7/10/2015

District 5
Harelson paper on low-volume roads earns TRB nod
A white paper from District 5’s Dan Harelson on safety evaluations for skewed intersections will be presented in a lectern session at the annual meeting of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) in Washington, D.C., in January 2016. The paper also will be presenting at the TRB International Conference on Low volume Roads in Pittsburgh, Penn., July 12-15.
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U.S. DOT
Better slow down: A message from the Federal Highway Administration
Speeding is a significant threat to public safety. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drivers who exceed the posted speed limit or drive too fast for conditions are involved in nearly one-third of all fatal crashes. Each year, more than 13,000 people are killed in speeding-related crashes; and the economic cost of speeding-related crashes is about $52 billion.
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ITD Office of Civil Rights
Partnership provides heavy-equipment training, 15 recently graduate from program
Demand for skilled heavy-equipment operators is increasing in step with an improving economy, just as Idaho's economy turns around, but the pool of experienced operators keeps shrinking each day. To combat this skills drain, the Idaho Transportation Department's (ITD) Office of Civil Rights applied for and successfully secured a $120,000 grant from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for On-the-Job Training Support Services.
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DMV
Post Falls DMV praised for service
Although ITD employees do not work at the county Division of Motor Vehicle offices, they maintain a close working relationship with the folks who occupy those seats. The public also sees us as one and the same.
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District 4
Galena paving project, benefiting bicyclists, begins July 20
A resurfacing project of Idaho 75 over Galena Summit, beginning July 20, is expected to increase the life of the roadway and improve smoothness, the Idaho Transportation Department announced. The month-long project will impact night-time travel over the summit, causing delays and reduced speeds.
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Environment
Ada County Emergency Management offers tips to reduce wildfire risk
Summer is here in full force with high temperatures and dry conditions in many recreational areas. This year 90 percent of all wildfires in Idaho have been human caused and mostly on public lands. Outdoor activities should be enjoyed responsibly; here are a few wildfire prevention reminders to help reduce the risk.
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Headquarters
Encore (07-02-15): Striking a pose for wellbeing
Practicing yoga may improve body, mind and spirit, but it also is a great way to have fun and make new friends. Five regulars and welcome drop-ins meet Mondays and Wednesdays in a quiet second-story space, located near Business and Support Management behind the main Headquarters' building in Boise.
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Department History
Encore 07-02-15): ITD Vault: 38 Years Ago (July/August 1977): Act of Heroism
District Five (editor's note: the office in northern Idaho was at that time referred to as D5 rather than D1) is very proud of one of our employees, Tim Turrell, who exhibited a heroic act by saving the lives of two individuals.
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Governmental Affairs
Encore (07-02-15): webinars and negotiated rulemaking
Less than a month into his new position in ITD’s Governmental Affairs unit, Ramon Sanchez staked out new customer-service territory for the department when he tackled the complex world of webinars and negotiated rulemaking June 24.
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