Barton earns Road Master and Scholar certifications

BONNERS FERRY — Boundary County’s Road & Bridge road foreman Bradley Barton received both his Road Scholar and Road Master certifications on Monday, Sept. 25.

After approximately five years and 160 hours of training, Barton earned the coursework necessary to complete the Road Scholar and Road Master programs through the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council.

The programs are ways for local highway jurisdiction staff, like Boundary County Road & Bridge, to earn professional development experience, Renee Nelson, Boundary County R&B co-superintendent, said.

The Road Scholar Program consists of at least 80 hours of core classes and electives usually covered within a four-year period. Some of the topics covered are Roadway Materials, Pavement Maintenance, Effective Communication, Flagger Certification, Winter Maintenance, Motor Grader Operation and Basic Survey. Courses require at least an 80% score to pass in both programs.

The Road Master Program consists of at least 80 hours of core classes and electives covered within four-year period. Some of the topics covered are Roadway Drainage, Environmental BMP’s, Speed Limits & Speed Zones, Small Structure inspection and maintenance.

Dan Coonce, T2 director, presented Barton with the certifications. He said the Road Master program builds upon the coursework from the Road Scholar program.

In addition to the certifications, Barton received a leatherman tool and the coveted LTHAC Carhart jacket.

"Bradley’s completion of both programs provides him with the knowledge and practical applications from the training for maintain the roadway system within the county as well as planned improvements such as changing a gravel road to a surfaced roadway," Nelson said. "It also aids him in training the Road & Bridge crew in the performance of maintenance and road improvements."

Barton completed the Road Scholar program in September 2022 and completed the Road Master program in May 2023.

“Completing these programs help Boundary County make the most of every dollar invested in our network by building a uniform training regimen for roadway staff,” Nelson said. “Completion also improves scores for the LHTAC administered Local Rural Highway Investment Program.”

Nelson said by coordinating with the city of Bonners Ferry, Bonner County and other regional jurisdictions classes have been available locally for employees, rather than having to travel to southern Idaho for additional training.

LHTAC also provides classes on leadership.