In this publication, we will be providing Valuable Currrent Updates. Updates we will share with you are from our staff, local agencies, tribal agencies and our many partnerships. If you have updates you would like shared in this publication, please let us know. ndltap@ugpti.org

Kimberly Vachal named director of NDSU's Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute

Transportation researcher Kimberly Vachal has been named director of North Dakota State University’s Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute beginning November 2.

Lets welcome Kim Vachal to the Directorship for UGPTI

kimberly.vachal@ndsu.edu

Best wishes to Denver Tolliver on his retirement, as of Nov.5.

"For nearly 60 years, the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute has built a solid foundation of research and service," Vachal said. "I look forward to working with the institute’s talented staff and great partners to build on that foundation. Seeking stakeholder engagement and innovative solutions, we will continue our mission to conduct research and outreach that supports safe and efficient transportation for the future."

Local Road Safety Liason

Click here for complete details and applying for this position

Western North Dakota Liason

Click here for complete details and applying for this position

Both positions are open until filled.

NDLTAP Innovation Champions Program - Submit Today

Did You or Your Crew Come Up with a Better Way to Do Their Job?

Big ideas, small fixes, and everything in between. We want to see them!

More Information and Submission Form

The 2027 Build a Better Mousetrap Competition is open for submissions from local transportation agencies across North Dakota!

Did your crew build a handy new tool, modify a piece of equipment, or find a smarter way to tackle an everyday challenge? We want to hear about it. No innovation is too small! Some of the best ideas are simple, low-cost solutions that save time, improve safety, or make the job a little easier.

Innovations don't have to be physical tools, either. New processes, creative uses of technology, and other improvements are welcome. Multiple submissions are encouraged!

NDLTAP Contact:

denise.brown.1@ndsu.edu

701-220-0101

Need inspiration? View Past Submissions

2026 Build a Better Mousetrap Winners - National

FREE Webinar - Dec.9, 2-26 1:00 PM, CT

Questions: CLAS@dot.gov

Each year, FHWA recognizes and celebrates local government and tribal agencies who pioneer innovative solutions that improve transportation performance by increasing safety and saving time and money on projects. This Innovation Exchange webinar will spotlight two of the five.

The 2026 FHWA Build a Better Mousetrap Competition introduced a new national award category: Putting Families First Innovation, recognizing programs, initiatives, tools, or processes that enhance transportation and mobility for families in communities and tribal areas.

Learn More: BABM National Recognition Program for Transportation Innovation

Webinar Registration

Welcome the New County Road Supervisor - Kidder County

We will be highlighting a "New" County Highway Supervisor/Superintendent on a regular basis. Please reach out and welcome them and share your knowledge and experiences with them. This is a very valuable professional development technique for their career moving forward.

Dakota Springer was recently hired as the Road Supervisor in Kidder county. Dakota is eager to show the people of Kidder County what skills he has have to offer. One of things Dakota enjoys while working is stepping in to the motor-grader and maintaining the roads in Kidder County, improving them for safety for the traveling public. Working as a team is a goal to keep everyone safe, every day. Outside of work he spends his time with his wife and their dog, Favorite things to do when he is not working ice fishing,hunting and working on the farm.

Dakota Springer email: deerspringer@gmail.com

231-760-9946

NDACo County Officials Directory for County Updates

You are invited to join us in honoring those who have lost their lives in traffic crashes and the families, friends and communities forever changed by their loss at

North Dakota’s World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

Friday, November 13, 2026

11:30 a.m. - Memorial viewing and gathering

12:00 p.m. - Program begins

Memorial Hall, North Dakota State Capitol

News - Event Details

See what NDLTAP is doing on the road to training. We always keep you up to date on the training we are providing and what partner agencies are providing as well.

The Federal Highway Administration supports 51 Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) Centers with one located in every state and Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands. The LTAP Centers provide training and technical assistance to state and local government agencies on federal safety initiatives and other transportation topics. These centers also have programs to support transportation professionals in their pursuit of industry-related certifications.

Video - Learn More About LTAP Centers

This program is offered with sponsorship from FHWA, ND Department of Transportation, Western Dakota Energy Association, ND Insurance Reserve Fund, and the ND Township Officers Association.

NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Direct inquiries to: Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 201, 701-231-7708, ndsu.eoaa@ndsu.edu.