The American Road and Transportation Builders Association Transportation Development Foundation (ARTBA-TDF) will host its 2009 “National Traffic Management and Work Zone Safety Conference” in conjunction with the 2009 World of Asphalt Show & Conference, scheduled for March 9-12 in Orlando, Fla. The announcement comes following an agreement between ARTBA-TDF, and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA), which are World of Asphalt co-owners.
ARTBA organized the first work zone safety conference in 1985 and has subsequently hosted seven additional national and international events. In 2007, the highly-acclaimed conference was renamed and offered under the auspices of the “National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse,” a project administered by the ARTBA-TDF. The Clearinghouse, based at the Texas Transportation Institute, is the nation’s largest information resource on roadway work safety issues.
“We are pleased to join forces with the AEM and NAPA to add the work zone and traffic management conference to the successful World of Asphalt program of events,” ARTBA President and CEO Pete Ruane said. “It is a ‘win-win’ proposition for both the organizers and attendees and will provide a unique educational experience for anyone involved in the roadway construction industry.”
In addition to hosting the conference, the ARTBA-TDF will organize a “traffic management and safety pavilion” in the World of Asphalt exhibit hall and offer U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety training sessions.
The World of Asphalt is the asphalt industry’s leading exposition and education resource. It features industry-focused educational programming and comprehensive exhibits showcasing the latest technologies and innovations in asphalt-related equipment, products and services for highway and pavement maintenance professionals, contractors, public officials and traffic safety professionals.
“This ARTBA-TDF conference and exhibit pavilion will offer additional learning opportunities to enhance the show experience of attendees, and is an example of our commitment to provide them with the knowledge they need for maximum productivity and safety. ARTBA’s involvement illustrates the value of cooperative efforts to benefit industry professionals,” said show manager Sara Truesdale Mooney.
The traffic management and work zone conference program will include sessions on:
Accommodating pedestrians, cyclists and persons with disabilities in work zones;
Complying with new Federal Highway Administration regulations on high-visibility clothing and payment for temporary traffic control;
Challenges and opportunities of night time construction;
Avoiding worker runovers and backovers;
Legal liabilities for traffic control; and
New safety and health training programs.
For more information about the conference, contact ARTBA-TDF Executive Director of Safety Training & Education Brad Sant at 202/289-4434, and details on exhibition opportunities, contact ARTBA Events and Special Projects Manager Jim Colleton at 202/289-4434.
