Transportation

NEWS February 1999 Volume 24 Number 6

What looms for TxDOT

port and information Here's a hint: technology positions, It starts with and authorizing merit raises every six the letter 'R' months rather than the current 12 months. Commission mem- By Usa 1Row __ bers support the state Public Information Office auditor's recommen- G oahead. Buy a dation and are "hitting Lottery ticket. But this issue hard," Chase your odds this said. year are better in the "Texas has one of the Legislature. largest and best trans- The 76th Legislature, portation systems in which convened Jan. 12, the nation largely is expected to consider because of the compe- an across-the-board cost tent and dedicated of living increase for men and women who state employees as part develop and maintain of an appropriations bill it," said TxDOT execu- this session. tive director Wes A rcer x t sage aidi- H~eald. "We hope the tor's report, which urged Legislature will recog- a salary increase to nize their worth to the stanch the flow of state state by making their employees to better pay- salaries more competi- ing jobs in the private JS tive with those in the sector, recommends a 3.9 private sector." percent pay raise in 2000 Commission mem- and another in 2001 to bers emphasize the make state salaries com-f need for salary increas- petitive. The recommen- i I es by stressing the dation is based on the obvious. average difference "The three Rs for the between the salaries of department this session are revenue, raises and retention," Chase those in various state positions and the wages offered to their pri- said. "The mission is to retain and recruit. The current salary struc- vate sector counterparts. ture doesn't do either very well." The increase, as well as other salary-related issues designed to What's the likelihood lawmakers will adopt raises for state improve employee morale and retention, are at the top of the Texas employees? Although nobody in the know is 'in the mood to post Transportation Commission's legislative agenda, said Coby Chase, odds, veteran analysts believe the salary proposal is a sound one. director of the Legislative Affairs Office for the Texas Department of That doesn't mean, however, that it's a done deal. Transportation. "Budgetary pressure will control the outcome," said Doug Mink, In addition to the across-the-board raises, the report recommends who has worked for four years as a state legislative analyst for more competitive salaries for those in engineering, engineering sup- * See LAWS, Page 4

Inside

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TxDOT construction is delayed TxDOT crews made news while TxDOT Is doing its part to curb The use of new crashworthy while officials decide the working long hours to keep ice 'sky glow' by the use of new light barricades in work zones puts disposition of two graves. from closing state roadways. fixtures. TxDOT ahead of other DOTs. Page 6 Page 5 Page 8 Page 10

' Texas Department of ihwaportalnw 2 Be careful when Hale selected Abilene DE communicating Bill Hale has been named Abilene Dis- Before taking that position in 1992, trict Engineer. The appointment became Hale was at the Ellis County Area Office with lawmakers effective Jan. 1. in Waxahachie. He worked in a variety Hale, a 15-year TxDOT veteran, has of areas, including planning, design, con- I am in the process of undertaking yet spent his entire tenure in the Dallas Dis- struction and maintenance. He was assis- another new experience as TxDOT's executive trict. Immediately prior to being named tant area engineer in Ellis County before director - my first legislative session. Abilene DE, he was the area engineer for his promotion to the Hutchins office. The Texas Legislature opened its 76th ses- Southeast Dallas County in Hutchins, Hale earned a bachelor's degree in sion last month. During the next several where he oversaw all transportation- civil engineering from the University of months, I expect to spend quite a few hours related projects and activities. That Texas at Arlington. He also received a "across the street," providing information to office's average annual workload for the master's degree in civil engineering from the various committees and subcommittees as past three years has been $60 million in UTA. For the past six years, Bill has been they work on legislation for the next two years. design projects, $70 million in construc- a senior lecturer at his alma mater, teach- I won't go into a lot of detail, but there is tion and $4 million in maintenance. ing a graduate class in pavement design. proposed legisla- In 1996, Hale received the Luther The Dallas native and his wife, D.D., tion in virtually all DeBerry Award for his work with local have three children, Chris, Tyler and operational areas of officials on several major projects in the Tori. * our department, Dallas area. from aviation to vehicle titles and registration. One issue that is of interest to all of us Massey becomes new director is salaries. There are proposals for a salary increase for of Public Transportation Division all employees. I Wes Heald strongly support Margot Massey has been named director 1974, she has managed and implemented the State Auditor's of the Public Transportation Division. several state and federal grant programs as Straight talk Office recommen- The assignment became effective Jan. 1. well as developed formulas for grant fund- dation for a mini- Massey had served as interim director of ing and coordinated grant financing for mum of a 3.9 per- the division since August, and had been transit providers. cent cost of living pay raise for each year of the deputy director for the past six years. Massey is a member of the American biennium. Overseeing and implementing TxDOT's Planning Association and the Community When an issue, such as a proposed salary program, she works closely with the transit Transportation Association of America. increase, directly affects us, it's hard not to- industry and the Federal Transit Adminis- Born in San Angelo, Massey received a voice our concerns to the decision makers. For tration to provide public transportation bachelor's degree in government and his- that reason, I want to remind all employees throughout the state. tory from the University of Texas at Austin. about the importance of using good judgment Massey has worked with public trans- She also earned a master's in business when communicating with legislators. portation throughout her 24-year career at administration from UT. * There are many department employees who TxDOT. Since joining the department in are in frequent contact with legislators. When lawmakers request information about TxDOT business, employees are expected to respond promptly. Employees may not, however, con- tact legislators with personal issues using Wynne executive assistant new TxDOT resources or on TxDOT time. Doing so constitutes lobbying, which is a violation of the law. turnpike auministrative manager I am not saying that state employees cannot Ron Davis Jr., former executive assistant accounting let their legislators know how they feel about from Northwestern State Uni- to Texas Transportation Commission mem- an issue. Nothing restricts employees from con- versity of Louisiana. ber Anne Wynne, has been chosen the tacting legislators as private citizens. But doing After graduation, he played as a free administrative manager of the Texas Turn- it properly is critical. For example, employees agent with the Canadian Football League pike Authority Division. may not write personal opinion letters on and National Football League. The transfer was effective Feb. 1. He TxDOT stationery and fax them from the office has also worked as an accountant In his new position, Davis will handle a for the Office of the They can write it on their own stationery and Texas Attorney General number of responisbilities, including bud- and as a budget analyst in TxDOT's fax it from another location on their own time. get and contract management duties. Finance Division. It is crucial that all employees draw the line He will also work closely with the divi- The Austin between departmental and personal interests. native and his wife, Alice, sion's financial advisors to develop finan- have In addition, employees should not express two sons, Ryon and Arnell. * cial packages for turnpike projects. personal opinions when representing TxDOT. Davis earned a bachelor's degree in I know that can be difficult at times. Just remember, when you identify yourself as a TxDOT employee, you're our official represen- tative, and your comments must be restricted See SESSION, Page 13

Transportation News is Published by the Public Publisher Contributing PIOs Other contributors Travel Division published for employees and Information Office, 125 E. Eloise Lundgren Bob Andrews District, Division Photographers retirees of the Texas 11th, Austin, TX 78701-2483. Executive Editor Phyllis Chandler and Office employees Michael Amador Department of Transportation. Circulation: 17,850 Helen Havelka Randall Dillard Staff support Geoff Appold Contents are not necessarily Editor Gabriela Garcia Ernest Lamey Griff Smith the official views of, or Jeff Carmack Kerry Neely Al Glasscock Kevin Stillman endorsed by, TxDOT. Design and Production Linda Ribble Amanda Martinez Stan A. Williams Lisa Trow Lori Rowe Diana Ward Photo Ubrarlan Trouble getting Transportation News? Cheryl Williams Call (512) 463-8588 Anne Cook

Transportation News February 1999 3

All In the family BWD environmental coordinator enjoys working with a team

great and she's Department. eled to the Brownwood District to easily accessi- "Starting at the bottom here has helped Ispenddon't know the day what with I expectedMichael Belvin,when I envi-trav- ble," he said me immensely with my career," he ronmental coordinator. enthusiastically. explained. "I learned a lot about the engi- I guess I half thought an environmental "She does a neering aspects, an opportunity so many coordinator would be wearing jeans, hiking lot to develop new employees don't have. boots and a plaid shirt. He'd probably have good relations "So it's easy for me to understand from a beard and sort of shaggy, longish hair. with other agen- our engineers what they want to do and Not even close. cies so we can then be able to explain to them their The handsome Belvin, clean-shaven with work together as options," Belvin said. a stylish haircut, looks like he just stepped a team." Additionally, his degree in environmental off the pages of a gentleman's fashion maga- Noble was and wildlife science from Tarleton State Uni- zine. He laughed when I told him what I Eloise Lundgren just as compli- versity kind of makes him a kissin' cousin to imagined he would look like and reminded mentary about design engineers. Belvin, praising "My classes in hydraulics, soils, vegeta- me that he was an environmental coordina- A Day in the Life tor. him for his per- tion management and agriculture have some "The environmental coordinator's job is sonal knowl- similarities with design work," Belvin said. kind of unique," he explained. "We're con- edge and interest in the preservation of his- "I'm fortunate that it all fits in. cerned about the environment, but we're not toric structures around Brownwood. "Anyway," he went on, "in a district this environmentalists. "Mike provided invaluable assistance in small, no one is territorial; everyone works "What we try to do is see what every- the work that was done on the Santa Fe as a team." one's -TxDOT and environmental organi- Depot and the Regency Bridge," she said. For example, environmental and right of zations - concerns are and get them to "I know he wears many hats for the dis- way work very closely, Belvin pointed out, work together to accomplish a common trict, but somehow he manages to stay on because environmental clearances have to be goal." top of his projects, proficiently managing obtained before right of way can be pur- That common goal is to provide the citi- environmental issues." chased. zens of Texas a transportation system that is His immediate supervisors, Bill Crumley, "You hear people from other districts safe, efficient and environmentally friendly, district transportation planning and pro- complain about friction between engineers Belvin continued, and in complete concert gramming director, and Elias Remilli, who and everybody else," he said. with state and federal laws. heads the design section, get high marks "We don't see any of that here. The way "We're not a big district," he said, "so from Belvin, too. I look at it is, if there's a misconception we're lucky in that we don't have noise and "They back me up and give me the about what's needed, then there's a break- air pollution problems. Historic structures opportunity to do my job," he said. down in communication." and endangered species are the main part of And whether it's hiring consultants and Belvin's pleased with the way new execu- my concern, since Brownwood is home to managing contracts for an enhancement pro- tive director Wes Heald has "gone back to the black-capped vireo and golden-cheeked ject or a construction project, Belvin is con- the family concept." warbler and is one of the areas of the state tent because "I like having lots of jobs; I'd "My dad just retired from being the right that has a large number of masonry cul- get bored just having one." of way agent in the San Antonio District," he verts." Besides, his job is fun and easy, according said. "TxDOT is a family." And anytime Belvin has a problem or a to the eight-year TxDOT veteran, for a lot of And the TxDOT family extends into the question, all he has to do is pick up the reasons. community as well. phone. "I started out with the department as a "An enhancement project is a communi- "I feel I have a good relationship with summer employee in a maintenance office ty effort," he said. "I stay with the project division (Environmental Affairs Division)," mowing, patching potholes and operating even after the grant is awarded, all the way he said; "they're always quick to help me heavy equipment," he said. "I also spent through construction. I am TxDOT's link to out. We really have a lot of extremely some summers surveying at one of our area the citizens and I have learned a lot in deal- knowledgeable people in offices." ing with them." the environmental field Belvin worked in the San Antonio, Dallas Although Belvin grew up in San Antonio, here at TxDOT. and Fort Worth districts before his roots are firmly planted in Brownwood. "Dianna (Noble, ending up in Brownwood. "Both sides of my family are here," he division director) is Before his life at TxDOT, said. "My relatives were among the first set- he worked for the Texas tlers." yr .:<;:Parks and Wildlife He's continuing that heritage by restoring his grandfather's house so he can live in it. "It's the house my dad grew up in," he '4 said, "an old pier and beam with hardwood floors that are iv~v v in excellent shape. I think it will be kind of neat to live in the house where :.'.:4 my dad lived as a child." His affinity for restoring vintage things extends

