12/7/2012

Outstanding Customer Service
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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Transportation board
Board to consider three appointments
The Idaho Transportation Board will be asked to approve two advisory council appointments when it assembles in Boise next week for its monthly meeting.
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Economy
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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Highways
Crews keep wary eyes on unstable slopes
Maintenance crews from districts 2 and 3 worked nearly side-by-side this week to keep traffic flowing on U.S. 95, despite rock and mudslides. Relentless rain on steep slopes above the highway sent mud and rocks onto the highway at milepost 177, 14 miles south of Riggins.
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Highways
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
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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Transportation investment
Name that system, claim some sweet treats
ITD is improving how it tracks projects through the Office of Transportation Investment (OTI) using a new system that needs a formal name. Everyone is invited to submit his or her best names for the new system by Friday, Dec. 14, to Valerie Fend-Boehm.
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Preparedness
Carbon monoxide — a silent indoor killer
Cold weather is on the way as is the holiday season when there is something very special about a nice fire in the fireplace. The natural light and warmth create a great atmosphere, but they also can harbor a hidden danger. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that is created when fuels, such as wood, coal, propane, natural gas, kerosene, gasoline or oil, burn incompletely.
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Employees
Blue Cross offers tips for making holidays healthy
With all the extra spending that goes on this time of year, isn't it good to know you can save a few bucks? Here are some tips to keep your body and wallet healthy this season.
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Highway safety
Encore (11-30-12): Research focuses on improving intersection safety
ITD is taking the lead nationally to integrate research and innovative practices to improve safety at intersections during the winter. Working closely with researchers at the University of Idaho, ITD is field-testing weather-responsive traffic signal system that could reduce intersection crashes.
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Employees
Encore (11-30-12): Fullmers put 'giving' before thanks
While most people were indulging in seasonal bounty last week, Evan Fullmer and his family turned the holiday upside down. They put giving before thanks and serving before being served. Two days of travel and two days of labor produced a gift that will last a lifetime.
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Employees
Encore (11-30-12): Wasdahl perpetuate's family's military tradition
As a 2009 appointee of the military academy Pierce Wasdahl, (Mark’s son,) majors in Geospatial Information Sciences at West Point. The goal of the program, according to its website, is to give "future Army officers, regardless of branch, the knowledge set to leverage these tools when leading soldiers in our high-tech digital Army.
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Outstanding Customer Service
Encore (11-30-12): Partnership keeps DMV services functioning
On the surface, there appeared to be nothing unusual about applying for a new driver’s license, renewing an existing license or obtaining an identification card in north-central Idaho this week. Transactions at the Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office were completed much the way they were the week before … and the month before.
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Making a difference
Encore (11-30-12): Nominations sought for WTS awards
An international organization for women in transportation (WTS) wants to honor individuals who contributed to their profession in 2012. The Treasure Valley chapter of Women in Transportation Seminar welcomes nominations for awards to be presented at the annual banquet in Boise.
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