12/14/2012

Highway safety
Idaho’s model safety plan gains fans and an update
Idaho’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) has acquired some new fans since its last update a few years ago. Foremost among those converts is the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), which promotes the Gem State’s SHSP process as a model for other states to follow.
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Preparedness
FHWA 'relocates' to ITD for disaster exercise
This week ITD shared a conference room with the Federal Highway Administration’s Idaho Division for a live test of its continuity of operations plan. Although the plan was developed more than a decade ago, the exercise at ITD this week was its first comprehensive disaster test.
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Outstanding Customer Service
Avalanche forecasting reduces highway down time
Bill Nicholson and Chantel Astorga spend a lot of their work days looking to the skies and the hills so Idaho drivers can concentrate on the road in front of them. ITD's District 3 full-time avalanche forecasters, along with seasonal workers Brian Gorsage and Drew Lovell, monitor mountain corridors and steep hillsides for hidden winter hazards.
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Outstanding Customer Service
D-4 receives first-in-nation StormReady recognition
ITD's District 4 became the first organization of its kind to receive a StormReady designation from the National Weather Service -- an acknowledgement of the district's commitment to training for storm responses. District representatives received a plaque and signs from the Weather Service during a recent coordination meeting in Shoshone.
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Employees
Program to focus on turning disability into ability
Learn more about how the Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (IDVR) works within the community to help people succeed at ITD’s next brown-bag lunch program Thursday (Dec. 20).
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Highway safety
ITD asks motorists to keep holiday 'spirits' off highways
ITD reminds motorists to make this holiday season safer for everyone by choosing to not drive impaired .Idaho law enforcement agencies will be participating in education campaigns and high-visibility enforcement patrols statewide in a search for drunk or impaired drivers.
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Highway safety
Teens encouraged to take lead in highway safety
Brent Jennings: I would like to take a moment and talk about teen power in the world of highway safety. The Teen Road Safety Advocates™ (TeenRSA) Program is a national initiative that is aimed at empowering youth to take a leadership role in improving roadway safety.
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Economy
Encore (12-7-12): ITD delegates discuss economic development
Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter identified economic recovery and growth as his highest priority during his present term. His goal is to position Idaho to lead the region’s economic recovery and grow the state’s gross domestic product to $60 billion annually.
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Outstanding Customer Service
Encore (12-7-12): Maintenance shed becomes temporary day care center
The unusual becomes routine when you’re responsible for keeping an isolated stretch of a mountainous highway safe for travel in the winter. ITD’s Powell maintenance crew is accustomed to battling the elements, snowdrifts, avalanches and vehicle crashes.
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Highways
Encore (12-7-12): Work begins on Murphy shed
A new maintenance facility is rising from flat ground in southwest Idaho. Construction began last month on a new Murphy maintenance shed that will enable ITD to better serve the needs of motorists on Idaho 78 between Grand View and Marsing.
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Employees, projects
Encore (12-7-12): Nominations accepted for transportation awards
ITD is accepting nominations for its 2013 Excellence in Transportation Awards. The deadline for nominations is Friday, Feb. 1, at 4 p.m. - without exception. Questions should be directed to Adam Rush, adam.rush@itd.idaho.gov, or 334-8119.
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