About the Course

In Louisiana, local bridge owners are responsible for performing Special Inspections of bridges to monitor known or suspected deficiencies.

This class provides basic training for parish and municipal personnel to perform these inspections in line with the updateed DOTD system and the National Bridge Inspection Standards. Developed in partnership with DOTD's Bridge Inspection and Maintenance Section, the course ensures compliance with state and federal requirments. Each parish is strongly encouraged to send at least one bridge ispector or supervisor to maintain compliance.

Who Should Attend

This class is for parish and municipal engineers, public works directors, maintenance staff and others in Louisiana responsible for local bridge safety. It also benefits LADOTD district staff, LPA coordinators, and consultants who support bridge inspections and reporting, helping ensure compliance and safe, well-maintained structures statewide.

Course Times:

Check-in 7:00 a.m.Class 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Course Schedule:

4/28/2026: Minden

1. LA Wildlife and Fisheries
2. 9961 Hwy 80
3. Minden, LA 71055

4/29/2026: West Monroe

1. Cheniere Lake Lodge
2. 104 Cheniere Lake Drive
3. West Monroe, LA 71292

5/21/2026: Lake Charles

1. White Oak Landing
2. 5584 River Road
3. Lake Charles, LA 70615

5/27/2026: Luling***Check-in 8:00 a.m.Class 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.***

1. Edward A. Dufresne Community Center
2. 274 Judge Edward A. Dufresne Parkway
3. Luling, LA 70070

5/28/2026: Baton Rouge

1. TTEC Auditorium
2. 4099 Gourrier Avenue
3. Baton Rouge, LA 70808
4. 
   

Instructor: Kent Hardin

Kent Hardin has over 35 years of experience in the construction, inspection, and maintenance of bridges. He worked in various capacities with the LA DOTD from 1984 until 2014. He served as a DOTD Bridge Inspector from 1985-2001 and then as the Bridge Maintenance and Inspection Supervisor for District 08, a 7 parish area in central Louisiana, from 2001-2012. From 2012 until his retirement in 2014, he held a statewide QA/QC Bridge Inspection position. Kent continued to work in the bridge inspection field through part-time, QA/QC assignments for DOTD and performance of routine bridge inspections for the US Forest Service in Kisatchie national Forest. He is certified as a Bridge Inspection Team Leader by DOTD and as a Senior Engineering Technician in the field of Bridge Safety Inspection by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET).

Fees & Cancellations for RS#13:

$35 for Public Agencies / $70 Private Agencies

Fees cover all materials, morning snack, and lunch. Credit card payments are accepted through the online registration system. Checks or money orders are also accepted.

Make checks payable to LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY mail to:

1. LTAP-Technology Transfer/LTRC
2. 4099 Gourrier Avenue
3. Baton Rouge,LA 70808-4443
4. ATTN: Victor Lockwood

Registration is required one week in advance of class. Failure to cancel at least 72 hours prior will result in a forfeit of the registration fee. Participant substitution is available.

Professional Development Hours (PDHs):

Professional Development Hour (PDH) credit will be awarded as follows: six (6) PDHs for RS#13. The Louisiana Transportation Research Center (LTRC) is a Louisiana State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, approved Sponsor/Provider of Continuing Professional Development.

Questions?

Contact the LTAP Office via:

Phone: (225) 767-9717

Fax: (225) 767-9156

Email: victor.lockwood@la.gov

The Louisiana Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) is a cooperative effort between the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and Louisiana State University (LSU). LTAP serves the needs of local transportation agencies and is a part of the Louisiana Transportation Research Center (LTRC).

www.louisianaltap.org