Oct. 24, 2024

Highway Safety launches new educational program

The Smith-Cotton High School TRACTION team who volunteered to assist with this Traffic Garden.

In partnership with the Sedalia SAFE Coalition and Sedalia's Smith-Cotton High School TRACTION (Teens Taking Action to Prevent Traffic Crashes) students, a new program called “Smart Riders, Smart Town” was unveiled. Approximately 90 second graders from Sedalia’s Parkview Elementary School participated in the new highway safety education initiative, including a Traffic Garden.

A Traffic Garden is a miniaturized traffic system that enables young children to learn and practice positive traffic behaviors in a safe, controlled environment. The goal of a Traffic Garden is to expose children to many kinds of traffic scenarios so they begin building confidence and skills to navigate those situations safely and successfully when they experience them in real life.

Missouri’s current Smart Riders program is an online program with modules that teach young children how to safely use roadways. The Traffic Garden is an extension of the Smart Riders program that provides a fun, educational and hands-on learning experience for children. 

The students first completed two Smart Rider modules in the classroom, Smart Bicycling and Smart Walking, and were then fitted for a helmet that they were able to take home. Students were then able to practice their driving skills on bikes, trikes and scooters on a small course with intersections, roundabouts, railroad tracks and a four-way stop. Having success on its first outing, there is hope that Traffic Gardens will be implemented in other schools and communities across the state. 

A TRACTION student helps a second-grade student navigate a stop sign after moving through a roundabout in the Traffic Garden.

General Services migrating to AssetWorks FleetFocus

MoDOT Fleet Management will begin using a new application in November. AssetWorks will deploy on Nov. 4 in place of FASTER Fleet Management, Faster Usage and Fleet Reservations, which the department has utilized for Fleet Asset Management, Fleet Usage Entry, CarPool, Service Tickets and more since 2008.

Employees who utilize the applications for pool car reservations or entering fleet usage will use their MoDOT ID (doej1) to log in and initially using “password” as their password. They will then be prompted to update to a secure password. A link to access the new webpage URL will be sent out to all districts and Central Office divisions on Nov. 4. General Services will also have the link posted on their Fleet SharePoint page. Users with existing webpage favorites links will need to update any saved shortcuts. 

The AssetWorks system provides an integrated approach that will aid MoDOT staff in making data-driven decisions that will save the department time and money. The goals of the new system will be to streamline processes, develop maintenance best practices and strengthen the viability of MoDOT resources.

For questions regarding FleetFocus, contact the General Services Fleet team at FleetFinancial@modot.mo.gov. 

Personnel policy updates effective Oct. 15

Effective Oct. 15, 2024, changes have been made to the policies below. To view the updated documents, please click on the links below. 

Personnel Policy 0504, “Vehicle Usage and Liability”

• Changed language from accident to crash.
• Updated links and references in accordance with new Financial Services Policies and Procedures.
• Clarified that employees must follow all safety and traffic policies and use key fobs while operating department vehicles.
• Updated policy to reflect current department structure.
• Clarified that the use of vape products are prohibited in department vehicles. 
• Clarified insurance coverage as it relates to rental vehicles. 

Personnel Policy 0506, “Disability Accommodations”

• Changed title of policy to Disability Accommodations.
• Added inclusive language.
• Added instructions for requesting job modifications, along with a link to the corresponding form.

Personnel Policy 2006, “Out-of-State Travel”

• Updated references to correct Financial Services polices.
• Clarified that state vehicles should not be used for travel outside of the state without prior approval.

Personnel Policy 2500, “Standard Rules of Conduct”

• Clarified language relating to controlled substance convictions in accordance with state statutes.
• Updated policy to reflect current department structure.
• Added that employees shall not refuse to use their assigned key fob when operating department vehicles. 

Personnel Policy 2514, “Conflict of Interest”

• Updated policy to reflect current department structure.
• Clarified that employees are required to self-report a conflict of interest that may arise while employed by the department. 
• Clarified that the department does not authorize dual employment with another state agency except for winter operations or extenuating circumstances. 
• Clarified that employees can run for nomination, or as a candidate to a partisan or nonpartisan political office, in accordance with state statute. (RSMo Section 36.155)

Personnel Policy 3003, “Rest Breaks”

• Clarified supervisors should ensure employees utilizing break periods for expressing milk are not interrupted in accordance with the PUMP Act.

Personnel Policy 3516, “Parental Leave”

• Clarified that parental leave must be taken in weekly increments.

Personnel Policy 6001, “Employee Recognition”

• Clarified the process of recognition for employees with recent disciplinary actions.
• Added the option of providing tangible gifts valued at less than $40 for High Achiever awards.

Personnel Policy 6504, “Educational Assistance”

• Clarified that College Employment Training students are eligible for benefits immediately upon their employment.

HYPE hosts annual summit in Jefferson City

One of MoDOT's Employee Resource Groups, Helping Young Professionals Engage, hosted its annual in-person networking summit on Oct. 8 at the McClung Park Indoor Pavilion in Jefferson City. The event featured interactive activities, guest speakers discussing a variety of career development topics and a catered lunch with members of executive leadership.

