TTI Senior Research Engineer and Materials & Pavements Division Head David Newcomb delivered a presentation at Texas Representative Terry Wilson’s Virtual Town Hall on September 30, 2020. The discussion centered on the impact of increased truck traffic due to the Aggregate Production Operations Industry in surrounding communities.
“Representative Wilson’s office reached out to TTI prior to this town hall because they are aware that TTI has exceptional subject matter experts in all areas of transportation, including pavements and materials,” TTI Government Affairs Coordinator Kirbie Ferrell says. “We were fortunate that David was able to find some time in his schedule to prepare a presentation in fairly short order. He did a great job covering relevant information and responding to questions.”
The presentation aimed to address some of the representative’s concerns about increased truck traffic on 281 in Marble Falls. Newcomb covered an overview of the basic factors that go into pavement designs, as well as the impact of increased heavy commercial vehicle traffic on roads in the energy sector areas of the state, such as Eagle Ford and the Permian Basin. He emphasized the need to carefully evaluate roadway safety and pavement conditions ahead of mining operations.
“Changes in land use bring about changes in the types and number of vehicles using our roads and bridges,” Newcomb says. “The infrastructure needs to change appropriately in order to adapt to the current safety and longevity requirements.”
In accordance with guidance provided to members of the Texas House by the Speaker and House Parliamentarians, this virtual webinar was open to all Texans, members of the Texas Legislature and their staff, and other constitutional branches of government. The webinar recording is available on YouTube.