Feb. 1, 2024

Improve I-70 plan receives federal funding

On Jan. 24, during his final State of the State Address, Gov. Mike Parson, alongside Congressman Sam Graves, announced that Missouri has secured a $92.8 million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America grant to improve Interstate 70.

Missouri will use the INFRA grant for specific Improve I-70 projects, including truck parking, Intelligent Transportation System, work zone safety technology and workforce development - all to enhance the efforts of adding an additional lane to I-70.

Missouri’s fiscal year 2024 budget from the General Assembly, supported by Gov. Parson, provides $2.8 billion in General Revenue for the costs to plan, design, construct, reconstruct, rehabilitate and repair three lanes in each direction on nearly 200 miles of I-70, from Blue Springs to Wentzville.

“With the award of this grant, it will allow the Improve I-70 corridor to enhance safety, increase technology and improve innovation throughout the first three projects,” said Director McKenna.

The first phase of the Improve I-70 project includes the segment of interstate from Route 63 in Columbia to Route 54 in Kingdom City. Construction on this first segment could start as early as summer 2024. The second project will focus on the segment from Warrenton to Wentzville and the third from Blue Springs to Odessa. Projects two and three are scheduled to be under construction in 2025.

“This grant will enable MoDOT to further stretch the funding for I-70 to include additions such as additional truck parking and additional cameras and digital message boards used to help communicate to travelers,” said Program Director Eric Kopinski. “We will also be looking at items to enhance technology and communication efforts through smart work zone features to advise motorists during construction.”

In his address, Gov. Parson also highlighted several of his initiatives carried out by MoDOT, including the Focus on Bridges program, which just opened its final bridge, the Rural Routes Program, Transportation Cost-Share Program, the Buck O'Neil and Rocheport bridges replacements, and more. Gov. Parson recognized eight MoDOT employees, pictured below, who were in attendance as representatives of these various teams.

(Left to right) Northeast District Maintenance Crew Leader Rhonda Marsden, Southwest District Motorist Assistance Operator Wyatt Schubert, Southeast District Construction Inspector Nikki Knight, Northwest District Senior Maintenance Worker Nicolette Comstock, Mrs. Parson, Gov. Parson, Central Office Assistant Financial Services Director Doug Hood, Central District Construction & Materials Engineer Mike Schupp, Kansas City District Buck O'Neil Project Senior Construction Inspector Ron Clark and St. Louis District I-270 North Senior Highway Designer Sheron Thomas.

View the full State of the State Address at mo.gov/live.

To stay up to date with the Improve I-70 project, visit modot.org/improvei70.

THINGS TO KNOW

Thank you for your participation!

The final employee survey numbers are in, and across the state, 3,000 out of an eligible 4,697 employees (63.9%) participated - thank you for your valued input!

This survey allowed team members to anonymously voice their feedback to MoDOT leadership, helping to create a great workforce and an enjoyable place to work. The results are currently in the early stages of review and will be published once the review is complete.

See below for a breakdown of participants across each district and Central Office:

Northwest District - 55.1%
Northeast District - 62.2%
Kansas City District - 60.1%
Central District - 65.2%
Central Office - 78.8%
St. Louis District - 63.3%
Southwest District - 55.6%
Southeast District - 64.0%

Again - thank you for your participation. MoDOT leadership greatly appreciates your feedback!

Leadership in Action program update

The Leadership Coin is part of MoDOT’s Leadership in Action Program. The purpose of the program is to recognize those within MoDOT who go above and beyond their daily job requirements and demonstrate the qualities of a leader.

A person who possesses a Leadership Coin awards the coin to a fellow employee whom they feel meets these requirements. The coin could come from top leadership, a manager or from a peer. The coins are retired after they pass through 10 employees and are displayed on a commemorative plaque.

The goal of the program is to strengthen MoDOT as an organization, foster a culture of leadership and recognize those employees living the department’s core values in the areas of safety, service and stability. Coins have been presented over 1,075 times since the inception of the program in 2017.

