From the Director Service Awards Everyday Heroes on the

Congratulations to these dedicated individuals for their work and con- Work Zone Front Lines tinued service with the Department of Roads. They celebrate their By John L. Craig service dates in April and May. Director, Nebraska Department of Roads In recent for potential work-zone hazards, 40 Years months, we most of these senseless accidents Dennis Baehr, District 2 have focused can be avoided. on our nation’s Those who work on the roadways– 30 Years everyday our contractors, maintenance crews, Herbert Fultz, Materials & Research heroes — project managers, surveyors and James Hertzel, Right-of-Way mentally inspectors–receive ongoing training Gene Thomsen, Roadway Design tough, highly to do their jobs well, with safety as Jose Vergil, District 5 trained, and John L. Craig the top priority. Our recent initiative ready to meet to certify department and contractor 20 Years challenges head-on, without hesi- traffic control personnel is an David Bailey, District 1 tation. Here at the Department of example of this. NDOR worker Roads, I’ve witnessed our highway David Jochim, Materials & Research deaths and injuries in work zones construction and maintenance Ricky Jones, District 4 have remained low, with three workers performing the demanding Robert Kindschuh, District 3 injuries and no deaths last year. and dangerous duties required of Cheryl Pfeiffer, Communication But we must always be vigilant and them. Their lives are on the line, Tom Vogt, District 5 alert, paying attention to constantly each and every day; yet many changing surroundings and 10 Years motorists drive dangerously close to them in work zones, often at high circumstances. Sharon Brandt, District 1 speeds, often oblivious to these Work Zone Research Scott Henery, District 3 guardians of the road. Not only are Monty Koch, District 3 This year, in conjunction with Mark Kovar, District 8 the workers’ lives at risk, but the National Work Zone Awareness James Moreau, District 6 motorists’ lives as well. Week, the Department of Roads Mark Rogers, District 1 National Work Zone Awareness planned a State Work Zone Safety Lynden VanderVeen, Bridge Week, April 8-12, is the perfect time Summit. During this meeting, we Amy Wattier, District 3 for motorists and highway con- will examine the latest research on struction and maintenance workers construction work zones, review alike, to pause and consider extra work zone safety issues, discuss precautions needed to ensure safety possible solutions and create an in our highway work zones. As action plan to address these issues. another busy construction season is This is an excellent opportunity to getting under way in Nebraska, with the bring our thoughts to the table, more than 300 projects planned, Roadrunner added patience and caution are generate constructive feedback and Published every two months by the Nebraska imperative when driving in work improve highway work-zone safety Department of Roads Communication Division for workers and the driving public (402)479-4512. zones. There is no margin for error. in Nebraska. Governor ...... Mike Johanns Nebraska has bucked the national Roads Director...... John L. Craig trend regarding work-zone fatalities, Driving is inherently dangerous. Communication Manager ...... M. J. Hall with 8 deaths reported in 2000, As we work, with our many Editor ...... Linda M. Wilson Photographer...... Jay Bailey compared to 12 deaths in 1999. But partners, to promote safety and Graphics...... Diane German that is still 8 deaths too many. reliability through work zones, our Jan Havranek, Jim Pester Over and over again, we hear that goal remains constant: to improve Printers ...... Dale Dreeszen, Craig Harrington the main cause of most work-zone safety for motorists and highway printed on recycled paper The information presented in this newsletter is crashes is improper driving. By workers. By working together to contributed by employees, retirees and friends of NDOR. slowing down, heeding the posted save lives, we can all be everyday warning signs and remaining alert heroes.◆

2 Roadrunner ◆ April/May 2002 Drivers’ Best Strategy for Increased Highway Work Zones: Safety Tips to Live By ➢ Stay alert. Dedicate your full attention to the roadway. Slow Down, Stay Alert ➢ Pay close attention. Signs and work zone flaggers save The 2002 construction season is accidents. Of these incidents, 318 lives. underway in Nebraska. With more were rear-end collisions. ➢ Turn on your headlights. than 300 state highway construction The key reason for most work-zone Workers and other motorists projectsT planned, there is an crashes continues to be drivers’ must see you. increased potential for traffic failure to pay attention, according to ➢ Don’t tailgate. congestion and safety hazards. While law enforcement officers’ reports. ➢ Don’t speed. Note the the dilemma is real, the solution is More than half of the drivers posted speed limits in and simple: by slowing down when involved in construction zone around the work zone. approaching highway work zones fatalities contributed to the accidents ➢ Keep with the traffic flow. and staying alert, the risk for by speeding, running off the road or ➢ Don’t change lanes in the accidents and injuries can be crossing into the wrong lane. Eighty- work zone. reduced or prevented. five to 90 percent of the accidents ➢ Minimize distractions. More than 1,000 people were killed occurred on straight and level Avoid changing radio stations nationwide in construction work sections of roadway. and using mobile phones zones in 2000, the deadliest year on More motorists are injured in while driving in the work record. Eight of those deaths were in work-zone accidents than highway zone. ➢ Nebraska. Sixty-three fatal accidents workers. Therefore, drivers need to Expect the unexpected. were recorded in Nebraska work stay alert when driving near Keep an eye out for workers zones from 1996 through 2000, more highway construction sites any time and their equipment. ➢ than double the national average for of day. Drivers should observe lower Be patient. Remember the the five-year period. At least nine of speed limits, heed posted warning work zone crew members are Nebraska’s fatal crashes over the past signs and be alert for potential work- working to improve your future ride. five years occurred in zone hazards. work zones. Roads Department and contractors’ A total of 765 work-zone-related employees are at risk when working incidents were reported in Nebraska near moving traffic. Since 1991, workers and injured 24. The Roads in 2000, resulting in 292 injury highway work-zone crashes claimed Department wants to ensure the accidents and 465 property damage the lives of two Department of Roads safety of its employees, contractor’s personnel and motorists by increasing awareness of potential safety hazards. When You’re in the It is important to remember that highway work zones are much Driver’s Seat— Road more than an inconvenience. Work Work zones are essential to building safer, Ahead smoother roads that will ultimately You Make save lives. Remember— when you’re in the driver’s seat, you the Difference! make the difference. Drive safely in work zones. ◆ Drive Smart in Work Zones

