CALTAP News & Events: May 12th, 2026

Federal Aid Series: Right-of-Way Training

May 27–28, 2026, 8:30am–12pm PT


CALTAP is hosting a two-day online training detailing the high-level process and procedures for completion of project right of way work. This training outlines state & federal regulations that Local Public Agencies must follow for compliance with Uniform Act 49 CFR Part 24 & 23 CFR Part 710, required when completing Right of Way activities on projects with federal aid.


Webinar Topics:


  • RoW Requirements for Federal Aid Projects
  • Understanding RoW & Utility Processes
  • Methods to Accomplish RoW Deliverables
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Webinar: High-Speed Buses

May 13, 2026, 10am–11am PT


Join the Caltrans DRISI as they explore new research on how high-speed buses—potentially traveling 80–140 mph—might operate safely if found feasible on California’s freeway system.


Webinar Topics:


  • How vehicle dynamics & roadway design affect maximum bus speeds
  • What infrastructure strategies could enable higher-speed operations
  • How high-speed buses could fit into the context of our freeway network
  • What research gaps & future needs Caltrans is preparing to address

Webinar: Load Rating of Segmental Bridges

May 13, 2026, 10am–11am PT



This latest webinar in the FHWA Bridge Load Rating series shares awareness and state of the practice, lessons learned, research advancement, and available resources with attending practitioners.


Presentations include the newly completed NCHRP Project 12-123 with case studies on the load rating of segmental bridges.


Presenters:


  • Jonathan Buck, FHWA, (Moderator)
  • Andrzej Nowak, Auburn University
  • Karina Popok, Gresham Smith
  • Hani Nassif, Rutgers University
  • Randale Shinn, Hardesty & Hanover
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Webinar: AI in Transportation

May 21, 2026, 11am–12pm PT


This month's Innovation Exchange Webinar, "AI in Transportation: Data Collection for Asset Management", explores how data and AI are transforming transportation asset management and infrastructure decision-making.


Session Highlights:


  • Lessons learned from agencies currently deploying AI applications
  • Real-world examples of AI-powered pavement condition assessment
  • How AI is reducing manual effort while improving speed & accuracy
  • Integrating AI into existing transportation asset management programs
  • Strategies for scaling AI initiatives to improve system performance

Training: Safe Flagger Operations

June 2, 2026, 5:30am–9am PT


Safe Flagger Operations & Required PPE reviews the basic elements of roadway work zones for two-lane temporary traffic control, with an emphasis on rural and urban applications for local roadway systems.


The session addresses the use of advance warning signs and traffic control devices for flagging procedures, providing practical guidance for establishing safe, compliant work zones. Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when working around vehicular traffic will also be reviewed, ensuring workers understand how to protect themselves in high-risk roadway environments.


Instructor:


  • Gary D. Browning, CPM, Training Mgr & Safety Circuit Rider, Ohio LTAP

Training: ATSSA Flagger Certification

June 3, 2026, 8am–12pm PT


The ATSSA Flagger Certification workshop in Reno, NV, covers why proper flagger operations are important, the skillset of a good flagger, standard flagger control references, and best practices for various situations, all delivered via a combination of lecture, video, and group activities.


Learning Objectives:


  • Describe why practicing safe flagging operations is important
  • List the components and associate elements of standard flagging setups
  • Recognize key elements of proper flagging signals and procedures
  • Recall factors used for determining proper flagger station positioning
  • Describe basic flagging techniques using one or more flaggers
  • List effective communication techniques between flaggers & others
  • Describe nighttime considerations, setup & removal, and use of flagging


Instructor:


  • Carrie Brown, MSML, Director, Nevada LTAP & Western TTAP


Click here to register for the June 4, 2026, session instead

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Training: Child Passenger Safety Certification

June 9-12, 2026, 8am–12pm PT


Attend this CPS certification course in Blue Lake, CA, to learn proper use of car seats, booster seats, seat belts, and vehicle safety systems.


Learning Outcomes:


  • Provide basic knowledge about car seats, booster seats, & seat belts
  • Develop & practice effective communication skills to educate caregivers
  • Provide caregivers important information & resources on the safe transportation of children


CPS Course Instructor:


  • Carrie Brown, MSML, Director, Nevada LTAP

Training: Working with Local Media

June 9, 2026, 7am–8:30am PT


Attend the free Working with Local Media webinar for practical strategies on building strong/collaborative relationships with journalists and news orgs.


