12/20/2013

Transportation board
Board approves 22 Community Choices projects
The Idaho Transportation Board voted to fund 22 projects under the Community Choices for Idaho program when it met in Boise last week. Of those approved, 18 are for infrastructure improvements. The Community Choices initiative was introduced earlier this year as a way to manage the funding of programs that are administered and managed through the Division of Transportation Performance.
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Driving research
New study could change what, how and where you drive
A game-changing look at how people drive and at the highways they drive on is coming, as researchers begin to sift through data gathered by a Naturalistic Driving Study (NDS) conducted over the past few years. The study is part of the Second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP 2)
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Driving research
How do you monitor drivers behind the wheel?
Here is what it takes to monitor drivers involved in the behavioral study. Data for the Naturalistic Driving Study was captured using an array of instruments tracking multiple activities inside and outside the study vehicles ...
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Winter maintenance
States use technology to battle winter weather
Enhancements to ITD's 511 Traveler Services received national attention this week when it was mentioned in a national news release on winter storm preparedness. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials included ITD's new option, and those of eight other states in a summary to the national news media Tuesday.
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Employees
Teaching highway safety lesson on the roadside
Sometimes, you can talk about it until you’re exhausted and it doesn’t quite sink in, but in a second or two, a real-life illustration can drive home the point in a profound way.
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Communication
ITD produces more than 500 news releases in 2013
Carrying ITD's message beyond the walls of Headquarters and the six districts involve ongoing, concerted efforts by specialists in the Office of Communications. The group continues to inform policymakers, the public and the news media of planning efforts.
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Employee generosity
District 3's legendary spirit of giving puts smiles on children
The spirit of generosity is rampant at ITD, especially this time of year, and the Christmas luncheon at District 3 on Thursday (Dec. 12) was a prime example. As it has done in the pasts, the district donated several large boxes of new, unwrapped toys to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation. 
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Highways
Cascade welcomes new resident — Idaho 55 bridge
The old, narrow, width-restricted bridge over the North Fork Payette River was replaced recentlywith one more than twice as wide. The previous bridge was 24 feet wide, and was replaced with one 60-foot wide, 393-foot long, and three spans. The new bridge has two 12-foot lanes, two 11-foot shoulders and a 14-foot median.
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Employees
Encore (12-13-13): Grant from AASHTO to benefit engineering programs
Engineering students at Idaho’s three public universities will benefit from grants ITD announced Thursday. ITD earned a $10,000 grant from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) for its innovative, nation-leading winter storm performance process.
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Highway safety
Encore (12-13-13): Alive at 25 website offers mobile-friendly registration
Young Idaho drivers have a new way to register online for the innovative driving course Alive at 25 – their smart phones. Recently the Colorado State Patrol Family Foundation that manages the program throughout the U.S. installed a mobile-friendly version for young adults to access the Alive at 25 website on their smart phones.
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Social media
Encore (12-13-13): ITD reaches out to public through Facebook, Twitter
ITD joined the world of social media in the summer and early fall of 2009 with the launch of the department’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. Since then, there have been nearly 4,500 Twitter and nearly 4,000 Facebook posts, along with hundreds of "likes," "shares," "re-tweets," and other indications that other people are indeed engaged with ITD's site.
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Highway safety
Encore (12-13-13): Resolve to make the best holiday decision — don't drive impaired
The holidays are a time for celebration, visiting with loved ones and reflecting on the year past and the year ahead. Yet all too often, the holiday spirit is destroyed by a reckless decision to drive impaired. ITD and its highway-safety partners remind everyone to make good-driving decisions this holiday season and never drive while impaired.
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Highway safety
Encore (12-13-13): Tips for hosting a responsible holiday party
Brent Jennings: Many of us will be hosting and/or attending parties during this holiday season. With that in mind, here are some reminders that will assist you in having a safe and enjoyable party ...
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