Research Library

CONNECTIONS: The VDOT Library E-Newsletter

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Ignore Error Messages When Accessing Library Web Pages!
01/26/2018
profile-icon Unknown Author
VDOT Library
Image of the chrome error screen.
Don't be spooked by this screen.  We DO recommend you continue to our site!

This week the library began migrating its Web presence from HTTP to HTTPS, including: 
 
What is HTTPS?
HTTPS is a "secure" version of the HTTP protocol we all use pretty much every day. In the past year there has been a trend for Web sites to encrypt their sites with HTTPS, including many sites (like the VDOT Library) that don't deal with credit card numbers or any kind of sensitive information. We'll call it a good habit to go HTTPS...
 
VDOT Network Issues
While our HTTPS migration this week was technically successful (for all computers off the VDOT network) we soon discovered that the McAfee Web Gateway software (used by IT to monitor VDOT network traffic) has cached library pages as HTTP and not HTTPS. Apparently, the new HTTPS protocol confuses McAfee, causing error screens to appear when VDOT employees try to access any of the resources listed above from work.   
 
The error screens displaying in Chrome and Internet Explorer are generic precautions to alert users of potential security concerns, and warn you not to proceed. However, in the case of library content those warnings are not valid.  We've been told by IT that by next week some adjustments to McAfee will ensure those warning screens no longer appear. 
 
Between now and the time we get the issue resolved, you can follow these steps to get to library Web pages from your VDOT Computer:
 
In Internet Explorer: Select "Continue to this Website (not recommended)" (See image above)
Note: Internet Explorer users will have to follow this step every time they access library pages, until we resolve the issue with VDOT IT.
 
 

In Chrome:  Step 1: Select "Advanced" Step 2: Next select “Proceed to library.virginiadot.org (unsafe)”
Note: Chrome users mayonly need to follow these steps one time. 

 
 
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this issue has caused you and encourage you to come to us with your questions.
 
For a more details please visit: https://virginiadot.libanswers.com/faq/218846

Ken Winter
VDOT Research Library
434-962-8979

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National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse Turns 20
01/19/2018
profile-icon Unknown Author
Research, Construction, Safety & Security

Image of the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse
The National Work Zone Information Clearinghouse contains crash data, learning opportunities, flagger information, events, conferences and a complete research library.

 

The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse celebrated 20 years of service to the transportation construction industry in October 2017. This notable achievement was recently featured in an article in Transportation Builder Magazine which offers a glimpse into the future of the Clearinghouse.


“The Clearinghouse will retain its laser focus for the next 20 years,” siad Paul Yarossi, ARTBA-TDF chairman, HNTB’s executive vice president. “Our commitment to improving safety and reducing accidents and injuries in road construction zones is unending.”


User surveys and unsolicited comments received over the years demonstrate the Clearinghouse continues to provide needed, valuable services to a wide range of users helping make work zones as safe as possible. Even so, Clearinghouse operators will continue listening to users’ needs and taking advantage of new technology to make the resource as easy to use and beneficial as possible.


Technology holds the key, said ARTBA President and CEO, Pete Ruane: “Just like we did at the start-up, we’re going to continue to embrace and exploit innovative technologies for teaching and conveying information as they develop,” he said. “Who knows? Don’t be surprised to see the Clearinghouse portal offering virtual reality experiences someday soon.”

 

If you are interested in Work Zone Safety research the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse is a great way to get started.  If you need help finding full-text copies of reports or articles related to work zones, please contact the VDOT Research Library today.
 

After all, our job is to help you do your job!

 

Ken Winter
434-962-8979
VDOT Research Library

 

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Welcome to the TRB 2018 Annual Meeting!
01/05/2018
profile-icon Unknown Author
Research, Environmental, Engineering, Project Management, Structures, Construction, Economics, Safety & Security, Multimodal, Pavements, Intelligent Transportation Systems, Management & Leadership, Materials, VDOT Library

Image of the new TRB2018 Guide.
Check out the VDOT Library's New Guide to VTRC and VDOT participation in TRB 2018!


The Transportation Research Board TRB 97th Annual Meeting is right around the corner (January 7-11, 2018)!


This year 35 VTRC scientists and research assistants are authors or co-authors of 42 presentations at TRB events/sessions, workshops, and committees, of which, 24 are poster presentations and 7 are practice-ready papers.In addition, VTRC personnel will preside, facilitate or speak on a panel at 11: events/sessions, workshops, receptions and committees, subcommittees and the TRB executive board. Many more VTRC participants will be in attendance as members and officers of committees and other working groups. 
 

In addition, dozens of VDOT employees from all districts and divisions have had papers or posters accepted for publication/presentation, and will be speaking, serving on panels or attending TRB sessions.  It will be a fantastic showing for all of VDOT!


To help you keep tabs on all of the action, the library created this handy TRB2018 guide. The guide highlights the Virginia Transportation Research Council's 2018 Annual meeting schedule and will be updated to provide direct access to VTRC and other VDOT presentations as presentation materials come available.

 

It also includes detailed step-by-step instructions for using the AMOnline Portal to find papers and other archived meeting content. We've broken down VTRC's meeting schedule day by day and you can also view the entire merged list on the "VTRC Presenters" tab.  Next to that is "Other VDOT Presenters" and boy what an impressive list!
 

Next month we'll come back and update the descriptions with links to access posters, papers, slides and other conference materials. 

 

If you have any questions between now and then don't be shy!   We're here to help...

 

Ken Winter
434-962-8979
VDOT Research Library

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