M C to automobiles. .i He's finishing up a gorgeous dark green 1953 Cadillac Coupe de vv. .. v . Ville, which he's turned into a convertible by dropping the top. I felt like I had really stepped U See BELVIN, Page 13

Transportation News February 1999 4

Traffic Operations Director Newbern to retire Tom Newbern, director of TxDOT's the Traffic Engineering tions Division in Austin, serving as a field Traffic Operations Division has Section of the Safety and area traffic engineer, assistant division announced his retirement, effective Feb. Maintenance Operations director and acting director. He became 28. Carlos Lopez, deputy division director, Division. He moved to division director in December 1995. will serve as interim director. the Brownwood District Newbern has been a registered profes- Newbern, a 28-year veteran, was direc- to serve as assistant sional engineer in Texas since 1974. He is a tor of traffic operations for the past three maintenance engineer in member of the American Society of Civil years. The division oversees traffic opera- 1985. While in Brown- Engineers, the Texas Good Roads/Trans- tions, including safety, engineering and wood, he was named portation Association, the Texas Institute of INewbiem management, and railroad signals and -- o district maintenance engi- Transportation Engineers and the Texas crossings. Newbem joined TxDOT in Sep- neer/traffic engineer. In December 1992, Public Employees Association. * tember 1970 as an engineering assistant in Newbern returned to the Traffic Opera-

spread incidence of fraud and tax evasion. to change the manner in which it lets certain LAWS Under the current system of collection, fuel construction projects. The current procedure tax fraud is widespread and almost impossi- requires that projects be designed before Continued from Page 1 ble to catch. The federal government, which they are let. Under the commission's propos- TxDOT. "Every dollar the Legislature moved to change the point of taxation in al, the commission may choose to let a single spends on employee raises is one dollar less 1993, collected an additional $21 billion the contract for both design and construction. that can be used for education initiatives first year of the new program without rais- This would allow construction to begin on a and tax cuts." ing fuel taxes. Some states, mostly in the portion of a project before the remainder of Nobody really has an inkling of how the upper Midwest, have also switched the the project is designed. Although this salary issue will play in the Legislature until point of taxation and with similar financial "design-build" change would not be suit- debate on it begins. The same is true of the rewards. The federal government's most able for many projects, it would speed up other issues on the Transportation Commis- conservative estimate is that Texas loses $127 completion of some toll road projects fund- sion's legislative agenda. million per year through state tax evasion. ed by investors who had purchased con- It is the job of TxDOT analysts to ride "Nineteen other states have proved you struction bonds. herd on these issues to make sure lawmak- can do this. We want to be the 20th," Chase Other issues on the commission's agenda ers have a comprehensive understanding of said. include traffic safety legislation, such as a pending legislation to be considered. Obviously, crooked distributors and orga- bill to abrogate an earlier bill allowing cer- "TxDOT likes to be at the table when the nized crime stand to lose if Texas lawmak- tain permitted vehicles to ignore posted decisions are made," Chase said. ers follow the lead of these 19 other states. weight limits. HB 2060, passed by the 71st Over the course of the session, LAO's The current system allows distributors to Legislature, allowed TxDOT to issue permits team of six state legislative analysts will eat, retain the taxes they collect for two months to trucks so that they could carry up to 5 sleep and dream the commission's legisla- before they must turn it over to the state, a percent more than their legal limit on any tive agenda, which includes other issues key situation that costs the state revenue from public road or bridge in the state - with the to the department. Those issues are missing interest on these collected taxes. The exception of federal Interstate highways. designed to generate state revenue, increase state also pays distributors to collect fuel "State law allows trucks with a weight funds available to the department for con- taxes, money they would lose if the taxes tolerance permit to ignore load postings on struction and maintenance projects - were collected instead at the terminals. roads and bridges," Mink said. "This nega- including money for state matching for fed- Three-fourths of the funds that could be tively impacts TxDOT's construction and eral highway bill dollars - and to expand collected through reducing administrative maintenance costs to the tune of millions of the department's ability to finish its con- costs and tax evasion would go to the State dollars per year. It's also a substantial risk to struction projects sooner. Highway Trust Fund. One-fourth goes to the public safety." For LAO, this means working long days, Available School Fund. The commission also recommends stiffer nights, weekends and holidays, and eating Funding for highway construction penalties for repeat drunken drivers so that meals from Capitol vending machines. In became a critical issue with the passage last Texas law conforms to stronger federal laws. fact, the refrigerator in LAO's seventh-floor spring of TEA 21, the federal highway bill Texas stands to have $15.7 million in federal- quarters in the Greer Building is adorned that allocated additional funds to Texas for aid highway dollars in fiscal years 2000 and with magnets advising analysts how to eat construction and maintenance. These dollars 2001 shifted to traffic safety or hazard elimi- healthily -at least as healthily as possible - will disappear without adequate state nation programs if lawmakers don't pass a from a buffet of salted peanuts, cheese crack- matching funds. stricter law by Oct. 1, 2000. The amount ers and Hershey bars. "To fully realize the benefit of what we doubles to about $31.3 million annually in At least LAO has company on the legisla- won with TEA 21 in Congress, the state is fiscal year 2003 and each year after until tive trail. going to have to step up to the plate. Com- lawmakers comply. Commission member Robert L. Nichols missioner (David) Laney has made it clear The commission also recommends the has been traveling around the state to speak we're not leaving any federal dollars on the Legislature adopt a stiffer open alcoholic to civic groups and media organizations table," Chase said. beverage container law in order to comply about the importance of these legislative The Legislature has been asked to consid- with more stringent federal statutes. The issues to TxDOT and taxpayers. er a measure that would restore about $300 state also risks having federal-aid highway The push to get information before voters million to a fund TxDOT has been increas- funds transferred if it fails to pass such a law and lawmakers is designed to counteract a ingly expected to share with the Department in a timely fashion. similar information -or misinformation - of Public Safety. DPS receives 85 percent of "Congress told states to either adopt a blitz by those who oppose these measures. its funding from the highway fund. law forbidding open containers of alcohol in One issue analysts expect to be controver- "That has a very measurable effect on our a passenger compartment or risk losing sial is a bill to change the point at which the ability to meet the state's growing trans- highway construction dollars," Mink said. state imposes its tax on motor fuel. In Texas portation demands," Mink said. The commission gets ideas for formulat- and more than half of the rest of the states, The Transportation Commission urges ing its legislative agenda from input from fuel is taxed when it is delivered to a service the Legislature to fund DPS programs from TxDOT employees in the districts, divisions station or other retailer. TxDOT hopes law- the state's General Revenue Fund, thereby and offices. makers will pass legislation to change the freeing up the highway funds for highway "It's very much a from-the-bottom-up point of taxation to the fuel terminals, or "at projects, including those partially funded by process," Chase said. "There's no lack of the rack." federal dollars. Over time, the DPS's alloca- ideas....The question is what's politically Because there are significantly fewer ter- tion from the highway fund has risen by 927 viable. There's only so much that can be minals than distributors, collecting at the percent. done in 140 days."* racks presents big savings in administrative The Transportation Commission also costs. It also virtually eliminates the wide- favors a measure that would allow TxDOT

Transportation News February 1999 5 WEATHER WOES December ice storms spawn accidents in districts around the state

By Chris Bishop Austin District ere's nothing like an accident to drive home the reminder that ice and free- ways don't mix. And when at least 64 vehicles are involved, the message is rammed home with the force of a sliding tractor-trailer. The pre-Christmas ice storm that slid into Texas began causing problems around Austin on Dec. 22. That's when slippery conditions developed along state highways in Bastrop and Gillespie counties. Mist froze on driving surfaces and left motorists sweat- ing out normally easy drives. "Everything around the county has a thin glaze of ice on it. We're unable to get to every location right away, so we're concen- trating on treating structures with a sand- and-salt mix," said Danny Crenwelge, Gille- spie maintenance supervisor. Meanwhile, in the Austin urban area, dis- Scott Alley, San Angelo maintenance supervisor, gives an interview to a local TV crew trict workers began preparations the day in the wake of the winter storm that hit Texas right before Christmas. before when maintenance crews began working around the clock. They treated night, prompting warnings about potential of liquid magnesium chloride de-icer. bridges, overpasses and elevated roads with ice on two dozen roads across the district. The weather kept San Angelo District magnesium chloride and calcium magne- By 2 p.m. Christmas Eve, slightly warmer crews hopping, too. The district went sium acetate (CMA) to keep ice at bay. temperatures and decreasing drizzle ended through 685 cubic yards of sand and crews When the real cold and icing conditions the threat. put in 739 hours of overtime, with most hit, everyone was ready, except local The Austin District did not close any maintenance sections working 12-hour motorists. Slushy conditions combined with roads, and no state vehicles were involved shifts, said Patsy Maddux, public informa- speed led to a 24-vehicle pile-up on north- in accidents. tion officer. The district also logged 52 traffic bound Interstate 35. Even before police Stabeno noted that the district's ice plan accidents during the storm. arrived on the scene, at least 40 cars and worked well. The question that remains is "We have had ice during Christmas in trucks cracked up in practically the same when will motorists learn how to do their many different years and have to come to location headed southbound. Two people part in handling the situation? realize that almost every year, we will either died in the collisions, and at least 20 more "Drivers need to consider bridges. They work Christmas, New Year's, or Thanksgiv- were treated at area hospitals for injuries. also should not take for granted that they ing," said Tom Green County Maintenance Fear of more accidents prompted Austin can drive 60 mph or faster, pass others or Section Supervisor Scott Alley. police to close roads, despite TxDOT assur- change lanes on icy roadways. People think Brownwood crews spent approximately ances that the roads were passable and safe they can drive; it's the other guy who will 2,008 hours spreading 431 cubic yards of if drivers were cautious. Gene Stabeno, have problems," Stabeno said. sand; 280 bags Meltdown 20; and 255 bags assistant district maintenance manager, said The Austin District wasn't the only area of salt over 15,000 miles to keep roads open, that's when ice can really pile up. in the state to get slapped by the pre-Christ- according to Sandra Parker of the Brown- "The problem is that when you take traf- mas storm. Also hit hard were the Dallas, wood District. fic off a road, it freezes faster and harder and San Angelo, Childress, Brownwood and The storm also triggered an avalanche of takes longer to thaw out," he said. Odessa districts. calls to TxDOT's automated road condition The shutdown of 1-35 and the elevated Crews of 250 Dallas District maintenance hotline. Deteriorating conditions are reflect- lanes of U.S. 183 helped snarl traffic already employees worked 12-hour shifts between ed in the number of calls received daily. slowed by icing conditions. It took time for Monday night and Wednesday afternoon to Heidi Zetty, Travel Information System man- crews to re-treat the roads, and convince keep traffic moving, said Mark Ball, DAL ager said the automated attendant recorded police they were safe to re-open. The wintry public information officer. 9,387 calls On Dec. 21; on Dec. 22,26,477; conditions helped spur more than 400 acci- In the Childress District, crews spent 548 Dec. 23, 136,645; Dec. 24., 344,172; Dec. 25, dents in just a few hours. A woman died in hours in two days battling icy bridges and 27,678; and Dec. 26, 3,247. * southeastern Travis County when her car overpasses, according to Barbara Seal, public skidded into an oncoming truck as she information officer. Seal said crews used 661 crossed a bridge. cubic yards of bottom ash, 2,469 of Melt- The deep freeze hit again that Wednesday down 20, 1,040 bags of salt and 490 gallons South Texas rest stop design wins national award A South Texas rest stop that garnered See other TxDOT award stories, and includes nature trails that wend their state architectural honors was recently rec- pages 9,11 and 13 way through the surrounding trees. ognized nationally. The rest area was recognized at the 1998 The rest area on U.S. 281 near Falfurrias busy highway, includes walls which define Transportation Conference, where it won an in the Pharr District was recognized in Janu- the area and serve as sound barriers Environmental Achievement Award from ary by the American Institute of Architects. between the area and the busy highway. the Environmental Affairs Division. Designed by the Corpus Christi firm Richter It also features dual sets of bathrooms, tile It was featured last November in an issue Associates Architects, the site last winter mosaics on walls and benches and galva- of TransportationNews. * won an award from the Texas Society of nized steel mesh tabletops and benches Architects. require no painting. - Public Information Office The rest area, situated in the median of a The rest stop is on the Texas Birding Trail,

Transportation News February 1999 6

The mystery

of the GRAVES OF WINFREE

Who lies in these unmarked sites in the Beaumont District?

