July 2018
UFTI Researcher Uses Drones to Inspect Bridges
Traffic structures in Florida must be inspected regularly, every 2 years for bridges and every 5 years for high mast light poles. Bridges that are difficult to access often require special bridge inspection vehicles that have extension arms to position the inspector under the bridge but also require lane closures. High mast light-poles are visually inspected with binoculars. Dr. Jennifer Bridge, associate professor in the Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment (ESSIE), demonstrated using small unmanned aerial vehicles (SUAVs), or drones, for structural inspection of bridges and high mast light poles. SUAVs were found to be useful in specific situations to monitor known defects and avoid lane closures. 
UFTI Affiliate Launches SmartDrive Rehabilitation Services
The ability to operate a vehicle can be integral to a person’s ability to maintain independence and mobility. UFTI affiliate Dr. Sherrilene Classen hosted the launch of the SmartDrive Driver Rehabilitation Services on July 12, 2018. Dr. Classen is the SmartDrive director as well as professor and chair of the UF Department of Occupational Therapy. SmartDrive is the area’s only driving rehabilitation service offering evaluations and interventions to improve driving skills of older adults and drivers of all ages who have medical conditions that may affect driving, such as neurodegenerative diseases, brain injury and learning disabilities. The goal is to preserve, promote and improve independent, safe and appropriate mobility. 
SAVE THE DATE! 6th Annual UTC Conference on Oct. 24-25, 2018
The 6th Annual University Transportation Center Conference for the Southeastern Region will be hosted by the Center for Connected Multimodal Mobility ( C²M²) at Clemson University. The conference will be held on October 24-25, 2018.
Apply to Be an Instructor!
The T2 Center is looking for qualified instructors for the following courses:
  • Intermediate Maintenance of Traffic
  • Advanced Maintenance of Traffic
  • Pilot Escort
If interested, please send a resume and references to Don Weatherby, T2 training coordinator, or Alyssa Mercadante, network assistant.
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