Course Description:
The goal of the Rivers & Roads Training Program is to advance an understanding of fluvial geomorphology across the transportation sector, to ultimately develop and implement projects that improve the resiliency of the Commonwealth’s transportation network. Fluvial geomorphology, the study of river shape and form in the landscape, allows us to understand why rivers look and behave the way they do, to predict the shape and response of stream channels over time and during large storms. With this knowledge, we can design culverts, bridges and roadways that are more resilient to severe precipitation events.
 
MassDOT Highway Division has based this training program off of the successful Vermont Rivers & Roads program and has developed Massachusetts specific content through partnership with SLR, MA Division of Ecological Restoration, MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, UMass Amherst, and MA Department of Environmental Protection. This workshop is a one-day classroom session that includes interactive exercises and trainings on a model river flume table. As a prerequisite, participants are required to complete the Tier 1 online introductory training on rivers and the fundamentals of fluvial geomorphology (https://www.umasstransportationcenter.org/umtc/Rivers-and-Roads.asp; approx. 2 hrs).
 
MassDOT Rivers & Roads Program Overview

Prerequisite to Tier 2A

Tier 1:  A two-hour online video course that provides an overview of rivers and the fundamentals of fluvial geomorphology. https://www.umasstransportationcenter.org/umtc/Rivers-and-Roads.asp  (self-paced; must be taken prior to class date)

Prerequisite to Tier 2B

Tier 2A (Day 1):  A classroom session that includes interactive exercises and trainings on a model river flume table.

Tier 2B (Day 2):  Building upon Tier 2A content, this field component of the training program allows participants to identify river features in the field and advance their understanding of fluvial geomorphology.  This one-day session investigates channel cross section, profile, stability, and habitat at a healthy reference site and two to three projects sites.

Target Audience:
Anyone who manages, plans, designs or builds roadway infrastructure around rivers and roads.

Credit Hours