As engineer-director of the County Road Association of Michigan (1952-1964), Barr played a leading role in strengthening the organization and its ties between county road commissions and other governmental units. He represented the counties in highway needs studies and helped steer key highway bills, the foundation for highway development and financing, through the Legislature. His 44-year career in the county highway field also included stints with the road commissions of Isabella, Livingston, Oakland and Huron counties, chiefly as engineer and manager. Barr was president of the County Road Association in 1946.