November 20, 2009
On behalf of the Idaho Transportation Board and ITD's Executive Team, please have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and if travels take you out of town, drive safely. |
 Board names new ITD director
Brian Ness, regional engineer for Michigan DOT,
will begin Jan. 11, 2010
After an extensive nationwide search, the Idaho Transportation Board selected Brian W. Ness to serve as its next director beginning Jan. 11, 2010. Ness comes to the state after a 30-year career with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). As administrator, Ness was responsible for helping MDOT meet its strategic planning objectives and quality improvement efforts. He holds a bachelor's of science degree and a master's degree in public administration.
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Winter driving
ITD encourages checking 511 system before embarking on trips
Idaho drivers who embark on road trips this holiday season will benefit from a statewide 511 travel information system that provides up-to-date reports and images of highway conditions. Introduced in 2005, the Idaho 511 system enables drivers to check highway conditions on the Web at 511.idaho.gov and by telephone, both line-based and cellular. The system continues to evolve as Idaho drivers look for tools to help them make wise travel decisions, explains Alison Lantz, manager of the Idaho Transportation Department’s 511 program.
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Prepare in advance to enjoy safe winter travel
As Idaho motorists take to the roads this winter, ITD reminds them that a few extra precautions can make winter journeys safer.
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Carry winter emergency supplies, check condition of car
Motorists can prepare for safer winter travel by keeping a simple emergency kit on hand. The Idaho Transportation Department advises drivers to carry some helpful items in the car in case of an emergency.
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ITD offers tips for driving safely around snowplows
As winter weather rapidly approaches, ITD reminds motorists to use caution when traveling the state's highways during inclement weather and to cooperate with highway workers clearing the highways. When driving near snowplows keep a few safety tips in mind.
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Highway Safety
ITD office celebrates decade in 'temporary' office;
celebration planned Tuesday (Nov. 24)
The year was 1999, and ITD’s Office of Highway Safety moved from third-floor of the Headquarters building to a triple-wide trailer for a two-year temporary stay while a new building was to be constructed between the Annex and the Print Shop. Today, the triple wide remains home for 18 ITD highway safety personnel, but nobody is complaining.
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Employees
HQ presents employment, special awards
Idaho Transportation Board Chairman Darrel Manning offered his appreciation to more than 80 employees who received service and special awards during an afternoon ceremony at Headquarters. Chief Engineer Tom Cole, who served as emcee, repeated the message, as did board vice chairman Neil Miller of District 5.
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District 3 presents awards to 35 employees
ITD's District 3 honored 35 employees for their years of service Tuesday during an awards ceremony in Boise.The awards are based on hours of service to the state. Craig McAllister of ITS was recognized as the longest-serving employee in the district -- 35 years. Dan Morris of the sign crew was honored for achieving 30 years of employment.
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Highways
Wildlife detection system included in D-2 project
Motorists traversing this stretch of U.S. Highway 95 four miles north of Moscow will soon be warned by flashing yellow lights when deer, elk or moose cross onto the roadway. The lights, secured atop deer-crossing warning signs, will be triggered when an animal passes through laser beams focused along shoulders of the highway.
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Technology
Tips offered for safer online holiday shopping
These findings are reflected in a parallel version of a survey that was administered to information technology professionals who are members of ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association). According to responses, nearly half (46 percent) of U.S.-based ISACA members believe their company is losing an average of $3,000 or more in productivity per employee from online holiday shopping at work.
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ITD Mailbox
• Thanks for patience with Orofino highway project
• Help appreciated with elderly mother’s license
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Submit your News/Views to Share
News to Share
Please share information about your accomplishments or those of your colleagues with the ITD community. Send contributions to the e-mail link above. |
Views to Share
Do you have a question related to ITD processes, policies or projects? Has something been puzzling you about why we do what we do? Share your questions using the e-mail link above and let us find the answers.
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Plowing in place
Snow plow simulator offers realistic feel of winter maintenance
Unlike the video game that turns youngsters into racecar drivers, the animated view of ITD’s snowplow simulator teaches drivers to watch for hazards while clearing highways. The simulator, packed into a trailer that has toured the state the past two years, made its last stop in Boise recently. New snowplow drivers and veterans who wanted to touch up their skills, put the simulator through its paces at the District 3 office.
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Motorists urged to use caution around snow plows
As winter weather approaches, ITD reminds motorists to use caution when traveling the state's highways during inclement weather and to cooperate with highway workers clearing the roadways. Before beginning a trip, make sure car windows, mirrors and lights are clear of snow. Keep windshield washers filled with a non-freezing solution all winter.
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Accolades
ITD to receive employer of year award at Dec. 3 banquet
ITD will be honored as Employer of the Year by the Treasure Valley Chapter of WTS: Advancing Women in Transportation at its Dec. 3 awards banquet in Boise. The Vista Interchange project and Stanley Consultants, the project designer, also will be honored as the Innovative Transportation Solutions award winner, for a project or service that improves the quality of life for its users and community.
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Capitol
Public invited to January 'Grand Rededication'
The Idaho State Capitol Commission invites the public to a "Grand Rededication Ceremony" on Jan.9, at noon in downtown Boise. The commission is preparing a formal, but brief re-opening ceremony on the Capitol’s southern steps. The public will enjoy a housewarming immediately following for the remainder of Saturday afternoon.
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