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Work with us
Work Zone Awareness Week is approaching
Even during an unprecedented global pandemic, the work on and along our highways never faltered. And as we enter another busy construction season, we'll be working as hard as ever. |
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Click the image above to check out this year's Work Zone Awareness PSA, reminding us of the lives that are at stake.
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National Work Zone Awareness Week is April 26-30, and MoDOT is urging all drivers to "Work With Us." We all play a role in making our work zones a safer place for drivers and our MoDOT crews. Last year, 48 of our truck/trailer-mounted attenuators (TMAs) were struck while protecting crews - more than ever before. And we lost 27 lives in work zone crashes. There are a few small actions each of us can take to make work zones safer for everyone: buckle up, put the phone down and slow down. If you haven't already, take the BUPD pledge today.
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COVID-19
All Missourians now eligible - As of April 9, all Missourians are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Information on where to find vaccines in Missouri is available here: MOStopsCovid.com.
Message from Director McKenna - As of April 14, we have reported four fewer cases than we reported at the same time last month. It has now been over one month since MoDOT has reported more than one case during a day. Please keep up the great work, and let's continue the fight against this pandemic.
MoDOT cases as of 4-14-21: 681
Stay calm | Stay safe | Stay Show Me Strong |
The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission has approved a policy revision that calls for an annual update of the state's high-priority unfunded transportation needs list as part of MoDOT's planning process and approved the 2021 needs list. The MHTC took the action at its April 7 meeting, held virtually and in Jefferson City.
The list was first prepared in 2019 to add definition to the $825 million annual unfunded needs figure that has been documented in the Citizen's Guide to Transportation Funding in Missouri since 2016 in order to be prepared to deliver improvements in the event that additional transportation revenues materialize at either the state or federal levels.
The list has been used to educate transportation leaders and elected officials about transportation needs in Missouri and how additional transportation funds would be used. The 2021 High-Priority Unfunded Needs list is available here. Read the full summary, which topics include: Director's Report, Consideration of Bids for Transportation Improvements, MoDOT Division Updates.
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Maintenance worker goes above and beyond
Southwest District Senior Maintenance Worker Cory Beasley was recently recognized for his alert and quick response to theft of MoDOT equipment.
On the evening of March 11, Beasley was off duty and driving to a friend's house when he noticed a car parked close to a MoDOT tractor parked near a Henry County highway and a man trying to break into the tractor. Beasley pulled over and called 911, describing the scene, vehicle and suspect. He continued to monitor the situation from a safe distance while waiting for law enforcement to arrive. |
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Clinton Senior Maintenance Worker Cory Beasley (right) shows the Leadership Coin awarded to him by Commissioner Gregg Smith.
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After contacting 911, Beasley called his supervisor to let him know what happened. Once law enforcement arrived and had the suspect in custody, Beasley stayed on scene providing details to the officers as well as assisting his supervisor checking the tractor for damage. Because of his quick action, Beasley received a Leadership Coin from Commissioner Gregg Smith on April 1 at the Clinton maintenance facility. He also was recognized at the regular monthly Commission meeting on April 7. He was recognized for his good situational awareness and care for the condition of MoDOT equipment. He used his personal time to ensure the safety and serviceability of the fleet and demonstrated good communication skills. Beasley joined MoDOT in June 2016. He is married and the father of three children.
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MOLearning and MoDOT U now integrated
MO Learning is powered by LinkedIn Learning and provides state employees access to over 7,000 online courses. MoDOT employees can now launch these courses directly from MoDOT U and have all their training completions in one place - their MoDOT U transcript.
Courses previously accessed through MO Learning can now be launched directly from MoDOT U. - This does not include custom content (ex: ENGAGE videos). These will still need to be accessed through MO Learning.
- When launching a LinkedIn Learning course through MoDOT U, a separate window will open that directs you to MO Learning. You'll need to enter your MoDOT email address. Then, select DOT_AZURE. The course will automatically begin.
- If you haven't activated your MO Learning profile yet, you'll need to do so first. Instructions on how to activate your profile can be found here.
All training completions will be captured on your MoDOT U transcript. - When you complete a LinkedIn Learning course through MoDOT U, MO Learning automatically sends your completion to MoDOT U and adds it to your MoDOT U transcript.
- HRED will manually add custom content or other course completions not launched through MoDOT U to MoDOT U transcripts on a monthly basis beginning FY22.
- Please do not submit any MO Learning completions to your MoDOT U Administrator to enter in MoDOT U.
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Special announcement! The Professional Development Institute has been revamped by Human Resources Employee Development to better meet the needs of employees. PDI is a voluntary, self-paced development program designed to help professional-level employees to be well-rounded and have greater organizational awareness. The goal of the program is to enhance professional-level employees' business, interpersonal and professional skills.
The new PDI curriculum is focused on 16 professional development areas that all employees will find relevant and practical. The program has been simplified and allows for more flexibility - HRED has eliminated the division-based catalogs, and all courses in both MoDOT U and MOLearning will count as electives.
