Montana Local Technical Assistance Program

At our Regional NLTAPA meeting, getting updates and ideas from our peer centers and FHWA.

Not mentioning the DesMoines area is under a tornado warning….‼️ 😳

Grateful for the Phillips County crew and their dedication to good road grader practices! This was 50 miles of smooth gravel road in a near blizzard that I traveled several times last weekend. It had just been graded!

We are now booking classes all around the State. Let us know what you need so we can get you on our schedule!
Classes:
Gravel Roads
Gravel Pit Operations/ gravel quality
Work Zone Flagger certification
Fork lift/ Skid Steer certification
MSHA Part 46 and refreshers
Signing and Pavement Markings
Roadside Safety
Drainage and Culverts

Others available as needed on request!

NPR did a nice job on this piece on their segment called "The Big Why?" I was cautiously optimistic, and I think you will agree that they did a pretty good job with it!

What causes washboard roads? "Harmonic rippling pattern" might seem like a description of the soothing sounds from a white-noise generator lulling you to sleep. That's close. But in this case, the noise machine is your car and the rippling pattern is the washboard road you're bouncing over. One listener wants to know what cause...

Great crowd at the Montana Asphalt Conference in Missoula today!

This man has cheated death. Please pay attention in work zones!

Texas and Ice.... Crazy weather we have had in the south this week!

Drive safely out there!

SPREAD THE WORD
Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk | Super Bowl Campaign
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has developed a safety initiative to educate the public about the importance of sober driving leading up to and during Super Bowl weekend. This initiative includes talking points, media assets, posters, and additional resources that groups may utilize to coordinate messaging to the public.

These resources, developed by NHTSA, offer themed material that encourages people to plan ahead and designate a sober driver before the game starts. And, if someone is hosting a party, to take care of guests.
The message is simple: Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.
For more information or to download the free materials, see this link:

Super Bowl | Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk | Traffic Safety Marketing Themed material encourages people to plan ahead and designate a sober driver before the Super Bowl starts. And, if someone is hosting a party, take care of guests.

We are excited to announce the 2026 SAFETY CONGRESS! These classes are valuable opportunities for professional development and can help you earn Road Scholar credits. All classes will be held at the Lewis and Clark Fairgrounds, Exhibit Hall, 98 West Custer Ave., Helena, MT 59602

Please make sure to read each session description and register for each session you plan to attend. If you have any questions, please reach out to Autumn Gilleard at [email protected].

Flagger Certification Training Courses - 2026 Safety Congress |January 26, 2026 @ 8 AM
Cost: $60 per attendee
Description: This workshop combines lectures, manuals, videos, and hands-on problem solving concerning flagging in a work zone. In addition, the five parts of a Traffic Control Work Zone will be discussed. Finally, a Montana flagger certification will be issued to all participants who successfully pass the course.

Work Zone Technician - 2026 Safety Congress | January 27, 2026 @ 8 AM
Cost: $60 per attendee
Description: This training combines lectures, manuals, videos, and hands-on problem-solving. The five parts of a Traffic Control Work Zone are taught along with covering safety, uniformity, and liability issues. In addition, flagging duties and responsibilities will be reviewed. Participants must have a current Flagger Card.

Traffic Control Supervisor - 2026 Safety Congress | January 28-29, 2026 @ 8 AM
Cost: $85 per attendee

Topic: This two-day training will cover Traffic Control Standards, Fundamental Principles, Traffic Control Devices, and the Temporary Traffic Control Zone components. A score of 80% is needed to pass the exam.

In addition, participants must meet the following requirements to become TCS certified: Current Flagger Card, Successful Completion of Work Zone Technician Course and a minimum of 2 years experience in the field.

Verification for requirements must be submitted to LTAP before TCS certification is issued. Please bring your MUTCD for class course reference. Digital copies & laptops are sufficient.

Train the Trainer - 2026 Safety Congress | January 30, 2026 @ 8 AM
Cost: $85 per attendee
Topic: Passing the Traffic Control Technician and Traffic Control Supervisor training courses are a prerequisite to registering for this course.

Upon successful completion of the above courses, including exams, students become an LTAP Certified Flagging Instructor and are certified to train flaggers for a period of four years.

Priority will be given to Public Agencies; Train the Trainer course is required to teach a certified flagging course in MT. To re-certify as a flagging instructor, students must retake the Train the Trainer course.

Lodging Info: A room block has been set up at the Comfort Inn & Suites | 3180 Washington St, Helena, MT 59602
For reservations call: (406) 495-0505 and Indicate Group Code: Montana LTAP


Instructor: Shawna Page brings over 15 years of experience as a Safety Officer and professional safety instructor, complemented by two decades in the construction industry. Her expertise spans building construction, work zone traffic control, and a wide array of safety protocols. As Montana LTAP’s lead instructor, Shawna delivers numerous courses, including MSHA, MSHA Refresher, OSHA 10, Asbestos Safety, Cold Weather Safety, Flagging, Work Zone Technician, Traffic Control Supervisor, and other specialized safety trainings.

If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to reach out!



Autumn Gilleard
Program Manager

https://www.facebook.com/MTLTAP
Montana LTAP | Montana
Post Office Box 173910
Bozeman, Montana 59717-3910
Cell: (406) 544-5300

Montana Local Technical Assistance Program MT LTAP fosters a safe, efficient, environmentally sound transportation system by improving skills and knowledge of local transportation providers.

September is Su***de Prevention Month. The greatest act of self love you can do is ask for help. The greatest act of love you can do for others is check in on them. It’s okay to not be okay, it’s okay to admit you’re struggling. In a world where we’re all so connected, we’ve slowly become more authentically distant from one another. Only sharing our “Instagram worthy” moments with the world, that we’ve forgotten pain and suffering is equally apart of the human experience. Check in on your people. Ask twice. Sit with them in their pain. Sometimes just knowing someone cares can change everything. Smile at the stranger on the street. Be kind to the person in the grocery store. You never know what kind of positive impact you can leave on those around you. In case no one told you today, you are valued, you are worthy, and you are more than enough. 🤍