(Editor'snote: In June 1998, the Beaumont "Wonder if there are more?" asked one of District discovered a section of an old ceme- Part I of II the kids. tery in Chambers County. This article is part "Don't know. We'll just have to see." one of a two-part series on what TxDOT brush away the bottom of the 6-foot-deep Meade replied. found and its significance to the FM 1409 trench. Deep down he knew there probably expansion project.) "Is that an old nail?" someone asked from were. Meade was right: The next day anoth- the bottom of the trench. Taylor got out of er grave was uncovered. News of the find By Marc Shepherd the Gradall to see what was happening. The made its way quickly through the small Beaumont District kids ran in for a closer look. They gawked, community. Many of the people who live in The Texas sun beat down with a watching what was taking place in the the district had no idea there was even a vengeance. It was still June and the trench. "I think we hit wood!" Meade said. 150-year-old graveyard in their town. Some hottest part of the year. August was "There is definitely something down here." peered out of their mobile homes, watching still two months away. Nobody had to ask what it was. Every- the commotion. Most shook their heads in Dennis Price wiped the sweat from his amazement after finding out they forehead. With a thick British accent he had been living on top of an old joked, "Don't you just love this Southeast gravesite. Texas humidity?" The "big dig" on FM 1409 stemmed Tim Meade, Price's assistant, gave him a from efforts to improve a section in strange look. The two archaeologists picked Liberty and Chambers counties. up their shovels and made their way to the TxDOT plans to add shoulders to the top of a mound near the edge of Farm-to- length of the road and realign the Market Road 1409 in Wmfree, Chambers bridge crossing Turtle Bayou. County. "If it's anywhere, it will be here," he F. Improvements to the road have been said. "Let's try digging in this spot." in the works for several years. The Jake Taylor, Liberty Maintenance Techni- narrow, winding two-lane road has cian, jumped in the Gradall and fired its been the site of several fatal acci- diesel. The big mechanical shovel inched its dents. The project was scheduled to way to the area Price and Meade had cho- This mound on FM 1409 nea Winfree in Chami bsa let in August 1998. With the discov- sen. County yielded some surprises for TxDOT crew s, ery of the two graves, however, the The huge machine began taking out which excavated the site prior to planned con Beaumont District has pushed that chunks of dirt many times faster than 10 struction to investigate reports of an old buriad date several months back. men with shovels could have. Taylor's expe- ground. Five years ago, Beaumont District rience with the Gradall, a hydraulic excava- Environmental Coordinator Paul tor, was obvious. He made it look too easy. Smith discovered a letter pointing to the The trench grew longer and deeper, expos- body knew what had been uncovered. possibility of an old family cemetery along ing roots and that hardpan dirt this part of There, in the sunlight, were the remnants of the highway. Realigning the bridge would Texas is so infamous for. With each swipe of two small graves. Everybody stopped, mean buying additional right of way. It also the big arm, Price and Meade looked into looked and pondered the discovery. Even meant TxDOT would have to find out if the hole. the kids became quiet. Hundreds of ques- rumors of an old cemetery in that right of "What are you looking for?" asked a tions ran through their minds. way were fact. To complicate matters, a group of kids keenly watching the work. Someone broke the silence: "How old is mobile home park sits atop the site where Nobody responded. Meade and Price were it?" tombstones or grave markers may have too busy looking to see what would come Another chimed in: "I wonder whose stood. out of that trench. buried in it." At best Smith could only guess the loca- Suddenly Price raised his hand. "Stop!" Everybody knew what had been found. tion of the cemetery. He would have to rely he shouted. Now the question was what to do with it. on the archaeological expertise of Price and The Gradall's thundering engine ground Price scratched around the dirt some more Meade from the Environmental Affairs Divi- down to a gentle roar and finally shut down. until a thin outline of an old coffin became sion to find the exact location. Price and Meade jumped in the trench and apparent. But TxDOT would have to pick the brains began scraping the sides of the trench with "OK," he said. "Let's survey it, stake it, of Harry Daves to find out the mystery of their flat-edged shovels. "What do you and cover it up." who lies buried beneath FM 1409.* think?," Meade asked. "I'm not sure, but it Taylor jumped up on the Gradall, fired Coming in March: The dead are identi- looks awfully suspicious," Price replied. up its engine and began to cover the fied, but obstacles stillmust be cleared Both bent down on their knees and began to gravesite. before construction can begin.

Transportation News February 1999 7

Pharr District raises funds with volleyball tourney I^w Pharr District employees and friends traded steel- toed boots, dress shoes, and pumps for tennis shoes 1 to challenge each other in a friendly volleyball tour- ~Li4 nament to raise money for the State Employee Chari- table Campaign. Although thunderstorms threatened, more than 100 employees and friends showed up to play volley- ball. The tournament was held in October 1998. Nine teams participated, including six from the Pharr District and three from local agencies and busi- nesses. Each team donated the entry fee and selected to play for a specific charity on the State Employee Charitable Campaign. After a tough battle, Gilbert Texas Construction Corporation finished first and the District Engineer's team, a.k.a. the "A" Team, took second. The tournament raised $380 dollars, which was donated to the first- and second-place winners' favorite charities. The top teams combine their win- Spreading cheer nings and donated them to the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley. Santa entertains Austinarea fifth grades during a news conference on the The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley provides steps of the state Capitol to announce the inauguration of TxDOT's safe groceries to handicapped elderly, children, unem- holiday billboard campaign, "Santa's coming to town. Please don't hit him." ployed, and under-employed people through a net- The aim of the campaign was to raise awareness of the dangers of holiday travel in work of 120 nonprofit agencies.* the hope of reducing traffic injuries and fatalities. - Amy L. Garza District plays Santa for FTW-area kids

By Denise Fischer October the district's committee for the State Fort Worth District "I have never seen such Employee Charitable Campaign sold barbe- Fort Worth District employees have a cue sandwiches at an employee luncheon long history of reaching out during the holi- grateful kids. They just and donated the proceeds to the Christmas day season to those in need, but this Christ- hugged me and hugged fund. In November, a district auction of mas their generosity reached unprecedented homemade baked goods was also a success- levels. me." ful fund-raiser. 1998 was not the first time Fort Worth -Felicia David, district warehouse This year, the auction of cakes and pies employees made a substantial effort to make brought in a whopping $708, about twice as the holidays special for people in need, but caring employees who returned with items much as the bake sale earned in any of its this Christmas was unique nonetheless. ranging from a bicycle to new shoes and dis- previous years. Other fund-raisers quickly "it is great because every year this effort posable diapers. The Christmas bounty followed, including raffles for three Beanie seems to get bigger, with more employees filled a district meeting room. Babies donated by a employee's daughter participating and more families receiving Employees donated more than 900 food and for a pair of donated Justin boots. All of our help," said one fund-raising coordinator, and toiletry items to add to the Christmas the money collected was used to purchase Johnette Williams of District Design. gifts during a simultaneous food drive. Even grocery store gift certificates, items from the At least two charitable programs were items not requested by the families found families' wish lists and fresh fruit and sup- organized in the Fort Worth District, both at their way into Santa's sleigh. For instance, plies for another district holiday event, the the headquarters and in the field offices, one employee donated used furniture for delivery of fruit baskets. according to Williams and other organizers. the family whose home recently burned. Fruit baskets are one of the district's old- This year the district headquarters served 11 Deliveries of the food, toys, clothes and est traditions, delivered to elderly and needy families with a total of 23 children. In grocery store gift certificates were made recipients. On Dec. 17, employees delivered Stephenville, area office and maintenance about a week before Christmas, and volun- 20 baskets. section employees helped two more families teer employees visited the families as In the Fort Worth District, charitable giv- with a total of eight children. One family has TxDOT Santas. ing certainly adds a special glow to employ- a 3-year-old daughter born with daunting The family's children were at a friend's ees' faces during the holidays, but concern medical problems, while another family house while Felicia Davis, a district ware- for less fortunate people is also a year-round recently lost their home and belongings in a house employee, and her son unloaded routine in the district. For instance, one fire. sacks and boxes with the grandmother's quiet, behind-the-scenes project in the Sagi- District workers assisted these families in assistance. The children were overcome with naw maintenance section is an effort to help a variety of ways, but the "TxDOT Stars" joy at the sight of so many presents under an insulin-dependent woman who is living Christmas trees were probably the most their tree and the boxes of food when the alone in very primitive conditions. Her tiny, moving for employees. This Christmas, both returned home. 8-foot by 8-foot shack has no plumbing and headquarters and the Stephenville office had "I have never seen such grateful kids. only a water hose for running water. such trees, which were decorated with card- They just hugged me and hugged me. The In more public efforts, employees are also board stars as ornaments. Each star listed a boy said, 'I don't have a gift for you.' I said behind other fund raising, such as the annu- child's name and age and a wish for a spe- mine was still to come, but they gave me the al golf tournament for Cook Children's cial gift. Most touching were the stars that best gift of all. It was their eyes as they stood Medical Center in Fort Worth. This tourna- listed not a toy, but a simple, fundamental under that tree and were trying to see what ment was established by TxDOT employees need such as underclothes, socks and shoes. Santa had brought them....Their gift was and has earned more than $43,000 for the Employees who visited the trees selected a pure magic," she said. hospital in the last five years. Fort Worth star and purchased that needed item or toy The delivery of the gifts was the climactic employees also were recently recognized for When the drive was completed, more than end to the project, but it actually started sev- increasing their annual contributions by 200 stars had been removed from the tree by eral weeks before the holiday season. In late more than 5 percent over last year. *

Transportation News February 1998 8

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TxDOT looking for ways to curb 'light pollution'

outdoor electric lighting is not ust a convenience - for motorists, it's a necessity. But like most necessities, this one also comes with a price. The cost to many who live in or near large cities is their view of the night sky. The proliferation of electric lighting has created "sky glow" or "light pollution" that brightens the night sky to the extent that many heavenly bodies can be seen only from vantage points out- side urban centers. TxDOT is doing what it can to cut down on its contribution to light pollu- tion while at the same time, doing what it needs to do to keep motorists safe, said Karl Burkett, P.E., a senior lighting design engineer with the Traffic Opera- tions Division. Last month, the department began using full cutoff fixtures as the standard for 40- and 50-foot mounting height roadway lighting fixtures. The full cut- off fixtures cast no light above the hori- zon. Previously the standard had been semicut-off fixtures with high-pressure sodium lamps for conventional high- way lighting. "We try to accommodate what citi- zens want," Burkett said. "We started in the '80s looking at ways that we could accomplish our job and at the same time decrease our contribution to sky glow. Burkett said that TxDOT is aware of the sky glow issue and is concerned about the aesthetic implications, as well as the economic implications of using light efficiently. "We have taken several steps in recent years to reduce our contribution In December 1962, the lights on Interstate 35.in Austin contributed to what would become a to sky glow," he said. problem with "sky glow," or light pollution, which obscures the natural light of the night sky. "In the early 1980s we changed our To combat the problem TxDOT has begun using roadway light fixtures that don't cast light standard conventional light fixtures above the horizon. from non-cutoff to semi-cutoff," Burkett ica's (IESNA) Roadway Lighting Com-i Ways to reduce sky Mow said. "In the late '80s, we changed our mittee. Wys______duceskyg___ standard underpass light fixtures from Through this organization, Burkett Use night lighting only when necessary. Use timers or non-cutoff to full cutoff." said, TxDOT participates in the writing motion detector lights, which turn on when someone i s High-mast fixtures, those of 100 feet standards for roadway light- present, and turn off when not needed. of national U Direct light downward, where It is needed. When possi- and taller, were modified in the early ing and other issues involving outdoor ble, retrofit current fixtures. Use fixtures which control '90s, he said. lighting. the light while minimizing glare, light trespass, light po "Around 1991, we changed our high- supports lution, and energy usage. Burkett said that TxDOT P Use low-pressure sodium (LPS) light sources whenever mast lighting fixtures from flood lights, the efforts of this committee to research possible. LPS lamps are the most energy efficient ligh id which emit some of their light above sky glow issues, to adopt standards for sources that exist. LPS is especially good for street the horizontal, to cutoff fixtures," he ,and to educate lighting, parking lot lighting, security lighting and any controlling sky glow, application where color rendering isnot critical. said. lighting designers about sky glow Use shielded lighting fixtures which direct all light to att Burkett said lighting fixtures fall into issues. The Roadway Lighting Commit- least 20 degrees below the horizon. This directs all t he four categories, depending on the way stronger wording light down where it is needed, rather than up into the tee is also addingte gsky. This reduces the amount of electricity required for they cast their light. concerning sky glow for the next issue lighting, reduces glare, and helps keep the sky dark. r The types are full cut-off, cut-off, of the American National Standard Don't use lights brighter than necessary. Contrary to semicut-off and non cut-off. Full cut-off for Roadway Lighting. Burkett opinion, security is not proportional to the intensity of Practice the security light outside their home. Well designed, w Yell fixtures direct none of their light above said he helped develop wording for this placed, lower power lights are just as effective. the horizontal; at the other end of the using billboards that have a dark background section in conjunction with David Advertise d scale, non cut-offs direct light just about president of the International and bright letters, rather than a bright background ai Crawford, dark letters. If the background is dark, less light willbe everywhere. Dark Skies Association.* reflected from the billboard into the sky. Have the lightts TxDOT is a member of the Illuminat- located at the top of the billboard (shining down towardrd than at the bottom. ing Engineering Society of North Amer- - Public Information Office the ground) rather