Roadrunner ◆ April/May 2002 3 This view of the four-lane U.S. 275 Expressway is from the Ida Street bridge looking towards Fremont at the Highway 64 . Newly Completed U.S. 275 Expressway Ready for Travelers

A heavily-traveled segment lanes, the median shoulder, and part old Hwy. 275 and the Union Pacific of U.S. Highway 275 between of the right shoulder paved as a Railroad tracks. One viaduct is part Omaha and Fremont has thirty-foot wide section. The extra of Hwy. 64 west of Valley, and the width provides a stronger and more other is east of Valley and connects been opened to traffic. durable pavement. commercial, industrial and residential The project realigned Hwy. 275. areas to the expressway. All grading Work on this portion of the express- The old highway will be turned over on this project is south of the railroad way, which runs from just south to Douglas County. Nebraska Hwy. tracks. The unseasonably warm of Fremont to just northwest of 36 and several county roads were weather this winter allowed work to Waterloo, began in August 1998. also realigned to meet the new proceed, and the project is ahead of The project was completed in three expressway alignment, as was the schedule at this time. segments. intersection of Nebraska Hwy. 64 Hawkins Construction Company The first segment consisted mainly with Hwy. 275. of Omaha was the prime contractor of grading on a new location and This was the biggest single paving for all three projects at a total construction of six viaducts at key project that the state had let to this construction cost of $36,037,814. locations. Work was also done on point. The project received the 2001 Kirkham Michael of Omaha was the some slab bridges and drainage Award of Merit Concrete Pavement project designer. John Baker was the structures. The roadway required Construction in the category of NDOR Consultant Coordinator, and 1,614,182 cubic meters of Interstate Highways and Expressways Frank Veverka, of Fremont, was the embankment. from the Nebraska Concrete Paving NDOR Project Manager. Other The second phase of the project Association. NDOR inspectors on this project began May 30, 2000. Plans called for The third phase of this project were Mike Larsen, Kevin Burris, 363,350 square meters of paving. began last November and is due to be Brian Becker, Kathy Hansen, Jerry The project was one of the first in opened to traffic this fall. This phase Cherek, and Gary Holeman, all of Nebraska to be built with the travel consists of building two viaducts over District 2.◆

4 Roadrunner ◆ April/May 2002 Paving Awards Presented in Kearney Several NDOR project managers on the US-275 project, Waterloo Manager Joe Applegate of the were honored with awards for both Northeast. Hawkins Construction District 5 Scottsbluff office and concrete and asphalt pavements at the Company of Omaha was the Werner Construction Inc. of Hastings Sannual Project Managers Conference contractor. The project design was for the East Kimball to Brownson held March 5 -7 in Kearney. The coordinated by John Baker of project on I-80 and the tied Potter awards recognized their work on Roadway Design Division. South project on L17B. Nebraska highways and municipal There were two winners in the The Award of Merit for the best streets during 2001. new category of Concrete Pavement average of all projects constructed The Nebraska Department of Roads Restoration. District 6 Project Manager with the smoothness specification presented awards for outstanding Richard Morrell of North Platte and in the 2001 season went to Brower asphalt pavement smoothness. Iowa Erosion Control, Inc., of Victor, Construction Company of Sioux City, Awards of excellence for highway Iowa were honored for the concrete Iowa for 44.4 miles of work on three construction projects using concrete patching, dowel bar retrofit, and projects.◆ pavement were presented by the diamond grinding on the Sutherland Nebraska Department of Roads and West project on I-80. Certificates of Merit were presented the Nebraska Concrete Paving Project Manager Ray Trujillo of to these project managers and Association. the District 2 Fremont Office and contractors for excellent individual Concrete Pavement M. E. Collins Contracting Company, project smoothness at the listed Inc., of Wahoo were honored for the locations: Project representative Tom Farber of concrete pavement patching, concrete Jerrold Gardner the District 4 Kearney Office and pavement widening, and diamond District 5, Scottsbluff subcontractor Blessing Construction I-80, Brownson–Sidney grinding performed on the N-92 Company of Kearney received the Brower Construction Company project east of Snyder. Roger Grant award for the excellent concrete Tom Anderson & Dan Necas coordinated the roadway design District 4, York Construction Office pavement constructed on the aspects of the Snyder East project and US-81, Fairmont–McCool Junction 56th Street, Kearney Northwest Werner Construction Company the Materials & Research Pavement project for Buffalo County. The prime Design Section coordinated the Richard Kwiatkowski contractor for the project was Hooker District 4, St. Paul restoration design on both projects. Brothers Construction Company of N-92, Saint Paul West Pavement smoothness, quality Paulsen, Inc., Cozad Grand Island. Tom Braun coordinated control, innovation, and complexity Joe Applegate the project design for the Government of the project were considered in District 5, Scottsbluff Affairs Division. L17C, Brownson South determining these awards. The award for excellence in Werner Construction, Inc. Interstate and expressway concrete Asphalt Smoothness Lyle Kohmetscher pavement was presented to Frank The 2001 Asphalt Smoothness District 4, Hastings N-8, Superior East Veverka of the District 2 Fremont Award of Merit for the smoothest Werner Construction, Inc. Office who was the Project Manager individual project went to Project District Construction Safety Awards Presented

