Community Outreach

10th Street Mural Revitalization Project

Under the direction of RTI and Bulldog Creative Services, volunteers from both organizations and many community groups painted a mural on the 10th Street Viaduct, which is part of the Paul Ambrose Trail for Health (PATH). The mural not only contributed to city beautification and revitalization efforts, but also emphasizes RTI and the Huntington-area’s commitment to creating sustainable, eco-friendly, non-motorized transportation alternatives through trails. Cyclists, joggers, walkers and natural elements comprised the mural, which was designed to encourage commuters to use the PATH as a route to work, school, recreational facilities or local businesses.

Fit Fest 5K Run/Walk and Community Health Event for the Paul Ambrose Trail for Health

On Sept. 11, 2009, the Rahall Transportation Institute and the Cabell County Medical Society Alliance hosted Fit Fest 2009, the first public awareness and fundraising event to benefit the Paul Ambrose Trail for Health. More than 600 individuals, ranging in age from pre-school to senior citizen, participated in dashes, runs or walks, and more than 1,000 individuals benefited from health screenings, nutritional displays, health advocates and fitness demonstrations hosted by several health care organizations, civic groups and educational institutions. Due to an overwhelming positive response from community members, Fit Fest became an annual event, with Fit Fest ’10 taking place 9/11/10 and Fit Fest ’11 taking place 9/11/11. A 10K run was added to Fit Fest ’11 to honor the heroes whose lives ended ten years ago on 9/1/01.

Huntington Museum of Art Sensory Trail System/Dr. Raymond Busbee Bridge

In 2009, RTI’s Trails Division constructed a one-mile, multi-sensory, ADA-compliant nature trail in a wooded hillside on the property of the Huntington Museum of Art.  This well-marked, maintained trail consists of a variety of inclines, from nearly flat to gently sloping to steep.

On Sept. 14, 2009, the “Dr. Raymond Busbee Bridge,” which was designed and constructed by RTI’s Trails Division and located on the Huntington Museum of Art Sensory Trail System, was dedicated to its namesake. Dr. Raymond Busbee, RTI principal investigator, retired Marshall University Professor and lifelong trail advocate, completed the original trail feasibility and planning studies that led to creation of the Paul Ambrose Trail for Health (PATH), for which he also suggested the name as part of a community contest. Busbee also developed four online courses in Off-Highway Vehicle Management at Marshall University that lead to an undergraduate or graduate minor.

West Virginia Operation Lifesaver Adult and Professional Presentations

Rail-grade crossing safety presentations tailored to adult drivers, pedestrians, public transit drivers, teachers and school bus drivers are presented throughout the region by RTI employees who are certified West Virginia Operation Lifesaver presenters. In addition, thousands of adults receive printed information and view video presentations about rail-grade crossing safety at public events such as the State Fair of West Virginia, the West Virginia Pumpkin Festival, TIPS for Extreme Fun with St. Mary’s Medical Center and fairs, festivals, block parties and community events.