5/14/2012

Highways
Ceremony to mark beginning of Idaho 16 extension project
A ceremony Thursday (May 24) at 2:16 p.m. at the southwest corner of Idaho highways 16 and 44 will kick off construction on the long-awaited first stage of the Idaho 16 extension over the Boise River. It represents the first segment of a project that eventually will connect State Street (Idaho 44) and Chinden Boulevard (U.S. 20/26) by a high-speed, four-lane highway.
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Highways
ITD partners with INL to assess road conditions
Be my partner. That’s what the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) asked ITD in seeking help with its road inspections. And the transportation department was glad to oblige; partnering is what we do. INL previously used a tedious and time-consuming process of road inspection that involved manual walk-downs and surface grading.
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Technology
New administrator reflects on role in transportation
The appointment last week of Shannon Barnes as ITD's new Information Technology Administrator is a marriage of several strengths. Barnes, who has been with ITD since 2006, will combine a sound background in technology with strong leadership and management skills and a vision that keeps her on the edge – where today meets tomorrow.
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Mobility
YMCA executive cherishes 'alone' time on bicycle commutes
Exercise, saving money and helping the planet can be great reasons to trade gas and brake pedals for foot pedals, but don’t underestimate the value that a little “me” time offers to those that choose to commute by bicycle. Jim Everett commutes by bicycle to his Boise office most days. The CEO of the Treasure Valley Family YMCA said he has many reasons for bicycle commuting.
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Adopt-A-Highway
Communications workers connect people, clean connectors
With Grandma Jeannette as their inspiration, a fifth generation of successors in ACT Communications takes the spirit of helping to a new arena – the shoulders of Idaho 38 near Malad. Volunteers clean the highway between mileposts 7 and 9 twice a year, and in three outings since joining the Adopt-A-Highway program, they have gathered 945 pounds of refuse.
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Adopt-A-Highway
ISU group finds its own image during cleanup
Sometimes students in the Idaho State University Hearing and Speech Clinic see themselves coming while going. The past met the present during one of their semiannual highway cleanup campaigns as part of the ITD’s Adopt-A-Highway program.
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DMV
Validation process gives sneak preview of GARNET
Testing of software package components for the DMV’s GARNET modernization project is under way and one participant seems to like what she sees. Leah Allen of ITD Driver Services recently participated in the Solution Validation Process (SVP) for Driver Record and Issuance Verification Solution (DRIVS).
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Highways
Equipment operators put skills on line in annual 'roadeos'
As ITD crews make a transition from winter maintenance to summer repairs and construction, they have an opportunity to match their skills with their counterparts, both within their districts and statewide.
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Highway safety
Encore (5-11-12): Summit speakers encouraged 'One Team' concept
More than 200 law enforcement and highway safety professionals learned Tuesday how the “One Team” approach to a motor vehicle crash can be just as effective addressing larger challenges like Idaho’s Towards Zero Deaths goal of no one dying on an Idaho highway.
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Highway safety
Encore (5-11-12): Lewiston police officer honored for highway safety commitment
Sgt. Ted Piche’ of the Lewiston Police Department was honored Tuesday for his highway safety efforts in Idaho. He received a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) “Safety Champion Award” from John M. Moffat, NHTSA regional administrator for the states of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Alaska.
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Efficiency
Encore (5-11-12): ITD to introduce new fueling process at department pumps
Changes to the fueling process at ITD pumps throughout the state will improve operational efficiency and provide better inventory control. Beginning Monday, May 21, operators of ITD vehicles will use a new ProKee fob card at the department’s fueling sites.
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Aeronautics
Encore (5-11-12): Teens invited to explore lofty heights of aviation
Navigating small airplanes, controlling air traffic and exploring Blackhawk helicopters are all part of the Aviation Career Exploration (ACE) Academy, June 25-27, hosted by ITD’s Division of Aeronautics. Thirty teenagers will have the opportunity to participate in the academy, which is open to high school students ages 14-18. The deadline for submitting applications has been extended to May 23.
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Highways
Encore (5-11-12): Creating farmable slopes usually a win-win proposal
ITD frequently enters into a “farmable slopes” agreement in farming communities throughout the state. Although the specific details may differ from one location to another, the benefit remains the same: sustaining agricultural production and the economy, preserving the environment and land stewardship, and fostering good public-private partnerships.
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