The 2001 District Construction “Safe Working” and “Safe Driving” Awards were presented at the NDOR Project Manager’s Conference in Kearney on March 6. District Construction Engineers accepting the awards on behalf of their respective districts included, l to r, Keith Meyer, District 4; Mark Kovar, District 8; and Craig Lind, District 5. District 8 received the “Most Improved Safe Working Award” and the “Safe Working Award.” District 8 also received the “Most Improved Safe Driving Award.” Districts 4, 5 and 8 received the “Safe Driving Awards.” None of the three districts had a preventable vehicle accident involving district construction employees in the year 2001.◆

Roadrunner ◆ April/May 2002 5 England Named Project Manager of the Year Jim England was honored by the Steve Bartos, Assistant Construction effectively with others in accom- Nebraska Chapter of the Associated Engineer, noted that during the late plishing the task at hand. General Contractors of America (AGC) 1970s and 1980s, when Bartos was a The award is presented annually by as Nebraska Department of Roads’ project manager, England was his the AGC to a NDOR project manager ProjectJ Manager of the Year. England primary assistant. Bartos remembers who has upheld the standards of received a traveling trophy and a England as a very dedicated worker conducting business within the plaque at the Project Manager’s who demanded the highest quality highway construction industry with Conference in Kearney on March 6. work from others. Contractors the highest level of ethics and England has worked at NDOR for respected him for his ability to integrity. The trophy is called the almost 30 years and has been a project schedule the work and communicate Lyle Leader Memorial Award in manager at the District 1 tribute to Mr. Leader, who construction office in Lincoln was a project manager at since February 1992. One of NDOR for 34 years. He was his more prominent projects active in the District 3 was the Interstate overlay Hartington office at the project, Northwest 48th Street time of his death in August to 56th Street/U.S. Hwy. 77 1991 and was highly exit, a 10-mile project that respected by his peers cost over $7.2 million to build. within the department and According to District 1 by the contractor members Construction Engineer Mike of AGC. Sklenar, England took an All contractor members active role in partnering submitted a nomination efforts with contractors, the for this award and the State Patrol, businesses and Jim England, Project Manager in District 1, second from right, accepts nominees were voted upon the traveling public. These the AGC Lyle Leader Memorial Award as Project Manager of the Year. by the members of the Pictured with him, from l to r, are Dick Ludwig, President of the efforts proved successful in Nebraska Chapter of Associated General Contractors (AGC), John AGC. For the year 2002, keeping the job running Chicoine, President of Garcia-Chicoine Enterprises, Inc., and Terry King, England received the high smoothly. Executive Director, AGC. honor.◆

Employees Eye Efficiency, Enhancements

By Alice Karas idea is currently being piloted in one ➤ Provide an 800 number for Human Resources Division of the Districts and at the Central Central Headquarters and the On October 23, 2001, twenty-five Headquarters. The use of video Districts. This is being piloted in one employees representing NDOR conferencing will be evaluated for of the divisions and will be evaluated Districts and Divisions gathered in implementation in other areas for use throughout NDOR. Lincoln for the Director’s Employee throughout NDOR. ➤ Use of postage meters rather Summit on Efficiency. The Summit ➤ More leadership development than stamps for the Districts. The provided a forum for employees to to ensure supervisors have proper Communication Division’s Office discuss ideas for enhancing the training to teach and lead. The Services is researching the cost and quality of the services NDOR department is developing this as benefits of purchasing postage meters provides, ways to promote efficiency and savings, and ways to generate part of Workforce Development. for the districts. ➤ additional revenue. Cross train employees and/or As these ideas are explored and Many viable ideas and suggestions publish reference books so that more implemented, resulting efficiencies were discussed at the Summit. Some than one person knows a specific job and savings will be analyzed for the of the suggestions that are currently and duties required. District Two has long term. Roads Director John Craig being piloted or implemented are: a team that is exploring the use of believes employee involvement in ➤ Using video conferencing rather cross training and is developing the decision-making can create a than traveling for meetings. This training assessments and programs. positive atmosphere for change. ◆