Reminder for current coin holders: The coin holder keeps the coin until they observe a fellow employee demonstrating the Leadership in Action values. They then hand the coin off and let Human Resources know by sending an email to LeaderCoin@modot.mo.gov. The process continues to “pay it forward” from there.

When someone receives a coin, the number and name of the person is recorded in a database administered by HR. Employees who have received three or more leadership coins are honored by MoDOT leadership and the Missouri Highways & Transportation Commission at a yearly Legacy of Leadership banquet, where they are presented with a special cased keepsake coin. Employees receiving three to five coins receive a bronze coin at the banquet. Those receiving six to nine coins receive a silver coin at the banquet, and those receiving 10 coins receive a gold coin at the banquet.

For more information about Leadership in Action, visit the Leadership Coin site.

Central District employee receives RPC award

Central District Transportation Planning Coordinator Joanie Prenger has been honored with a Certificate of Appreciation Award from Mid-Missouri Regional Planning Commission for her exceptional contributions to the organization.

The RPC’s director praised Prenger as a valuable partner, emphasizing her pivotal role as the go-to person for the RPC and its associated counties. The director expressed surprise that Prenger hadn't received this recognition earlier, highlighting the award's significance for individuals who invest considerable time and effort.

This is the second year in a row that a MoDOT employee has received the award. Area Engineer Kirsten Munck was last year’s recipient.

Focusing on listening

In today's society, things move extremely fast, making it easy to miss the minor details of many things. This also holds true in conversations between leaders and their team members.

So often, people may struggle to listen to others and the items being brought to their attention due to all the other things they are tasked with. When someone loses the ability to listen effectively, they lose the ability to meet the true needs of others.

Please take some time to review these MO Learning courses to focus on improving listening skills:

HEALTH & WELLNESS

With so many parties attended, presents bought and trips made, it's no wonder people overspent during the holidays only to be in rough financial shape afterward. This year, instead of getting stressed about it, try these simple steps to get back on a solid financial footing:

Take an honest look at your finances, and use that information to create a budget and savings plan. Set savings goals, such as a summer vacation, that will encourage enthusiasm about putting money aside instead of spending it.
Make wise cuts. Determine which purchases can be eliminated or reduced.
Document every transaction. Create a system to file and organize revenues and expenditures.
Monitor your budget regularly to stay on track.
Give yourself an allowance, and make this money last a designated period of time.
Pay off your credit card balance each month. Use a debit card rather than a credit card.
Before the next holiday rolls around, set a holiday spending budget and commit to it. The best way to stay out of debt is to never get into debt in the first place.

Staying within a budget may not be easy at times, but the right discipline and commitment helps people stay on course and avoid the worst of the post-holidays budget blues.

Southwest District innovators showcase ideas

Equipment Technician Supervisor Steve Smith (center) and Senior Equipment Technician Ben Strong (left) explain their innovation to Johnny Teegardin, district Construction & Materials engineer. The innovation, Crowder College Partnership, won the district People’s Choice Award.

Southwest District employees showcased their ideas during the district's 2023-24 Innovations Challenge Showcase on Jan. 4.

There were 14 entries from across the district, submitted by Maintenance, Highway Safety & Traffic, Transportation Planning and Safety & Emergency Management employees with various ideas for improving safety, saving taxpayer dollars and/or improving efficiency.

Winners were chosen in the categories of Tools & Equipment, District Engineers 3S (Safety, Service & Sustainability) Award and People’s Choice Award (voted on by district employees).

