Publication Number: FHWA-HRT-2006-001

Internet Watch

by Kevin Monaghan

NHI Launches Updated Web Site And New Courses

On June 5, 2006, the National Highway Institute (NHI) launched its much-anticipated improved Web site at www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov. The updated NHI Web site features user-friendly navigation and an expanded e-commerce module that enables participants to enroll in and pay for courses.

New and Improved Features

Users can easily browse the NHI training catalog for course information and scheduled sessions. In addition to searching by keyword, title, and course number, users also can find more details by using advance search functions, including location, course level, and session dates. They also can learn whether a course is instructor-led or Web-based, and they can visit the new NHI store to purchase copies of course materials.

NHI also has improved Web conferencing and host requests by adding new functions. Users can complete online requests quickly and save contact information for future submissions.

The new resources section of the Web site houses essential tools for NHI course development and delivery. The section includes online presentations, style guides, templates, and ideas for the successful implementation of NHI courses. In addition, NHI instructors are able to complete online registration and become part of the NHI instructor community that facilitates the exchange of ideas and information, enabling NHI to continually improve in meeting participants' training needs.

In addition, the NHI Web site now provides enhanced customer service through new security features, including a login component. Users now register to access certain areas of the site by creating a user ID and password at https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/NHIUPLR/Login.aspx.

Updated Course Offerings

In addition to improving the Web site, NHI has added the following new courses:

• Underwater Bridge Inspection (FHWA-NHI-130091)—The latest update to the National Bridge Inspection Standards, which became effective January 13, 2005, requires bridge inspection training for all divers conducting underwater inspections. Course topics include methods of underwater inspection, underwater material deterioration mechanisms and inspection techniques, scour inspection techniques, and underwater element level rating.
• Managing Travel for Planned Special Events (2-day, FHWA-NHI-133099, and 1-day, FHWA-NHI-133099A)—These courses provide practitioners with a working knowledge of the techniques and strategies involved in successfully planning and operating traffic for special events such as parades and sporting events. Practitioners will gain an understanding of the collective tasks facing multi-disciplinary and interjurisdictional stakeholder groups charged with the development and implementation of solutions to acute and systemwide impacts on travel during a planned special event.
• Integrated Transportation Management for Small- and Medium-Sized Communities (FHWA-NHI-137043)—This is a 1-day introductory course aimed at helping those involved in the planning, design, implementation, and operation of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) in small- and medium-sized communities. This course also introduces the use of Advanced Transpor-tation Management Systems and Advanced Traveler Information Systems when deployed in small- and medium-sized communities.
• Improving Highway Safety with Intelligent Transportation Systems (FHWA-NHI-137044)—This is a 2-day course aimed at increasing the awareness of the potential to be gained by implementing highway safety improvements through the deployment of ITS technologies at the highway system, mainstream (highway improvement project), and stand-alone project level. The course also accelerates the introduction and evaluation of ITS applications by increasing recognition of their contributions to making highways safer. The course surveys the participants on their experiences deploying ITS for highway safety improvements and reviews procedures and requirements for safety strategic planning and the ITS deployment process.

For a complete description of these courses, visit the improved NHI Web site at www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov. If you have any questions, contact the NHI Training Team at 703-235-0534 or nhitraining@fhwa.dot.gov.

NHI's improved Web site is shown here.

Kevin Monaghan is a contractor for NHI.