6 Roadrunner ◆ April/May 2002 Status Report Focuses on Survey Queries Werner Trucking Survey Drivers’ Habits The Nebraska Department of Roads has Last year, Team 21 (a group of Status – Nine Dynamic Message initiated a long- and short-term public Department of Roads employees Signs (DMS) were recently installed survey and input program designed to with a focus on the future) surveyed in Omaha and another nine are collect real-time information from Lover 3,000 big rig drivers working for planned for the rural I-80 corridor. volunteers about their driving habits, and Werner Enterprises Inc. The purpose In addition, 511, the national Traveler their desires and expectations for programs was to find out what this large group Information number, was imple- that assist them in making travel plans. of highway users thought of several mented on October 1, 2001. Kiosks MODIS, a provider of Information issues involving Nebraska’s roadways. at all Interstate rest areas provide Technology Resource Management services Werner, a transportation company weather, road condition and and solutions, prepared the survey, which with its home office in Omaha, is construction maps. will be available on the department’s engaged primarily in hauling website for 45 days, from early April to truckload shipments throughout Parking mid-May. At the end of that period, the the 48 contiguous states. Recommendation – Explore the use of responses will be used to categorize and An article in the August/September Economic Development funds in quantify driving habits and respondents’ 2001 Roadrunner outlined some of the needs, according to Bob Slone, Solutions survey recommendations. Recently, cooperation with communities located in close proximity to our Development Manager, of MODIS. a status report of these recommen- From survey results, NDOR hopes to Interstate to develop truck parking; dations was released. Twenty-six gain a better idea of how motorists might use this project to spur development recommendations were identified by choose to interface with NDOR’s web- of support businesses that could general categories, including Smooth based information programs and how Roadways, Communications, Parking, serve this clientele group. those programs might be designed to Pavement Markings and Roadway Designated Champion – Randy Peters, be more focused and individualized for Signing, and Driver Knowledge. For Traffic Engineer. drivers. NDOR’s technology programs, each item, a designated “champion” Status – Recommendations are such as T-Weather and the new 511 was identified who was responsible pending. They are on the agenda for Nebraska traveler information line, are for galvanizing efforts to accomplish a Truck Parking Task Force that met leading-edge examples of technology the recommendation. For an idea of in December and will meet quarterly applied to customer-focused needs. the kinds of issues covered, here is to address commercial vehicle Slone said they would like to hear from the status of four key items from the parking issues. all types of highway drivers, not just survey. professional drivers. This will provide Smooth Roadways Pavement Markings & a broader base for survey results. Recommendation – Continue use of Roadway Signing Drivers wishing to provide input dowel bars in our highway joints and Recommendation – Make removal of through the surveys will have two bridge abutments. This recently trees and brush in front of signs a categories of responses to choose from: (1) One-time responder to the initial adopted standard, that had been priority. survey; and (2) Multi-survey responder: dropped for a time, will do a lot to Designated Champion – Randy Peters, “get the thump out” of our roadways. group of survey respondents willing to Traffic Engineer. This was a commonly mentioned help with a short series of topical surveys Status – Removal of brush in front of issue by those responding to our covering more in-depth transportation signs is a priority maintenance survey. issues. Approximately once a month, Designated Champion – Moe Jamshidi, activity. multi-responders will be sent an e-mail Materials and Research Engineer. Work on the other 22 recommen- notification letting them know a new Status – Done. dations in the status report is either survey is ready to be taken. The survey Communications ongoing or already completed. As would be taken and submitted on-line. NDOR utilizes the survey results to The survey series would last approxi- Recommendation – Expand the use of continually improve, we will come mately three months, with a new survey message boards, radio communi- closer to achieving our goal: to be the response needed once each month. cation, signs, kiosks and phones to Survey results will be placed on keep the traveling public informed of best state transportation agency in the country. Additional information NDOR’s website and will also be issues concerning their safe travel e-mailed to participants. on the survey recommendations may throughout our state. To access the survey, go to be obtained by contacting Chuck Designated Champion – Paul Cammack, www.nebraskatransportation.org and Sonday, Measurement Coordinator, Transportation Technology Section click on “Survey” at the top of the page. Engineer. 479-4623.◆ Roadrunner ◆ April/May 2002 7 Rewards and Recognition 2001 Survey “The Glass is Half Full”

The Rewards and Recognition Q: What did the survey tell you? Q: What are some positives? Survey conducted several months ago resulted in a 47% response rate A: The survey revealed areas to A: There is an overall satisfaction from NDOR employees. This target for improvement so we can rate of 47% with the Rewards and provided statistical information continue to make a positive Recognition program. Nearly half reliable enough to determine what impact on those with whom we (45%) of employees are satisfied NDOR employees think about the work. According to the survey, with their local satellite panel and Rewards and Recognition program. 24% of survey respondents agreed only a minority (12%) expressed Utilizing the survey results, that R&R has impacted their dissatisfaction. A high percentage including 61 pages of comments, a attitude positively. It takes a lot of of those who have nominated work to maintain our program, someone before (77%) said they comprehensive report has been and R&R panelists will continue would nominate again. There were completed. Here are some their efforts with optimism. many positive comments from highlights of the survey results, those who have received with comments from the R&R recognition and those who saw Survey Committee. Q: What are the top motivators recognition given to someone they to use the program? appreciated. Q: What are some reasons you A: “Seeing someone recognized” decided to conduct a survey? (68%) outdistanced all other Q: What areas need improvement? A: After more than five years of factors. People enjoy seeing serving employees, the Rewards recognition go to someone they A: We must make sure recognition and Recognition program is no appreciate. This tells us that for is not only appropriate, but also longer a “new” program. NDOR employees, it is truly adequate. Improving awards Employees who serve on Satellite better to give than to receive. ceremonies and other methods of Panels wanted to know how the However, we also realized that the recognition will strengthen the program has evolved by methods for “recognizing” program. Also, there is a need to measuring its impact, obtaining someone are significantly better publicize those who receive feedback on successful areas and important. the lesser-known awards, e.g., areas requiring improvement, and innovative and membership. Lack gaining a benchmark to use for of familiarity with some of the future measurements. awards was also apparent. While 82% are familiar with the Manager/Employee of the Quarter Award, only 16% are familiar with the Impact Award.