Congratulations to the teams moving on to the Statewide Innovations Showcase in April:

Band Spreader - Jeff Bouvier, Travis Cary, Scott Claycomb, Denise Eagles, Alton Gathings, Crystal Joines, Francisco Lule, Jay Mathews, Justin Moffett, Mariano Monsalvo, Manual Morris, Andy Mullin, Gary Sanders, Cody Sanny.
Crowder College Partnership - Steve Smith, Ben Strong, Reid Vardell.
Encroachment Solution Sign - Danett Galbraith, Dusty Sears.
Hands-Free Bag Holder - Chad Barger, Erik Casas.
LPA Question Database - Ashley Buechter, Elizabeth Carver, Laura Ellen, Garrett Evans, Isaac Lee, Joanie Prenger, Andrew Seiler.
Review Comment Record Sheet - Greg Chapman, Garrett Evans.
Sign Base Jig - Danny Bowling, Onas Hart.
Tractor Halo - Josh Bryan, Sheila Denmark, Chris Hames, Keith Kohley, William Law, Chris Lewis, Jerod Lewis, Shelby Malcom, Curtis Miller, Jared Moore, Justin Pippin, Ronald Prewitt, Lance Rogers, Travis Skaggs, Matt Wogoman.
Truck-Mounted Caution Lights - Kevin Catanzaro, Glen (David) Cole, Robert Lesmeister, Kevin Pitts, James Reavis.
Universal TMA Assembly - Jeff Bouvier, Travis Cary, Scott Claycomb, Denise Eagles, Alton Gathings, Crystal Joines, Francisco Lule, Jay Mathews, Justin Moffett, Mariano Monsalvo, Manual Morris, Andy Mullin, Gary Sanders, Cody Sanny.
Virtual Spotter - Johnny Hall.
Weed Wolf - Jonathan Raines, Joshua Wittmaier.
Zip Grade Grading System - Wes Hawkins, Rachel Heath, Gary McLarry, DJ Mosier, Travis Wilfong.

The Showcase also drew interest from outside of MoDOT. A group from Springfield City Utilities stopped by to take part in the event.

Northwest District names People's Choice innovation

Eleven teams gathered in Chillicothe on Jan. 17 to present their innovations to fellow Northwest District employees. Attendees heard from the teams and got to cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award.

The winning team consists of members from the Chillicothe Resident Engineer Office: Senior Construction Technician Lucas Russell, Construction Technician Austin Evans, Senior Construction Technician Tyeson Claypool, Senior Construction Technician Cord Summers and Construction Inspector Colten Johnson.

Their innovation is called the "In Case of Emergency Placard," which can go on the inside of a hard hat or keychain to inform first responders of any allergies or medical conditions in the event of a medical emergency.

(Left to right) Senior Construction Technician Cord Summers, Senior Construction Technician Lucas Russell and Senior Construction Technician Tyeson Claypool. Not pictured: Construction Technician Austin Evans and Construction Inspector Colten Johnson.

The “In Case of Emergency Placard,” which comes from Vital ID.

Keeping motorists informed is a partnership

When winter weather hits the St. Louis District and impacts driving conditions, the district calls upon its partners to assist in providing comprehensive information to area motorists. During press briefings, not only are MoDOT district leaders sharing information, but representatives from the National Weather Service and the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop C are also on hand to provide critical info to assist drivers with navigating through snow and ice.

“When snow and ice is predicted we want to make sure drivers are well informed of the conditions and how best to handle the situation,” said Assistant District Engineer Michelle Forneris. “During our press briefings, we also have a representative from the NWS to provide information on weather conditions and a representative from the MSHP who speaks about the importance of vehicle preparedness, what to do if involved in a crash, and safe driving practices in inclement conditions.”

The partnership between the three organizations has been consistent for the past three years. However, the MSHP has partnered with MoDOT even longer to brief the public during impactful winter storms.

During the latest press briefing, Assistant District Engineer Michelle Forneris addresses the media and is recorded for Facebook Live.

MoDOT partner Corporal Dallas Thompson, MSHP Troop C public information and education officer, shares critical information during the latest winter weather press briefing.

“The partnership between the St. Louis District and Troop C has strengthened over the years as we continue to work toward common traffic safety goals,” said Corporal Dallas Thompson, MSHP Troop C public information and education officer. “We value our established relationship and will continue to work together to make the highways safer for the communities we serve.”

