ARTBA names 2016 transportation hall of fame inductees

The American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) Foundation named the 2016 inductees to its Transportation Development Hall of Fame.

The inductees are Benjamin Leroy Holt, Clarence Leo “C.L.” Best, President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Francis C. Turner.

The Transportation Development Hall of Fame, launched in 2010, honors individuals or families from the public and private sectors who have made extraordinary contributions to U.S. transportation development during their careers, ARTBA says.

A committee of judges comprised of construction industry journalists annually review nominees in two categories: transportation design and construction industry innovators; and transportation design and construction industry leaders. Holt and Best were recognized as innovators, while Eisenhower and Turner were recognized as leaders.

Holt is known for building a harvester using flexible chain belts rather than gears to transmit power from the ground wheels to the working mechanism. He built his first steam traction engine tractor in 1890, which could burn wood, coal or oil as fuel and carry 675 gallons of water, ARTBA says. He incorporated the Holt Manufacturing Co. with his brothers in 1892.

Best established the C.L. Best Gas Traction Co. in 1910, the same year Holt Manufacturing registered “Caterpillar” as a trademark. The two companies merged to form the Caterpillar Tractor Co. in 1925, ARTBA says.

As president, Eisenhower worked to build a superhighway in the United States for military transport and evacuation of cities, as well as to help reduce road fatalities and connect communities. On June 29, 1956, Eisenhower signed the law authorizing construction of the Interstate Highway System and creating the Highway Trust Fund to pay for it.

Turner, known as one of the “fathers” of the U.S. Interstate Highway System, helped to expedite the completion of the Alaska Highway. He also served in a number of positions that helped to move U.S. transportation further, including as coordinator of the Inter-American highway, executive secretary for the Clay Committee, deputy commissioner of public roads, chief engineer and director of public roads, and federal highway administrator.

The ARTBA Foundation supports a number of initiatives to promote research, education and public awareness. Its efforts include educational scholarships, awards, executive education seminars, roadway work zone safety and training programs, special economic reports and more.