The Center for Technology and Training (CTT), a part of the Michigan Tech Transportation Institute (MTTI), hosted the Michigan Bridge Workshop and Conference in Howell, March 20 and 21.
The conference brought together more than 160 engineers and engineering technicians from Michigan County Road Commissions, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the Federal Highway Administration, and private firms to learn about bridge design, construction, inspection, funding, and administrative issues related to bridges and new bridge technology.
Research Engineer John Kiefer (CTT) planned and managed the two-day event, with assistance from Technical Writer Shaughn Kern (CTT). Assistant Professor Andrew Swartz (CEE) was the conference moderator. Research Engineer Chris Gilbertson (CTT) and Program Manager Brad Wagner ’00 (MDOT) presented an update on the state of practice of Michigan’s bridge load rating program.
Also presenting at the conference were these Michigan Tech alumni:
Dave Juntunen ’86, bridge operations engineer, MDOT
Richard Kathrens ’92, bridge safety inspection engineer, MDOT
Kim Nowack ’85, chief engineer, Mackinac Bridge Authority
Jay Ruohonen ’84, president, BridgeGuard
Amy Trahey ’94, president, Great Lakes Engineering Group
Associate Professor Theresa Ahlborn (CEE) gave a presentation at a reception sponsored by the Alumni Association: “The Mighty Mac: Becoming an ASCE National Historic Landmark.”
For more information on the conference, see Bridge.