Familiarity with Awards Granted by R&R Program Some- Not Not Never Very what Very At All Heard % Familiar Familiar Familiar Familiar Of Familiar Manager/Employee of the Quarter 506 328 127 39 16 82% Innovative Award 92 190 269 223 237 28% Extra Mile Award 172 253 267 177 142 42% Impact Award 63 100 219 235 392 16% Heroism/Humanitarian Award 147 210 258 217 179 35% Membership Award 125 126 153 204 401 25%

8 Roadrunner ◆ April/May 2002 Q: What are some challenges? Q: Where do we go from here? Q: Where can additional information be found? A: Many employees are unaware A: Satellite panels will continue of some of the simpler aspects of to review the results and A: A survey report, summarizing the program, such as the various comments. They will gain statistics and comments, is awards and how to nominate awareness of barriers to full available to employees on the someone. Also, 29% of employees acceptance and use of the NDOR Intranet, which is weren’t aware of the Rewards program in their area. From there accessed through the department and Recognition Intranet site, they can begin to develop Internet website at where they can access the strategies to overcome the www.dor.state.ne.us. The program guidebook and barriers. After some time we will appendix at the end of the nomination forms. measure our successes and document has links to the challenges. original survey and numerous Another issue that may be charts. ◆ difficult to overcome is the perception that bias occurs during the selection process. A substantial number of employees felt that undeserving people sometimes win the awards, or expressed disappointment that the person they nominated lost to someone not as deserving. However, many also criticized the length and difficulty of the nomination form.

Rewards & Recognition Committee members who assisted with the survey include: Linda Rumpza Clarke, Scott Griepenstroh, Christine Hansen, Betty Hauser, Blane Osterman, Cindy Shockey, Cynthia Veys, Gary Voss and Randy Wills.

Roadrunner ◆ April/May 2002 9 Reflections of 50 Years at NDOR

By Merritt “Andy” Andreasen road contracted was Highway Mechanic District Supervisor District 2, Elkhorn Hwy. 63 from Hwy. 77 to Ashland. This area I've seen a lot of changes was contracted to a over the past 50 years... farmer with a team of I was hired to work for the state horses and a sickle bar in 1951 by Wilber Hattan, an Area mower. My job was to John Craig presents Andy Andreasen a plaque for 50 years. Engineer in Fremont. My hourly rate pick up his sickles of pay was $.75 for the first two years, every other day and take it back to The first spreader showed up in the and for the next couple of years, I the shop to repair and sharpen, then mid 1950s. They were chain-driven received a $.05 an hour raise. District 2 deliver it back to the farmer for from the left rear wheel of the truck. consisted of 14 counties with head- another go around. The driver had to open the door, quarters in Lincoln (6th & South Asphalt overlay was done with a reach out to a lever to engage/ Streets). motor grader. The material was cold disengage the spreader clutch. In the In the 1950’s many of the highways mix that was made in a windrow. It 1960s, hydraulic sander spreaders in the Omaha area were gravel such was loaded onto the trucks with showed up, which brought the end to as: Hwy. 91 from Blair to Hwy. 15, shovels because we had no loader. cinders. Hwy. 133 from Blair to Irvington, Crack sealing was a winter activity. In the early 1950s, snowplows were Hwy. 31 from Elkhorn to Hwy. 30, A kerosene fired tar pot was used and raised by means of a hand-operated Hwy. 64 from Valley to Prague, tar was poured with cone-shaped tar hydraulic pump mounted on the Hwy. 370 from Papillion to Gretna, buckets. floorboard in the passenger area of the and Hwy. 109 from Fremont to Wahoo. truck. It was the job of the “plow Cinders for Ice Control Fremont was the office for Blair, shaker” to operate the hand pump to Wahoo, Colon, Morse Bluff, Snyder, Cinders were used instead of gravel raise the plow and open a hand valve Elk City and Herman. Elkhorn was the for ice control. Cinders were from the to lower it. This activity helped keep office for Papillion, Gretna, Bellevue, steam locomotives that were serviced the “plow shaker” warm. Ashland, South Omaha Bridge yard in Omaha at the Union Pacific Rail By the late 1950s or early 1960s, and Ithica. Yard. They were watered down when engine-driven hydraulic pumps Hydrants and Wood Stoves taken out of the locomotive to quench replaced the hand-operated ones. At the hot embers, then loaded onto Shops and crew areas were heated about the same time, permanent-type with wood stoves. Elkhorn was the wooden gondola rail cars and shipped antifreeze became available, which only yard providing indoor plumbing; to the state yards along the rail meant 180-degree engine thermostats all other yards had outhouses and one system. When they reached their could be used. That kept the trucks a hydrant for water. In the early 1980s destinations, they were unloaded by lot warmer and a few two-way radios Blair was the last yard in this area to shovels onto trucks and hauled to the were introduced in the 1960s. get indoor plumbing. yards where the cinders were mixed Often, in the winter, truck radiators 1 Our equipment consisted of 1 ⁄2- and with flake calcium chloride, and then and engine blocks were drained at 2-ton single axle trucks, FDW and stockpiled. night. In the morning water was Oshkosh, motor graders, mower The sanding or cinder operation heated on the stove, which made tractors, 5-foot bar mowers, cement meant loading the trucks with a them easier to start. If one truck mixer, rock crusher and oil distributor. shovel. One or two people rode in the started, it could be used to pull others Mowing operations were two per truck box to shovel the cinders off to get them started. crew; we drove our own car at $.06 where needed. Cinder barrels were As you can see, there’s been per mile. We hauled gasoline, oil, also used on hills and were available many changes over the past 50 grease and sickles. The first contract to the public during inclement years and I expect to be involved mowing was in the mid-1950s and the weather. in a lot more to come.◆

