Drivers take to social media in praise of winter efforts

pg 12

Critical Success Factors Update

Drivers take to social media in praise of winter efforts

pg 12

March 2016March 2016

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District 6 createsDiversity Advisory

Council (DAC) focused on creating diversity

outreach and recruitment plan.

DAC collects data from 146

employee survey

suggestions on how to be more

diverse.

Status updates reported to DAC. A dashboard will measure and track results.

District 6 continues to develop this comprehensive diversity plan.

On to the future!

Sub-teams develop and execute action plans for outreach and hiring.

DAC hosts an openhouse to generate additional outreach & recruitment ideas.

DAC speaks to employees to increase

awareness and encourage their

involvement.

Plan in place to identify & prioritize

sta�ing needsfor 2016.

Start

A PATH TO DIVERSITYA PATH TO DIVERSITYThe road to a more inclusive workforce

Regan Morrison, District 6The road to a more inclusive workforce

Regan Morrison, District 6

What do you think of when . . . ?

What does “diversity” mean to you?

How do you think diversity contributes to your workplace?

graphic by Michael Stout, Central OffiCe

Ask the Director

Are you ‘Kitten’ Me?

Paving the WayStandard of Excellence

Planning Organization An Ohio First

‘Like a Good Neighbor . . .’ ODOT is There

ODOT News FAST 5

“I don’t feel we are as efficient as we can be with our time, labor, equipment, facilities and other resources. Yes, we work at ODOT, but we also pay

taxes. We should expect more from our suppliers, our contractors, and ourselves.”

“I agree that we should seek continuous improvement and constantly be looking to add more value. That is why we talk so much

about the results over resources equation. Our goal is to provide more and better results with the resources we have. There are always opportunities to improve things. Everyone working with ODOT should be a part of helping us get better. I’m pleased and encour-aged that you are thinking about how we can im-prove.

I believe we have made a lot of progress as a department in the past three decades. In the 90s, we reengineered and streamlined the department’s organization and processes. We created the Trans-portation Review Advisory Council. We also began upgrading our equipment and taking advantage of technology. In addition, we codified a section in the law that empowers us to debar contractors and ven-dors who don’t maintain ODOT standards.

More recently, we’ve instituted our Critical Suc-cess Factors and the metrics or measurements that go with them to indicate how we’re performing. The Critical Success Factor metrics focus on and measure tangible, retail results that gauge the state of Ohio’s transportation network and the quality of our orga-nization. Only by measurement can we understand where we’ve been and set goals about where we want to go.

We are making steady progress towards “Excel-lence in Government,” towards the professional, productive department we can be. When there are issues of sloppiness, neglect or abuse by our contrac-tors, suppliers, or our own workers, we need people like you to speak up so we can take steps to correct these situations.”

In February, the Columbiana County ODOT garage helped a local township in need. A fire at the Center Township maintenance garage in Lisbon destroyed every piece of equipment. ODOT provided a snowplow truck and told the township they could use it indefinitely.

Gov. John Kasich recently designated five planning groups around the state as Ohio Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPO). An RTPO provides transportation planning to rural areas not covered by one of the state’s 17 metropolitan planning organizations.

As the department strives to be the standard of excellence in winter maintenance, several counties in districts 3 and 11 received the Safe and Sustainable Snowfighting award by the Salt Institute. This national award honors facilities for their commitment to environmental consciousness and effective management of winter road salt storage.

Each year, Flexible Pavements of Ohio recognizes projects that demonstrate exceptional quality in asphalt pavement construction. This year, nearly every district won a 2015 Quality Asphalt Paving Award. The awards will be given out at the 2016 Ohio Asphalt Expo, March 30 and 31.

Instead of becoming mulch, three trees removed from the construction zone of the new George V. Voinovich Bridge in Cleveland are heading to the new tiger exhibit at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

2 • TranscripT, March 2016 TranscripT, March 2016 • 3

ODOT: Safety and looking professionalby oDot Director Jerry Wray

Our top prior-ity at ODOT is safety. With ev-ery project we do, our intention is to leave it safer than

we found it, whether it’s a multi-million dollar project, snow and ice control, a culvert replacement, or any of our maintenance and con-struction activities. And of course the most important aspect of safety is our own workers. Our vision statement talks about being pro-fessional. Professional means you do things right, you use the proper equipment in the proper way and you do things in a safe manner.

Our 2016 ODOT modelis Bridget Johnson.

photoS by bruce hull, Central OffiCe

Our safety jacket program, which kicks off in March, combines safety with our new hire probation-ary system. Each worker in specific classifications who has completed their probationary period will re-ceive their jacket this spring. Mov-ing forward, every new hire that successfully completes their pro-bationary period will receive their jacket in recognition of acquiring their permanent status.

The Class III jackets are highly visible and can be worn both day and night. They will have reflective striping on the front and back and have a removable fleece liner that can be worn in cooler weather.

Employee names and the ODOT zephyr will be printed on the front, and our “Excellence in Govern-ment” logo will be printed on the back.

The Ohio Department of Trans-portation is a 24-hour a day opera-tion and our people need to be seen day and night. These jackets will help make us a safer, more vis-ible and recognizable workforce.

Additionally, the travelling public will be able to identify with ODOT. When seeing the jacket in the right of way, they’ll know it’s us and know we’re there to do a very important job that directly benefits them.

CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS UPDATE

C S F S P O T L I G H T:

PEOPLEWorkforce InjuriesA safety measure as it relates to employee injuries and illnesses while on the job

Workforce CrashesA safety measure as it relates to “Contact Only Crashes”

Protecting Our Most Valuable Asset

FY16Q2

Improve safety. This simple statement is not only part of the department’s mission, but is what drives us every day when we put on our hard hats and vest and head out to either patch potholes, repair guardrail, plow snow or perform other

maintenance activities on the side of the road. And as a public entity, our focus is on engineering safe highways and bridges for motorists. But what about the safety of our employees? Our workforce is our most valuable asset, and it is our responsibility to protect them and ensure they have the proper equipment, attire, training and tools. There’s been a concerted eff ort on improving safety throughout the department, and it started from the top with executive leadership. When Director Wray began his “chats,” meeting with employees from around the state, he asked, “Do you feel you have what you need to work in a safe manner?” You would be surprised at the answer. The majority of employees who work within the right of way replied, “Not always.” And with that statement, Director Wray and senior leadership began to improve the safety culture within the department, and now, we are starting to see the benefi ts of this vision.

Excellence inGovernment

4 • TranscripT, March 20164 • TranscripT, March 2016

2 ODOT Critical Success Factor Update

C S F S P O T L I G H T : P E O P L E – W O R K F O R C E I N J U R I E S & C R A S H E S

Workforce InjuriesHOW IS IT CALCULATED?The Workforce Injuries metric uses the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Frequency Rate Formula. The formula is: (number of injuries × 200,000 hours) ÷ total hours worked. The 200,000 hours in the formula represents the equivalent of 100 employ-ees working 40 hours per week, 50 weeks per year; this provides the industry’s standard base for frequency rates.

THE RESULTSJust a quick glance at the numbers and it’s clear to see ODOT is a safe place to work and that safety has slowly been weaving itself into the fabric of ODOT’s culture. Although ODOT is getting safer, 2015 was the fi rst year that ODOT, from a statewide perspective, met the Workforce Injuries goal. In fact, the department was more than one point below the goal.

WHY ARE WE IMPROVING?There have been several changes and initiatives over the past few years which have directly resulted in reducing injuries and illnesses at the department. The Off ice of Employee Health and Safety recently updated the department’s Standard Operating Pro-cedures (SOP) which guides our safety actions. The newest focus within the SOP is proactive and strives to improve workplace health and safety by identifying and correcting risk exposures before accidents and injuries occur. As well, the off ice released an improved version of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Policy which shows the safety equipment requirements for each maintenance operation. There is a training off icer in each district who works closely with the safety staff to ensure workers receive the proper training and assist with increasing overall safety awareness within the district garages. The district safety staff perform quarterly safety walk-throughs and site visits to ensure safe conditions within county garages. Another factor that shows improved safety is workers’ compensation

claims. Since last year, claims are down 40 percent. To continue to promote safety at the front lines, the Highway Technician series has a class fully dedicated to safety practices and every equipment training class has a safety component. Although loss work time days are not a CSF, they do have a direct impact on our safety perfor-mance and district leadership is starting to celebrate this accomplishment. Finally, the boot program and soon-to-be launched statewide jacket program, were started because of the feedback executive leadership received from highway workers. Providing quality footwear and gear goes a long way toward improving the depart-ment’s safety, visibility and professionalism.RossRoss

7.747.74

StarkStark12.1312.13

WoodWood9.629.62

DarkeDarke00

KnoxKnox88

PikePike00

LickingLicking12.9712.97

SciotoScioto00

WayneWayne00

HuronHuron00

AdamsAdams00

AllenAllen00

LorainLorain16.116.1

GalliaGallia20.0320.03

SenecaSeneca20.8620.86

ButlerButler24.1224.12

ClarkClark00

PerryPerry00

TrumbullTrumbull00

LoganLogan8.188.18

AshtabulaAshtabula4.234.23

UnionUnion11.1411.14

BrownBrown9.069.06

HenryHenry00

HardinHardin00

MeigsMeigs00

AthensAthens16.116.1

MercerMercer00

MiamiMiami00

NobleNoble00

PortagePortage00

FranklinFranklin3.143.14

FultonFulton10.6410.64

PreblePreble20.5520.55

ErieErie00

PutnamPutnam00

BelmontBelmont5.735.73

HancockHancock8.728.72

VintonVinton00

FairfieldFairfield9.819.81

HighlandHighland00

MedinaMedina5.75.7

ShelbyShelby11.111.1

CarrollCarroll10.310.3

MonroeMonroe9.79.7

LucasLucas17.1617.16

MarionMarion11.111.1

MuskingumMuskingum14.114.1

GreeneGreene18.1818.18

HolmesHolmes10.4210.42

ClintonClinton18.0218.02

WarrenWarren15.9515.95

GeaugaGeauga00

MorganMorgan11.1811.18

GuernseyGuernsey6.816.81

FayetteFayette00

MorrowMorrow00

PickawayPickaway10.3810.38

WashingtonWashington00

CoshoctonCoshocton00

WilliamsWilliams00

HockingHocking00

DelawareDelaware00

DefianceDefiance42.9342.93

PauldingPaulding11.3211.32

JacksonJackson00

Van wertVan wert10.0110.01

HarrisonHarrison00

WyandotWyandot9.269.26

AuglaizeAuglaize00

HamiltonHamilton9.19.1

CrawfordCrawford10.7110.71

MahoningMahoning00

SanduskySandusky00

ChampaignChampaign00

RichlandRichland00

SummitSummit5.435.43

MadisonMadison9.129.12

AshlandAshland00

LakeLake00

TuscarawasTuscarawas8.418.41

ClermontClermont13.0713.07

CuyahogaCuyahoga12.1112.11

ColumbianaColumbiana00

LawrenceLawrence00

JeffersonJefferson00

OttawaOttawa00

MontgomeryMontgomery5.985.98

Workforce Injuries – Goal: 5.23

Meets Goal

Does Not Meet Goal

Injury & Crash CSFs by Year2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Goal

Workforce Injuries 7.19 6.89 6.75 6.09 6.19 4.16 5.23

Workforce Crashes 12.9 10.2 9.07 8.28 12.9 8.18 8.44FY16 Q2 3

C S F S P O T L I G H T : P E O P L E – W O R K F O R C E I N J U R I E S & C R A S H E S

Workforce CrashesHOW IS IT CALCULATED?The Workforce Crashes metric uses the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Frequency Rate Formula. “Contact Only Crashes” is defi ned as:• Liability Contact One of our vehicles or equipment

is involved in a collision with a member of the public, regardless of fault; or

• ODOT Only Contact One of our vehicles or equip-ment is involved in a crash with another one of our vehicles, equipment or property.

