Tennessee Transportation Assistance Program

News

crosswalk light

Addressing Pedestrian Safety in Memphis Through the Crosswalk Talk Initiative

Following a national report by Smart Growth America ranking Memphis as the nation’s deadliest city for pedestrians, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office are tackling the issue with their “Crosswalk Talk” initiative. By engaging directly with pedestrians who cross outside designated crosswalks, law enforcement agencies are gathering crucial data on local walking habits.

Safety officials found that many pedestrians bypass crosswalks due to infrastructure gaps, such as crosswalks spaced half a mile apart, poor sidewalk conditions, or missing connections near key businesses. THSO is sharing these field insights with city and county leaders to help guide future infrastructure updates, pedestrian signal additions, and community education efforts to save lives.

Read more at FOX13 Memphis.

Airton, jenny, and matt at retirement party

TTAP Marketing Coordinator, Jenny Jones, Retires after 32 Years at UT

After nearly 32 years of dedicated service to the University of Tennessee, Jenny Jones has officially retired from her role at the Tennessee Transportation Assistance Program (TTAP).

Throughout her tenure at the Center for Transportation Research (CTR), Jenny played a vital role in keeping TTAP connected with local transportation officials, cities, and counties across the state. As Publications Editor, she assembled TTAP’s quarterly RoadTalk newsletter, working closely with technical staff and external authors to produce timely news stories, highlight technical briefs, and distribute vital updates to our statewide audience. She also spearheaded TTAP’s technology transfer efforts, managing and delivering requested publications to local agencies whenever they needed specialized technical resources.

Behind the scenes, Jenny was the backbone of our educational outreach and programming. In her capacity as Events Registrar, she managed workshop registrations, oversaw billing and payment processing, and led the planning and logistics for meetings, conferences, and major events statewide. Her meticulous organization ensured our educational opportunities ran seamlessly.

Jenny, thank you for your unwavering commitment, support, and the energy you brought to CTR and TTAP every single day. We will miss you immensely, but we wish you all the joy, relaxation, and happiness in this well-deserved next chapter!

Airton, Spence, Matt in front of louisville skyline + NLTAPA logo

TTAP Leadership Connects and Innovates at the NLTAPA Conference

Tennessee Transportation Assistance Program (TTAP) representatives Matthew Cate, Airton Kohls, and Spence Meyers traveled to Louisville, Kentucky, to represent TTAP at the National Local Technical Assistance Program Association (NLTAPA) Annual Conference July 19-23, 2026.

The annual gathering brings together staff from LTAP and TTAP centers nationwide to share best practices, discuss common challenges facing local transportation agencies, and explore new initiatives alongside partners from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). In fact, conference participation is highlighted directly in the NLTAPA strategic plan as a vital professional development experience for center staff.

By participating in dedicated sessions designed for trainers, safety circuit riders, administrators, and leadership, our team gains direct access to national expertise, emerging industry trends, and shared training resources that strengthen our entire organization.

Beyond formal presentations, the event provides essential in-person networking opportunities that foster year-round collaboration and problem-solving across state lines. Engaging with vendors and industry sponsors also gives our representatives a firsthand look at new training tools, safety products, and innovative technology solutions that can be brought back home to enhance local programming.

Attending the NLTAPA conference empowers TTAP to actively shape national transportation priorities while continuously expanding our technical offerings right here in Tennessee. The insights, strategies, and resources brought back from Louisville will help us refine our services and better support the evolving needs of our local agency transportation workforce.

TTAP Needs Assessment Survey (Photo showing TTAP Staff and Flagger Class Participants)

We Request Your Input: Click Here to Answer a Short Survey

To ensure TTAP’s programs and resources continue to align with your needs, we invite you to take a few minutes to complete the 2026 TTAP Needs Assessment Survey. Your feedback on topics of interest, training priorities, and communication preferences will directly inform our training calendar and outreach efforts for the year ahead.

The survey will remain open until Friday, February 20.
We encourage you to share your feedback soon—your input plays an important role in shaping TTAP’s future programming.

Thank you for helping us better serve Tennessee’s local transportation professionals and communities.

The Tennessee Transportation Assistance Program (TTAP) Team

Survey

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.