Nov. 21, 2024

Ed Hassinger named MoDOT director

On Nov. 13, the Missouri Highways & Transportation Commission announced that Ed Hassinger is the new director of MoDOT. 

"We are delighted that Ed Hassinger has agreed to be MoDOT’s director during this critical time for project execution and the development of our next chapter of MoDOT leadership," said MHTC Chairman W. Dustin Boatwright. "The Commission feels a strong obligation to its many stakeholders and all Missourians to ensure continuity during this time of unprecedented project construction and has prioritized on-time and on-budget execution of the historic number of projects underway now. That requires someone as director who can hit the ground running with years of project management experience and a track record of fostering leadership development. We are grateful to Ed that he will serve in this role for us to bookend his 40 plus year career with MoDOT."

Director Hassinger holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering and is a Registered Professional Engineer. He has consistently produced results that have made Missouri a national leader in project delivery, providing great value to Missourians. Hassinger is aware of what is necessary and can deliver the projects outlined in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program.

Ed Hassinger speaks at the press conference where he was announced as MoDOT's new director.

He is committed to partnering with the General Assembly and industry partners to improve Missouri’s transportation system. He is also committed to MoDOT employees, their development and welfare.   

"It’s my great honor to serve as director and work with the Commission and Missouri’s key transportation stakeholders to ensure we stay on track and on schedule with the historic investment Missouri has made in our infrastructure," said Hassinger. "I understand and appreciate the importance of meeting the Commission's and the public's expectation for delivering the largest transportation program in the state’s history. Fortunately, we are blessed with a world class team of professionals who are currently being battle tested and will be ready to lead the next chapter of MoDOT.” 

The Commission and Director Hassinger will work collaboratively with a new advisory council to be formed with representatives of the department’s key stakeholders including key elected officials, local planning partners, the MoDOT contractor community, state and local economic development, and others critical to delivering this transportation improvements. Efforts will focus on review and fine-tuning of MoDOT's organization to strengthen its commitment to several key areas of continuous improvement.  

These include:

1. Safety in all operations and project management;
2. Outreach to and coordination with state leadership and elected officials to make the STIP process as locally driven as possible with sensitivity to timely local needs as they arise;
3. Build even closer partnership with the department's critical private sector contractor community and regional planning partners;
4. Recruit and retain the essential and valued MoDOT workforce;
5. Increase focus on operational needs to keep MoDOT's system maintained, useable, clean, and responsive to citizen reported upkeep; and,
6. Innovate and use technology for the future to maximize efficiency and cost-effective delivery of programs and services.

"I am committed to working with the Commission and the department's stakeholders through this new advisory council to look for ways to achieve continuous improvement in the Commission’s six key focus areas,” said Hassinger. “Making these improvements and having accountability to the Commission and to the public for each of them is critical to the success of transportation in Missouri."

Please take a moment to watch this short video sharing MoDOT's focus moving forward: Director Ed Hassinger Welcome Message.

MHTC's November meeting held in St. Louis

At its Nov. 8 meeting, the Missouri Highways & Transportation Commission heard public presentations from three organizations. City of St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones and East-West Gateway Council of Governments Executive Director Jim Wild discussed the work of EWG and the needs for transportation in the St. Louis metro area. St. Louis Lambert International Airport Director Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge and Greater St. Louis Inc. Vice President Amad Kazda presented the plans for the rebuild of the airport complex and the needs for new I-70 connections to the airport. COMTO-St. Louis President Vivian Martain spoke about the efforts to restore the St. Louis chapter and the work to develop diversity in the businesses and workforce for transportation.

Director Ed Hassinger reported on the recent annual meeting for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. The states are getting focused on positions for the upcoming reauthorization of the federal transportation bill. MoDOT also received an award. The I-270 North project in St. Louis won the President’s Award for Mobility. The project has received more than a dozen awards to date.

Hassinger also shared the recent successful work of MoDOT’s Local Programs section in Design. MoDOT provides guidance for special federal funding programs and other programs that impact work performed by local agencies. Our staff serve as a liaison to local agencies who seek federal reimbursement for their projects. Local agencies receive federal funds to invest in projects that improve local infrastructure. To continue receiving federal funds, all received funds each year must be committed to projects by the end of the federal fiscal year, which is September 30. Failure to fully commit the available funds puts them at risk of being rescinded, which jeopardizes the ability to receive additional federal funds for future projects. In recent years MoDOT challenged planning partners, local agencies and MoDOT district staff to get 110% or more of their federal funds committed to projects. With the end of the federal fiscal year last month, Hassinger reported they have achieved between 119% and 130% across the state. He thanked our planning partners across Missouri, like the East-West Gateway Council of Governments in St. Louis, the local cities and counties and our MoDOT team who support this effort.