"I found the time spent gathering with my fellow professionals across divisions and getting to know them through the discussion events to be the most valuable part of the program," said Jennifer Wade, St. Louis City area engineer. "Also, the goal setting at the beginning of this program helped me officially declare that becoming an area engineer was my primary goal at MoDOT. With that clarity, I was able to ask for opportunities and take advantage of them sooner. I discussed my goals with my department leaders and supervisors, which helped others start to see this possibility for me. And as of Dec. 1, I got the job!"
PDI is open for enrollment April 19-May 14. Find enrollment forms and more details on HRED's PDI SharePoint page.
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Apprenticeship Program enrollment closes soon
MoDOT's Registered Apprenticeship Program enrollment period closes on April 24.
Full-time employees in the maintenance worker series who have successfully completed their initial six-month probation period are eligible for the program. MoDOT utilizes the current training it already provides to maintenance employees, meaning no additional training is required for employees who sign up.
As employees progress through the current career ladder promotion process, they will simultaneously advance through the two tiers of the Registered Apprenticeship Program. Employees will receive a "Completion of Registered Apprenticeship" certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor for each tier they complete. These certificates are nationally recognized credentials that validate proficiency in an apprenticeship occupation.
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ENGAGE 2.0 results - March 2021
MoDOT had a 99.5% completion rate for all ENGAGE 2.0 evaluations and a 38% rate for Upward Feedback.
This is a tremendous effort with great results for the department. Thank you!
All supervisors should receive an email with a link to their ENGAGE 2.0 Evaluation and Upward Feedback dashboards once they are available on Friday, April 9.
Please note, only supervisors are sent links to the dashboards that allow them to view evaluations they provided on their staff. Supervisors should be sharing the evaluation information with their staff at least twice a year in the debriefings (which are in January and July), if not more. Supervisors should also be having ongoing performance development conversations with employees as frequently as needed, but quarterly at a minimum.
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Don't let bad decisions define you
Drive high, get a DWI
April 20, also referred to as 420 by cannabis enthusiasts as code for smoking marijuana, has quickly spread as a celebratory day across the country. While cannabis is now legalized for recreational use in many states and medicinal use only by Missouri, it is still illegal in all states to drive under the influence of it.
Law enforcement will be out April 16-21 to crack down on drugged driving offenders. "Driving drug-impaired or riding with someone who is drug-impaired is not worth the risk," said Jon Nelson, chair of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety. "Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while substance-impaired can be significant. The consequences are serious and real."
According to preliminary 2021 data, 93 people were killed and 180 more were seriously injured in Missouri traffic crashes that involved at least one drug-impaired driver.
MoDOT wants to continue to be clear in our message that all employees are prohibited from using marijuana - including medical marijuana - for the duration of their employment. Safety is at the foremost of everything we do. Federal regulations do not permit for medical marijuana to be accepted as a legitimate medical explanation for a positive drug test.
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Northwest District receives surprise thank you
Last week, the Northwest District received a pleasant surprise in the mail. Students at the Maysville Christian School sent thank-you pictures of the new DeKalb County Route D Ervens Branch Bridge.
The bridge replacement was completed in December 2020 and was included in Gov. Mike Parson's $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state.
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A collection of thank-you notes sent to the Northwest District by students at the Maysville Christian School.
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District engineer announces retirement
Kansas City District Engineer Dave Silvester announced that he will retire from MoDOT in June.
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Kansas City District Engineer Dave Silvester.
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Silvester began his career with MoDOT in 1992 as a highway designer in Kansas City, working his way up to the position of assistant state design engineer. He then served as the assistant district engineer in MoDOT's Northeast District, before becoming the Central District engineer in 2011. He has been the district engineer for the Kansas City District since September 2019. Silvester made a point to get to know employees, making pancakes for maintenance crews before the pandemic. Silvester announced his retirement to his employees via email last week. "In my short time in KC, I have come to know many of you. I only wish I'd had the opportunity to get out and interact with you all more. We were just getting started with pancakes when the pandemic happened. I am sad the pandemic took this opportunity from us, but I'm grateful for the time we've had together," Silvester said. "I've seen great work from all of you here in KC, and I know that will continue after I'm gone. Thank you for being a great team and I look forward to seeing all the amazing work you'll do in the future."
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Meet "MoDOT Matt"
A class at the David Barton Elementary School invited Boonville Assistant Maintenance Supervisor Matt Pardoe to be their thank you service project candidate in March.
While adhering to COVID-19 protocols, Matt was able to visit the students and share what MoDOT maintenance workers do and emphasize the importance of buckling up and putting the phone down when driving. The class gave the Boonville maintenance crew a care package and thank-you yard sign for their hard work, and wrote individual letters to employees. The students also nicknamed Matt "MoDOT Matt." "It's always a great opportunity to share with the younger generations about roadway safety. We not only had a lot of fun, but the students learned a lot about what MoDOT maintenance does every day for its citizens and the importance of buckling up every time they ride in a vehicle," said Matt about his eventful visit.
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Pictured is Assistant Maintenance Engineer Matt Pardoe posing with David Barton Elementary School students during his visit.
