As Montana continues to grow the need for diverse skills and knowledge in maintenance and preservation activities on our roadways is increasingly important. With over 70,000 miles of roads on our local roads system, it's essential to have individuals who are dedicated to maintaining and reconstructing these roads. The Roads Scholar Program encourages professional development of leaders and more engaged staff of our local agencies through regular attendance at maintenance, operations and safety trainings and conferences provided and hosted by the Montana LTAP program. The curricula are designed to provide participants with the fundamentals of safety, infrastructure management, and advanced technologies, as well as exposure to a wide variety of other topics relevant to the transportation field. This program also provides an opportunity for local agencies to invest in their greatest asset, their employees.  These trainings focus on subjects that are in the best interest of our local roads staff and our communities.   

At the completion of the program, each participant is awarded a certificate from MSU-Bozeman and Montana LTAP recognizing their efforts and accomplishment in increasing their knowledge and abilities.

Roads Scholar Level 1, Road Scholar Requirements

To successfully complete Level 1, candidates must obtain a total of ten Montana LTAP course credits. This includes receiving four credits from our Core Course Categories (Multiple options available) and six elective/optional credits (over 40 available courses that qualify). It is important to note that additional core credits can be applied to the elective/optional credit category, but it is mandatory to have a total of ten credits to complete Road Scholar Level 1.

  • Upon Completion: Certificate issued by Montana LTAP, MSU-Bozeman
  • Award: Traditionally an embroidered work coat

Roads Scholar Level 2, Road Master Requirements

To successfully complete Level 2 (Road Master), candidates must obtain a total of twenty Montana LTAP course credits. This includes receiving eight credits from Core Course Categories and a total of twelve elective/optional credits. It is important to note that additional core credits can be applied to meet the elective/optional credit minimum, but it is mandatory to have a total of twenty credits to complete Road Scholar Level 2.

  • Upon Completion: Certificate issued by Montana LTAP, MSU-Bozeman
  • Award: Traditionally an embroidered work vest

Core Course Categories and Course examples

  • Work Zone - Highway Safety
    • Courses: Flagger Certification, WZ Supervisor, WZ Tech, Traffic Control Tech, Train the Trainer
  • Work Force Development
    • Courses: Heavy Equipment, Equipment Operation, Winter Maintenance
  • Infrastructure Management
    • Gravel Roads, Culverts & Cattle Guards, Signs
  • Organizational Excellence
    • Course: Any 3 hour minimum Montana LTAP Leadership Class
  • Worker Safety
    • Courses: Personal/Shop Safety, MSHA Part 46, OSHA 10, others
  • Innovation
    • Individual effort to create a submittal for the Build a Better Mousetrap innovation to FHWA

2021 Road Masters - Level 2 Recipients:

  • Henry Hastrom, Musselshell County Road Dept.
  • Ron Manderfeld, Musselshell County Road Dept.
  • Craig Miller, Daniels County
  • Matthew Redden, Big Horn County
  • Allen Rosaaen, McCone County
  • Melvin Waldner, Valley County

2020 Road Masters - Level 2 Recipients:

  • Lloyd Omdahl, Toole County

2019 Road Masters - Level 2 Recipients:

  • Clay Moore, Yelllowstone County

2018 Road Masters - Level 2 Recipients:

2017 Road Masters - Level 2 Recipients:

2016 Road Masters - Level 2 Recipients:

2015 Road Masters - Level 2 Recipients:

  • Ovila Byrd, Flathead County
  • Shane Escott, Madison County
  • Doug Nisbet, Lewis & Clark County
  • Dana Rauser, Broadwater County

2014 Road Masters - Level 2 Recipients:

  • Joe Carter, Jefferson County
  • John Stokes, Pondera County

2013 Road Masters - Level 2 Recipients:

  • John Anderson, Fergus County
  • Jerry Backlund, Custer County
  • Wayne Buck, Rosebud County
  • Tom Fairbank, Blaine County
  • Russ Huotari, Richland County
  • Greg Sodt, Dawson County
  • Wayne Waarvik, Valley County
  • Randy Werdal, Stillwater County
  • Tim White, Lincoln County
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Roads Scholar Level 1 Recipients: