Sept. 30, 2021

Northwest District Maintenance Crew Leader Jordan Delameter.

"Jordan's quick thinking and notable actions not only went above and beyond his duties but also helped rescue stranded motorists from what could have been a much worse outcome," said Northwest District Engineer Martin Liles, who nominated Delameter for the award. "At the time of the rescue, Jordan was already three hours into what would become a six-hour overtime shift that night. He was working long hours but still chose to help where help was needed."

Congratulations, Jordan - and thank you for your service!

To learn more about the State Team Member of the Month Program, as well as other MoDOT employee recognition programs, click here.

Districts and divisions are hard at work preparing materials and presentations for all work units. This year’s activities will include new stretches in the Stretch-Flex Program for office workers, maintenance workers and maintenance drivers. Presentations will also focus on mental health, multifactor authentication and TMA safety, among others. Whether you’re a field or office employee, there will be something for everyone. 

If you have questions about this year’s activities, please contact your supervisor. 

All employees will need to receive MoDOT U credit for viewing this year's presentation. Any employees who view the presentation outside of MoDOT U should submit their name on a roster to their local Human Resources representative so they can receive credit.

Stay tuned for more details!

The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety hosted Missouri’s 2021 Highway Safety and Traffic Conference last week, where local and national safety experts and advocates met to share practices, ideas and discussions supporting Missouri’s strategic highway safety plan, Show-Me Zero.

The three-day conference drew approximately 250 in-person attendees – as well as 300 virtual attendees – including law enforcement officers, educators, EMTs, engineers, industry and local officials, and others.

Gov. Mike Parson and Director Patrick McKenna presented opening comments to the conference, with additional opening-day speakers including Col. Eric Olson of the Missouri State Highway Patrol and representatives from AAA, the Federal Highway Administration, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, local law enforcement agencies and more.

Breakout sessions on day two of the conference included diverse topics such as distracted driving, motorcycle safety, outward mindset leadership, human trafficking, public engagement, traffic incident management and work zone safety – among others.

The conference is presented annually by the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety and the University of Missouri.

On Saturday, Sept. 18, MoDOT participated in Missouri’s Bicentennial Parade in downtown Jefferson City to commemorate 200 years of Missouri history.

Central District Assistant Maintenance Supervisor Matt Brune drove a MoDOT snowplow in the parade while accompanied by six additional Central District employees as well as Director McKenna and Deputy Director/Chief Engineer Ed Hassinger.

Various MoDOT employees - including Director McKenna, District Engineer Machelle Watkins, and several Central District maintenance employees - participated in Missouri's bicentennial parade.

“I heard traffic was coming through, and one of the gentlemen was coming through really fast. I became tense because I was not sure what was going to happen,” stated Hudson. The driver hit Hudson with the side of his mirror and fled the scene.

Hudson immediately checked himself for injuries, and his team came running. The crew was able to get the make and model of the vehicle, but it was too late for them to identify the license plate number. The vehicle was a diesel and black smoke had filled the air.

Northeast District Maintenance Crew Leader Jason Hudson points out where his close call took place on Highway JJ in Lincoln County.

After a few days, Hudson started experiencing pain and went to the doctor.

“My bicep tendon was torn away from my shoulder, not fully but enough that it needed to be fixed. The front side of my rotator was frayed due to impact, so they had to re-anchor the front side of my rotator cuff,” Hudson said.

Hudson’s message for maintenance is to always have your head on the swivel and pay attention to traffic. Hudson believes crews should look out for another and stay focused.



“My message to drivers is to slow down. We do our best to pay attention to you, but we ask you to do your best to pay attention to us. Sometimes we do get wrapped up in our work trying to do the best for our community. Please be careful at all times.”

Work is anticipated to be completed by November 2021.

Motorists may not immediately recognize farm equipment on roadways or be aware of the special hazards they present. Lighting and reflector locations on tractors, combines and other farm equipment are different from other motor vehicles and loads may be wider. These may present special challenges to travelers who lack experience driving around farm equipment.

The most common collisions occur when the approaching motorist hits a farm vehicle from behind (rear-end collision), or when a passing motorist hits a farm vehicle that is attempting to make a wide left turn (left sideswipe).

The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety recommends these simple tips when driving around slow-moving farm machinery:

• Be mindful that it’s harvest season and keep an eye out for machinery.
• Be patient and remember that farmers are just doing their jobs.
• Always pass on the left and only when you have clear sight distance.
• Always wear your seat belt and pay attention to the road. Buckle Up Phone Down.

This webinar is scheduled for Oct. 26 from 2-3 p.m. You can register here.

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