Read the full meeting summary, which topics include: Director's Report, Consideration of Bids for Transportation Improvements, Improve I-70: Warrenton to Wentzville, St. Louis District Update, Restoring Operations and Improving Customer Service, and Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Independent Audit Report.

Contractor selected for second Improve I-70 project

The Missouri Highways & Transportation Commission selected the Improve 70 Alliance Joint Venture team as the apparent best-value proposer for Improve I-70: Warrenton to Wentzville at the November MHTC meeting on Nov. 8. The team includes Emery Sapp & Sons, Clarkson Construction, HNTB, and Bartlett and West. Negotiations to finalize the contract are currently in progress. Improve I-70: Warrenton to Wentzville is a $600 million fixed-cost contract and is the largest project in MoDOT history. The proposal includes the following improvements:

• Constructing a third lane in each direction on I-70 from the Route MM interchange in Warrenton to I-64 in Wentzville, including replacing the existing I-70 lanes with new full-depth concrete pavement. 
• Interchange improvements at I-70 and the I-64/Route 61 interchange. 
• Interchange and outer road improvements in Foristell, Wright City, Warrenton, and at Route Z. 
• Realignment at the railroad bridge on I-70 between Wentzville Parkway and Route Z. 
• Addition of a third lane of travel to eastbound and westbound I-64 between I-70 and Route K. 
• The team has also committed to keeping two lanes of travel open on I-70 in both directions during peak travel times. 

The Improve 70 Alliance Joint Venture team with MoDOT team members, leadership and the members of the Missouri Highways & Transportation Commission.

“Today’s contractor selection highlights MoDOT’s determination to continue to fulfill this generational opportunity to improve I-70, which serves as a critical economic east-west corridor across Missouri,” explained MHTC Chairman W. Dustin Boatwright. “This project will not only improve I-70, but it is also an opportunity to make other necessary improvements to I-70 and other routes and interchanges in the St. Charles and Warren County area. These improvements will continue to serve these growing communities for many years to come.”

The next steps include finalizing the contract, and the contractor team will be doing more detailed design of the roadway and interchanges and the construction schedule with traffic control plans. MoDOT will host public information meetings in early 2025 as these details are ready. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2025 with an anticipated completion in late 2028. For more information on the Improve I-70 Program, visit modot.org/improvei70.

Traveler Information Map

Gov. Parson issued Governor’s Executive Order 24-15 to all state departments, including MoDOT, which advises that state offices will be closed on Nov. 29, which is the day after Thanksgiving Day.

Personnel policy updates effective Nov. 15

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

Personnel Policy 0509, “Temporary Modified Duty Assignments”

• Removed outdated references to previous policy language. 
• Updated with inclusive language.

Personnel Policy 0510, “Commercial Drivers License”

• Added definitions of intrastate designated statuses.
• Clarified the department's requirements for employees' self-certified statuses. 
• Updated language to match current department structure. 
• Updated with inclusive language. 

Personnel Policy 3000, “Working Hours and Overtime”

• Clarified the department's core working hours.
• Clarified the timeline for employees to sell back comp time when promoted into positions no longer eligible to be paid cash for overtime.

Personnel Policy 6505, “Employee Training”

• Updated to reflect the transition of learn management systems (LMS) from MoDOT U to MOVERS Learn. 
• Clarified additional documentation required to receive credit within MOVERS Learn. When making a request for training credit, all staff must submit a certificate, agenda, or other verification documentation for outside training taken that is non-safety related in order to receive credit. Credit will not be given until such documentation has been provided to the appropriate MOVERS Learn administrator.
• Updated provisions relating to repayment agreements for department paid training to match Professional and Leadership Development Award (PLDA) and Education Reimbursement requirements. 

Coordinating success

Signal coordination is the process of managing traffic at a signalized intersection or a set of intersections. However, there's more to it than just figuring out how long a light should remain green in conjunction with other lights - managing access to the right-of-way also plays an important role.

In this video, Traffic Operations Engineer Joseph Turner talks about what it takes to successfully coordinate a series of signals, specifically those on the Belt Highway in St. Joseph. Northwest District Engineer Marty Liles also discusses why signal coordination is a successful Transportation Systems & Management Operations strategy that can be implemented in any district.

TSMO consists of strategies and systems that optimize transportation infrastructure use, getting travelers where they want to go in the best way possible. TSMO is something seen every day at MoDOT. Examples include: innovative roadway design, signal coordination, smart work zones and traffic incident management. This monthly segment highlights a TSMO success story that’s having a positive impact on Missouri travel.

Is there a TSMO success story that you’d like to see highlighted? Send it to tsmo2@modot.mo.gov.