Transportation News February 1999 9 Work of districts, contractors lauded Texas Project Awards recognize those who surmount obstacles to complete projects The Texas Project Awards, which recog- together to "snow plow" the roads and clear upcoming traffic control changes. nize TxDOT employees and contractors who the ditches. In spite of the weather, the pro- Railroad officials were concerned the con- overcome obstacles to complete construction ject was completed on schedule and on bud- struction would significantly impede rail or design projects, were the highlight of the get. service, but through effective communica- Associated General Contractors luncheon in Dallas District tion and coordination, the project had little Austin in November 1998. or no impact on the railroad's operations. TxDOT Engineer Pete Garza and Con- Amarillo District In the end, the project was completed tractor Superintendent John R. Nicholson of almost three months early. TxDOT Engineer George R. Herrmann H.B. Zachry Company tackled one of the and TxDOT Engineer Technician Reid W. most costly and complex construction pro- Houston District Steger worked on a "fast track" project with jects in the history of TxDOT. TxDOT Engineer Technician Elizabeth Superintendents Bob Lush and Dub Hath- They completely rebuilt a 1.8 mile seg- Gunn and Contractor Superintendent Greg coat of Gilbert Texas Construction Corp. to ment of North Central Expressway in Dal- Garrison with Brown and Root, Inc. teamed replace two bridges over the Canadian River las. The project included reconstructing five up to build new frontage road bridges over - one on U.S. 83 and the other on Texas 70. of the most congested urban arterials cross- the San Jacinto River on 1-45. The team had to overcome lengthy one-way ing the expressway; a complete interchange This project started with a major design traffic concerns, high levels of leaded paint at Northwest Highway; a 96-inch diameter change. The discovery of an existing bridge on one of the old bridges, and unusual concrete-lined tunnel; and the excavation of foundation beneath the soil in the exact loca- requirements for placement of drilled shafts. 1.5 million cubic yards of dirt. tion of one of the new bridges created a They were also faced with the safety con- The project required that the freeway, major obstacle. The new design plan incor- cern created by the fact that the nearest med- frontage roads, and all the arterials crossing porated a portion of the old bridge founda- ical facility was more than 30 miles away the project remain open to traffic despite of tion into the new structure and the remain- and the project plans called for one-way traf- the fact that the freeway grade was lowered der had to be removed before construction fic through the project for approximately 12 25 feet. could move ahead. months. Working together, the team devel- This team was plagued with challenges During construction it was observed that oped a plan that allowed two-way traffic throughout the project. During the first the design plan for the exit ramp north of throughout the project. phase it was determined that some of the the river was going to cause traffic flow Another change to the original plan saved needed right of way had not been acquired problems due to the close proximity of the enough money to allow the contractor to and would not be for several years. River Plantation housing development. To paint the U.S. 83 bridge and TxDOT added The Northwest Highway interchange alleviate this problem, a ramp reversal pro- several natural-looking wetlands to an area required a retaining wall, which was almost posal was submitted to TxDOT and FHWA. that is heavily used as a public recreational impossible to build because of existing gas, To enhance communication efforts with the area. It is also one of the most ecologically water, sewer, and telephone lines; as well as local residents, the plans were also discussed sensitive areas in the Panhandle. an electric transmission line overhead which with representatives of the homeowner's Truck traffic in the area had to make a could not be disabled. association. 100-mile detour during the project, so the This project also had weather problems In the middle of the project, the contrac- fact that the work was completed 220 days including some temporary frontage roads tor's parent company made some manage- ahead of schedule contributed greatly to the that flooded in moderate rains. This problem ment changes which could have severely local economy. required building temporary storm drains. impacted the progress of the project had U Childress District During one rain storm, a temporary retain- there not been outstanding communications ing wall collapsed and brought down 75 feet between TxDOT personnel and the contrac- TxDOT Inspector Kenneth W. Patterson and of frontage road. tor's representatives. Superintendent Jesse Wright with Duininck Despite these setbacks, the project was The project was completed on time and Brothers, Inc. had to work through hail and completed ahead of schedule. on budget. high water to remove and replace a 5.5 mile Fort Worth District TxDOT Engineer Eliza Paul and Contrac- section of 30-year-old, continuously rein- tor Superintendent Ray Ware of Williams forced concrete pavement along Interstate TxDOT Project Manager Kirk Lee and Brothers Construction Company saw their 40. TxDOT Chief Inspector Russell Neely project earn the maximum incentive bonus worked with Contractor Superintendent Planners determined that the heavy daily of $112,500 for opening tollway lanes 45 Brett Myers of Archer-Western Contractors, days early. The overall project consisted of traffic through the construction area, includ- Ltd. to remove and rebuild two complex ing more than 4,000 trucks per day, would building the 1-45 / Beltway 8 interchange, overpasses on Summit Avenue over Inter- including two bridges and four direct con- require substantial median crossovers. The state 30 and commercial railroad tracks. crossover design was changed from a flexi- nectors. The biggest challenge of the project was Because the ble system to a full-depth asphaltic concrete construction work caused the overcoming a six-month litigation delay at Sam Houston Toll Road to lose revenue, pavement section. The design change the start of the project. It was imperative that proved to be highly successful throughout there was a penalty/incentive clause in the the project be completed on schedule to pre- contract to encourage rapid access to the toll the project. vent any delays in the construction of the I- One night, more than 14 inches of rain fell road. Even though the project was complet- 35W / I-30 interchange. ed ahead of schedule, tough challenges on the project and floated five sections of Another time consideration was the fact concrete median barriers into the traffic threatened that success. that the project blocked the main route for Thedirt for the project was hard to work lanes. The barriers were quickly replaced emergency vehicles into the Fort Worth Hos- and traffic disruption was held to a mini- with because it was a highly expansive clay pital District. Regular contact with emer- with a high liquid limit and plastic index. To mum. gency medical services management repre- After the rain, potholes began to develop keep the project moving ahead, people were sentatives regarding work schedules, on the job from daylight until dark. in the open traffic lanes. Asphalt was not potential travel delays, and alternate routing readily available to fix the them but the Area Once the pile-driving operations began, a kept access to the hospital district open public relations problem had to be over- Maintenance Office sent a few loads of cold throughout the project. mix to the site, and the potholes were come. People living in the area claimed that The project also had significant impact on pile-driving operations were cracking their repaired. The detour lanes were kept open local business in th vicinity and was of and the traffic kept moving. homes' foundations. An independent engi- great interest to local residents. Communica- neering firm determined there was no basis Later in the project, an overnight hail tion with those parties kept everyone storm covered roads and filled drainage for the residents' claims. involved in the decision-making process and While building the footing, columns and ditches, making progress impossible. Con- ensured that those affected by the project tractor and TxDOT personnel again worked caps for Beltway 8 over Sabo-Hughes Road, remained well informed of the progress and See AWARDS, Page 11

Transportation News February 1998 10 New crashworthy devices set standard TxDOT first transportation department to meet federal safety requirement

By Unda Ribble Public Information Office New Texas Department of Transportation Y guidelines not only are protecting motorists and their passengers, they are also setting the standard for traffic control devices in highway work zones across the nation. The first state transportation department to comply with a U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) mandate, TxDOT is using crashworthy, performance-tested traf- fic control devices in highway work zones. Temporary traffic control devices, such as .lp barricades and signs, on more than 294,800 miles of public road in Texas must meet the

CL 'gp new requirement. The safer devices are J required in new work sites and as upgrades of existing installed traffic control devices. W To meet the Oct. 1, 1998 deadline, con- 0 C struction and maintenance contracts award- LL ed by TxDOT beginning with the July 1998 The El Paso District uses crashworthy barriers at a construction project on FM 1281. The letting specify use of crashworthy barricades project, which consists of widening FM 1281, began on Oct. 2,1998 and is expected to be and other temporary traffic control devices completed by summer of 1999. in work zones, said Greg Brinkmeyer, engi- neer of policy and standards of the Traffic (NHTSA) records for 1997 show 75,000 Operations Division (TRF). "Our goai s to continue motor vehicle crashes occurred in work A traffic control device must meet the zones on public roads, resulting in 35,000 requirements of three performance tests to developing high quality, easy to injuries, including 658 deaths. Of the 75,000 be considered crashworthy. When hit, the install traffic control device motor vehicle crashes, 52,000 resulted in device must not penetrate the crash vehicle's designs which will still be property damage only. passenger compartment or windshield. "(The statistics) point out the need for "The parts or debris of a traffic control functional 25-plus years from continuous emphasis on work zone safety." device may pass over the roof of the vehicle, today" said Pat O'Neil, FHWA safety coordinator in beneath the vehicle or adhere to the front of Austin. the vehicle crashing into it. Also, (impact Engineer Greg Brinkmeyer Other state, city, and county transporta- with the device) cannot cause the driver to tion agencies, researchers and developers are mph," said Dan Maupin, an engineering decelerate too quickly," Brinkmeyer said. in different stages of developing and imple- assistant in TRF. "For fixed traffic control Impact tests are performed at three menting the use of crashworthy work zone devices, it's the (about) 20 mph test." speeds: 35 kilometers per hour (km/h), or traffic control devices. To help provide conti- Most alterations required in the traffic about 20 mph; 70 km/h, or about 45 mph;. nuity and uniformity in traffic control device control devices were minor design modifica- and 100 km/h, or about 60 mph. Although a evaluations, the FHWA's Office of Engineer- -ton pickup tions, such as type of material used for barn- is used in some impact tests, ing shares test results and acceptance letters cade rails or for support structures. vehicles weighing about 800 kilograms with developers and users. (about In developing safer devices, a major con- 1,779 pounds), like the Honda Civic Because TxDOT is the only state trans- cern was the financial burden to taxpayers. or Geo Metro, are used as crash vehicles in portation department to meet the federal To save taxpayer money, existing traffic con- most of the tests. requirements, FHWA is referring other agen- TxDOT performed the first test to deter- trol devices and stock can be retrofitted with cies to TxDOT for guidance in designing test hardware or new products that allow older mine crashworthiness after learning of programs, developing crashworthy products pending devices to meet the new safety require- FHWA changes for work zone traf- and implementing use of the safer devices. ments. fic control devices in 1993. TxDOT requested By Oct. 1, 2002, more traffic control Another money-saving advantage of that an impact performance test on work devices must comply. These include barrel- zone sign supports be included during a using the crashworthy devices is that many mounted guard fence, crash cushions, free- of the devices may be salvaged and reused project by Texas Transportation Institute standing concrete work zone traffic barriers, after impact, unlike devices made of wood, researchers at the Texas A&M University in and portable, usually trailer-mounted, light- which explodes, leaving splinters strewn College Station. ing supports, flashing arrow panels, tempo- along the roadside. "Signs on barricades and a majority of rary traffic signals, and changeable message According to 1997 Texas Department of short-term use signs failed miserably, and signs. Public Safety records, 13,424 motor vehicle we knew we had a problem," Brinkmeyer Texas has been a leader in the field of said. "We began looking for ways crashes occurred in construction and mainte- to build highway safety since the 1960s. Most of the nance work zones, resulting in 15,459 safer devices." traffic control devices developed, such as the injuries or deaths along public roads in TxDOT traffic safety specialists from TRF, triangular slip-base sign support, still meet Texas. These figures include TxDOT TRF the Design Division and several districts the new safety requirements, Brinkmeyer records of 10,276 motor vehicle crashes in worked with TTI researchers, general con- said. tractors and barricade work zones on TxDOT-maintained roads subcontractors to "Our goal is to continue developing high that resulted in 11,846 injuries and 126 develop crashworthy traffic control devices quality, easy to install traffic control device deaths. On Texas public roads, motor vehicle for work zones. Three years of testing vari- designs which will still be functional 25-plus crashes that occurred in work zones and ous traffic control devices followed. years from today." The worst-case scenario test results are resulted in property damage only numbered used to determine the crashworthiness of a 4,335. (Motor vehicle crashes tallied are traffic control device. those in which one of the vehicles was "Generally, the worst-case scenario for towed due to damage.) most portable traffic control devices is the Nationwide, estimates from National high-speed test performed at about 60 Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Transportation News Februaryl1999 11