Guest speakers included Interim Director Ed Hassinger, I-70 Project Director Eric Kopinski, St. Louis District Engineer Tom Blair, State Design Engineer Kenny Voss, Financial Services Director Todd Grosvenor, Communications Managers Wanda Seeney and Melissa Black, and Governmental Relations Specialist Patrick Flesch. Topics ranged from conflict management and resolution to building a professional online network and more. Hassinger and Kopinski presented the keynote speech, which focused on managing large-scale projects, lessons learned from the Improve I-70 Program as well as difficulties faced with implementing the largest Statewide Transportation Improvement Program in MoDOT's history.

HYPE Board members (left to right): Intermediate Diversity & Inclusion Specialist Tynesha Bryan (historian), Intermediate Structural Technician Okine Codlyn Cross (engagement officer), Communications Specialist Justin Wright (president), Equal Opportunity & Diversity Director Andria Hendricks (executive sponsor), Communications Specialist Katelyn Plassmeyer (vice president) and Information Systems Technologist Garry Campbell (secretary). View additional photos of this year’s summit here on Flickr.

The HYPE Board, along with Equal Opportunity & Diversity Director Andria Hendricks, led the event and encouraged first-time attendees to join the membership database to be notified of the group’s monthly meetings. There are still a few special holiday-themed meetings planned through the end of the year.

HYPE is sponsored by EODD and is dedicated to helping employees grow and engage with various parts of the organization. Employees wanting to get involved before next year’s summit can learn more about the group’s goals and join via the program's SharePoint page linked above.

PDI enrollment period coming soon

The Professional Development Institute is open for enrollment Nov. 1-30. PDI is a voluntary, self-paced development program designed to help professional-level employees be well-rounded and have greater organizational awareness.  

The program aims to enhance professional-level employees' business, interpersonal and professional skills. Employees who are interested can enroll, with their supervisor's approval, during this four-week enrollment period. 

For more information about the program, visit the PDI SharePoint page.

Questions? Contact PDI Administrator Tyler Kirchner at Tyler.Kirchner@modot.mo.gov. 

The best way for women to be strong for family, friends and community is to make their own health a priority. This means taking time to get the healthcare they need.

Here are four things to help women stay healthy for the long term:

• Have a yearly well-woman exam – including breast, pelvic and reproductive health check-ups. 
• Stay up to date on preventive care – complete annual checkups on blood pressure, cholesterol, skin health, age-appropriate cancer screenings and overall health goals.
• Protect your mental health and well-being. If needed:
• Talk to your doctor about treatment.
• Reach out to a family member or friend.
• Anthem members can connect with a therapist online using the Sydney Health app.
• Make healthy habits a lifestyle. 
• Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol. 
• Choose wholesome foods. 
• Move your body for 30 minutes every day. 
• Aim to get seven to nine hours of sleep per night. 

Road to Rocheport project director talks next steps

For the September and October edition of the Road to Rocheport video series, Project Director Mike Schupp talks about recent progress and next steps and looks forward to the opening of the new eastbound bridge by the end of 2024.

New Continuous Green-T Intersection open to traffic

A new Continuous Green-T Intersection, the first of its kind in the Southwest District, was opened to traffic in Nixa on Oct. 24.

A CGT is a three-legged intersection design that allows vehicles on the main road to flow without interruption, while vehicles turning left from the side street enter a dedicated acceleration lane. This design aims to improve safety and reduce traffic congestion.

The new CGT is located at the intersection of U.S. Route 160 and Christian County Route AA in Nixa, replacing the previously signalized intersection. This new intersection is just north of the new Continuous Flow Intersection at Christian County Route CC, which opened in July. The project also included a bridge rehabilitation on Route 160 over the James River overflow.

View of U.S. Route 160 northbound in the new Route 160/Christian County Route AA Continuous Green-T Intersection in Nixa.

View of Route AA facing U.S. Route 160 in the new Route 160/Christian County Route AA Continuous Green-T Intersection in Nixa.

Similar to the new CFI installed at Route CC, the intersection of Route 160 and Route AA also experiences a high traffic volume of more than 40,800 vehicles daily, but also a high crash rate. Between 2014 and 2018, there were 66 crashes at this intersection, with the majority being rear-end collisions. 

Contractors began the Route 160 Intersection Improvements Project in July 2023. Hartman & Company Inc., Springfield, was awarded the $12.4 million project.

Just as with the CFI, many Nixa residents are excited about the opening of the new CGT Intersection. Visit the project webpage to view a video, courtesy of the Virginia Department of Transportation, showing how a CGT operates.

Working safely on or around MoDOT Right of Way

On Sept. 19, employees from the Northwest District presented at the “Show Me Safety Fair” in St. Joseph. The safety fair, organized by the Missouri American Water Company, was a day filled with interactive exhibits, demonstrations and activities focused on promoting safety in the community.

Maintenance Supervisor Bryan Dorrel, District Maintenance and Traffic Engineer Greg Bolon, Assistant Maintenance Liaison Jeremy Jackson, Area Engineer Jose Rodriguez and Senior Traffic Specialist Nyckie Maddox presented on working safely on or around MoDOT right of way. 