It's Crash Responder Safety Week

Motorists urged to slow down, move over: it's the law

MoDOT’s highway workers are part of a larger group of emergency responders who put their lives on the line on Missouri’s highways responding to crash scenes. Alongside police officers, fire fighters, EMS and tow truck operators, they respond to traffic incidents, assist drivers and help keep traffic flowing.

MoDOT emergency response personnel respond to a mock crash as part of a Traffic Incident Management training.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, traffic incidents are the leading cause of death for EMS responders and law enforcement officers. To remind motorists what’s on the line, the FHWA has declared the week of Nov. 18-22 as National Crash Responder Safety Week. 

"Crash Responder Safety Week serves as an important reminder for drivers to be mindful of our dedicated first responders, who work tirelessly to keep our roadways safe every day," said Safety & Emergency Management Director Chris Engelbrecht. "These individuals put their lives on the line to protect us, so it's crucial to show respect by following the state’s move over law, staying focused and reducing speed when approaching emergency vehicles."

Missouri’s Move Over law requires drivers to either change lanes or slow down when approaching stationary MoDOT, law enforcement or other emergency vehicles with flashing lights on. All 50 states enforce some form of the Move Over law. 

In 2023, more than 136,000 traffic crashes were reported on Missouri roadways that required emergency response. MoDOT emergency response personnel respond to more than 6,000 traffic incidents each month on average. 

Crash Responder Safety Week provides a valuable chance to remind drivers about Missouri's Move Over law, educate them on crash prevention, and promote critical training for all traffic incident responders. “It’s important to give our responders the space they need to work safely, ensuring everyone can make it home to their families at the end of the day,” said Engelbrecht.

Experiencing the holiday blues is common and can be caused by various factors such as stress, loneliness, grief or unmet expectations. Here are some strategies to help combat the holiday blues and boost your well-being:

• Morning Exercise: Start your day with a light workout or a walk.
• Acknowledge Your Feelings: Accept that it's normal to feel a range of emotions during the holidays, and allow yourself to experience your feelings. Talk to a friend, family member or therapist.
• Plan Ahead: Make a list of tasks, and plan your activities in advance to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Focus on what’s important to you and let go of unnecessary tasks.
• Set Realistic Expectations: Recognize that the "perfect" holiday season is a myth – it's okay if things don't go as planned. Simplify your plans and focus on meaningful activities.
• Stay Connected: Connect with friends, family or community groups. Use technology to stay in touch with loved ones who are far away.
• Practice Self-care: Maintain a balanced diet, get regular exercise and ensure you’re getting enough sleep. Take time for relaxation activities such as reading, taking a bath, practicing mindfulness or engaging in hobbies you enjoy.
• Manage Finances: Set a budget for holiday spending to avoid financial stress. Remember that thoughtful gestures can be more meaningful than expensive gifts. 
• Seek Support: If feelings of sadness or anxiety are overwhelming, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. Join a support group where you can share your experiences and find comfort in knowing you’re not alone.
• Engage in Gratitude: Keep a gratitude journal to remind yourself of the positive aspects of your life. 
• Set Boundaries: Set boundaries on your time and energy – it’s okay to say no to activities that are too draining. Ensure you spend time alone if needed.
• Help Others: Volunteer for a cause you care about. Participate in community events or charitable activities to foster a sense of connection and contribution.
• Create New Traditions: If old traditions are no longer fulfilling, create new ones that bring you joy. 
• Limit Nostalgia: While it’s natural to reminisce, try to focus on creating new, positive memories rather than dwelling on the past. 

By incorporating these strategies into your routine, you can combat the holiday blues and foster a more balanced, joyful holiday season.

New Kansas City leaders graduate from MLA

Seventeen new leaders graduated from MoDOT’s annual Kansas City Maintenance Leadership Academy on Nov. 7. The Maintenance Leadership Academy is a statewide program designed to provide prospective leaders with the knowledge, tools and skills necessary for the next supervisory level within MoDOT maintenance. Curriculum includes leadership and technical training along with job shadowing for crew leader, supervisor, or superintendent levels.

According to Assistant KC Maintenance Engineer Trisha Sen, most of the current Maintenance leaders have been through the academy, and they search for new potential leaders for the program each year. 

“All our employees learn what it takes to become a leader, as well as necessary computer skills, policies and procedures, setting goals and planning work,” Sen said. They all also get paired with a mentor who helps prepare them for their role ahead. 

According to many of the participants, networking with other co-workers and leaders was one of the most important benefits to the training.

