Asphalt Pavement EXchange

APEX is a dedicated, coordinated, and continuously improved asphalt pavement knowledge sharing education program for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and industry professionals. TxDOT’s APEX program is a new knowledge-sharing and partnering initiative seeking to connect industry leading resources and tools to asphalt pavement professionals across the state. Together we can assure the quality, safety, and longevity of Texas roads by providing high quality, more durable asphalt pavements.

APEX Overview

APQI

The Asphalt Pavement Quality Initiative (APQI) is a forum for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Industry Leadership to discuss improving the quality and performance life of the 12 to 15 million tons of hot mix asphalt that is placed annually on TxDOT projects. The APQI Steering Committee meets quarterly and assigns ideas and concepts to working groups for further definition and to develop implementable solutions.

Task Force

The APEX Task Force serves under the direction of the Asphalt Pavement Quality Initiative Committee (APQI). The Task Force Co-Chairs are Chris Cowen (TxDOT-San Angelo) and Cliff Kay (A.L. Helmcamp). The Task Force is composed ofmembers representing both TxDOT and the Industry. TheTask Force provides oversight and direction to the APEX program and working groups.

Working Groups

APEX Working Groups serve under the direction of the APEX Task Force and each working group is co-chaired by one TxDOT and one Industry Professional. Each working group is tasked with developing topics that will improve both the global industry staffing aptitude and the quality of asphalt pavements. Working groups will prioritize their topics and work with APEX staff to further develop these topics into educational products.

Asphalt Pavement Specialists

The Asphalt Pavement Specialist (APS) is each District’s technical/engineering resource for asphalt pavements. The Asphalt Pavement Specialists are an integral part of the Asphalt Pavement Exchange (APEX) program to improve the quality of hot mix asphalt pavements.

APEX Staff

Jim Warren

Director, APEX

Jennifer Cantu

Administrative Coordinator

Keaton Hernandez

Adult Learning Director

Juan Carlos Pulido

Visual Assets Creator

APEX Asphalt Pavement Specialist List

Click a district to view the APS and contact information.

Everyday Asphalt is APEX’s monthly podcast that brings the asphalt industry to life through real conversations and practical insights. Hosted by Jim Warren, each episode features engaging discussions with a variety of industry professionals, covering topics that matter most to those working in asphalt. From field practices to emerging trends, Everyday Asphalt offers valuable perspectives you can put to use right away. Join us live on the third Thursday of every month to learn, connect, and stay informed.

APEX Essentials Workshop Promo 3

The APEX Essentials Workshop is a 2-day interactive, instructor-led educational workshop that provides participants with a clear understanding of key asphalt concepts, terminology, processes, and best practices.

Quality Asphalt Pavements: A Contractor’s View

Hear directly from the contractor’s perspective as Brandon Trout (Allen Keller Company) joins Jim Warren to share how asphalt projects are evaluated, planned, and built for quality and performance.

Forensics: Asphalt from the Inside Out

This month on Everyday Asphalt, Tim Martin President of 2TM Consulting Engineers, joins Jim Warren for a inside out view of pavements – what happens when things go right, what happens when things go wrong, and how to figure out why.

Legacy, NASCAR, Asphalt

Harold Mullen, TXAPA CEO, joins Everyday Asphalt for an inspirational look back at TXAPA’s past 31 years under his careful watch.

"APEX is continuous education so folks can start small, grow through it, and develop a career path in asphalt."

"APEX is a one-stop shop education program that streamlines information, promotes consistency, and helps everyone speak the same language—from specifications to materials."

"To me, APEX is really a joint effort between TxDOT and TXAPA to really elevate our game in asphalt pavements."

"From a 6-month employee to a 20-year employee—everybody can get something out of this program."

"This program is not intended solely for TxDOT, it's also all of the industry folks that are going to be a part of this."

" I think this is what I like about it the most, is that there's a lot of collaboration with a lot of different people... it's a great collaborative effort."

APEX Essentials Workshop – Buda

Asphalt Pavement EXchange (APEX)

219 Commercial Dr – Buda, TX

Wed, Mar 25 @ 8:00 am

Thu, Mar 26 @ 4:30 pm

APEX Essentials Workshop – Buda

Asphalt Pavement EXchange (APEX)

219 Commercial Dr – Buda, TX

Wed, Mar 25 @ 8:00 am

Thu, Mar 26 @ 4:30 pm

Attend an APEX Event

APEX offers a diverse lineup of educational programs designed to support professionals across the asphalt industry. From the foundational Essentials Workshop to regional “deep dive” workshops focused on specific topics, each event is built to deliver practical knowledge, real-world insights, and opportunities for meaningful engagement. Whether participants are new to the industry or looking to expand their expertise, APEX events provide valuable learning experiences tailored to a wide range of needs.

Helpful Links

Join Us

We are hard at work building materials for this program. This website will be growing rapidly as we have more to show. You’ll need to sign up for our mailing list to become part of this epic opportunity to advance your asphalt skill set.