The next conference will be held December 5–7, 2007.

WHAT'S NEW THIS YEAR

Thomas M. Welch

Thomas M. Welch is the state transportation safety engineer for the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) and chairs the Iowa Safety Management System, a multidisciplinary and multiagency partnership of public- and private-sector entities concerned with highway safety. He also manages several other highway safety programs, including the Iowa DOT Traffic Safety Research Program. These safety programs were highlighted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in its 2002 report on Best Practices in Highway Safety Programs.

Mr. Welch has taught courses in highway design and transportation planning at Iowa State University. He is a member of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Standing Committee on Highway Traffic Safety and the TRB Committees on Transportation Safety Management and Safety Data, Analysis, and Evaluation.

He was awarded the 2004 AASHTO President's Special Award of Merit in recognition of "outstanding leadership, innovation, and dedication to strategic highway safety initiatives in Iowa and across America." He has a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and has completed all course work towards an master's degree in transportation engineering from Iowa State University.

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

The 2006 Transportation Engineering and Safety Conference promises to provide important information for today's transportation professionals throughout Pennsylvania, the mid-Atlantic states, and the country. Transportation experts will speak on a variety of current issues. The forum is designed to foster discussion and interaction between the presenters and the audience and advance the knowledge of transportation professionals. Optional, preconference workshops will be offered for more in-depth coverage of selected topics.

The conference will consist of four tracks of concurrent sessions, a transportation technology exhibition, and optional professional workshops. The four tracks will cover a wide range of transportation topics, with significant depth in each session. The conference will hold something for all transportation professionals.