Maintenance, Engineering & Roadway Operations Workshop

Explore the Gordie Howe International Bridge by Bus!

With construction well underway, the Gordie Howe International Bridge project will soon add another crossing option to the Windsor-Detroit trade corridor. The new six-lane bridge will provide additional crossing capacity, along with two state-of-the-art ports of entry and a direct highway-to-highway connection at the busiest commercial land gateway between Canada and the US.

Join Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority representatives for a driving tour of the US Port of Entry and Gordie Howe International Bridge site to get a first-hand look at key features integrated into this once-in-lifetime project before opening.

The IBTTA staff will be taking in a baseball game on Saturday evening and sitting in Section 333, Rows 6 & 7. We invite you to grab a group of colleagues and join us at the game! You can grab tickets here https://www.mlb.com/tigers/tickets/single-game-tickets.

If you’re attending the Technical Tour earlier in the day, the bus will offer drop-off at the ballpark, as well as at the hotel.

Join us for this timely session about the challenges facing bridges over navigable waterways. Bridge operators are wrestling with the approaches to mitigate the risk in light of the recommendations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) that operators of bridges designed before the current guidance for vulnerability assessments analyze the risks of a vessel strike and potential mitigation strategies to protect essential infrastructure.

This panel will share their perspective on the technical aspects of risk assessments and the challenges related to their findings. Bridge operators will discuss how their commitment to safety and structural integrity is being managed against the large mitigation project costs, funding and insurance challenges, response plans, growth in large vessels, and operational and technical coordination with the maritime community.

From major public events to extreme weather emergencies, transportation agencies face increasing demands to ensure safety, mobility, and resilience under pressure. This session explores strategies for managing large-scale events—ranging from local festivals to global gatherings like the Olympics—as well as responding effectively to extreme weather driven by climate change. Panelists will touch on innovative technologies, traffic management approaches, communication tools, and road maintenance practices that support smooth operations and infrastructure resilience in dynamic, high-stakes environments.

This session will delve into cutting-edge asset management technologies and strategies aimed at enhancing the resilience and longevity of toll facilities. Explore case studies, best practices, and innovative solutions designed to minimize operational disruptions during maintenance activities. Hear real life experiences and insights on how these technologies can ensure efficient and sustainable tolling operations.

This session will address the critical issue of excessive speeding, a factor in nearly 30% of U.S. traffic fatalities. Explore strategies, technologies, and design innovations aimed at reducing speeds and improving safety, with a particular focus on work zones on toll roads and bridges. Learn best practices and solutions for creating safer roadways and preventing speed-related accidents.

This session will explore how emerging technologies are reshaping transportation and infrastructure management. Delve into innovations in toll systems, data analytics, automation, and technology integrations that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall system performance. Learn about the latest advancements and how they are driving smarter, more sustainable infrastructure solutions.

This session will highlight the latest advancements in traffic tunnel construction and maintenance. Explore case studies, best practices, and innovative strategies for addressing common tunnel infrastructure challenges. Join the discussion on how to enhance tunnel safety, improve operational efficiency, and implement smarter technologies for future-ready tunnel systems.

Join us for a memorable networking reception at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. Mingle with colleagues over drinks and hors d’oeuvres while exploring inspiring exhibits in a private, after-hours setting. From the bus where Rosa Parks made history to a collection of Presidential vehicles dating back to 1902, the evening offers a unique glimpse into the past that helped shape the world we live in today.

Sponsored by: BDO

Explore the principles and practices of Vision Zero—a bold commitment to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries while promoting safe, equitable mobility for all. This session invites discussion on effective strategies, interventions, and research related to road design, maintenance, policy, and community engagement. Come hear new insights and help advance the goal of zero traffic deaths.

As electric vehicles (EVs) grow in popularity, lithium-ion battery fires remain a major concern due to their intense heat, long burn times, and complex behavior. In 2024, the IBTTA workshop addressed these challenges, helping agencies assess their readiness. This session revisits the topic, highlighting steps by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and others to protect people, infrastructure, and the environment. It will cover advances in suppression technologies, regulatory updates, and training programs, offering practical insights for responders, engineers, and stakeholders to develop effective, agency-specific safety strategies.

Discover how emerging technologies are reshaping the tolling industry. This session will explore the transformative impact of innovations such as artificial intelligence, drones, optical devices, and augmented reality on tolling operations. Learn how these tools are enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making. Panelists will share real-world experiences, implementation strategies, and lessons learned in adopting these technologies to modernize tolling systems.