Kansas Department of TransportationTRANSLINES EXPRESS Sept. 1, 2021When pavement buckles, KDOT crews are readyBy Ashley Perez, DistrictTwo and Mallory Goeke,HeadquartersYou hear the safety phrase,“buckle up and drive safe.”But on a hot summer day, adifferent type of buckling mayoccur - pavement buckling -and it can cause safety andtravel concerns for motorists.According to KDOT SafetyDirector Troy Whitworth, thereason pavement buckles isheat expansion.“It usually happens at apavement joint,” Whitworthsaid. “So, the pavement pushes together at the joint so hard that itlifts and ultimately crumbles. There is simply not enough room forexpansion of the pavement.”Whitworth says he has seen pavement buckle a lot over the yearsand that it usually happens on concrete pavement. Wheneverit happens, KDOT crews are ready to repair the roadway. Innorth central Kansas, crews were on the scene to repair buckled Top left, I-70 pavement in Ellsworth Countypavement on I-70 in late July. buckled recently. Above, the Ellsworth AreaTim Hays, Highway Maintenance Supervisor in Ellsworth, said that crew responded and removed the damagedit is common with this summer’s heat and moisture for the road to section of roadway. Below, I-70 is repairedbuckle. Water gets under the concrete and then when it heats up, and open to traffic. Photos by Tim Hays,the concrete expands and buckles. District Two“After getting a phone call that the roadwayhas buckled, we go out to look at it and seewhat needs to be done to fix it,” Hays said.“Usually, we get a backhoe and a concretesaw to dig a hole out and fill it back in withasphalt to get the roadway opened back upas quickly as possible.”If you come across a portion of the highwaythat’s buckled, call your local KDOT areaoffice. Be prepared for the unexpected, weara seat belt and drive safe.
Seat belts really do save lives TRANSLINES EXPRESSBy Tracy Crockett Published by theDistrict Five Kansas Department of TransportationThe new school year often Office of the Secretary Eisenhower Statebrings new experiences and Office Buildingthat was no exception for 700 SW HarrisonLaurynn Jones, a new Pre-K Topeka, KSspecial education para.Jones had been working hard Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenzpreparing for the first week ofschool - she barely sat down Deputy Secretaryall day. After work, she got Burt Moreyinto her car and like she had Maggie Dollalways done, buckled her Lindsey Douglasseat belt. Little did she know Jones’ vehicle after the crash. Photo provided Administrationthat click would change the Allison Sedorecourse of her day and life.Jones knew she was tired, but told herself she was Aviation Bob Brockonly 10 minutes away, and when she got home,she could take a nap. But she didn’t make it. Communications“I remember feeling my head slowly drop and the Steve Halenext thing I knew, I could feel my tires on what Engineering and Designdid not feel like pavement. I looked up and I saw Calvin Reedmyself driving into a ditch after crossing the centerline, asleep,” Jones said. Field Operations Clay AdamsJust three minutes from her house. Jones said shecouldn’t process what was happening fast enough Laurynn Jones Fiscal & Asset Managementto get back onto the road. Her car hit a culvert, Ben Cleeveswent airborne, hit a tree and landed in the ditch facing the opposite direction. Innovative TechnologiesWhen paramedics arrived at the scene, they asked if her neck was hurt. Then Mike Flobergthe Chief of the Mulvane Fire Department told her that he could tell she waswearing her seat belt because she had the evidence to show it - a giant rash Planning & Developmenton her neck. Chris Herrick“My seat belt gave me some pretty intense bruises and some internal Policydamage, but it saved me from much more severe consequences. I promise, Joel Skelleyyou won’t regret wearing that seat belt when it matters,” Jones said. Program & ProjectTwo years later, Jones says it’s hard to relive that day. But she does, Managementbecause maybe there’s someone out there that will read this and make the Mark Taylorchoice to buckle up. Project Delivery At the crash site, you can still see where the car hit the tree, she said. “When Greg SchieberI see it, it makes me appreciate what I have 100 times more,” Jones said. “Icould’ve been ripped away from this life, but I wasn’t, and that’s something I’ll Safetyforever be grateful for.” Troy Whitworth2 │ Newsletter ► Sept. 1, 2021
U.S. 50 guardrail repairAfter 42 years, Taylorto retire from KDOT 1By Kim StichHeadquartersDirector of Program andProject Management MarkTaylor will be retiring on Sept.7 after more than 42 years atKDOT.Taylor’s entire working careerhas been at KDOT. Whileattending Kansas State 2 1. Area Supervisor JoshUniversity, he had internships Nolan and Equipmentat the agency for two Operator Scott Kaspar cutsummers where he met Mike Mark Taylor guardrail for a guardrailBurton, Harley Catron and repair on U.S. 50 sixTerry Fleck – co-workers he spent lunch hours with miles west of Syracuse.for 20 years. “I still see those guys,” he said. 2. Kaspar cleans out the hole and preparesThen he joined KDOT in 1979, participating in to place the post for thethe Rotational Training Program. He worked in guardrail. 3. Equipmentthe Bureau of Design for seven years, then was Operator Curtis Simpsonpromoted to the Bureau of Project Selection, which drills holes for the newwas later named Program and Project Management. guardrail posts. Photos byHe was named Bureau Chief in January 2010, then Neil Schroll, District Sixbecame the Director when it became a Division insummer 2019.He has worked on all four of KDOT’s transportationprograms. “I gradually got more involved with each 3one of programs as time progressed,” he said. “Ienjoyed working with the puzzle of putting projectsand money together.”Taylor plans to spend a lot of time with family. Heand his wife, Kathie, have three children and eightgrandchildren, all of whom live in the Kansas Cityarea. “Every weekend it seems like we go see themor to the grandkids’ ballgames,” he said. “It’ll be niceto not have to get up quite so early the next day.”During his career, Taylor said the best part wasmeeting and working with a lot of good people, “andmore importantly, sharing a lot of good laughs withthose people.” Sept. 1, 2021 ◄ Newsletter │ 3
