7/18/2014

WASHTO
Director Brian Ness named WASHTO vice president
Idaho Transportation Department Director Brian W. Ness has been named the vice president of the Western Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (WASHTO). The announcement was made this week at WASHTO's 2014 meeting in Albuquerque, N.M.
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Headquarters
Transportation Performance services to merge with similar sections in ITD
On Monday, ITD will take another step in its realignment to be more efficient and bring greater consistency to department services and products. The department will merge services within the Division of Transportation Performance with similar sections in other ITD divisions.
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AASHTO
State DOTs Recognized for Community-Focused, Cost Saving, Innovative Projects
State transportation department projects that are improving safety on all travel modes, expanding mobility for communities, reducing congestion on roadways, and providing additional transportation options, all while saving taxpayer dollars, were named recipients of top honors in the western regional America's Transportation Awards competition at the Western Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 2014 conference.
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Chubbuck Interchange project in southeast Idaho awarded for "Under Budget" design, construction
The Chubbuck Road Interchange reconstruction, the state's first Diverging Diamond Interchange design, was named western regional winner of the America's Transportation Award in the "Under Budget, Small Project" category at the Western Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 2014 conference in Albuquerque, N.M. WASHTO represents the 15 western states.
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Transportation Board
Board tours northern Idaho districts, hears from delegations
Following a tour of Districts 2 and 1 on July 10, the board conducted its business meeting in Coeur d'Alene on July 11. Several area delegations addressed the board, mainly with thanks and gratitude for the major improvements that have been made in the region. The greater Sandpoint community is especially appreciates the Sandcreek Byway project.
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Enterprise Technology Services
Your email is changing for the better
Those "Your mailbox is full" messages may become old history when all ITD email boxes move to "Exchange on-line" over the next few weeks. ITD, along with Department of Administration, will move to Exchange on-line email as part of the Idaho Consolidated Systems (ICS) effort. This will connect multiple state agencies on a consolidated email platform.
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Outstanding Customer Service
DMV customer service earns kudos for going above and beyond
ITD's ongoing commitment to customer service recently prompted a communication about a contact with the Division of Motor Vehicles from Jack Lyman, executive vice president of the Idaho Mining Association, to Sen. Bert Brackett and Rep. Joe A. Palmer -- two Idaho legislators.
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Highways
Idaho Transportation Board approves rural interstate speed increases, with annual review required
Following a review of engineering and traffic safety reports, the Idaho Transportation Board approved a plan Friday (July 11) to increase the speed limit on selected rural sections of interstates in southern and eastern Idaho. The increases were approved with the requirement of an annual review by the Board to ensure continued safe highway operations.
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Hot Weather
Never leave children, disabled adults or pets in parked vehicles during extreme heat
Each year, dozens of children and untold numbers of pets left in parked vehicles die from hyperthermia. Hyperthermia is an acute condition that occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it can handle. Hyperthermia can occur even on a mild day. Studies have shown that the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rapidly rise to a dangerous level for children, pets and even adults. Leaving the windows slightly open does not significantly decrease the heating rate.
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In Memoriam
Encore (7-11-14) Former Idaho Gov. John Evans has died at 89
Former Idaho Governor John Victor Evans Sr. passed away Tuesday, July 8. He was 89 years old. Evans, a Democrat, became governor on Jan. 24, 1977, after then-Democratic Gov. Cecil Andrus resigned to take over as Secretary of the Interior for President Carter. He was elected governor in 1978 and re-elected in 1982.
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Highway Safety
Encore (7-11-14) ITD and Idaho STAR remind drivers and riders to be alert while on the road
With the arrival of warm weather, the number of motorcycles on the road increases and so does the number of motorcycle crashes and fatalities. The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and Idaho STAR Motorcycle Safety Program want to see that trend end. Based on preliminary reports, there have been eight fatalities involving motorcycles in Idaho during the first six months of 2014 (Jan. 1 to June 30), one more than last year.
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Aeronautics
Encore (7-11-14) Annual Johnson Creek Fly-In promotes safe backcountry operations
Within the aviation community, the annual Johnson Creek Fly-In has been one of the best-kept secrets in the Northwest. However, the popularity of this June event continues to draw more people each year, much to the chagrin of long-time participants who revere this pristine Idaho airstrip like a prized fishing hole.
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HIghways
Encore (7-11-14) Reconstruction takes another huge step forward in east Boise with demolition of Broadway Bridge
Crews this week took another significant step in the reconstruction of the 45-year-old Interstate 84 bridge at the Broadway Avenue Interchange, demolishing the bridge overnight on Monday (July 7). They went back out the following night to finish removing shoulder columns. Watch a video of the demolition.
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Road and Bridge Survey
Encore (7-11-14) McClure Center releases survey on Idaho roads and bridges
The James A. and Louise McClure Center at the University of Idaho recently released "Voter Opinions on Roads and Bridges," a new issue in the center's Idaho at a Glance series of policy briefs. This issue summarizes results of an Idaho highway funding telephone survey conducted from February to April 2014.
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