AWARDS Repair crews were called out by the Depart- DESIGN AwARDs ment of Public Safety. Major maintenance Fort Worth District efforts kept the project on schedule. Continued from Page 9 While this project was not formally part- TxDOT Design Engineer John Terry faced it was determined that the traffic signals for nered, this team did plenty of informal part- many challenges in his efforts to design two local roadways had to be temporarily nering on the job site and brought this complex overpasses on Summit Avenue moved for the duration of the construction. unique construction job to a successful con- over 1-30 and two sets of commercial rail- After that part of the project was completed, clusion. The test sections of the roadway will road tracks. This project was a major compo- the traffic signals had to be redesigned and continue to be monitored and tested as part nent of the 1-30/1-35 interchange. installed permanently. of the SHRP project. Because of the required vertical clearance over the railroad tracks, a straight alignment The project was a great success in three San Angelo District aspects, cost, quality and time - but most for the bridges was impossible. In addition, TxDOT Project Engineer importantly time. The overall project was Donald Peter- the alignment had to avoid a high-rise apart- son, Chief Inspector James Taylor and completed 90 days early. ment building, curve parallel to the railroad Research Coordinator Mary Lou Ralls TxDOT Engineer James Hunt and Con- tracks, curve again to cross the existing and teamed up with Contractor Superintendents tractor Superintendent Scott Armstrong of proposed railroad tracks, and then cross John Jordan of Jascon, Inc. and Roland Traylor Brothers, Inc. totally reconstructed a both existing and proposed 1-30. Pinkerton of Reece Albert, Inc. on another 1.6 mile section of elevated freeway along I- As a result of the outstanding design federally funded test project. 45 through downtown Houston under the plans, the project was completed with a Their challenge was to construct twin watchful eye of the news media and intense minimum of changes and was finished three bridges on U.S. 67 in San Angelo crossing public scrutiny. months ahead of schedule. over the North Concho River, U.S. 87 and a The Pierce Elevated, as the 1.6 mile sec- Houston District railroad spur. They had to accomplish this tion of roadway is known, opened to traffic feat using a limited number of columns, TxDOT Design Engineers Carlos Cama- in 1963 and had reached an average daily with none of them in the centerline of U.S. cho and Kenny Ozuna were faced with com- traffic count of more than 187,000 vehicles 87. To comply with these restrictions, the pleting a design package in less than 12 per day. The elevated roadway had never bridges had unusual design requirements months in order to qualify the project for been closed for more than a weekend, and which were met with the use of high-perfor- federal funding. Not only did they complete this project would require it to be closed for mance concrete (HPC) as part of an Federal the daunting task, but they did it so well several months. Highway Administration test project. that the contractor qualified for a $1.2 mil- To ensure the driving public was kept Researchers involved in the project lion incentive bonus. abreast of the project on a daily basis, an required numerous tests to ensure the quali- Their design plans for the reconstruction advertising agency was awarded a $200,000 ty of the HPC, but the use of this new prod- of a 1.6-mile section of elevated freeway contract to work with the Houston District uct resulted in a significant reduction in the along 1-45 in Houston, known locally as Public Information Office. The project was a number of beams used as well as a reduc- Pierce Elevated, employed several unique daily topic for the local news media tion of the overall cost of the project. features new to TxDOT construction plans. throughout the Houston area. Traffic control was a challenge through- The bridge columns were saved, but had to To limit the impact on the driving public, out the project because U.S. 87 is a main be sawcut smooth with a special diamond- planners decided to close each side of the thoroughfare in San Angelo. Some blasting wire saw designed specifically for this pro- freeway for 95 days. An incentive/penalty was required in the median area between ject. For the first time in TxDOT's history, clause was included in the contract so that the frontage roads. The blast area was also new bridge caps were pre-cast off-site and the contractor could earn a daily bonus of close to residential areas. During beam brought to the job site for assembly. $53,000, or incur a daily penalty of $53,000. and bridge deck placements and concrete pours, During the project, one of the steel bent This was the largest bonus/penalty amount U.S. 87 had to be closed to through traffic. caps was found to have cap bolts that were ever assigned to a TxDOT contract. The As a result of planning and coordination, unusable. The design planners had to design incentive worked, and the contractor earned these closures were limited to weekends and a workable alternative which could be a bonus of $1.2 million for opening the free- very limited week day times. As a result of implemented without delaying construction way lanes a combined total of 30 days ahead the close cooperation between all of the par- progress. Despite this setback, the project of schedule. ticipants, the closures had little or no effect was completed 30 days ahead of schedule. The project was completed early in spite - Public Information Office * of extremely cold weather; complications on local businesses or the traveling public. that required innovative, one of a kind engi- Wichita Falls District Public information efforts neering solutions; and the problems associ- TxDOT Engineering Technician Larry ated with crews working 24-hour schedules. Carter and Contractor Superintendent Keith garner three national awards The project has received a number of pro- Glesne of Duininck Brothers, Inc. ventured Department public information efforts got fessional awards recognizing the project's together into an unknown realm of highway a national thumbs up recently from a profes- planning, design and innovative techniques. construction. They undertook the task of sional communicators' association. 0 Pharr District overlaying 14.5 miles of U.S. 82 using the The National Association of Government new "superpave" hot-mix asphalt. Communicators (NAGC) gave a first-place TxDOT Engineer Technician Tranquilino They not only faced the task of working nod to Yoakum District Public Information Pena and Contractor Superintendent Fred with this new product, but also had the chal- Officer Pearlie Bushong for a carjacking Lasoya of Foremost Paving, Inc. rehabilitat- lenge of coordinating the efforts of four labo- speech she wrote. Austin District Public ed seven miles of the U.S. 281 southbound ratories and eight technicians sampling and Information Officer John Hurt took a sec- lanes of a four-lane divided roadway as part testing the new surface. The fact that the ond-place for his coverage TxDOT's cleanup of the federal Strategic Highway Research efforts in the wake of the killer tornado that Program (SHRP). hot-mix plant was more than 60 miles from the test facilities created some significant devastated Jarrell in 1997. Transportation The project included 19 SHRP test sites scheduling problems. Through coordination News took second place in the Internal which contained seven different base materi- and cooperation, the testing requirements Newsletter competition. als, each a different thickness. Using the were met with a minimum of disruption to The three had been entered in the SHRP consultant's sampling and testing the construction of the project. NAGC's Blue Pencil/Gold Screen Awards program, the amount of testing required on The superpave hot-mix handled and competition. The awards were announced the project tripled. A total of 114 material behaved differently than does conventional Dec. 10 at a ceremony in Lexington, Ky. samples were taken for the SHRP test sec- hot mix. These differences created several The National Association of Government tions, plus an additional 40 in the remainder situations that no one on the project had Communicators (NAGC) is a national not- of the project. Another 450 asphalt cores experienced. It took many hours of for-profit professional network of federal, were taken for additional testing. The scope ever observing the rolling process of this new state and local government employees who of the project required the concrete traffic product to establish a rolling pattern that disseminate information within and outside barriers to be relocated eight times. would achieve acceptable results. government. Its members are editors, writ- After the SHRP test sections were com- ers, graphic artists, video professionals, pleted, an overnight storm dumped five broadcasters, photographers, information inches of rain on the project, creating numer- specialists and agency spokesmen.* ous potholes and an unstable roadway.