Whether your past experiences with media outlets have been positive or challenging, this session will equip you with tools to enhance outreach and effectively convey your agency’s message.


Learning Objectives:


  • Who is your audience, and what they need from you
  • Identify the best ways to communicate and connect with your audience
  • Learn the best format for news releases and interviews

Special Event: APWA Legislative Day

June 10, 2026, 8:30am–5pm PT


Join fellow professionals from APWA and ASCE for an impactful legislative day to make your voice heard on the issues shaping CA's infrastructure future.


Gain insight into the latest legislative and policy issues affecting engineering and public works industries across the state, while learning practical strategies for effective advocacy and engagement with elected officials.


APWA Legislative Day will include informative discussions, industry networking opportunities, and visits to the State Capitol to meet legislators and their staff.

Training:

Winter Maintenance Supervisor Certificate

June 16-18, 2026, 8am–10:30am PT


The Winter Maintenance Supervisor Certificate Program helps those in charge of winter operations understand all facets of what goes into developing and maintaining an effective winter maintenance program, resulting in more effective, efficient, equitable and environmentally friendly snow and ice control.


Learning Objectives:


  • Explain the necessary steps of planning & preparation
  • Discuss winter weather & explain how it affects operations
  • Identify how to better use traditional & alternative chemicals
  • Consider what equipment is available & how to maintain it
  • Evaluate and utilize snow & ice control techniques
  • Describe the environmental impacts of winter maintenance policies
  • Utilize responsible application procedures

Training: Barrier Basics

June 16, 2026, 8am–10:30am PT


This virtual training explores the basics of longitudinal roadside barriers, with topics like when/why road barriers are needed, the types and characteristics of barriers, and how to locate guidance for their placement and installation.


Participants will have a chance to use resources such as the AASHTO Roadside Design Guide to answer questions and make decisions about real-world scenarios you might encounter when placing barriers

APWA Public Works Expo 2026

August 30 - September 2, 2026, 8am–5pm PT


The APWA Public Works Expo (PWX) is taking place this year at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX.


PWX provides a first-class multi-modal learning experience designed for professionals at all levels and across the entire spectrum of public works. Come prepared to see, hear, touch, and discuss in a variety of traditional and interactive sessions, seminars, workshops, and networking opportunities.

National Transportation in Indian Country

November 15-19, 2026, 8am–4pm PT


The 2026 National Transportation in Indian Country Conference (NTICC) in Chandler, Arizona, is now open for registration.


This annual event is hosted by the Center for Tribal Transportation and is planned and organized by a committee comprised of tribal transportation professionals from tribes and tribal organizations across the U.S.


NTICC features learning sessions and conference tracks tailored to fit the transportation related professional development needs in Indian Country.

Other Upcoming Trainings & Events



Final Push: 2026 SS4A Applications | May 13, 2026, 9am–10am

Join the Safety Navigator for California Communities for a free webinar to learn how to draft and submit applications for the 2026 SS4A program


Transportation Design & Contracts | May 13-14, 2026, 8am–4pm

This 2-day in-person training provides in-depth instruction on federal construction contracting as it applies to tribal transportation programs


Pavement Sustainability | May 12 & 14, 2026, 2pm–4pm

This 4-hour course will introduce definitions and metrics for assessing and improving the sustainability of pavements across the life cycle


Asphalt Paving: Equipment & Prep | May 14, 2026, 11:30am–1:30pm

This free 2-hour webinar introduces the equipment and preparation steps necessary for a quality asphalt paving project.


National Public Works Week | May 17-23, 2026, 8am–4pm

APWA presents their annual National Public Works Week (NPWW) celebration honoring the professionals who keep our communities running


Bikeway Design & Safety Improvement | May 18-20, 2026, 1pm–5pm

This class on design of facilities for bicycling addresses both legacy facilities and innovative designs that are being developed within many communities


Fundamentals of Traffic Engineering | May 18-21, 2026, 8am–5pm

The course spans the full range of key areas from characteristics of the transportation system, analysis of flow and capacity, traffic operations, & more


ATSSA Flagger Training | May 19, 2026, 8am–12:30pm

This workshop covers why proper flagger operations are important, the skillset of a good flagger, standard flagger control references, and best practices


Buy America De Minimis Cost Waiver | May 19, 2026, 9am–10:30pm

Join Caltrans DLA for a virtual tutorial on the purpose and usage of its Build America Buy America De Minimis Cost Waiver Workbook.


