The Texas A&M Transportation Institute hosted its 99th Annual Transportation Short Course this past October. Along with the short course, TxDOT Executive Director Marc D. Williams visited the Center for Infrastructure Renewal (CIR) to record a media segment within the High Bay Laboratory (HBL) and highlight its role in advancing transportation research and strengthening partnerships with TxDOT.
The High Bay Laboratory is a hub for major bridge and structural research projects. The facility supports critical TxDOT and U.S. Department of Transportation initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure resilience and safety. Emphasizing its importance, Williams stated:
“This is some of the most advanced research in the nation and one of the most advanced research labs in the nation that help us to better understand and better design a wide range of structural elements that are so important to what we do at the Texas Department of Transportation.”
The CIR hosts numerous projects in collaboration with state and federal transportation agencies across the nation. With its cutting-edge technology and unique capabilities, the High Bay Laboratory stands out as a cornerstone for advanced infrastructure and structural research.
TTI’s 99th Annual Transportation Short Course drew more than 3,300 participants and featured recognition of TxDOT’s Big Five award winners, celebrating exceptional career achievements and dedicated service to both the agency and the state of Texas. The program also honored Extra Mile Award recipients – individuals who go above and beyond, often assisting motorists and fellow citizens in life-threatening situations.
The year’s theme, TEAMWORK, was evident in the strong partnerships among TTI, Texas A&M University, TxDOT, and many others, as well as within the agencies themselves.
As Texas continues to grow and evolve, the Center for Infrastructure Renewal remains a vital force in driving innovation, supporting TxDOT’s mission, and preparing the state’s transportation network for the challenges ahead. The collaboration showcased during the 99th Annual Transportation Short Course, and highlighted by Executive Director Williams’s visit, underscores the CIR’s role as a premier resource for transformative research and real‑world solutions.
Together, the CIR, TTI, TxDOT, and their partners are strengthening the infrastructure that keeps Texas moving, exemplifying the spirit of teamwork that defined last year’s program and will continue to shape the future of transportation across the state
Watch the full TxDOT segment below:
