OUR STORY

In 1939, a materials research lab at the University of Kentucky (UK) published a paper in ASTM on the selection of aggregates for concrete pavement.

Two years later, the Kentucky Highway Department took an interest in the group and established a Division of Research with the mission of investigating materials for pavement mixtures.

Over the ensuing 40 years, the group expanded from its humble beginnings as a materials research lab, broadening its research focus to include various transportation-related topics.

The group was officially designated as the Kentucky Transportation Research Program in 1981, when the Kentucky Department of Transportation transferred the Division of Research to UK’s College of Engineering.

For more than 35 years, KTC has continued to function as the research arm of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, while also providing services to a number of federal, state, local, and private clients. 

In 1995, KTC and UK’s Department of Civil Engineering moved into the new Civil Engineering building, which was dedicated the Oliver H. Raymond building in October 1998.

Today, KTC continues to grow, benefitting from the resources it shares with the Department of Civil Engineering.

Doug Kreis, KTC’s current director, follows in the footsteps of the Center’s previous directors: Robert Deen, Calvin Grayson, Paul Toussaint, and Joe Crabtree. KTC’s leadership, along with its staff, researchers, faculty, and students, have built a legacy of research excellence. The Center continues to address transportation issues, deliver exemplary technology transfer, and provide outstanding customer service.

1941 | FOUNDATION

The Kentucky Highway Department (KYTC) establishes a Division of Research which was located on University of Kentucky’s campus.

1941 | RESEARCH FUNCTION

UK and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet establish an agreement that directs UK to assume the research function.

1941 | RESEARCH FUNCTION

UK and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet establish an agreement that directs UK to assume the research function.

1979 | CREATION

UK’s Board of Trustees created the Kentucky Transportation Center at UK.

1988 | TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

The research and technology transfer functions were brought together within KTC. 

Visit the Technology Transfer page here.

1988 | TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

The research and technology transfer functions were brought together within KTC. 

Visit the Technology Transfer page here.

1995 | CAMPUS LOCATION

The Kentucky Transportation Center and the Department of Civil Engineering moved into a new building, which was later dedicated to Oliver H. Raymond, UK College of Engineering graduate and benefactor.

2000 | LEADING DESIGN

KTC led the development of Context Sensitive Design training and conducts workshops across the US.

2000 | LEADING DESIGN

KTC led the development of Context Sensitive Design training and conducts workshops across the US.

2007 | FEDTRAK

KTC received federal grants to work on Fedtrak and Section 1554 to address hazardous material movements in the United States.

Learn more about Fedtrak here.

2011 | BRIDGE REHAB

KTC contributed to I-64 Sherman Minton Bridge evaluation and rehabilitation work.

2011 | BRIDGE REHAB

KTC contributed to I-64 Sherman Minton Bridge evaluation and rehabilitation work.

2014 | INNOVATION ENGINEER

KYTC named its first full-time Innovation Engineer to oversee all Cabinet research activities.

2015 | PROJECT MANAGER’S BOOTCAMP

Project Manager’s Boot Camp and Boot Camp Xpress training were made available to KYTC and consultant project managers.

Learn more about Project Manager’s Bootcamp here.

2015 | PROJECT MANAGER’S BOOTCAMP

Project Manager’s Boot Camp and Boot Camp Xpress training were made available to KYTC and consultant project managers.

Learn more about Project Manager’s Bootcamp here.

2018 | HIGHWAY KNOWLEDGE PORTAL

KTC and KYTC established a multiyear partnership to develop the Highway Knowledge Portal, a web-based reference for the Cabinet’s technical guidance and policies.

Visit the Highway Knowledge Portal here.

2020 & BEYOND | ADAPT AND THRIVE 

KTC rapidly adapted research, business, and training practices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including a successful movement to online training.

2020 & BEYOND | ADAPT AND THRIVE 

KTC rapidly adapted research, business, and training practices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including a successful movement to online training.

2023 | HALL OF FAME 

Congratulations to Sal Santoro, James Scott, John Carr, and Bobby Craft on their induction into the Kentucky Transportation Hall of Fame! The induction ceremony took place at the Kentuckians for Better Transportation Conference in Louisville, KY on January 12.

Visit the Hall of Fame Page here.

2023 | HALL OF FAME 

Congratulations to Sal Santoro, James Scott, John Carr, and Bobby Craft on their induction into the Kentucky Transportation Hall of Fame! The induction ceremony took place at the Kentuckians for Better Transportation Conference in Louisville, KY on January 12.

Visit the Hall of Fame Page here.