Thompson has been participating in MoDOT winter weather press briefings for six years. Knowing the conditions of area highways and roads, being informed of weather conditions and staying safe while driving are vital factors needed to make informed decisions during winter storms. Thanks to the partnership of MoDOT, NWS and MSHP, motorists in the St. Louis area are always well informed when gripping winter weather hits.

SHOW-ME MODOT

Jonathan Bruner

Northeast District Traffic Operations Engineer

Jonathan Bruner, Northeast District traffic operations engineer, has an impressive tenure of nearly two decades at MoDOT. Over the past 12 years, he has dedicated his expertise to the Maintenance Division, with an emphasis on traffic, following seven years focused on design.

Bruner’s daily activities include orchestrating a multifaceted routine, encompassing call reports, essential core team and pre-construction meetings, staff check-ins, customer calls and various traffic-related inquiries and challenges. What truly drives Bruner is the immediate, tangible impact of his efforts. Whether it's fine-tuning striping, signage or signals, the rapid and visible outcomes directly influence the public, providing him with immense satisfaction.

His fascination with the various mechanics of the world was ignited during childhood, propelling him toward an engineering path in school. Finding MoDOT a natural fit, Bruner’s career choice was influenced by a serious car accident before joining the organization, which underscores the significance of the smallest details in ensuring safety.

Reflecting on his role, Bruner expressed, “I never imagined I’d be involved in work capable of directly or indirectly saving lives. Witnessing the completion of substantial projects which will impact countless individuals for years and knowing that I contributed to those achievements is incredibly rewarding.”

MoDOT's work culture offers Bruner a rare balance between his professional commitments and personal life. He values the freedom and flexibility to be home every night and take necessary time off—a luxury not commonly found in many professions.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Bruner immerses himself in various passions. Whether it's revving up cars on the racetrack, indulging in hunting expeditions, embarking on off-road adventures, enjoying snowmobiling escapades or simply relishing quality time outdoors with family and friends, he embraces life beyond the confines of the office.

EMPLOYEE UPDATES

February service anniversaries

30 Years

Kristin Buczek

Michael Powell

Darin Biegel

Jason Lackman

Ronald Plaster

Larry Scheperle, Jr.

25 Years

James Gottman II

Jason Walton

Marvin Morris

Steven Reedy

Tommy Nunn

Timothy Taylor

Norma Schulte

20 Years

Scott Wasson

Craig Skorseth

Michael Blattner

Brandon Henson

Kelly Shipman

Edward Graham II

20 Years, Cont.

Nicholas Richmond

Thomas White

15 Years

David Winship

George Duncan

Larry Johnson

Carl Mankey

Robert Sanders

Lawrence Joedicke, Jr.

Cesar Irizarry Rivera

Rodger Romine

Trevor Libbert

10 Years

Gabriel Conner

Jacob Bummer

Robert Miller

Theotis Bohlen

Tony Rogers

Bradley Garver

Joseph Lightfoot

Ronnie Barker

10 Years, Cont.

Deron Fourman

Timothy Leaf

5 Years

Alan Ulmer

Bernard Hart

Jesse Riddle

Colton Younger-Loesing

Jesse Harvey

Prophett Strother

Travis Tarry

Austin Wiehage

Gary Lunn

Gary Miller

Jacob Long

Jeffery Rollings

Kenneth Feind

Thomas Shriver

Payton Holtmeyer

Sandra Krimmel

Jordan Galbreath

Zachary Whitson

In memoriam

The following active employee passed away:

Francis J. Reichart

CO – Jan. 15

The following retirees passed away:

Mary C. Melcher

CO – Jan. 18

Eugene L. Blackaby

KC – Dec. 7

Dale G. Durham

KC – Jan. 21

Larry W. Renick

SL – Jan. 10

Charles Robb

SL – Jan. 10

Curt R. Sill

SW – Jan. 25

Michael M. Perry

SE – Jan. 15

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

and feature articles that connect employees statewide.

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bethany.belt@modot.mo.gov

MoDOT Communications

P.O. Box 270, Jefferson City, MO 65102

573-751-2840 | www.modot.org

Editor: Sr. Communications Specialist Bethany Belt

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