The formula is: (number of contact only crashes × 200,000 hours) ÷ total hours worked. The 200,000 hours in the formula represents the equivalent of 100 employ-ees working 40 hours per week, 50 weeks per year; this provides the industry’s standard base for frequency rates.

THE RESULTSAs a department, we have the largest self-managed fl eet of any other state agency. In looking at the chart below, the department has signifi cantly reduced its Workforce Crashes factor, from 12.9 in 2014 to 8.18 in 2015.

WHY ARE WE IMPROVING?So much has been done in recent years to improve vehicle visibility and safety. For example, beginning in 2012, the depart-ment began testing a unique strobe fl ash-ing pattern on the dump trucks, utilizing green, white and amber lights. Coupled with the new rear chevron pattern, ODOT trucks are not only more visible, but the unique strobe pattern and chevron

uniquely identify ODOT equipment. Currently, the Off ice of Equipment Management is looking to standardize the strobe pattern on the rest of the fl eet. To improve driving skills, the department makes defensive driving training available to all employees. The districts also focus on reducing Workforce Crashes by implementing safety tailgate talks, pre-trip inspections before head-ing to a worksite, and some districts even have vehicle backing policies. In addition, crew leaders keep safety top-of-mind by continuing to share job specifi c best practices. For example, if a district garage is using a new piece of equipment or performing seasonal maintenance activities, the county administrator and/or transportation manager will go over all safety requirements based on the PPE Policy as well as equip-ment safety precautions, and if necessary, will bring in subject matter experts. Reducing Workforce Crashes is a team eff ort and requires proper management of equipment and people. Remember, safety requires everyone working together; one team, one ODOT.

