The North Dakota Transportation Hall of Honor was created to recognize those who have had a major role and made a lasting impact on the development of the transportation system at the state, county, or local level. It also honors those who participate in highway safety programs or help promote the vital function roadways provide to the citizens of North Dakota.
1990-1999 Honorees
Joseph Kirby, NDDOT Bridge Engineer, 1999
Joseph Kirby started work at the State Highway Department in 1926 and served as Bridge Engineer from 1955 until his retirement in 1969. He helped to create and implement the first certification for professional engineers and served on the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers from 1955 through 1967. As a pioneer in bridge design, he brought the Bridge Division into the interstate era. He created the nation's first computerized box culvert design program, was an early user of precast, pre-stressed concrete beams, and was responsible for the design and construction of many notable and large North Dakota bridges.
Ralph Wood, North Dakota Highway Patrol Superintendent, 1999
Ralph Wood joined the North Dakota Highway Patrol in 1948 and served as superintendent from 1961 to his retirement in 1978. During his tenure, the Highway Patrol was considered one of the best-trained in the nation. Under his leadership, the Highway Patrol Academy evolved into the Law Enforcement Training Center and moved from Camp Grafton to the campus of Bismarck State College. In the 1970s, he worked with the state court system to develop the implied consent DUI law, and later helped secure its passage in the legislature.
Kaye Braaten, Encouraged Public-Private Relationships, 1998
Kaye Braaten has tirelessly encouraged public-private partnerships in dealing with North Dakota's economic realities. As a Richland County commissioner, president of the North Dakota County Commissioners, and president of the National Association of Counties, and on the board of numerous innovative companies, Kaye has championed partnering, good roads, and planning. Under her strong leadership, Richland County was the first in the state to create a transportation plan.
Lloyd Lammer, NDSHD Assistant Chief Engineer, 1998
For 40 years, Lloyd Lammer rose through the ranks of the NDDOT, retiring as assistant chief engineer in 1990. He brought his engineering expertise and dedication to many projects during and after the interstate construction era. Lloyd's most valuable skill was his ability to mediate. His belief in common sense and strong work relationships helped him lead many groups and individuals out of conflict and innovatively unify department maintenance and construction efforts.
Lloyd Thompson, Contractor and Engineering Advocate, 1993
Lloyd Thompson of Fargo, founder of Border States Paving, Inc., consistently provides the state and cities with the best of modern asphalt technology. He has served on and led a number of national and state organizations, including serving as chairman of the National Asphalt Paving Association and serving on the national board of the Associated General Contractors. Thompson was also instrumental in establishing a curriculum in construction management in the engineering department of North Dakota State University.
James Haines, Contractor and Promoter of Plains States Solidarity, 1990
Jim Haines, president and long-time employee of North Dakota Concrete Products Company, is a tireless campaigner and spokesperson for the importance of good roads. For over 20 years he has been instrumental in helping to forge the North Dakota Department of Transportation's working relationship with other rural states. This relationship was crucial as department officials worked to design legislation vital to the transportation needs of North Dakota.