those new to the industry to seasoned experts looking to expand their expertise. CTR also works closely with clients to develop customized courses tailored to specific operational needs and regulatory requirements.

Comprehensive Railroad Training Courses

CTR’s railroad training programs cover critical topics essential to maintaining safety, efficiency, and compliance with industry regulations. Below is a list of courses currently offered:

Track Inspection and Safety Standards

  • Railroad Track Inspection and Safety Standards
  • Railroad Track Inspection and Safety Standards for High-Speed Rail
  • Track Inspection and Safety Standards for Rail Transit Systems

Track Design and Maintenance

  • Basic Railroad Track Maintenance
  • Railroad Track Design
  • Advanced Railroad Track Geometry

Railroad Bridge Inspection and Safety

  • Railroad Timber Bridge Inspection and Maintenance
  • Railroad Steel Bridge Inspection and Maintenance
  • Railroad Bridge Worker Safety

Railroad Safety and Regulatory Compliance

  • Railroad Freight Car Inspection for Interchange and Safety
  • Roadway Worker Protection – An Overview

Industry Expertise: Dr. David Clarke

One of the most distinguished figures in railroad education, Dr. David Clarke, serves as a lecturer for CTR’s railroad training programs. Dr. Clarke, Director Emeritus of CTR, is recognized as one of the premier academic experts in rail transportation.

With a 44-year career in engineering, Dr. Clarke brings unparalleled experience and expertise to CTR’s training programs. His background includes over 16 years working with the UT Center for Transportation Research, contributing to numerous railway infrastructure and safety projects. He has played an instrumental role in CTR’s railroad education program, delivering courses on a variety of railway engineering topics.

Dr. Clarke’s contributions to the rail industry extend beyond education. He is a life member of the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA), an organization dedicated to advancing the development and maintenance of railway infrastructure. His extensive experience in both academia and industry ensures that CTR’s courses reflect the latest technological advancements, regulatory changes, and best practices in railroad safety and engineering.

Join the Future of Railroad Education

The UT Center for Transportation Research remains committed to advancing railroad education, safety, and innovation. Our programs equip professionals with the tools needed to navigate the complexities of modern rail systems, ensuring safe and efficient operations for years to come.

For more information on our railroad training courses or to request a customized program, contact us today and discover how CTR can support your organization’s success in the rail industry.

post title arranged as a certificate

Congratulating Nine Newly Certified TATE Recipients

The Tennessee Transportation Assistance Program (TTAP) offers training courses and workshops to engineers, planners, designers, technicians, and other transportation
personnel.

While all the courses and workshops offered by TTAP are valuable resources for personal and professional development, a select few of these opportunities can lead to the Tennessee Academy of Transportation Engineering (TATE) certification. This certification, a testament to those with unwavering commitment to the field, not only sets these individuals apart in their professional journey but also opens doors to new career opportunities and professional recognition.

The TATE course requirements are set in such a way as to create a comprehensive training experience, equipping the graduates who complete the certification with the knowledge and skills needed to move them forward in their careers and also to raise the level of expertise in their organization and the transportation industry. Participants who achieve this certification must take 54 class hours and complete the following core classes:

  • Geometric Design for 2-lane Roads and Streets
  • Basic Traffic Studies
  • Fundamentals of Traffic Control
  • Traffic Flow Principles
  • Highway Safety Analysis
  • Introduction to Highway Capacity Analysis

Additionally, participants must demonstrate their comprehension of each topic by passing a written exam before earning TATE credit. Completing these classes takes time and commitment. In May 2024, TTAP had the honor of awarding nine TATE certifications to well-deserving individuals. These individuals, who carved time out of their work schedules to achieve this goal, stand as a testament to the dedication and excellence that the TATE certification represents.

Antoine Borden – City of Chattanooga
Peter Brown – Hamilton County Highway Department
Lyndon Bussell – City of McMinnville
Thomas Cassell – Hamilton County Development Services
Malcolm Highsmith – Town of Jonesborough
Vincent Moran – Consolidated Nuclear Security LLC
Tyler Mowery – Hamilton County Development Services
Kenneth Scott – Hamilton County Development Services
Jonathan West – City of Knoxville Transportation Engineering

The Transportation Assistance Program and the University of Tennessee Center for Transportation Research applaud these nine TATE recipients and look forward to training others to join the list of graduates in the future. For more information about the TATE program or any upcoming training, visit our TTAP website.

See rock city barn that instead says "see 9 centers at the 2024 SE region meeting in chattanooga tn

TTAP hosted the 2024 LTAP Southeast Region Meeting

TTAP hosted the 2024 meeting of the National Local and Tribal Technical Assistance Program Association (NLTAPA) Southeast Region from April 8th through the 11th in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

This annual meeting brought together staff members from the region’s nine LTAP centers (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, and Tennessee) to share success stories and discuss common challenges.

The meeting was a great success with 36 LTAP staff members, sponsor representatives, and program stakeholders attending the meeting. The 2025 Southeast Region meeting will be hosted by the North Carolina LTAP Center in Kitty Hawk, NC.

screenshot of the TTAP site homepage

TTAP Unveils Significant Website Update

We are excited to announce that we have just launched a significant update to the TTAP website. In addition to a new look and mobile-friendly design, the website includes new content and improved navigation.

  • TTAP’s Course Calendar is now featured in the site’s top-level menu, making it easier to find the training you need.
  • The News section features relevant, time-sensitive information from TTAP, state and federal agencies, industry associations, news organizations, and more.
  • The Training section includes detailed descriptions of special training programs offered by TTAP and the Center for Transportation Research, including the Traffic Signal Academy, TATE, Road Safety Champions, and Railroad Training. The Training section also details options for on-site training.
  • The Resources section includes several items of interest, including Innovation, Funding Resources, Technical Resources, and Helpful Links.
  • TTAP’s social media channels, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube, are easily accessible from the new website.
  • Finally, our staff directory now includes professional profiles for each member of the TTAP team.

We hope these changes and additions will make our website easier to use and offer you more useful information.