Untitled Document

Cole to help oversee development of AASHTO computer programs

ITD’s presence in national transportation took another step when Chief Engineer Tom Cole was named to a special committee of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

He accepted a seat on the nine-member Special Committee for Joint Development that provides oversight for AASHTOware, a suite of computer products. The software helps state departments of transportation manage their systems and services.

As an example, ITD uses three bridge software packages – “Pontis” (bridge inspection software), Opis and Vertis. The department also uses Darwin ME (pavement design) and is preparing to implement another of AASHTO’s computer programs, Site Manager, which will be used to assist in construction contract administration.

States can replace their “homegrown” computer programs with the AASHTO-products at a significant savings, Cole explains.

“It is cheaper for states to use the AASHTO software than to go out and develop their own stand-alone products. There is a significant cost of using private vendors to develop the software.”

AASHTO offers about 19 computer products grouped under bridges, rights of way, pavement management and safety.

The AASHTO program is similar to national transportation research. Members contribute to the cost of product development and share the benefits. The oversight committee meets four times a year to set the budget, direction, policies and goals of the technical groups.

Cole will serve a two-year term.

His newest committee assignment complements a number of other AASHTO positions he holds, ensuring ITD a major presence in national transportation.

The AASHTO president recently created several new working groups tasked with implementing MAP-21, (Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century,) the new federal transportation bill approved by Congress this summer.

Cole will chair the safety work group that will provide guidance to the states for implementing MAP-21 and integration of safety measures in the next federal authorization scheduled for consideration in two years.

The group will track safety requirements and clarify key differences between the expired transportation bill and the new MAP-21.

Cole also is a member of the Technical Oversight Working Group that focuses on integrating safety into the project development process;
Is vice-chairman of AASHTO’s Standing Committee on Highway Traffic Safety;
Is a member of the AASHTO/American Council of Engineering Companies Joint Committee;
Is a member of AASHTO’s well-established and influential Standing Committee on Highways; and
Serves on the TRAC/RIDE Oversight Committee. TRAC/RIDE is an AASHTO program that provides resources and curriculum guidance to schools as a way of encouraging students to consider an engineering career.