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The Boonville employees are excited to write their pen pals back soon and share more safety messages. Matt's wife, Megan Pardoe, the Central District Coalition for Roadway Safety coordinator, also put together and sent coalition goody bags to the class for the students to learn about driving safety and to share the message with their families.
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Southeast District trash challenge underway
Southeast District team members have accepted the No MOre Trash! Bash Challenge issued by Director Patrick McKenna during the month of April.
"Litter clean-up is always a topic for discussion this time of year," said Southeast District Adopt-A-Highway Coordinator Barbara Schumacher. "Not having work release prisoners to assist has certainly added to our litter clean-up needs." |
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Southeast District Engineer Mark Croarkin assists with litter clean-up along Interstate 55 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
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Southeast District Engineer Mark Croarkin knew he wanted to participate in the effort and was encouraged when two members of his management team offered to assist with clean-up on Interstate 55 in the Cape Girardeau area. "When Nicole and Craig offered to pick-up litter, I saw that as an opportunity to get out myself and assist," said Croarkin. "It was great to help our maintenance crews, spend time with my team and encourage others to step up as well." Along with Communications Manager Nicole Thieret and Traffic Engineer Craig Compas, Risk Management Manager Enos Criddle also stopped in and assisted with the clean-up. The team picked up more than 25 bags of trash over a one-mile stretch of interstate. Other members of the Southeast District are already planning time to help along more roadways throughout the district.
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Parking lots require a much slower rate of speed than a street.
Vehicles and pedestrians can and do surprise drivers coming from the side of buildings and between vehicles.
Keep plenty of reaction space between you and a pedestrian in case they slip, trip or fall so you may avoid striking them.
If view is restricted due to a blind spot near a building or large equipment, come to a complete stop before proceeding slowly. Just because you are being careful, increase reaction time in case the other person is not doing the same.
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Destigmatizing mental health
Nearly one in every 10 people, or 792 million people worldwide, has a diagnosable mental health condition. Often our friends, co-workers, neighbors and family members are suffering emotionally and don't recognize the symptoms or won't ask for help. And sometimes we're the ones who are suffering and won't admit it.
By talking openly about mental health we can start to break down the stigma surrounding illness and help those who need help to get it. If you fear someone you know is suffering, the following signs may help you decide whether you need to have a talk with them:
- Their personality changes. You may notice sudden or gradual changes in behavior.
- They seem uncharacteristically angry, anxious, agitated or moody. You may notice more frequent problems controlling their temper or that they seem irritable or unable to calm down.
- They withdraw or isolate themselves from other people. Someone who used to be socially engaged may pull away from family and friends.
- They stop taking care of themselves and may engage in risky behavior. You may notice a change in the level of personal care or an act of poor judgment on his or her part.
- They seem overcome with hopelessness and overwhelmed by their circumstances. That person may be suffering from extreme or prolonged grief, or feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
Call: 800-808-2261
TTY: 800-697-0353
App: GuidanceNow
Web ID: MCHCP
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Work-life balance
Working from home can offer a lot of flexibility but can also present challenges not experienced in an office environment. Competing disruptions, different routines and a nagging feeling to open that laptop after hours can lead to negative feelings.
Join the next MEE Zone event to look at the benefits of formulating a plan in order to achieve the optimal level of work-life balance when working from home.
When: April 22 from 2-3 p.m.
Remember to also sign up through MoDOT U to ensure you receive credit on your transcript - simply search "Work-Life Balance" to enroll.
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National Library Week
National Library Week was April 4-10! The theme, "Welcome to Your Library," promotes the idea libraries extend beyond four walls, and all are welcome to use their services. This idea extends to the MoDOT Library and extends beyond any one week.
The MoDOT librarian can help you locate transportation publications and research, standards, historical information and more. Contact lauren.bielecki@modot.mo.gov or 573.522.1948. Additionally, you can visit the MoDOT Library's website or SharePoint page to learn more about the resources and services available.
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April retirements
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David Lindbloom - NW - 31
Billy Hamilton - NW - 19
Michael Bozarth - NW - 26
Cathy Mackley - NW - 22
Patrick Luebrecht - NE - 31
Charles Riechers - NE - 3
Alphonse Dames - NE - 22
James Burgess - KC - 34
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Marc Garrett - KC - 22
Michael Roberts - KC - 39
Jim Westhoff - KC - 31
Steven Bauman - SL - 35
Marsha Tarrant - SW - 22
Stephen Shelton - SW - 23
Dennis Buckley - SW - 27
Richard Knight - SW - 26
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John Smith - SW - 20
David Henson - SW - 20
Jesse Williams - SE - 33
Rick Hamm - SE - 17
Julie Peters - CO - 12
Joan Roeseler - CO - 7
Joseph Carter - CO - 16
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The mission of Connections is to be a source of MoDOT news
and feature articles that connect employees statewide.
Comments
What would you like to see in Connections?
We want to hear from you! Send comments
and suggestions to Bethany Belt at:
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MoDOT Communications
P.O. Box 270, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Editor: Bethany Belt
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