NOTE: This online course is taken through NHI's new Library Management System, Blackboard. Visit their NHI Blackboard LMS Kickoff page for more information.

Instructions on how to create an account with Blackboard and locate this training will be included in your confirmation email and can be found on your UMTC profile's registration portal page.

Shoulders play an important role in both pavement performance and roadway safety. Maintaining shoulders in a proper and timely manner is a primary goal of transportation agencies. In an effort to assist agencies in meeting this goal, the Shaping and Shoulders training provides information on the maintenance of both paved and unpaved shoulders, including specific details on the maintenance of gravel shoulders.

In addition to a discussion of the various types of shoulders, project selection considerations, and key maintenance issues, this training places shoulders and shaping into the context of an overall maintenance and pavement preservation program.

This training was developed as part of the Maintenance Training Series (134109). The series consists of 11 Self-Directed trainings (SDTs) on various maintenance operations topics, ranging from the conceptual (pavement preservation) to the practical (management of underground storage tanks). The trainings included in the Series are listed below and each will take approximately 1 hour to complete:

• Pavement Preservation Program (134109A)
• Shaping and Shoulders (134109B)
• Thin HMA Overlays and Leveling (134109C)
• Base and Subbase Stabilization and Repair (134109D)
• Drainage (134109E)
• Outdoor Advertising and Litter Control (134109F)
• Roadside Vegetation Management (134109G)
• Weather-related Operations (134109H)
• Basics of Work Zone Traffic Control (134109I)
• Underground Storage Tanks (134109J)
• Cultural and Historic Preservation (134109K)

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

• Identify desirable characteristics of various types of shoulders
• Identify project selection considerations for shaping and shoulders
• Describe shoulder shaping and blading activities, including equipment requirements and construction activities
• Describe how a shoulder and ditching program forms the core of the overall maintenance and pavement preservation program

Target Audience:

This course was designed for State, regional, and county personnel who manage operations programs and deal with oversight and quality assurance over broader geographic areas. The target audience is also involved with handling materials, scheduling, budgeting and planning.

*Take a look at NHI’s How-To Guides for tips & tricks on using their system.

Direct any NHI website or training questions or issues to the NHI HELP/FAQ page or contact NHI directly via NHICustomerService@dot.gov or 1-877-558-6873.

Disclaimer: Accommodations for Disabilities: UMTC endeavors to provide an inclusive learning environment for all. If you require special services or arrangements to fully participate in this workshop, please email Stephanie Cottrell  or call 413-800-2655 at least 14 days prior to the event. Such services are provided free of charge.