Transportation News February 1999 12

TxDOT retirees make the sports page Newspaper recognizes pair's contributions to Austin-area athletics League. Congratulations, gentlemen! Rudolph worked in the Shamrock section, we call them in my line of work) of two Otis George from the old D412 (Vehicle retiring in 1983 with 28 years. In formerNovember, TxDOT pictures employees or mug were shots pub- (as Titles and Registration Division) office in Volunteering and travel have kept Aubrey lished in the Austin American-Statesman. Corpus Christi has done some traveling. He McDowell on the go. Retired in 1990 from has visited family in Mexico and Alaska. Uncharacteristic of most news related to the Amarillo District, Aubrey takes time to The 1988 retiree mixes travel and work, TxDOT, word of these retirees appeared in help others at church and local organiza- delivering cars for dealers and car-rental the sports section. tions. The 33-year TxDOT veteran has also agencies. Otis, who had 31 years of service, Marcus Yancey Jr. and Joe Chamberlain done some fishing and enjoys time with his has found a way to see Texas and get paid were inducted into the Austin Sports Hall of granddaughters. for it. Honor for their contributions to athletics in Retirement hasn't kept Cloyce Holeman Moving rental cars is also the avocation of Austin. from working. The 1978 Childress District Joseph Mount from the Odessa District. Marc, a former associate executive direc- retiree sells and installs storm doors, win- Retiring in 1991 after 34 years, Joseph added tor, was honored for his work with the dows, carports and patio covers. Cloyce put "doing nothing" on his list of activities. Austin Aquatics Club. He helped develop in 25 years with the department. Elias Cantu from the Pharr District this club in 1952 and served on the executive Playing golf keeps two Houston District board for 17 spends his time hunting. "I also enjoy visit- ing the old working place and talking to retirees - Chester "Chet" Ranus and W. Bruce years. employees," Walthers - active. Chet worked 27 years for Since retiring in Elias wrote. He retired in 1987 after 36 years. the department when he left in 1982. Bruce 1993 with 36 Travel and fancy needle work has topped retired in 1985 after a 39-year career. In years of service, Lillie Duckett's list of activities since retiring addition to golf, Bruce enjoys bowling. Marc has lec- from the Motor Vehicle Division in Austin Jim Moss, the former Amarillo District tured at several in 1978. Lillie worked for the department for Engineer, has been staying busy since retir- universities 27 years. ing in 1993 with 39 years. He spends time across the coun- "Having the time of my life being with his grandchildren, is active with his try, dabbled in retired," wrote Lawrence Glover from the church and serves on the advisory board for painting and Childress District. Lawrence tallied more Amarillo College. Golf must also be one of still enjoys tak- than 38 years of service when he retired in his favorite retirement activities - he tries to ing day trips to 1986. He enjoys traveling, fishing, gardening play four times a week. Odessa District Helen Havelka various parts of and spending time at his cabin. retirees Johnnie Brooks the state. Heard from Robert Gorham, who retired and Mills "Dinky" Scales list traveling and fishing atop their activity lists. Johnnie left The Q0d Lif Joe left the from VTR in Austin in 1991 with more than Materials and 39 years. Golfing, church activities and TxDOT in 1992 with 37 years, and Dinky had 15 years when he left Tests Division attending family events were on this activity in 1997. Nina Crowder's long of activities in 1993 with 31 years of service. Retirement list. list includes crafts, traveling, volunteering at for him has meant more volunteer work as a Bowling and golf have occupied San member of the Delwood Northeast Optimist church and working on the computer. The Club. Antonio District retirees William Winn and 1991 Odessa District retiree also enjoys Charles Brown. He has worked with the youth sports walking and horseback riding. She worked William worked for 38 years, program for 35 years and said he was very retiring in in the district's personnel office and retired 1986 from the design section. Charles left the with 29 years of service. surprised to receive "such a big honor." Joe district right of way office in 1983 with 25 Virgil Carpenter from the Amarillo Dis- credits his work as a lab supervisor, especial- of service. trict has been traveling, fishing, bowling ly dealing with people, as a building stone years After 43 years with the San Antonio Dis- and gardening. He left the district shop in for his work with the Optimist Club. trict, Emil Seewald spends time visiting 1977 after 31 years. Marc and Joe joined two other TxDOT with his grandchildren. He has been "taking Some of the retirees may be aware that employees in this elite Austin group. MAT one day at a time" since retiring in 1992. the 76th session of the state Legislature retiree Dale Foster and Juan Vega, who Russell Neal from the Odessa District is began last month. As always, the depart- works in the Construction Division, have working on his dad's 1964 Ford pickup. ment is tracking numerous pieces of legisla- received similar honors. He started removing the dents in 1997, tion. Dale was inducted in 1982 after more but he didn't tell me who was responsible Jennifer Williams from the Human Little League Football in than 20 years with for them. Russell worked for the department Resources Division told me that there may Austin. He retired from TxDOT in 1991 with for 34 years before retiring in 1992. be several proposals of interest to retired state employees, including an ad hoc annu- 35 years of service, and now serves as the Blacksmithing, gardening, travel and civic technical director of the Texas Hot Mix Asso- ity adjustment. At the time I write this col- activities are keeping Bybee Weisinger umn in early January, no specific percentage ciation's hot mix center in Austin. busy. The Atlanta District retiree had 37 Inducted in 1997, Juan has worked with has been mentioned. years with the department, leaving in 1986. the Delwood Northeast Optimist Club I am sure the Employee Retirement Sys- I received cards from Pharr's Manuel youth sports program for 20 years. He was tem will keep retirees updated on this issue Cantu Childress' Rudolph Sanderson. also co-founder of the Texas Football Youth and and others in its monthly newsletters. * Manuel retired in 1977 after a 24-year career. Applications now available for Conditional Grant The Texas Department of Transportation have been changed to civil engineering and 11th St., Austin, Texas 78701-2483. began distributing applications for the Con- computer science only. All applications must contain an original ditional Grant Program in October to inter- All other requirements of the program signature. ested high school seniors and current college will remain the same. Applications received with a reproduced students statewide. The deadline for receipt of applications is signature will not be processed. Announcements dated Sept. 29, 1998 stat- March 1. If additional information concerning the ed that the eligible degree areas were civil Applications that are mailed must be Conditional Grant Program is needed, con- engineering, computer science, communica- postmarked on or before the deadline date. tact Kay Howard at (512) 706-6374. * tions/journalism and accounting. All applications must be mailed to Texas To focus on the department's employ- Department of Transportation, ment needs, the accepted eligible degrees HRD/Employment Opportunities, 125 E.

Transportation News February 1999 13

BELVIN Coverson, Shelton selected Continued from Page 3 the top down. "I've just started restoring a 1949 four- 1998 VTR Star Award winners door Cadillac," he said and grinned. "You'll have to come back for a ride in that." When you have a division that's When he's not indulging in restoration, filled with customer service-oriented Belvin enjoys fishing and skiing. employees, choosing only two indi- "I've got a boat and I'm a big fan of the viduals for the VTR Star Award is no lake," he said. But what he looks forward to easy job. That was the challenge faced most of all is coming home and reading a by the selection committee as it good book half the night, he admitted. reviewed the nominations for 1998. He's also happily anticipating new train- The two people who stood out this ing for environmental staff in the near year were Carolyn Coverson for the future. headquarters office, and Linda Shel- "Some of the classes will be offered by the ton for the regional office category. department while other training will be VTR Director Jerry Dike made the available outside," he said. award presentations during a meeting "Howard Payne University here in of division managers in early Novem- Brownwood now offers an environmental ber. Each winner received a star- Carolyn Coverson (left) is the Assistant Branch degree, so I plan to take some course work shaped desktop adornment made of Manager of VTR's Customer Help Desk in there, like an environmental law class." the same limestone that was removed Austin. Linda Shelton is a Customer Service Belvin believes that type of class will from the state Capitol when the build- Representative in VTR's Houston Regional come in handy in the very near future. ing was restored several years ago. Ofice. "I see regulations getting even stricter," Coverson has been with the he predicted. department since November 1982 and is the ager of the Houston Regional Office. "Seri- "Water quality will be a big issue, and assistant branch manager for VTR's cus- ously, though, she's an efficiency machine noise and air quality will impact more and tomer help desk. She is responsible for the who can find anything you ask for within a more on our construction projects. day-to-day operation and employee staffing few minutes." "If we take the necessary steps with all of the help desk's automation side. "Car- The first-ever recipients of the VTR Star the environmental agencies, then we'll do olyn is a very intelligent and likable person," Award, in 1997, were Steve Elsner for the okay," said help desk supervisor Bill Pool. "She's headquarters office and Linda Clynch But Belvin sees the tougher times ahead very well thought of by employees, peers, (Wichita Falls) for the regional office catego- as interesting challenges. and anyone else who comes into contact ry. Division administrators created the annu- "It's like the engineers who griped about with her." al recognition program at the recommenda- having to build ocelot tunnels," he said and Shelton has 26 years of service and is a tion of a committee that reviewed employee smiled. customer service representative in VTR's morale. A separate group of VTR employ- "They probably really looked at that as Houston Regional Office. She receives all ees developed guidelines and the award's an opportunity to design something creative administrative and law enforcement calls design. * and innovative. and assists fellow employees with human "I think we can do anything we set our resources matters. "Linda has what I call - Mike Viesca, VTR minds to do-after all, we've come this far 'order disorder,'" joked Bill Dobson, Man- up to now." *

SESSION Paris District employee chosen Continued from Page 3 to 1999 Leadership Texas Program to official TxDOT positions. Our procedures for dealing with legisla- tors regarding departmental issues remain Eva Flenniken, human resources officer better serve my state," Flenniken said." This the same, in or out of session. All employees for the Paris District, has been selected to the is an excellent opportunity to strengthen my must work closely with their district, divi- 1999 Leadership Texas Program. leadership skills and network with other sion or office legislative contacts, who in Her application underwent a district and professionals in different fields around the turn work with an analyst from our Legisla- statewide selec- state." tive Affairs Office (LAO). tion committee. Flenniken has been active in several pro- It is vital that this agency be responsive to review and was' fessional and community organizations. She legislative requests. selected by the is a member of the National Society for Responses to simple questions about pro- Foundation for Human Resource Management; Society for ject start dates, the dollar amount of an Women's Human Resource Management State Coun- award or basic department statistics are nor- Resources to par- cil; Red River Valley Human Resource Asso- n ally best har dled as promptly as possible, ticipate in thex ciation; Texas Good Roads/Transportation but these contacts must be reported to LAO. year-long pro- Association; Business Professional Women's What might appear routine could actually gram. The pro- Club; Texas Public Employee Association; be part of a larger matter, so prompt report- gram, which Lamar County Chamber of Commerce; ing is in everyone's best interest. identifies women Leadership of Lamar County- graduate; Our working relationships with legisla- who are in com- Flenniken Greater Paris Rotary Club; and a member of tors are very important. petitive profes- the First Baptist Church, Paris. I am confident that as this session sions and are Her awards include the Reno Kiwanis unfolds, we will provide legislators the leaders in their communities, offers informa- Club- Club Building Award, and Outstand- information they need to appropriate funds tion on several topics concerning the state. ing Women in Texas Government Nominee so we can continue to provide a transporta- "It is a privilege to be able to participate for Customer Service Award. tion system the citizens of Texas expect and in this program. I consider this like an exten- Flenniken will begin in the program in deserve. * sion of the Leadership Lamar County pro- March. * gram, only this time I'm going to learn some Wes Heald is executive director of the interesting facts about the state, and how to Texas Department of Transportation.