10 Roadrunner ◆ April/May 2002 NDOR Receives Community Development Award The Nebraska Department of Roads plan is required to include a long- Schlautman convinced Omaha’s received a Community Development range transportation plan, a traffic MAPA agency to give up $50,000 of Week Achievement Award during assignment network and data (e.g., their federal planning money for ceremonies March 14 in Kearney at air service, land use, economic Grand Island. As a condition, MAPA theT Nebraska Planning and Zoning development, and green space) in a requested that NDOR add $25,000 of Association annual conference. state funds for a total of $75,000 Ron Schlautman, Urban Planning given to Grand Island. When the & Liaison Engineer, received the Director’s office gave approval for award on behalf of the the state money, Roads Director department. John Craig wanted to help other NDOR was recognized for cities as well, thus initiating this developing and fostering a local Comprehensive Plan statewide comprehensive Assistance Program. At the end community planning initiative, of July, another community that with special recognition for their matches the priority selection involvement in encouraging larger criteria will be chosen to non-metro communities to plan participate in the program. for growth and development by Schlautman said the infor- maintaining a comprehensive mation gathered using this plan that includes a detailed program will provide better long-range transportation model. regional and statewide future In addition, the department was traffic forecasts, and will build lauded for assisting Nebraska Ron Schlautman, Urban Planning and Liaison Engineer, left, on Nebraska’s GIS database by and Roads Director John Craig hold the Community communities and counties in Development Week Achievement Award, received March 14 including information on land fostering and carrying out at the Nebraska Planning and Zoning Association annual use and environmentally conference in Kearney. planning through local, state and sensitive areas that previously national initiatives. They were also Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have only been available in the large mentioned for supporting planning format to help both the community metropolitan areas. education through the Nebraska and NDOR better plan for future Roads Director John Craig has been Planning and Zoning Association. transportation improvements. very supportive in the program’s According to Schlautman, the Funding of $100,000 will be allocated development and implementation, Comprehensive Plan Assistance to the program each year, with advocating its use to help Program is designed to provide funding splits of 80 percent maximum communities that aren’t eligible to financial and technical assistance to state and federal share, and 20 percent receive Metropolitan Planning mid-sized Nebraska communities with minimum local share. The program is Organization (MPO) planning funds, populations between 7,500 and 50,000 administered through NDOR’s and to provide an avenue for NDOR to initiate or update a comprehensive Planning and Project Development to participate in more collaborative plan for their area. The comprehensive Division. planning with local communities.◆

National Bike Month/Bike to Work Week

This year marks the 46th consecutive Employees are encouraged to ride a ➢ Use a headlight. year the League of American Bicyclists bike or walk to work during that week. ➢ Be sure your bike has front and has proclaimed May as National Bike Because of a sharp increase nation- rear reflectors, pedal reflectors, Month. During the month, state and wide in the number of bicycle fatalities and side rim or wheel reflectors. local organizations are invited to join resulting from car-bike collisions at ➢ Wear reflective clothing. in sponsoring bicycle activities in order night, the U.S. Consumer Product ➢ Always wear a CPSC-approved to increase awareness and acceptance Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued helmet. of bicycling throughout the country. a warning to bike riders to take ➢ Young children should not ride The League is also promoting Bike necessary steps to make themselves at night. to Work Week from May 13-17 and and their bicycles more visible at ➢ Avoid riding on dark, narrow Bike-to-Work Day on Friday, May 17. night. roadways.

Roadrunner ◆ April/May 2002 11 Nebraska Installs Historic Trails Signs Nebraska leads the way in getting entering Wyoming near Henry in of the 150th anniversary of the highways properly marked for western Nebraska. Mormons’ trek to . motorists following the and Krakow praised Randy Peters, Krakow said the National Park NCalifornia Historic Trails and the Pony NDOR Traffic Engineer, for seeing that Service intends to spend $305,000 as Express. According to national trails signs were not only put up “but put its share in all states along the trails. official Jere L. Krakow, Nebraska is the where history buffs traveling through The effort is part of the National Trails first to complete a cooperative federal- Nebraska will see them.” Systems Act approved by Congress, state effort for installing signs so Peters said 269 signs were recently and included in the comprehensive management plan completed in visitors can use highways to follow installed. Financing for the $60,000 November of 1999. trails across the state. project was shared equally between The park service began early Krakow, currently superintendent the state and the National Park negotiations with the Department of of the ’s Long Service. Roads to complete the job. Numerous Distance Trails Office in Salt Lake “Where possible,” Peters said, “we Western states—Wyoming, , City, said Nebraska has more mileage put three trail signs together on one Utah and Oregon—are close to of the Oregon, California and Pony board. This saved some money.” completing their program, while Express trails than any other state. About 150 signs outlining the route negotiations are underway with The trails cross at a southeast-by- of the Mormon Trail were installed in Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Nevada northwest angle, starting near Odell 1998, primarily on the north side of and California.◆ in the southeast part of the state and the Platte River in commemoration - Omaha World Herald New Dynamic Message Motorist Assist Signs in Omaha Program Expanded Recently installed dynamic message signs at District 2 Several heavily traveled roadways have been added to are in operation to assist motorists this year. These the Metro Area Assist Program, which aids stranded and message signs were installed at nine different locations on lost drivers in the Omaha area. The Nebraska State Patrol the Interstate system in the metro Omaha area. said Highways 64, 6 and 275 west from were Traveling motorists will benefit by advanced warnings added. of major accidents, road advisories during construction, Previously, volunteers were on Interstate 80 from the rush hour traffic jams and information concerning road conditions during inclement weather. Drivers will be able Mahoney exchange to the U.S. Highway 6 exchange, to slow down or take alternative routes to avoid problem Interstates 480 and 680 and U.S. Highway 75 to LaPlatte areas. during rush hours. The State Patrol also announced that The dynamic message signs are a part of the Depart- a third van has been added. ment of Roads Intelligent Transportation System The program was started in 1998 and has 27 volunteers improvements.◆ who provide assistance. In 2000, the program was expanded to Interstate 80 travelers in the Lincoln area, with the Nebraska Motorist Assist Program, or NeMap. In that program, 12 volunteers patrol the Interstate between the Utica exit and the Platte River every morning and evening during rush hours and Sunday nights. Trained by the State Patrol, which oversees the operation, volunteers help motorists find gas or change a tire, give jump-starts, pick up hazardous debris and check and tag abandoned cars. Two volunteers are on duty at a time. NDOR had a key role in development of both the Omaha and Lincoln programs and provides funds, along with other major sponsors, including AAA/Cornhusker Looking westbound, this dynamic message sign is located on ◆ Interstate 80 at approximately 94th Street in Omaha. Motor Club and Nebraska Office of Highway Safety.