This year’s graduates include:

• Maintenance Crew Leader William Alleman.
• Maintenance Crew Leader Jerry Chapman.
• Maintenance Crew Leader Herbert Cox.
• Maintenance Supervisor Anthony Crusha.
• Maintenance Supervisor Codee Detrick.
• Maintenance Operations Specialist Andrew Dobnikar.
• Maintenance Crew Leader Michael Dobson.
• Maintenance Supervisor Jesse Dunkle.
• Bridge Maintenance Crew Leader Kenneth Edwards.
• Assistant Maintenance Supervisor Robert Etter.
• Maintenance Supervisor Cliff Everts.
• Assistant Maintenance Supervisor Francisco Hernandez.
• Assistant Maintenance Supervisor Michael Hertel.
• Maintenance Supervisor Glenn McMillian.
• Maintenance Crew Leader Brett Newton.
• Maintenance Crew Leader Joseph Webber.
• Maintenance Crew Leader Joshua Williams.  

Graduates of the latest Kansas City District's Maintenance Leadership Academy pose with district leadership.

Northwest District provides Bridge Bundle update

The Northwest Bridge Bundle design build project is close to wrapping up its first year of construction. The project kicked off in April with the start of a rehabilitation project on the Chariton County Route HH Bee Creek Bridge. The Capital-Horner & Shifrin design build team has since completed all nine of the rehabilitation projects and has begun on two replacements so far this year. 

“We are currently ahead of schedule,” said Project Director and Northwest District Area Engineer Michael Marriott. “We are opening bridges an average of 26 days early per location.”

The project will rehabilitate or replace a total of 31 bridges across nine counties in the Northwest District. The project team anticipates completing an additional 12 bridge replacements in 2025 and finishing the remaining 10 bridges in 2026.

Contractor crews pour the new Chariton County Route F Palmer Creek bridge deck.

Public hearing held for Route 95 in Wright County

Last week, the Southeast District held a public hearing and met with 65 attendees to discuss improvements to Missouri Route 95 in Wright County.

The proposed project includes widening Route 95 to include a center left-turn lane from near the U.S. 60 interchange to Business 60 and a 5-lane roadway from the Route 60 eastbound ramps to 17th Street in Mountain Grove. The project also includes the construction of two roundabouts at the intersections of 3rd Street/Route 95 and at Route 95 and the eastbound on/off ramps.

In an effort to improve safety, access points along the corridor will be removed. Sidewalks will be improved in compliance with the current standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Exhibit A from the public hearing for improvements to Missouri Route 95 in Wright County.

Most of the questions received centered around the roundabouts and access management.

“The roundabout on the south end of the project will improve turning movements, specifically for tractor trailers,” said Project Manager Pete Berry. “With fewer conflict points, or spots where vehicles could collide, combined with slower speeds and calmer traffic, roundabouts can translate into fewer crashes. After analyzing these locations, roundabouts are a good fit.”

Berry added the plans for access management will also reduce the number of conflict points.

“This is a safety project that will also help reduce congestion during peak traffic times. Widening to provide a dedicated center left-turn lane, along with constructing roundabouts and examining access management needs will help traffic flow more efficiently as traffic volumes change over time,” he said.

Tentatively, the project will be let in spring 2026, with construction beginning as early as summer 2026. More information is available on the project webpage at modot.org/route95Wright. 

Stephen Hodson is a maintenance crew leader with the Southwest District Strike Team. It’s a job he’s had for about a year.

The Strike Team focuses on common high-volume call report issues such as trash, brush, dead animals, graffiti, weeds around signs and guardrails, along with replacing and straightening delineators. The Strike Team works primarily in urban areas in Springfield, as well as Joplin, Branson and McDonald County to sweep around concrete barrier walls.

“Day to day, I show up to plan, do the paperwork, promote safety and inspire good morale,” Hodson said. “The crew carries the actual workload; I do the other stuff.”

Hodson has been with MoDOT for about three years, where he started out in Springfield Maintenance.

He likes what he calls the freedom and opportunity of his job, being able to choose the work that will have the greatest impact at any given time as well as working for an organization that cares about others.

When asked about the highlight of his MoDOT career so far, Hodson said, “Being given the opportunity to lead the Southwest Strike Team. A chance to build and shape a department from the ground up has been a great learning experience.”

He credits his time working at his family’s tire shop, his experience as a sales associate for a millwork shop and his time in the Marine Corps as preparing him for his role at MoDOT.

He says his interests outside of work are pretty simple.

“Working in the garden, hanging out with my wife and family, cooking and a nightcap on the patio.”

Northeast District

Terry Hardy 11

Kansas City District

Glenn Martin 7

Central District

Scott Colter 1

Central Office

Rich Tiemeyer 50

Kathy Tripp 34

St. Louis District

Donald Duclos 38

Southeast District

Danny Ivie 16

Kelly Smith 34

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

and feature articles that connect employees statewide.

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MoDOT Communications

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Editor: Sr. Communications Specialist Bethany Belt

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