RossRoss38.6938.69

StarkStark18.1918.19

WoodWood9.629.62

DarkeDarke36.9436.94

KnoxKnox9.49.4

PikePike9.769.76

LickingLicking12.9712.97

SciotoScioto44.3644.36

WayneWayne16.4916.49

HuronHuron17.9717.97

AdamsAdams8.738.73

AllenAllen25.825.8

LorainLorain24.1424.14

GalliaGallia60.160.1

SenecaSeneca10.4310.43

ButlerButler16.0816.08

ClarkClark00

PerryPerry30.930.9

TrumbullTrumbull4.844.84

LoganLogan40.9240.92

AshtabulaAshtabula8.468.46

UnionUnion00

BrownBrown9.069.06

HenryHenry00

HardinHardin11.2111.21

MeigsMeigs10.0910.09

AthensAthens32.1932.19

MercerMercer40.1240.12

MiamiMiami35.3535.35

NobleNoble9.419.41

PortagePortage15.3515.35

FranklinFranklin6.276.27

FultonFulton00

PreblePreble10.2710.27

PutnamPutnam38.3738.37

BelmontBelmont22.9222.92

ErieErie20.320.3

HancockHancock17.4317.43

VintonVinton62.8762.87

FairfieldFairfield49.0649.06

HighlandHighland24.3824.38

MedinaMedina5.75.7

ShelbyShelby11.111.1

CarrollCarroll10.310.3

MonroeMonroe19.3919.39

LucasLucas8.588.58

MarionMarion00

MuskingumMuskingum7.057.05

GreeneGreene9.099.09

HolmesHolmes00

ClintonClinton00

WarrenWarren7.977.97

GeaugaGeauga11.4911.49

MorganMorgan55.9255.92

GuernseyGuernsey40.8940.89

FayetteFayette11.1911.19

MorrowMorrow23.0823.08

PickawayPickaway00

WashingtonWashington27.8527.85

CoshoctonCoshocton17.9617.96

WilliamsWilliams00

HockingHocking62.2362.23

DelawareDelaware18.7818.78

DefianceDefiance21.4621.46

PauldingPaulding00

JacksonJackson00

Van wertVan wert40.0540.05

HarrisonHarrison00

WyandotWyandot00

AuglaizeAuglaize10.4910.49

HamiltonHamilton4.554.55

CrawfordCrawford10.7110.71

MahoningMahoning5.525.52

SanduskySandusky00

ChampaignChampaign10.9610.96

RichlandRichland7.197.19

SummitSummit16.2816.28

MadisonMadison00

AshlandAshland21.1121.11

LakeLake00

TuscarawasTuscarawas8.418.41

ClermontClermont19.619.6

CuyahogaCuyahoga20.7620.76

ColumbianaColumbiana00

LawrenceLawrence8.928.92

JeffersonJefferson16.9816.98

OttawaOttawa00

MontgomeryMontgomery5.985.98

Workforce Crashes – Goal: 8.44

Meets Goal

Does Not Meet Goal

Injury & Crash CSFs by Year2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Goal

Workforce Injuries 7.19 6.89 6.75 6.09 6.19 4.16 5.23

Workforce Crashes 12.9 10.2 9.07 8.28 12.9 8.18 8.44

Found treasurebrent Kovacs, District 4

Highway Tech Mike Valco has been working for 15 years in Mahon-ing County. He spends his days

fixing, installing, inspecting and upgrad-ing traffic signs throughout the county. Valco also fixes signs that have been damaged due to a crash or replaces them when necessary.

Around five years ago, he decided to mount on his walls some old traffic signs that were scheduled for replace-ment. This idea of keeping things he or a fellow HT found along the road in a collection quickly took off. The summer seasonal employees started picking up trash on the side of the road and gave him some interesting pieces.

These days, the walls are covered by hub cabs, games, 8-track tapes, post-ers, a ski pole, a fishing pole, dolls, sports memorabilia, restaurant flyers, a stuffed elephant and boxing gloves.

Walk towards Valco’s office and you will encounter an old “State Highway Department Mahoning County” sign gracing the ceiling (he thinks this may be the last sign like it in the state). Under that is an otherwise-normal yellow “curve ahead” sign, but with a circular saw blade sticking out of it. He also has

District 4 ‘s Mike Valco has been collecting and displaying items found along the road for five years. Some of those items are pictured, right.photoS by brent KovacS, DistriCt 4.

vintage hard hats—one from ODOT, one from the New York Department of Transportation taken in trade.

Valco says he does it to bring smiles to people’s faces. “I hope the room cheers them up.”

Director Jerry Wray, Terri Barnhart, and Jamie Kimberly gathered on Jan. 22 with district deputy directors’ administrative assistants to discuss issues and share best practices. Attendees were Christine Rosa, District 12 (left); Kelly Greene, District 5; Theresa Pryor, District 6; Linda Gabauer, District 4; Terri Barnhart, Central Office; Director Jerry Wray; Jamie Kimberly, Central Office; Katrina Betts, District 9; Denise Heitkamp, District 7; Judy Plato, District 3; Rhonda Pees, District 1; and Tina Perkins, District 2.

Meeting of Great Minds

photo by MattheW DoWnS, Central OffiCe

CSF Category and Metric (Reporting Timeframe) State Overall

State Goal

PeriodTrend

PEOPLE

Work Life Index (Calendar Year Annually)ODOT Quality of Work Life Survey results, on a scale of 0-100% 71.3% 75%

Workforce Injuries (Calendar Year Annually)OSHA guideline for employers assessing incidents occurring for every 100 employees in a year’s time

4.16 5.23

Workforce Crashes 8.18 8.44

Direct Labor Ratio (Fiscal Year Quarterly)District direct ’billable’ labor hours divided by the total overall number of labor hours for ODOT’s core business functions. 66.7% 70%

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (Fiscal Year Quarterly)Participation by certi� ed DBE and/or EDGE � rms on federally funded construction contracts directly related to ODOT core functions.

7.9% 8.9% Encouraging Diversity, Growth & Equity 5.4% 5%

Minority Business Enterprise(Fiscal Year Quarterly) Percentage of operating budget in categories determined by DAS that is awarded to MBEs.