12 Roadrunner ◆ April/May 2002 We Get Letters ... March 25, 2002 We deal with several different State D.O.T.’s and I found your web site to be the best site. It was very user-friendly. Thanks to your designer. March 15, 2002 Tom Webster, Cone Engineering Contractors Lebanon, TN NE Dept. of Roads Thank you for the outstanding job that was done yesterday to clean the snow off of the roads between Kimball and Laird Weishahn January 30, 2002 Scottsbluff on Highway 71. It was very Materials & Research Division stressful to come up in the morning but Dear Mr. Weishahn: so very easy to make it home in the evening. I am amazed at how much snow I want to thank your division for the very kind service to the we had and that you were able to clean Lincoln High School Applied Chemistry Courses by John it all off. You made my day and my Dageford. On early turn-around notice, John packaged a return home travel so very easy. Thank number of asphalt samples for the students to use in a you, thank you, thank you. petroleum unit laboratory exercise. He also gave us Sincerely, information we could use to understand variation in their Paul Zolman properties related to their structural alterations, and spent Kimball, Nebraska time on an “orientation” conversation with me to aid in setting up the lab and working with the materials provided. Thank you to the Kimball Editor’s Note: He offered to provide a tour for interested students. I know and Scottsbluff maintenance crews. from personal experience how much fun tours are at the Kimball Supervisor, Steve Sterling. Department of Roads Testing Laboratory. It is such an Scottsbluff Supervisor, Scott Rajewich. exemplary laboratory setting and the people there are all so Scottsbluff Superintendent, Mike Johnson. competent and friendly with respect to demonstrating the activities there... I want to express my appreciation again to your knowledgeable and service-oriented staff.

Sincerely The Department of Roads receives numerous complimentary letters. The letters printed Ms. Lelia M. Coyne here are representative of those often sent Highly Gifted Program Mentor praising the many fine and deserving Editor’s Note: Lincoln Public Schools John Dageford is an Engineering Unit employees of the Department of Roads. Supervisor in Materials & Research Division.

I-80 Ranks Near Top on Atlas Survey Nebraska’s I-80 placed second for the took third place honors. “safest stretch of highway” in the United A significant majority of drivers said States—with I-10 in Texas named first, by Florida has the nation’s best rest stops. 330 drivers from Atlas Van Lines who were Georgia and Texas tied for second place, polled on a few of the most timeless truck- followed by a tie between Ohio and driver questions. I-10 in Arizona placed Washington for third place. third behind Nebraska. Atlas Van Lines is North America’s third- Interstate 70 in Colorado was voted largest carrier of household goods with as the country’s most scenic stretch some 600 agents in the and of highway, with a tie for second place Canada and more than 800 worldwide. The between Hwy. 101 in California and complete driver survey can be found on the I-90 in Montana. Interstate 84 in Oregon Atlas website: www.atlasvanlines.com.◆

Roadrunner ◆ April/May 2002 13 your landscape design and select your plants as soon as TURF & they come into your favorite store. The plants are as fresh as they are going to get when they arrive. Plant a GARDEN $20 tree in a $40 hole. Make the hole deep enough to set By Dick Gray the plant at the same depth as it was, or slightly higher Agronomist if you have a tight clay soil that does not want to drain. Make the hole wide enough to allow the roots to develop properly. Mulch trees and shrubs. Use about 3" of uncompacted mulch. Too much mulch can cause problems. Check soil for wetness under the mulch before Time for Spring Clean-up you water. Too much water is as bad as too little, and the results are the same—dead plant material. Turf - Turf damage will likely show up this spring. We had winter desiccation from no snow cover and Garden - Wait to plant until the soil temps are going snow cover on unfrozen ground for snow mold to to allow the seed to germinate. Minimum degrees develop. As usual, after a Nebraska winter there is Fahrenheit for spinach-38°, radishes-40°, lettuce-41°, reseeding to do. Begin your spring cleanup in earnest onions-41°, peas-42°, potatoes-45°, cabbage and broccoli- now, no more procrastinating. Aerate, power rake, mow 45° (transplants). At 60° you can plant sunflower, 1 to 1 ⁄2 to 2". Reseed and work in compost to revitalize pumpkin, cucumbers, watermelon, corn, snapbeans and your lawn. Keep the pre-emergence in the sack until the set out peppers and tomato plants. Hold on okra until first or second week in May. Moles a problem in your the soil temps are closer to 70°. New plants for this lawn? A product called “Moles No More” has been tested year—Tidal Wave Silver petunia, Black Magic Rose by Michigan State University and the report is good. geranium and Sparkler Blush Cleome (Bee Plant). Trees - Look for winter damage here, too. Prune General - Keep that mower blade sharp and your the broken and dead branches. Did you get that hedge lawn will look better. El Nin˜o is coming and maybe we pruned in late March? It can still be done now. Work on will have rain this summer!◆