District Maintenance and Traffic Engineer Greg Bolon and Area Engineer Jose Rodriguez speak to attendees about working safely on MoDOT right of way.

Northeast District supports Breast Cancer Awareness

A Kirksville Maintenance Facility truck displaying pink mudflaps in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Earlier this month, the Kirksville Maintenance Facility staff in the Northeast District found a meaningful way to show their support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month while working on their equipment.

When a few trucks needed new mudflaps, they opted for pink ones. Breast cancer has affected many MoDOT employees, whether personally or through a loved one, friend or colleague—it impacts more lives than people often realize.

“It’s a simple gesture, but it’s our way of supporting those affected, raising awareness and reminding people of the importance of standing together in the fight against breast cancer,” said Maintenance Supervisor Danny Jones. 

Growing up at MoDOT

Intermediate Communications Specialist Katelynn (Katie) Manzke.

Some employees have done more than just work at MoDOT; they grew up at MoDOT! Kansas City District Intermediate Communications Specialists Katelynn Manzke and Matthew Rinehart, as well as Communications Coordinator for the Statewide Improve I-70 Program Lairyn McGregor, have come full circle after growing up with family members working for the department. It seemed fitting that they join the team as well.

According to Manzke and Rinehart, Bring Your Child to Work Day is one of the best parts about having a parent who works for MoDOT.

“I enjoyed getting the opportunity to go to meetings with my dad during Bring Your Child to Work Day,” Manzke said, “I got to introduce myself as if I was an adult in the meeting.”  

“One year, I went to Bring Your Child to Work Day at the Joplin office,” said Rinehart. “I remember working to design a model roadway through a model town that had been prepped for us.” 

Rinehart’s father, Michael Rinehart, retired from the Northwest District in 2020 as a maintenance liaison engineer. Manzke’s father, Bob Manzke, retired from the Northeast District in 2021 as a transportation planner.

Intermediate Communications Specialist Matthew Rinehart.

Communications Coordinator for the Statewide Improve I-70 program Lairyn McGregor.

“My mom worked for MoDOT most of my life,” said McGregor. “I was able to see firsthand how MoDOT offered its employees flexibility, benefits, a great work/life balance and the value of a pension.”

McGregor’s mother, Sherri McGregor, retired from the Kansas City District in 2015 and again in 2024 as a financial services manager.

These fond memories of growing up with MoDOT have remained with these employees for many years, and they are looking forward to bringing their own children to visit MoDOT in the future. 

“Construction & Materials testing is a much different world than most traditional research labs, but it’s been the most fun I’ve ever had learning something new! I never imagined I would become a professional at pouring 135°C liquid asphalt binder through a 1.5-inch diameter glass hole, but here I am!” ~ Senior Chemist Allison Talley.

Senior Chemist Allison Talley has been with MoDOT for seven years. While she began in the materials lab testing asphalt binder and loose mixes, she now analyzes cement for its elements and large components.

“Some days I analyze cement samples using traditional wet chemistry methods and an Inductively Coupled Plasma to ensure MoDOT receives quality materials,” said Talley regarding her day-to-day responsibilities. “Other days, I travel to places such as Little Rock, Arkansas to inspect highway signs that have been fabricated. I also help research problems and solutions, and I provide feedback for test method changes to AASHTO.”

MoDOT’s lab employees are also responsible for the calibration and maintenance of their testing equipment. They analyze samples several times a year to participate in a Proficiency Sample Program to maintain MoDOT’s laboratory accreditation from AASHTO Resource. A large part of their duties, however, is offering support to the districts by checking field equipment for accuracy, answering questions about materials and test results and assisting in sampling materials for testing.

“All that to say it’s different every day, which is the best part of being a chemist,” Talley said. “It keeps things interesting and challenges me!” 

Besides the variety of day-to-day experiences, Talley’s favorite thing about her job is the people she works with.

“I came to MoDOT at a turning point in my career and found a little family,” Talley said. “The big personalities and friendships make it worth coming in every day.”

In addition to her lab responsibilities, Talley currently volunteers as chair of the statewide Employee Advisory Council. 

“The highlight of my time at MoDOT so far was when I was invited to speak to the Missouri Highways & Transportation Commission about the EAC and its accomplishments,” Talley said. “It was surreal standing at the podium in front of that many important members of MoDOT.

Talley’s free time is spent reading, caring for her plants and running a seamstress business, “when I’m not wrangling a 7-year-old, that is!”

Northwest District

David McQueen 26

Northeast District

Terry Hargett 9

Chip Cuquet 9

Central Office

Rich Tiemeyer 50

Jay Smith 32

Ken Farrow 20

Jim Copeland 29

Katherine Kral 3

Central District

Kerry Nilges 20

John Schaefer 28

Southwest District

Gregory Smith 25

The mission of Connections is to be a source of MoDOT news

and feature articles that connect employees statewide.

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Editor: Sr. Communications Specialist Bethany Belt

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