Jack B. Harper, founder and CEO of Gulf Industries Inc., was inducted posthumously into the Louisiana Highways and Transportation Hall of Honor Nov. 14 during a ceremony held at the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s (DOTD) headquarters building.

The Hall of Honor recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the development and improvement of Louisiana’s transportation network. Their achievements benefit road design, construction techniques, highway safety and legislative programs.

“DOTD values the safety of our employees, our contractors and those who drive our highways,” said DOTD Secretary Johnny B. Bradberry. “Naturally, we appreciate those individuals and companies who also make safety their top priority.”

Harper started his highway career after being a successful fence contractor in New Orleans. In 1963, he started Gulf Industries Inc. Gulf Industries Inc., and its contracting company, Jack B. Harper, specialize in the sales and installation of highway safety products. These include pavement markings, delineators, barriers, crash attenuators, bridge and street lighting, traffic signals, emergency call boxes, Motorist Assistance Patrol (MAP) and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).

One of Harper’s first major contributions to the industry was his early use of raised pavement markers. He also was one of the first distributors of crash attenuation devices, which have saved countless lives and reduced an incalculable number of injuries.

In addition, Gulf Industries Inc. has been a leader in congestion mitigation through ITS projects such as roadside call boxes, MAP, and the installation of cameras and permanent message signs that alert motorists of incidents.

Guest speakers at the ceremony included Bradberry, Louisiana Good Roads and Transportation Association (LGRTA) President W.P. Wray Jr., LGRTA Vice-President Willie T. Taylor Jr., Former DOTD Secretary Neil Wagoner and Gulf Industries Senior Vice President Roger Melancon.

During the ceremony, the framed photo of Harper was added to the Transportation Hall of Honor, located in the lobby of the DOTD headquarters building, along with those of past recipients. Following the program, the Louisiana Associated General Contractors and LGRTA sponsored a reception, which also was held at the headquarters building.

Established in 1974, the Louisiana Highways and Transportation Hall of Honor is sponsored by the LGRTA in conjunction with DOTD, the Louisiana Engineering Society, the Louisiana State Police, the Consulting Engineers Council and the Louisiana AGC.

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