Untitled Document

2015 was pivotal year for ITD

Increased funding, employee innovations, national conferences, department recognition and important partnerships marked 2015 as a pivotal year for the Idaho Transportation Department. What follows is a look at some of the Transporter stories, by the month, which made the year memorable.

JANUARY
Ice bath: Kooskia’s Graves involved in frigid Lochsa River rescue
State fatality rates continue sharp decline despite significantly increased volumes
Change in service-fee policy will help ITD put more money toward Idaho’s roads
ITD praised in Governor’s State of the State, Agency Spotlight
ITD and Canyon County partner to build new signal in Caldwell
District 1 staff thanked for bridge lighting
Local commerce, jobs preserved in second phase of Cheyenne South Valley Connector in Pocatello

FEBRUARY
ITD installs new highway cameras in eastern Idaho
Idaho Driver’s License Practice Test and Bicycle Safety Quiz Now Available Online
Project maps wildlife paths across U.S. 20 in Island Park
Reese celebrates half a century of watershed moments
History, archaeology preserved in award-winning Sandpoint project
ITD's new citizen-focused annual report recognized for excellence, serves as national model
ITD’s teen driver website goes mobile friendly

MARCH
Highway 16 bridge, roadwork recognized for engineering excellence
Aeronautics offers new annual safety scorecard
Lack of winter allows ITD northern Idaho crews to get jump on road striping with new cold-weather paint
Researchers test low-cost thermal method to monitor bridge scour
ITD plans 30 highway construction projects in eastern Idaho this year
ITD issues legislative identification cards to members of the House and Senate
Get the message?

APRIL
Idaho Governor declares April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month
North-central region chosen as proving ground for ITD's award-winning and money-saving winter road system
Next stage of I-90 Pinehurst bridges project now underway
Idaho airports recognized for dedication and excellence
Signs warning of high winds installed near Perrine, Hansen bridges
Rock-splatter skirting protects maintenance trucks, saves almost $22K
2.5 million pounds of litter removed through Idaho's Adopt-a-Highway program in quarter century

MAY
Moscow, Potlatch build frame-mount flusher to save truck bodies
Garden City’s West Pedestrian Bridge linking south side to north side of Boise River placed
Project begins on U.S. 95 Lewiston Hill May 18
Almost 1,100 bridges qualify for inspections every four years
ITD promotes work zone safety during final summer season of I-84 GARVEE construction
Summer maintenance work extends lifespan of Treasure Valley bridges
New U.S. bike route includes section in northern Idaho
ITD launches industry's first online tool to help keep Idaho roads safe
ITD, law enforcement partners rally against 100 Deadliest Days

JUNE
ITD highway-safety efforts win pair of awards
ITD North Idaho regional crews record state-best mobility index benefiting drivers
100 Deadliest Days especially dangerous for teen drivers
Building castles for a good cause at ITD headquarters
ITD wins third 2015 AAMVA Award for blazing the trail

JULY
ITD and IHFA refinance part of state’s GARVEE debt, saving $12.7 million
Cadre of new emergency response tools available to ITD employees
Partnership provides heavy-equipment training, 15 recently graduate from program
ITD Director Ness, his vision for the department, featured in regional magazine
Ness named president of 18-state western transportation coalition
Idaho and ITD shine as hosts of WASHTO annual meeting
Spalding Bridge project wins award for environmental considerations

AUGUST
Hazmat teams respond to Thursday call from ITD Headquarters
Idaho part of new North/West Passage multi-state trip planning and traveler information website
New DMV online app allows instant check of vehicle title status
ITD's Buu continues history of strong showing by department geotechs
Karsann praised for highway-safety response
Idaho's 511 traveler services site adds new features, improvements
Bridge strike on I-15 overpass near Blackfoot closes lanes

SEPTEMBER
Idaho scores top spot as best state for drivers nationwide
Headquarters employees take initiative to increase constructive culture
OHS partners in launching Drive Safe Mode app to combat distracted driving
ITD communication, safety efforts again recognized at national peer gathering
Idaho Aeronautics receives national safety award
East Boise gateway interchanges dedicated Sept. 15
ITD's Mark Hall wins an AASHTO photography award

OCTOBER
Southeastern Idaho office earns StormReady designation for winter preparations
First transportation projects using new revenue already finishing
Meppen helps to Identify travel delays in work zones
Pilot sticks freeway landing Tuesday morning
ITD Malad foreman Thorpe again sets ITD road-clearing standard
ITD to install variable-speed signs on I-15 north of Osgood
Innovations drive ITD to be the best

NOVEMBER
U.S. 20 interchanges save lives
Lancaster’s crash-cushion innovation saves lives, infrastructure
Headquarters’ annual giving campaign tally surpasses last year’s total
D1's Beachler creates weather app to help maintenance forces plan manpower and equipment
ITD's 511 system celebrates decade of service to Idaho travelers

DECEMBER
Strong Highway Safety Partnerships fuel strategic planning workshop Dec. 1
Lewiston Hill project on U.S. 95 wins national asphalt paving award
Highway Safety, Communication collaborate on "Don't Wreck the Holiday" campaign
ITD board selects General Fund surplus projects
Cultural items reunited with the Nez Perce Tribe