Transportation News February 1998 14

Service Awards January El Paso District Ruben Agado Jennifer D. Soldano Roy M. Wooldridge Betsy T. McCasland Abilene District 35 years 10 years Jose L. Ramirez 30 years Raymond B. Guerra Jr. San Angelo District Human Resources Division Paul A. Warden Jerry L. Williams Jack A. Beeman 30 years 30 years 5 years 10 years 20 years Carlos V. Chavez Jerry M. Fields Jacquelyn S. Pond Chldress District Wesley G. Carter George R. Larralde 15 years 5 years 20 years Gary E. McLendon 15 years Asgeir Asgeirsson Murphy T. D'Spain Information Systems Richard D. Mills 5 years Robert G. Campbell 10 years Manuel Pina Division 5 years Charles A. Dunn Danny A. Kierepka James A. Major Patrick M. Ryan 30 years Harold Brown Lester C. Fennell 10 years John P Derr Gregory L. Urbanczyk Alvin T. Gladden Randy J. Griffith Fort Worth District San Antonio District 25 years Juan M. Quintanilla Timothy P Meador 50 years 35 years Jeff D. Hazard Corpus Christi District Jack O. Tucker 5 years Burton Clifton Steve Jarzombek Douglas P Liberty 20 years Feliciano B. Villarreal Jr. Mary E. Kilgore 30 years 30 years Charles B. Freshcoln Richard W. Alford John W. Bode Motor Carrier Division Reynaldo M. Galvan Lufkin District Amarillo District Vincent L. Hamilton Donald J. Frye Jr. 25 years 15 years 15 years 30 years 20 years Jerry W. Schriewer Susana K. Cable Maria G. Hemandez Garth A. Pillows Jackie D. Carter Kenneth S. Keck Reyes G. Torres 10 years 5 years Robert Cervantes Jimmy A. Rowe 25 years Occupational Safety Division Charles W. Gunn Jr. Dreux C. Land 15 years 15 years Jim B. McGinnes Jr. 15 years Jerry L. McCloud Ralph G. Stewart Wade C. Jameson 20 years Joan M. Reichert Dallas District Sharon L. Rivers 10 years John R. Logan James F. Keller 30 years Roy A. Martinez Richard S. Williammee Jr. Francisco E. Ramirez Public Information Office Lynn M. Davis Odessa District 5 years 10 years 15 years 5 years 15 years 30 years Ronnie L. Hams John R. Tillinghast Charles M. Gonzales C Eloise Lundgren Tommy J. Raymond Billy K. Powell 5 years Julio C. Moncivais 10 years 20 years Atlanta District Enedina H. Alexander Willie Sassenhagen Jr. Transportation Planning and Richard A. Carrier Teresa S. Chambers 15 years Keyumath V. Gautam Gregory S. Schwerdtfeger Programming Division Michael D. Hainline Billy L. Cotton Susan M. McClain James A. Rogers 10 years 20 years David H. Morrow Serapio Picaso 10 years Michael K. Anglin Nancy D. Lann 5 years Demetrio Pineda Randy F. Bishop Houston District 5 years James L. Randall Linda M. Daugherty 5 years 35 years Gina E. Gallegos 15 years Juan 0. Marquez Austin District William R. Gillaspy IIl Deborah W. Graham El Paso District 30 years 30 years Tyler District Alfredo Marquez IIl 25 years Paris District Marvin L. Myers Charles D. MacHart 20 years Francisco H. Ruiz 25 years 20 years Lewis L. Preston Dwayne E. Tyner Travel Division 10 years Fred D. Hunter Russell G. Hartmann Mary J. Richmond 15 years 10 years Allison D. Perez Michael L. Saunders Randel G. Lenz Nancy C. Shaw Marvin S. Fumish Kevin B. Stillman Ricardo Romero 15 years Barbara J. Linzey 25 years Bradley K. Gruetzner 5 years Fred W. Hall Jr. Raymond E. Naivar Manuel Suarez Jr. Wynelle D. Peyton Vehicle Titles and Javier Cordova Bobby G. Littlefield Jr. 5 years 20 years 10 years Registration Division Roberto Hernandez Bruce A. Scott Stacy A. Gilmore Dock S. Gee Steven W. Hall 15 years Antonio B. Loya 10 years Mark A. Liesmann Rolando Hemandez Stephen K. Littlefield Luz G. Devine Tommy W. Morgan Winfred H. McQueen Jeffrey L. Snider Sherry L. Randall James D. Wicks II 5 years 5 years 15 years 5 years Patricia L. Beard Fort Worth District Tausha N. Burton Beaumont District Donald L. Bunch Gordon House Jr. 30 years John A. Darter 30 years Richard L. Crouch Edward L. Jimenez February John E. Chase Wilbert L. Owens Jr. Ivory Wilridge Larry D. King Paul W. Lewis Douglas W. Keesey 20 years Leonard L. Segura Shelli B. Thomas Abilene District Max M. Sampley Pharr District Julia H. Thompson Rae T. Stowe 25 years 25 years 20 years 5 years 10 years Waco District Tyree Jones Antonio S. Castillo Roberto Flores Jr. Jerry L. Rodrigues William L. Adams 20 years Patrick D. McKennon 20 years Roberto P Hernandez Ricardo D. Davidson Inez H. Gaines Steve E. Morton Otto M. Warenskjold Jr. Deborah S. Skelton Brownwood District Harry Deba 15 years 20 years Timothy W. White 10 years 25 years Robert M. Elder Harold W. Bateman Jr. Robert Almanza 15 years Samuel Ballesteros James C. Lester Alexander L. Ramirez Larry J. Colclasure 15 years Belinda N. Carter David Garcia Jr. 15 years Audrey M. Rossi Howard K. Middleton Anthony E. Hoots Jose Gaytan Jr. Robert T. Johnston Thomas E. Woolley Jr. Wichita Falls District Monte W. Moore Martin M. Hernandez 10 years 5 years 30 years Amarillo District 10 years Joe F. Mendez Alvin W. Holland Pamela G. Collins John M. Heltzel 35 years Michael B. Szurgot 5 years Anthony C. Mullins 5 years Lonnie D. Parr Ronald C. Tate Raul E. Lopez Bryan District John N. Floyd 15 years 5 years Cecil Saldana 30 years Laredo District Jim D. Waldron Harvey D. Davis Cathy L. Banta Thomas L. Moehlman 10 years Terry J. Willis 5 years Stephen D. Bone San Angelo District 15 years Rafael N. Mendoza Gary N. Todd Ronald B. Nodine 30 years Wesley E. Jasek 5 years Yoakum District Guadalupe L. Reyes Billy W. Johnson Femando B. Barrera 40 years Austin District Houston District 20 years 10 years Gilbert E. Canik 30 years 30 years Jesse L. Williams Pamela F. Grissett Lubbock District 30 years Walter M. Welch Robert W. Gray Jr. 5 years 15 years Robert C. Arlitt Thomas W. Wilson 25 years San Antonio District Chad L. Bohne Douglas C. Christensen 20 years 10 years Janelle H. Gbur 30 years Patrick R. Schroeder 10 years Patricia T. James Russell L. Davenport Albert M. McCarty Joseph L. Grimes Jr. Rudolph D. Supak Karl D. Richardson Johnny L. Sanders Phillip E. Morris 20 years 25 years Don A. Werth 5 years 15 years Allan J. Tucker George M. Archer Juan Billalobos Jr. Dean L. Seymour Kenneth W. Anthony Marvin S. Wright Judy D. Brzymialkiewicz Patrick L. Irwin Chldress District Glenn R. Eilert 5 years Nolan G. Terry Ruben Pompa 35 years Odessa District Ellis Williams Jr. Cody R. Chambliss 15 years 15 years James D. Smith 15 years John A. Delgado Carolyn A. Bednar-wood Clint P Rodriguez 30 years Nicanor R. Milan Aviation Division Logan L. Ketron Deborah H. Chapa 10 years Larry N. Carrick 5 years 5 years Jerry L. Lawrence Margaret M. Cook Melvin T. Farrow Maurice Farris Donald W. Byme Marie C. Peinado Michael A. McNabb Cecil R. Davis Melvin G. Kibbett Ronald F. Hatcher Robert PGodina Edward A. Till Melvin M. Duhon 10 years Gilbert D. Herrera Budget and Finance Division Fred C. Wade Ronald E. Fielder Tyler District Rodney L. Murray Stephen M. Langohr 5 years David A. Wiemers Douglas G. Stephens 25 years 5 years Lydia C. Blanco Richard Yanez 10 years Billy G. Jobe David W. Deger Lufkin District Carlton J. Allen 15 years 20 years Construction Division Atlanta District David M. Eng Bemard H. Copeland Corpus Christi District Jesse Hutto Jr. 35 years 20 years Roberto Mascardo John C. Daugherty 20 years 5 years Nannie L. Moody Dorothy 0. Williams Aide E. Morrow Deborah J. Denton Noel Ibarra Raymond P Breaux Jr. 15 years 10 years Amir H. Mosaffa Earnest Flournoy Jr. 10 years Kristin 0. Fortin John C. Hoes Gary R. Keel Richard R. Murr John J. Kalalau Robert D. Blackwell Joe W. Murray Javier J. Vela Mcartis Price Jr. Jimmy G. Palacios 10 years Antonio H. Gonzalez Paris District 5 years 5 years Jo Ellen Stokes Jeffery A. Russell 5 years 35 years Richard M. Young Kenneth E. Bearden 5 years 5 years Jack E. Jenkins Don H. Eudy Charles S. Johnson Tony R. Johnson Angela S. Batiz James W. Applegate Jenise K. Wilson 30 years Jo E. Norwood Vondale Byers Robert W. Bobbitt Gary B. Mills Design Division Lisa D. Riddle Dallas W. Champion Vicky K. Brubaker Dallas District 20 years 15 years Cody L. McKenney Ronald B. Stuckey 35 years Mark W. Bates Fred D. Woodall Beaumont District Nnamdi R. Ogbonna Rayford M. Novy Scotty B. Humphrey 10 years 10 years James A. Wentz Waco District 30 years 15 years Donna M. Norris Scotty W. Winger 35 years Keenan L. Boehme George A. Cooper 5 years 5 years Laredo District James W. Cowan II 25 years 10 years Mark W. Mikulenka Barbara S. Young 35 years 25 years Claud P Elsom Ill James C. Hawkins Jesus Montes William R. Miller Jr. 20 years Raul F. Torres General Services Division Brownwood District Manuel P Rodrigues Jr. 20 years Edmond Fores 5 years 15 years 5 years 30 years Darrell L. Jones 15 years Doris B. Sheridan Uvaldo G. Cantu Wesley G. Baxter Isabel De La Rosa Bobby A. Pollard Cleburne R. Haynes Tommy L. Miller Kristi E. Behler 20 years Michael R. Sellers 10 years Pharr District Silvio J. Romero William R. Bledsoe Juan R. Jimenez Eddie W. Wright Elmer D. Hairgrove Jr. 30 years Cherry M. Vest James M. Moss 10 years 15 years Robert N. Roman Herlinda Dominguez 5 years Michael K. Poe Robert D. Austin Douglas L. Fleming 5 years Faustino Ramirez Jesse R. Castilleja Derry L. Rankin Guy M. Wardlow Martin D. Brookhart 10 years Liane E. Steele Lubbock District 10 years Gary G. Gilmore Genoveva G. Gomez Veronica Tijerina Bryan District 25 years Gary D. Reinhardt Wallace L. Johnson Heriberto E. Medina 30 years Rodolfo V. Moreno 5 years Minh Tran Apolonio Ochoa Jr. General Counsel Office Edward G. Gaas Ira S. Teeter 5 years 5 years 15 years 15 years ES.. AWARDS, Page 16

Transportation News February 1999 15

Letters I would like to congratulate you on your west of Tyler. The transmission went out on Texas Department of Transportation pro- staff. This was the first time for our compa- my car at about the 516 marker. Your work vide. ny to acquire a Department of Transporta- crew supervisor, Don Lay, allowed me to call On July 31, at around 10:39 p.m., I had tion number. They were extremely helpful my husband and a towing company. He broken down on the South Loop around and assisted me 110 percent. asked one of his men, Michael Trner, a Stella Link and by myself, I didn't know Special thanks to Claudette Nielsen. She general engineering technician, to keep an where to turn. A Metro Police officer did more than was required to help me. eye out for my safety while I waited for the stopped and asked if I needed any help. I Again thanks, she made a hard project tow truck. told him that my car had stopped and didn't much easier. Michael went to the trouble of bringing know what was wrong. He radioed his dis- Dale Crosby me water (it was over 100 degrees outside) patcher and told them to contact your Cour- Irving and allowing me to sit in his air-conditioned tesy Patrol and have them come out and see Claudette Nielsen is an administrative truck while I was waiting. if they could help. technician in the Motor CarrierDivision. I appreciate both the kindness and cour- In about 15 minutes, Donald Cathey tesy they extended to me during this stress- arrived and helped me get my car started. We really appreciate the milling the state ful time. Come to find out I was out of gas, and Mr. did for us on North First Street in Abilene. Norma Gross Cathey gave me some gas and then fol- Jerry Black's crew handled the work in Jasper lowed me to a gas station, to make sure I a very professional manner and they were Michael Turner works in the Mineola made it OK. very cordial. Area Office of the Tyler District. I offered to pay him for the gas, but he As a result of your assistance, the informed me that the state provided this ser- improvements along that corridor won two Bill Moorhouse, an investigatorin the vice, and he could not accept anything for first place awards. The Texas Downtown Motor CarrierDivision's Compliance and just doing his job. Association President's Award gave us an Enforcement Branch, received the following I would like to thank Cathey for his pro- award for corridor improvements and for letter fessional attitude and manner by which he most improved park in cities comparable to Thank you for being courteous and conducted himself. He gave me informative Abilene. There were approximately 200 responding so quickly to my request. You leaflets about the other Courtesy Patrols cities involved. This was the 16th Down- were a pleasant surprise. around the state and stated that all the ser- town Revitalization Conference and Abilene Janis Raab vices were to assist the citizens and visitors was the host city. All the other cities were Arapaho, Okla. of our state. here to enjoy our work. Thank you again for your fine service and We are proud of our city and we appre- I would like to extend a very heartfelt dedicated employees. ciate your willingness to assist. thank you to the Lubbock District of TxDOT Mildred Mayfield B. R. (Bob) Lindley, P.E. for the response to our call for assistance Houston Design Services Administrator July 5,1998. The wildfire suppression that Donald Cathey works as a courtesy patrol City of Abilene was accomplished could not have happened officer in the Houston District's TranStar Jerry Black is supervisor of the Abilene without your quick response. This goes for office. district's Special Jobs Crew. the local personnel at Floydada and other members of TXDOT who responded to our Tommy Busby found my navy blue (Keith Edwards, the security guard at the call for help. drowned purse on a bridge near Pettus. A D.C. Greer Building in Austin, received the These persons did an outstanding job in man grabbed it from me as I was getting out three following letters.) getting to the fire quickly and providing of my car in my own garage about three I just want to pass on to you my appreci- needed assistance in the fire suppression years ago. I felt so lucky to escape intact ation for Keith Edwards. He is very helpful effort. that I never dreamed I would see the purse to people who come into this building. I am Rodney Williams, Chief again. The thief, of course, took the money always impressed with his initiative to find Matador and one of the credit cards. the answer for folks. It is very helpful to The Lubbock District's Floydada and Thank you very much for returning the PIO, because, otherwise visitors would be Plainview Maintenance sections helped bat- cards plus the still-valid driver's license. It referred here. Keith always tries to help tle the fires. was very kind of you to take the trouble. them himself and sends them our way if he Ann C. Major can't solve their problem. He is very in-tune (IreneHill, a title information analyst in Corpus Christi about what is going on around here, which the Vehicle Title and Registration Division's Tommy Busby handles speed zone moni- is good security personnel. He's really on customer services branch, received this let- toring in the Transportation Operations Sec- top of things. Please share my comments ter:) tion of the Corpus Christi District. with whomever you like. Thanks. Thank you for the exceptional work on Lori Rowe the certified title histories I recently request- My husband and I just want to thank the Public Information Office ed. I tend to request a mass of documenta- two employees in your department, Gabriel tion at a time, so I know the work was bur- Castro and Roy Hernandez, for their will- My husband and I wish to thank you densome. I appreciate the expeditious ingness and kindness to rescue us while we most sincerely for the kind assistance you manner that you applied to my request. were in desperation on Interstate 20 on Dec. gave us when we were temporarily strand- Rosalie Savage 11. We had a flat tire and the snow was flex- ed in Austin. The bus trip from Llano McAllen ing its muscle on us. seemed to be successful. Thanks to you, it Gabriel and Roy helped us change our was a good day for us, too. While traveling recently, I had a blow out. tire and directed us to Monahans to replace Charles and Maebell Simpson I have no idea what I ran over, but you the flat tire. Gabriel and Roy were our Llano should have seen the hole on my tire. I was guardian angels. The most touching part in the left lane, and I did not lose control. I was their refusal of accepting our monetary We would like to take this opportunity to was very lucky the cars around me slowed offer to show our gratitude and they told us thank you for the help you gave two of our down and gave me the opportunity to get they could not accept money because they citizens who had missed the chartered bus on the shoulder. I parked my car as close to work for the state of Texas. They are the true back to Llano on Sept. 24. You were instru- the right side as I could. Not even 15 to 20 Texans and true Americans. mental in helping get the bus turned around minutes later, a truck from the transporta- Cecilia Leonard and back to the Greer Building to pick them tion department parked behind me and Carlsbad, Calif. up and bring them safely back to Llano. You Vidal Quintanilla came to my rescue. I Gabriel Castro and Roy Hernandez are offered them a cool place to sit and wait and salute Quintanilla and feel as though he was maintenance technicians in the Odessa Dis- something to drink. my guardian angel. trict's Monahans Maintenance Section. It is refreshing to know that there are still Sonjia Do La Garza some people that will take the time to help Weslaco someone in need. The Uano City Council Vidal Quintanilla works as a pavement engineer technician in the PharrDistrict I am writing to express my thanks to Office. ''''''' members of the work crew who came to my assistance on Friday, July 20, while I was I would like to express my deepest appre- traveling on Interstate 20 about 20 miles ciation for the services that you and the