30.9% 15%

SYSTEM CONDITIONS

Bridges: General Appraisal (Fiscal Year Annually)Average rating of bridge conditions. Each ODOT maintained bridge is rated on a scale of 0-9; 0 = out of service, 9 = new. 7.00 6.8

Pavements: Priority System (Fiscal Year Annually)ODOT measures the average pavement conditions for all Interstates and four-lane divided highways (Priority); rural, two-lane U.S. and State Routes outside of cities (General); and U.S. and State Routes inside of cities (Urban). The ratings are on a scale of 0-100, with 100 being brand new pavement.

85.95 85 Pavements: General System 82.26 80 Pavements: Urban System 79.80 80 Maintenance Conditions Ratings (Twice per Calendar Year)

Percentage of ODOT ‘s roadways with MCR de� ciencies related to barriers, pavements, pavement markings, and signals. 99.2% 99% Travel Time Reliability Index (TTRI) (Fiscal Year Quarterly)

Measures the percentage of time between the 5 a.m.–9 p.m. travelers experience free � ow on Ohio’s freeways. 93% 88% Snow & Ice Control (Fiscal Year Winter Monthly)

The percentage of priority routes that recovered speeds within two hours after a snow event. 98% 96% SAFETY

Fatalities (Jan-Dec)(Calendar Year Annually)Current number of motor vehicle incidents that have occurred on the ODOT System roadways (all Interstates and U.S. or State Routes outside of cities) in the current calendar year. Year-to-date goals are based on a 1 percent .

506 YTD474

Serious Injuries (Jan-Dec) 3,482 YTD3,568

Total Crashes (Jan-Dec) 91,919 YTD84,116

CAPITAL PROGRAM

Contract Program ($ Billions) (Fiscal Year Annually)Total construction and maintenance contracts awarded and to be awarded for the Fiscal Year on ODOT and local agency projects. $717M YTD

705M ODOT Let Projects Awarded On-Time (Fiscal Year Quarterly)

Percentage of department or local contract construction projects let by their target date.

97.7% 90% Local Let Projects Awarded On-Time 85.5% 85% Preventable Change Orders (Fiscal Year Annually)

Cumulative dollar amount of preventable change orders over the total construction program dollar amount. 0.2% 1.5% See ODOT’s Critical Success Factors Defi ned: Metric Appendix online for further details.

MEETSGOAL

DOES NOT MEET GOAL

ODOT’S CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS DASHBOARD FY16Q2

TranscripT, March 2016 • 9

Professor,mentor, or‘coach?’HT says ‘Don’t wait to be asked . . . just do your part and help.’nancy burton, District 6

When I think of the talents of Union County Highway Technician Jeff Fluharty, I have to include teaching on that list.

Aside from completing his daily work orders, the six-year ODOT veteran is currently guiding the actions of new employees in Union Coun-ty. Jason Elson, Jim Edwards and Scott Hart all started at the ODOT garage just a few months ago.

“He is always telling me to watch the road because the drivers aren’t watching out for us,” said new hire Jason Elson. “We see him hop out of the truck and start working right away,” said Jim Edwards. “No standing around with Jeff,” Scott Hart chimed in.

When I asked how he came to be a mentor, Fluhar-ty just chuckled. “Management asked if I would mind mentoring one of the new hires,” he said. “I told them ‘Sure, no problem.’ But I didn’t get one new hire, I got three.”

The ODOT vet gets his strong work ethic from his mom and dad, who both worked construction. He re-

members how they worked long hours and when they got home, his family all pitched in no matter the chore. It is something he passes along to his trainees, along with the skills to get the job done.

“If you start out teaching folks the right process, then everyone is productive,” he said.

When asked if he is a good teacher, Fluhartry laughs nervously. He says “coach” is a better word to describe him. His philosophy is the same whether plowing, flagging traffic or berming: “Just start work-ing. You don’t have to wait to be asked, just do your part and help,” said Fluharty.

Away from ODOT, Fluharty and his wife live on 25 acres of land and own one donkey, an alpaca, two rescue dogs, two dozen chickens and cats. Lots and lots of cats.

“Most of them are fixed, I promise,” he said. “One of the cats is blind though. Folks just drop off their animals or abandon them and we take them in.”