lowered with a low salt diet, weight loss, exercise, and Health & Safety decreasing alcohol consumption. Your physician may ✚ decide to use medicine, if these methods aren’t effective. By LoyAnn Rossel, RN,COHN-S You may get off the medicine if you improve your health. High Blood Cholesterol Health Risk Factors Almost everyone knows that the cholesterol level should be below 200, but do you know your LDL, HDL Did you know that nearly half of and triglyceride levels too? Your cholesterol reading may the deaths in Nebraska are caused be good, but you are still at risk if your LDL, HDL or from heart disease and stroke? The triglyceride readings are not normal. three major risk factors that cause Too much LDL (low density lipoprotein) is called the heart disease and stroke are: High “bad” cholesterol. It contributes to plaque buildup and blood pressure, high blood choles- clogging of the arteries. To remember which one is the terol and smoking. Many of these bad or good cholesterol think of the “L” in LDL as risks can be eliminated by making a meaning “lousy.” The HDL (high density lipoprotein) is few changes in your lifestyle. the “good” guy, and protects the heart. The triglycerides Blood Pressure – “The Silent Killer” are a combination of fats and sugars and an elevated reading is linked with heart disease. There are no symptoms of high blood pressure. The To decrease LDLs and increase HDLs—limit all animal only way to know your blood pressure is to have several and hydrogenated fat, lose weight, stop smoking, eat readings taken. Readings greater then 140/90 are more whole grain food, fruits and vegetables, and considered elevated. Be aware that blood pressures exercise more. fluctuate. Your heart beats 100,000 times a day, and you will get that many different readings! To help make sure Smoking the readings are consistent, refrain from caffeine and A smoker has a two to four times greater risk of cigarettes for 30 minutes before it is taken. sudden cardiac death than a nonsmoker. Smoking causes One in four Americans has high blood pressure. Are premature deaths of 417,000 Americans every year. It also you one of them? An elevated blood pressure can be contributes to high blood pressure and lowers HDLs.◆

14 Roadrunner ◆ April/May 2002 NDOR Events Calendar — April — 13-17 Bike to Work Week 17 Hwy. Commission Meeting 5 Bd. Examiners for Co. Hwy. & City Street Supts. 10:00 a.m. Hwy. Commission Meeting Rm. 8:45 a.m. Hwy. Commission Meeting Rm. contact Shirley Schafer @ 479-4530 contact Andrew Cunningham @ 479-4569 17 Bd. Public Roads Class. & Stds. 8-12 National Work Zone Awareness Week 9:00 a.m., NDOR Auditorium 11-14 National Historic Roads Conference contact Andrew Cunningham @ 479-4569 Embassy Suites Hotel, Omaha 23 Letting 1:30 p.m. NDOR Auditorium contact Cindy Veys @ 479-4410 contact Karl Fredrickson @ 479-4528 12 Project Scheduling Meeting 20-27 Buckle Up America Week 8:30-11:30 a.m., NDOR Auditorium contact Craig Anderson @ 479-4666 27 State Holiday – Memorial Day 13-20 Great Nebraska Trash-Off 16 New Employee Orientation Program — June — NDOR Central Headquarters National Safety Month contact Steve Olson @ 479-3601 1 National Trails Day 18 Letting 1:30 p.m. NDOR Auditorium contact Karl Fredrickson @ 479-4528 4 New Employee Orientation Program NDOR Central Headquarters 19 Hwy. Commission Meeting contact Steve Olson @ 479-3601 10:00 a.m. Hwy. Commission Meeting Rm. contact Shirley Schafer @ 479-4530 12 Blood Drive – Community Blood Bank NDOR Central Headquarters 19 Bd. Public Roads Class. & Stds. contact Diane Holthus 479-4580 9:00 a.m., NDOR Auditorium contact Andrew Cunningham @ 479-4569 14 Project Scheduling Meeting 8:30-11:30 a.m., NDOR Auditorium 22 Earth Day contact Craig Anderson @ 479-4666 26 State Holiday – Arbor Day 21 Bd. Public Roads Class. & Stds. 9:00 a.m., NDOR Auditorium contact Andrew Cunningham @ 479-4569 — May — 27 Letting 1:30 p.m. NDOR Auditorium 3 Bd. Examiners for Co. Hwy. & City Street Supts. contact Karl Fredrickson @ 479-4528 10:00 a.m. Hwy. Commission Meeting Rm. 28 Hwy. Commission Meeting Contact Andrew Cunningham @ 479-4569 10:00 a.m. Hwy. Commission Meeting Rm. 7 New Employee Orientation Program contact Shirley Schafer @ 479-4530 NDOR Central Headquarters contact Steve Olson @ 479-3601 5-11 National Safe Kids Week If you would like key events included on upcoming 10 Project Scheduling Meeting calendars, call the Communication Office 479-4512 8:30-11:30 a.m., NDOR Auditorium or e-mail [email protected]. Information for the contact Craig Anderson @ 479-4666 June/July Roadrunner should be received by May 17. 12-18 National Transportation Week