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Transportation and Civil Engineering Program (TRAC)

Young students weigh their bridge structure as they participate in MDOT's TRAC Design-Build Challenge.
Department of Transportation

Transportation and Civil Engineering Program (TRAC)

Since 2004, MDOT has been offering the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) TRAC (Transportation and Civil Engineering) Program to schools in Michigan. TRAC is a hands-on education program designed for integration into science, technology, engineering, and math curriculum and is in alignment with AASHTO Stem Outreach Solutions.

The TRAC program engages 7th-12th grade students in solving real-world problems, such as designing bridges, building magnetic-levitation trains, or analyzing the environmental and economic effects of building a highway.

MDOT will provide training to educators interested in overseeing students in this program and will provide supplies at no cost to the school or educator. Educators can choose which modules they would like to use. Modules were created to fit into their curriculum, making it easy to utilize this program in an efficient way. In addition, educators utilizing Bentley’s MicroStation will receive training from Bentley on how to use the software. Students who participate in TRAC modules are eligible to apply for the TRAC internship program upon graduation and may be eligible to receive scholarships.

By connecting educators and schools with free curriculum aligned modules, students engage with engineering and transportation related learning objectives and may spark an interest in a transportation or civil engineering career. In addition, exposure to MDOT professionals and resources help students connect the dots in where they might fit in public service in the future. When schools engage with these programs, Michigan wins. For more information, contact the TRAC program manager.

Contact

Laura Bensinger | 517-242-7995
Program Manager
MDOT-TRAC-Program@Michigan.gov

MDOT TRAC Program
425 W. Ottawa St.
Lansing, MI 48909

Supplies

Educators should contact the TRAC program manager regarding supply needs.

TRAC Training

Trainings for 2024 are currently being scheduled.

If you are interested in hosting a training, contact the TRAC Program manager.

Educators must be trained in modules before requesting supplies. If you are interested in this training or future offerings, please fill out the Teacher Training Request Form

2024 MDOT TRAC Design Bridge Build Challenge

The 2024 MDOT TRAC Design Bridge Build Challenge took place on March 11-12, 2024. Students kicked off their arrival with a welcome event at Dave and Busters, thanks to our industry sponsors. The day of the Challenge, students tested the bridges they built, gave presentations, and learned about careers in the transportation industry.

Watch to learn more about the TRAC Program
2024 MDOT TRAC Design Bridge Build Challenge Video

2024 Winners

Congratulations to our bridge build challenge winners!


7/8 Truss Bridge

1st Place: Truss the Camels, Hillside Middle School, Northville, Advisor: Diane Xu

2nd Place: Patriotic Bridgeneers, Meads Middle School, Northville, Advisor: Diane Xu

3rd Place: 3 Billy Goats and a Bridge, Plainwell Middle School, Plainwell, Advisor: Caleb Fisher

9/10 Half-Through Arch Bridge

1st Place: ARJ-itects, Northville High School, Northville, Advisor: Diane Xu

2nd Place: Half-Through Heroes, Northville High School, Northville, Advisor: Diane Xu

3rd Place: ArchEra, Meridian Early College High, Sanford, Advisor: Amy Huff

11/12 Self-Anchored Suspension Bridge

1st Place: IronTown Engineers, Negaunee High School, Negaunee, Advisor: Kyle Bell

2nd Place: Superior Bridge Design, Negaunee High School, Negaunee, Advisor: Kyle Bell

3rd Place: Bridge Wizards, Northville High School, Northville, Advisor: Diane Xu