Transportation News February 1998 16

Retirements Calendar August Atlanta District Earl B. Herring, Engineering Fort Worth District Glen R. Busby, Motor Vehicle Technician IV, 10 years FEBRUARY Y Ronald 0. Newman, Director III, 29 Mechanic III, 31 years Antonio Rodriguez, Maintenance 8-12 Two Week TxDOT Highway Materials years Technician IV, 31 years Engineering Course, Austin, CST Austin District 15 Presidents' Day (holiday) Houston District John H. Washington, Engineering Lufdn District 17-19 Advanced Public Purchasing, Houston, GSD Janis B. Frank, Engineering Technician Technician III, 28 years Cloyce G. Evans, Engineering 23-24 GEOPAK Drainage Training, Austin, DES V, 29 years Technician V, 33 years 25 Commission Meeting, Austin George F. Gonzales, Contract December 25-26 GEOPAK Drainage Training, Austin, DES Specialist I, 27 years Amarillo District Waco District Emmitt L. Henderson, Engineering Richard P Guthrie, Custodian II, 16 Lubbock District Technician III, 16 years years MARCH Julian G. Lopez, Engineering 2 Texas Independence Day (holiday) Technician Ill, 16 years Beaumont District Yoakum District 3-5 CPPB/CPPO Review/Exam, Austin, GSD Norman W. Woodside, Engineering Elroy J. Holik, Transportation 16-17 1999 Construction Conference, Austin, CST October Specialist II, 25 years Maintenance Supervisor IV, 31 17-19 Intermediate Public Purchasing, Houston, Houston District years GSD Juan DeLaCerda, , Transportation Brownwood District Jim Marshall, Engineering Technician 25 Commission Meeting, Austin Maintenance Supervisor I, 30 Jimmy D. Hendricks, Engineering III, 21 years 29 DPE & PMIS Coordinators Meeting/LTPP years Technician III, 16 years Harold D. Hunger, Engineering Meeting, Austin, DES Claude G. Russell, Engineering Technician IV, 30 years Dallas District Technician III, 18 years Gene 0. Rodgers, Engineering Dodie G. Montague, Human Vehicle Titles and Registration APRIL Technician III, 26 years Resources Specialist IV, 30 years Division 1 DPE & PMIS Coordinators Meeting/LTPP Theresa W. Chambers, Statistician II, Meeting, Austin, DES November Houston District 28 years 7-9 Texas Aviation Conference, Austin, AVN 13-14 1999 Maintenance Conference, Waco, MNT 14-16 Competitive Sealed Proposals/Competitive Negotiations, Houston, GSD In Memoriam 14-16 General Public Purchasing, Austin, GSD 21 San Jacinto Day (holiday) Employees Houston District V, retired in 1982, died Oct. 9, 29 Commission Meeting, Austin El Paso District Roy E. Franklin, Maintenance 1998 Jose M. Perez, Purchasing Clerk Ill, Technician Ill, retired in 1980, Willie F. Seelk, Jr., Maintenance died Nov. 15, 1998 died Oct. 4, 1998 Technician Ill, retired in 1993, MAY Pharr District Louis A. Tully, Maintenance Technician died August 28, 1998. 5-7 INTERMEDIATE PUBLIC PURCHASING, AUSTIN, Arturo R. Silva, Jr., Purchaser I, died Ill, retired in 1980, died Oct. 14, Alroy R. Zercher, Maintenance GSD Nov. 18, 1998 1998 Construction Supervisor IIl, retired 13-15 CPPB/CPPO RFVIEw/ExAM, HOUSTON, GSD Right of Way Division in 1992, died Sept. 11, 1998 20-21 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION, SAN ANTONIO, GSD Joe A. Hernandez, Administrative Lubbock District 27 COMMISSION MEETING, AUSTIN Technician I, died Dec. 5, 1998 Ira L. Hagerty, Maintenance Tyler District 31 MEMORIAL DAY (HOUDAY) Technician Ill, retired in 1975, Warren H. Alfred, Right of Way Retirees died Oct. 28, 1998. Appraiser IIl, retired in 1977, died Abilene District Gillie E. Hinson, Maintenance Sept. 14, 1998 JUNE Burl D. Darnell, Maintenance Technician II, retired in 1975, died Jimmie H. Anderson, Maintenance 16 How TO PROCESS AND EvALUATE BIDS, SAN Construction Foreman Ill, retired Oct. 12, 1998 Technician Ill, retired in 1987, ANTONIO, GSD in 1983, died Sept. 20, 1998. Johnie W. Sartor, Maintenance died Oct. 12, 1998 16 SPECIFICATION WRITING, SAN ANTONIO, GSD Atlanta District Technician II, retired in 1972, died William S. Hale, Maintenance 19 EMANCIPATION DAY (HOUDAY) Bennie C. Bradley, Maintenance Oct. 24, 1998 Technician IIl, retired in 1977, 23-25 GENERAL PUBLIC PURCHASING, LEWISvILLE, GSD Technician II, retired in 1972, died died Sept. 3, 1998 24 COMMISSION MEETING, AUSTIN Sept. 17, 1998 Lufkin District Weldon 0. Rice, Maintenance Austin District John D. McNeil, Drafter Ill, retired in Technician Ill, retired in 1984, George S. Hanna, Maintenance 1993, died Oct. 4, 1998 died Sept. 22, 1998 JULY Technician IIl, retired in 1978, 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY (HOLIDAY) died Oct. 16, 1998 Odessa District Waco District 29 COMMISSION MEETING, AMARILLO James F. Maxwell, Maintenance James A. Wilborn, Engineering Jerry A. Lanford, Maintenance Technician IIl, retired in 1980, Technician V, retired form the Mechanic II, retired in 1997, died died Sept. 22, 1998 1992, died Sept. 23, 1998 Sept. 18, 1998 Beaumont District Vester E. Mimms, Maintenance ____j Oggden P Wood, Maintenance Paris District Technician II, retired in 1972, died Technician II, retired in 1979, died John M. Henley, Maintenance Oct. 12, 1998 Oct. 3, 1998 Technician Ill, retired in 1985, Barney Smith, Maintenance Brownwood District died Sept. 15, 1998 Technician II, retired in 1987, died l[) - COa T. K. Adams, Maintenance Technician Oct. 1, 1998 II, retired in 1981, died Oct. 24, Pharr District 1998 Rodolfo Gonzalez, Maintenance Yoakum District Q UF- Z Dallas District Technician Ill, retired in 1976, Chrysteen M. Kuhns, Administrative Herbert J. Drozd, Shop Foreman IV, died Sept. 10, 1998 Technician II, retired in 1997, died wc retired in 1977, died Oct. 17, Nov. 29, 1998 1998 San Angelo District El Paso District Rex D. Saunders, Maintenance Transportation Planning and Marcelo G. Pena, Maintenance Technician II, retired in 1987, died Programming Division Technician II, retired in 1983, died Oct. 4, 1998 Richard H. Spiller, Jr., Engineer V, Oct. 9, 1998 San Antonio District retired in 1975, died August 16, Fort Worth District Harold J. Bodin, Engineering 1998 Oscar V. Foust, Engineering Technician V, retired in 1990, died Technician V, retired in 1976, died Sept. 8, 1998. Equipment and Procurement Division Oct. 4, 1998 Docia W. Curtis, Stenographer IIl, Henry J. Evans, Maintenance Bernard K. Payne, Jr., Maintenance retired in 1974, died Sept. 21, Technician Ill, retired in 1977, Technician IIl, retired in 1991, 1998 died Oct. 23, 1998 died Oct. 2, 1998 Billy R. Love, Engineering Technician Service Awards Continued from Page 14 Juanita M. Whitaker information Systems 5 years Division Right of Way Division Deborah W. Ferguson James E. Love 20 years 10 years Finance Division Richard Torres Robert W. Briggs Wichita Falls District 20 years 15 years 15 years Calvin S. Townes Jr. Cynthia M. MacUk Transportation Planning Ronnie L. Montgomery 5 years 10 years and Programming Division Jimmy C. Thomas Raphael C. Thorn Marilyn L. Barrows 5 years 5 years Armando Leyva Shirley J. Albert Moses Gonzales Design Division Traffic Operations Division Raquel S. Hardesty 15 years Legislative Affairs Office 20 years Harold W. Mason Dacio Main Ill 5 years Bertha G. Riester Aurora Meza Coby C. Chase 5 years Yoakum District 5 years David Valdez 20 years Glenda D. McCulloch Motor Carrier Division Jewel F. Pleasant Kent W. Steger 5 years Travel Division CV)~m Stephen J. Werner Joel D. Thompson 10 years 15 years Environmental Affairs Lois D. Johnson Frederick R. Lerma Division Motor Vehicle Division WL...) 5 years 10 years 10 years Vehicle Titles and Shirley J. Hrabovsky David L. Boswell Alice Suniga Registration Division Francis L. Klekar 5 years 25 years 0w Donna M. Steffek General Services Division John L..Barajas Pamela M. Arnold 20 years Juan F. Barbosa Ruth H. Howard w Construction Division Thomas L. Nanyes 20 years Sd w 25 years 15 years Occupational Safety Diane E. Counts o w Lloyd S. Eveland Ronald D. Eberhardt Division Arthur S. Hubbard O 0 00 j Paul E. Northcutt 5 years 5 years 15 years t c 20 years Cesar P Karel Deryl S. Creekmur Rita Contreras Manuel M. Mercado Jeffery S. Kushaney 5 years 15 years Keith L. Davis Public information Office Paula K. Lancaster U') w-iC- c, Elizabeth S. Boswell Bryan C. Whittiker 10 years c wQ 10 years Jeffrey A. Carmack LO 0

Transportation News February 1999