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November 2010

Director Ness announces first steps in department realignment
ITD Director Brian W. Ness announced this week a realignment of the department that will improve customer service, efficiency and accountability, and save a minimum of $1.5 million over the next two years. The realignment will reduce the layers of management between Ness and the department's front line supervisors from nine to five and give decision-making back to where the work is being done.
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Florida transportation veteran named chief of operations
ITD Director Brian W. Ness announced this week the selection of Paul Steinman as the department's new chief of operations. Steinman will lead 1,300 employees that work in the department's highway operations, maintenance, construction and planning programs. He will assume his duties in December.
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First STAR-funded, design / build interchange awaits final step
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approved a new interchange on Interstate 90 at Beck Road in Post Falls. Final approval of the Interchange Justification Report (IJR) hinges on completion of all environmental work for the project. The IJR recommends a new standard diamond interchange on I-90 at Beck Road. The recommended interchange is supported in the regional and local plans, accommodates pedestrians and bicyclists, and improves traffic operations.
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An intersection of need, vision
Todd Daylong, an inspector out of District 3’s Residency 1 office, lives near the intersection of Highway 44/ Old State Street and Ballantyne Road in Eagle. He drew up and proposed several modifications to the intersection to assist with traffic flow and safety. Seems it hasn’t gone unnoticed. Daylong said that for a year and a half he “had heard accidents from my back yard,” including one that resulted in a fatality. The main problem were drivers in too much of a hurry, not taking other traffic into consideration – much of it motorists intersecting the route.
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Heart attack claims retired security officer Tim Ramsey
Tim Ramsey, former security officer at ITD’s Headquarters in Boise, passed away unexpectedly Saturday (Oct. 30) as a result of an aneurysm. He had just arrived in South Carolina where he and his wife were relocating to be closer to children and grandchildren. For those of you who had the pleasure of working with Tim, you are aware of his kind heart, his warm smiles, and the pride he took in the security position he held for ITD.
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ITD receives two of AASHTO's highest awards
ITD staff will summarize the department’s procedures for clearing traffic crash sites and efforts to keep traffic moving following a crash to Idaho Transportation Board members in Boise next week. The board will conduct its November meeting Wednesday and Thursday in the Headquarters auditorium. The crash clearance report will emphasize the partnerships ITD has established to minimize traffic delays.
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HRS manager Harker among 'Women Making History'
Mary Harker, manager of ITD’s Human Resource Services, will find herself among elite company next year when she receives a 2011 Women Making History distinction. She will be honored by the Boise State University’s Women’s Center during special ceremony in March. As part of the recognition, the Women’s Center will publish the 11th annual insert in the Idaho Statesman, “knowing that women’s achievements are often overlooked or left out of the history books altogether.”
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Public radio looks below surface of highway digs
The Northwest is filled with towns that have their own storied histories. Sandpoint is a fashionable resort village in scenic north Idaho. But it used to be a rougher place, built around the timber and railroad industries. Today, researchers are piecing together much of that history after an unusually large archaeological dig. Correspondent Doug Nadvornick reports the dig was prompted by a highway construction project.
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Check highway, weather conditions before travel
ITD encourages drivers to take advantage of the 511 Traveler Services system as they plan holiday and winter trips. Idaho’s robust 511 system helps motorists make wise and safe travel decisions by giving them access to an array of condition reports before they leave home. Motorists can view highway conditions on more than 80 cameras strategically located throughout the state, check the latest road and weather conditions and quickly determine which routes offer driving challenges.
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Topaz bridge on its last legs
Removal of the old truss bridge continues as part of the Topaz Bridge replacement on U.S. 30 in District 5. During this GARVEE-funded project, the existing two-lane, five-span, 379-foot long truss bridge, spanning the Portneuf River, Marsh Valley Canal, and Union Pacific Railroad, will be removed. In its place will be a 4-lane bridge that will be 613 feet long, and contains 3.5 million pounds of structural steel.
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