Maybe Jeff Fluharty is really Doctor Dolittle, even though he doesn’t believe in doing little at ODOT.

Edwards (left), Elson, and Hart perform berming while

mentor, Fluharty, operates the dump truck.

Jeff Fluharty, left, Jim Edwards, Jason Elson, and Scott Hart .photoS by nancy burton, DistriCt 6

‘Don’t Be That Driver’Joel hunt, Central Office

There’s no getting around it: In order to maintain safe and passable roads, Ohio will always have road construction. It’s like death and taxes. And although it can be an inconvenience to drivers, construction is

a sign of progress and a better transportation system for tomor-row.

Unfortunately, with construction comes work zone crashes. Every year thousands of people nationwide are injured or killed in construction zone crashes. Surprisingly it’s motorists, not high-way workers, who will most likely be the victims.

April 11-15 is National Work Zone Awareness Week and ODOT will host the national kickoff event in Perrysburg April 12 with the aim of saving lives and preventing injuries. ODOT’s message to motorists: Don’t be THAT driver, who ruins someone’s commute, day, or worse . . . life. Instead, work on safety and get home safely, every day.

“Safety is our number one priority, especially in work zones—not just for workers, but for drivers as well,” said Assistant Director Jim Barna. “With a record number of construction projects cur-rently underway in every county in Ohio, it’s critical that every Ohioan be alert and slow down as they travel through work zones.”

ODOT works on safety every day. By using the latest technol-

ogy and thoughtful planning, ODOT engi-neers do all they can to make work zones safe. For example, by reducing speed limits only when workers are present, ODOT keeps traffic moving. The department mini-mizes congestion and backups by closing lanes only when traffic volumes are low enough to do so. And we use technology to detect slow traffic and warn motorists ahead of time when work zone congestion occurs.

“The professional and dedicated men and women of our department take great precautions to ensure families and workers are safe while seeing to the construction and mainte-nance of our transportation system. But we need motorists to help by exercising caution and good judgement in work zones,” said Director Jerry Wray.

‘GO

ORA

NGE’

WedNesday,

Ap

ril

1

3

Wednesday, April 13, is ‘Go Orange’ Day: Wear orange to raise awareness of Work Zone Safety.

“ Communications is my go-to resource for coordinating anything PR… vetting articles for agency partners and producing a professional video about the updated TIMS system… They are always responsive and eager to help.” – Ian Kidner, Office of Technical Services

With over 200 years of combined professional experience, the Division of Communications

staff is dedicated to helping ODOT serve, innovate and communicate with purpose.

Division of Communications614-644-8640 | DOT-CEN.Communications@dot.ohio.gov

• Develop strategies• Craft messages • Expand awareness• Reach audiences (internal, external, or both) • Achieve desired outcomes

We work with divisions, offices and programs to:

• Strategic communications plans• Publication and graphic design• Branding consultation• Media relations

Our client-focused and goal-oriented services include:• Social media coordination• Web content development• Photography• Video Production

“ I rely on the staff of Communications for marketing Team Up and the TOP Awards. They are great to work with, creative and very customer focused.”

– Carol Schubert, Office of Employee Development & Lean

“ Our ODOT team members in Communications have made the build-up and roll out of O.D.I. a success! Each team member provided excellent customer service and spent significant time helping us “brand” our new division. Thank you!”

– Kimberly Watson & Deborah Green, Divisionof Opportunity, Diversity and Inclusion

Telling the ODOT Story

10 • TranscripT, March 2016 TranscripT, March 2016 • 11

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION1980 W. BROAD ST. • COLUMBUS, OHIO 43223

Phone: 614-466-7170 • Fax: 614-644-8662

Melissa Ayers

Ron PooleMichael Stout

Joel HuntDavid Rose

Deputy Director,Division of CommunicationsManaging EditorDesign EditorContributing EditorContributing Editor

John R. Kasich, Governor Jerry Wray, Director

ODOT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER and PROVIDER OF SERVICES

www.transportation.ohio.govwww.OHGO.com

What social mediais saying . . .What social mediais saying . . .

12 • TranscripT, March 2016