
The Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) was launched in 1982 as an initiative of the Federal Highway Administration aimed at helping improve local roadways not on the Federal Aid Highway system. Sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the program continues to provide local governments with training and technical assistance targeting their transportation needs. LTAP centers operate in all states. In Texas, the Lone Star LTAP Center functions under the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), an agency of the Texas A&M University System.
The Lone Star LTAP Center tailors its programs to meet local needs. The 254 counties of Texas and more than 1,200 cities/towns are responsible for the maintenance of over 220,000 miles of roads, and more than 12,000 span-type bridges. This results in a massive local need for sound technical advice from experienced road, bridge/culvert, and traffic safety professionals.
To meet this need, the Lone Star LTAP Center provides training and “hands on” technical assistance that focuses on road and bridge/culvert maintenance, and the use of traffic control devices and other techniques to promote traffic safety. Technical assistance is typically provided in a two-day format. On the first day the TEEX instructor tours local road conditions with agency representatives. This allows the instructor to have a first-hand understanding of local needs and concerns, and helps focus the technical training conducted on the second day.
These training and technical assistance services are conducted without charge to local city/county agencies in Texas.
The Lone Star LTAP newsletter, Lone Star Roads, keeps you informed about current technologies in the areas of road maintenance, bridge maintenance, and traffic safety.
FY2013 - Issue 1 (PDF, 6.63 mb)
FY2012 - Issue 1 (PDF, 4.75mb)
FY2012 - Issue 2 (PDF, 2.07 mb)
FY2012 - Issue 3 (PDF, 1.55 mb)
More than 350 videotapes are available from the center's collection. They include such topics as seal coats, potholes, work zone traffic control, motor grader operations, and maintenance for roadway drainage.
LTAP has a cooperative relationship with The Texas Association of County Engineers and Road Administrators (TACERA). TACERA strives to provide their members and other local county officials the latest information on issues currently affecting their operations. LTAP provides assistance with technical sessions to help support TACERA’s conferences and workshops.
Texas LTAP is co-sponsored by the Texas Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration.