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June 2010

Falling rain, rising water, big headaches
It was inevitable. The long, protracted spring, persistent rain – heavy at times – and increasing daytime temperatures combined to make travel in the northern areas of District 3 very challenging. And they are creating considerable headaches for ITD employees charged with keeping the highways passable.
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The Interstate 84/Vista Interchange will not be completed until the fall, yet you can drive through the “Single Point Urban Interchange” now. Drivers can get a realistic sense of navigating the interchange without actually getting into a car by way of animation that simulates the driving experience. In the latest video produced for the kiosk at the Boise Airport, POWER Engineers designed the computer simulation to help prepare the motorists for the new configuration and the lone traffic signal that will control all movements from the center of the interchange. While not unique around the country, the SPUI is new to Idaho. Kick its tires and then take it for a test drive right here...
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Fernandez takes engineering opportunities to the classroom
A commitment to better engineering education is beginning to show dividends for Nestor Fernandez, ITD roadway design engineer. During the past year, Fernandez joined the Nampa School District’s Professional Technical Education Advisory Board and assisted with its pre-engineering curriculum. He also helped with Hispanic outreach efforts for Boise State University’s College of Engineering.
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Computer users to see new log-on dialogue box
Jon Pope, Enterprise Technology Services
I want to make you aware of a minor change that the executive management team asked to have implemented. Beginning June 14, after users enter their username and password to access an ITD computer, they will be presented with a very simple dialog box containing a policy awareness statement the executive management team has approved.
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ETS to begin rollout of new Sharepoint-based Intranet portal
Relatively unchanged in the last half-decade, ITD’s Intranet site will assume a new identity with introduction of a site built on Microsoft’s Sharepoint technology. Enterprise Technology Services began laying the foundation for the new site nearly three years with the introduction of MOSS (Microsoft Office Sharepoint Server) as part of the Office 2007 suite.
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What's in your teenager's energy drink?
The cans are big, colorful and sport names like Joose, Sparks, Max and Four Loko. Each container also may contain an alcohol wallop equivalent to four or five beers, plus an eye-opening measure of caffeine. It’s a combination that appeals to many of today’s young drinkers, said Boise Police officer Jermaine Galloway.
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Public meetings scheduled for over-legal transports
Public meetings will be held June 28 and June 29 to provide information and take comment on proposed plans by Imperial Oil to truck up to 200 large pieces of equipment on U.S. 12. The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and Imperial Oil will jointly host the meetings on Monday, June 28, in Lewiston and on Tuesday, June 29, in Kooskia.
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New wildlife underpass to promote safety
Commuters and outdoor recreationists aren't the only ones who traverse Idaho 21 along what is known as the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Route. Each year, large numbers of deer and elk travel in the corridor and are killed as they attempt to cross the highway. ITD and a multi-agency partnership will build an underpass near milepost 18 this summer.
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Teens get a taste of the wild blue yonder
The skies in south-central Idaho were a little more crowded than usual Wednesday. And the short-term pilots a little less experienced. Sixteen youths from throughout Idaho concluded a three-day Aviation Career Exploration (ACE) academy in Boise by flying with volunteer pilots in donated aircraft to several local landing strips. The culminating experience, which wrapped up in Nampa, was the highlight of a camp that introduced teens to the world of flying.
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Girls State delegate walks in father's shoes
When asked which governmental agency she would like to spend the day with as part of the American Legion Auxiliary Syringa Girls State leadership program, Brooke Roney didn’t hesitate. Her dad, Clint Roney, is a transportation technician senior in District 1. That made Brooke’s choice of the Idaho Transportation Department simple.
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