A Family Gathering - Pavement Evaluation 2019

It was a great pleasure to attend PE2019 in Roanoke VA this September. It was very ably hosted by VTTI and Gerardo and Edgar were exceptional conference coordinators. This conference is joined by the Road Profiler Users Group (RPUG) as its annual gathering. Most enjoyable of all, the annual gathering of pavement data collectors and analyzers is like a family reunion. We all share a common interest in moving our profession forward and are comfortable discussing our various and differing opinions on the best path to improvement. I find that we, as a group, value and care about every individual regardless of any professional disagreements that we may have. Since I no longer represent a state agency, my role has, by necessity, changed. It was encouraging for me to feel that my input was still valued and that I can effectively participate in the process of moving us forward.

I applaud the focus of VTTI and this conference on safety and in particular as it relates to pavement Skid Resistance. I believe this pavement metric is at least as important as roughness and, despite much research, is not well understood by most highway professionals. I also believe that I sense a change towards enlightenment in this area and hope to lend whatever help I can provide to move Skid Resistance to the prominence it deserves.

A big “THANK-YOU” to all who hosted dinners and to those that made me feel so AT HOME. We are indeed a FAMILY that has its disagreements but truly cares about each and every member including, I think, old goats like me.

I am looking forward to seeing many of our “family” members again at Safer Roads 2020 and at the next RPUG.