Asphalt Paving Placement & Compaction | May 21, 2026, 11:30am–1:30pm

This free 2-hour webinar continues the discussion of best practices in asphalt paving, specifically focusing on placement and compaction

PWX Radio: Snow Business


The latest Public Works Radio edition Why Public Works Strategizes for Winter Operations When The Temps Are Hot reviews APWA's North American Snow Conference in Cleveland, OH.


While nearly all of North America is out of the winter threat and will be for quite some time, it's no coincidence that this event takes place in the middle of spring. You'll learn from four passionate experts in today's episode that snow and ice planning is a year-round endeavor — and with summer quickly approaching, right now is actually the perfect time to start the process of ensuring next year's winter prep is a success.

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Build a Better Mousetrap 2026


CALTAP is excited to announce the launch of California’s 2026 Build a Better Mousetrap (BABM) statewide competition.


Designed to celebrate local ingenuity on a national platform, BABM is a federally sponsored initiative that recognizes agencies from across the country who are using innovation to solve transportation-related problems that improve job safety and efficiency.


Eligible solutions must be locally relevant and could include anything from the development of a new project design/delivery process to the invention of a new tool, equipment, or modification that increases efficiency, enhances safety, reduces cost, and/or improves the quality of local road transportation.

APWA Reporter Magazine: May 2026


The May 2026 issue of APWA's Reporter Magazine showcases smart-city readiness roadmaps, Toronto's equity-based green streets program, and an outlook on the future of public works in Raleigh, NC.

Recording: Mini & Modular Roundabouts


On April 28th & 29th, 2026, California LTAP hosted a 2-part training on the benefits of Mini & Modular Roundabouts.


This 7-hours of presentation and Q&A showcase how these roundabout configurations represent a low-cost, quick construction, and traffic calming solution that will be competitive in the upcoming local Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 13 call for projects, anticipated in late May or early June of 2026.

Recording: LSA Program 
Emergency Work Notifications


A recording of our April 21st, 2026, webinar on Lake & Streambed Alteration Emergency Work Notifications, presented by Caltrans ECO and the California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW), is now available.


The Lake & Streambed Alteration (LSA) Program is responsible for issuing LSA Agreements when activities in and around rivers, lakes, and streams may substantially adversely affect fish and wildlife resources.


Presenters:


  • Dana Cota, Sr Environmental Planner, Caltrans
  • Carmen Tull, Sr Environmental Scientist, CDFW

Other Recordings, Research, & Reports


EDC Round 8

The Every Day Counts (EDC) program is rolling out six new initiatives to help transportation agencies deliver projects faster & build safer transportation


PWX Radio: Sentinel Animals

The latest edition "Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road? To Serve Our Communities" discusses the benefits of sentinel animals with 3 field experts


Steel Bridge Collaboration Guidelines

AASHTO and the National Steel Bridge Alliance have jointly released two new stainless steel bridge collaboration publications


Transportation Planning in Non-Metropolitan/Rual Areas

NCHRP's latest report highlights strategies employed by state DOTs to ensure effective coordination with non-metropolitan officials


Roadside Pollinators Grant Program

RPP has allocated a total of $3.8M for activities that benefit pollinators on roadsides and highway rights-of-way.


APWA Reporter Magazine: April 2026

The April 2026 issue of Reporter Magazine showcases safety lessons from Australia & New Zealand, explains variable speed limits, and more


Recording: Accelerate Delivery of Road Safety Projects

The recording of FHWA's February 26 webinar successful implementation of modular designs & materials is now available.


NCRRS Celebrates 59 Road Safety Graduates

The National Center for Rural Road Safety is celebrating the graduation of 59 participants of its Road Safety Champion Program


The Life-Saving Role of Post-Crash Care

A recent NPR segment highlights a major advancement in trauma care: administering blood transfusions directly at the scene of an emergency

More Training Coming Up in May


Need a closer look? Stop by CALTAP.org for a calendar view of upcoming training and events focused specifically on local agency project success.

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California Local Technical Assistance Program

Center for international Trade & Transportation

California State University, Long Beach

6300 E State University Dr, Long Beach, CA 90815

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