Work progressing on bridge replacements east of ChetopaBy Priscilla PetersenDistrict FourConstruction on KDOT’s project to replace six low,weight-posted bridges on U.S. 166 in Cherokee Countyis moving along. The south half of the deck on three ofthe bridges has been paved, and traffic will be switchedto the new pavement so demolition can occur on theremaining bridge halves.In March, KDOT started the project to replace the flood-prone bridges, which are located east of Chetopa inthe Cherokee Lowlands. The reinforced concrete slabbridges were built in 1939 and widened 56 years ago, in1965.Pittsburg Area Construction Engineer Kyler Farmer saidthe contractor had to deal with challenges brought on byheavy rains and flooding in the region last spring. Crewsare now constructing aggregate base and asphaltpavement to tie into the new bridge halves.Farmer said the construction schedule calls for the firstthree bridges to be completed in mid-December. Theproject will be suspended over the winter months, withthe remaining three bridges replaced during 2022.Signals are directing one-lane traffic at each of thethree bridge work zones. Bridges Inc. of Newton is theprimary contractor on the $14.8 million project. ThomasRhoads’ road squad and Brad Rognlie’s bridge squaddesigned the project. The three photos show work on the bridge tie- ins and the completed half of one bridge deck. Photos by Priscilla Petersen, District Four4 │ Newsletter ► Sept. 1, 2021
Blasting work completed on K-31 alignment projectBy Kate Craft that led to the detonator, which 2District One was carefully handled by the contractor’s licensed Blaster-in- charge.The new K-31 alignment project Once flaggers stop traffic onhas been making some noise in the nearby existing K-31 andOsage County. For nearly three the blasting area is clear, threeweeks in August, contractors audible sirens were sounded toconducted a series of controlled signal the blast. Within moments,blasts along a 1.5-mile portion 147 holes detonated in ato break up layers of rock collective ka-boom.located where the new highwaywill be. The dust cleared to expose the after-effects. Land that was flatBlasting isn’t always necessary, this morning was replaced withbut doing so better enables mounds of dirt, rock and claythe grading contractor to that are taller than the Blaster-remove materials to achieve in-charge, who checked the areathe plan grade elevation of the and gave the okay to sound onenew roadway. “It will speed single siren, indicating the siteup their process and make it “all clear.”more efficient,” said MichelleAnschutz, Field Engineering Traffic was released andAdministrator for Area Four. drivers resumed their travels. Equipment started clearingFor each day the blasting took the newly-excavated earthplace, workers prepared the site and measurements began forby measuring and marking the tomorrow’s 191-hole blast grid - all in a day’s work.area in a grid fashion. Markers, or “clays,” were placedfour feet apart, where two-inch-wide holes were drilled Two short clips of the blast can be viewed here.10 feet down and filled with the explosive product. Stephen Bass’ road squad and Brad Rognlie’s bridgeThe holes were then connected with detonating cords squad designed the project. 1 31. Blaster-in-charge checks the area before giving the all clear.2. Equipment moves material from the post blast excavatedarea. 3. Workers measure tomorrow’s blast grid. Photos byKate Craft, District One Sept. 1, 2021 ◄ Newsletter │ 5
K-96 job is an extreme example of drainage maintenanceBy Tim Potter have migrated from cropDistrict Five fields to the south. The main drainage flow is to the north. Each inlet is a concrete boxIn the world of KDOT 10 feet tall, and the dirt hashighway maintenance, built up to more than 5 feet inthere are drainage jobs three of the four inlets on the-- and there are BIG south side, said Wichita Areadrainage jobs. Superintendent David Lechner. Lechner has been consideringBIG applies to work done ways to limit the dirt flowing in.this month under andaround a pair of K-96 Some of the dirt-clearing,box bridges in western especially in the inlets, wasSedgwick County near done with a Skid Steer.the Reno County line. But most of the sediment was moved by a massiveMarissa Martinez, the excavator stationed betweenNorth Shop Subarea the westbound and eastboundSupervisor who directly bridges and operated by Craigoversaw the job, put it A view of the dirt removal earlier in the job (above) and Kenyon, Equipment Operatorthis way: In one day, a view once it was completed (below). Photos by Tim Senior on the District Specialworkers removed 15 Potter and Marissa Martinez Crew.dump-truck loads of dirtfrom drainage inlets under the bridges. Each load is Special Crew Supervisor Larry Casey said drainageabout eight tons. “So about 120 tons a day we’re getting work is “at least 50 percent of what we do,” Casey said.out of there,” she said. In her 15 years with KDOT, Much of it occurs under bridges. The Special CrewMartinez said, she can’t remember a bigger drainage removes trees that sprout up and debris that gathers injob. The job took about three weeks. and around drainage structures like culverts.How did all that dirt get there? Over the years, it has It was a BIG team effort between several employees indrained into four inlets beneath the westbound and the Wichita offices and District Five crews.eastbound lanes at the bridge. The dirt appears to6 │ Newsletter ► Sept. 1, 2021
Two Kansas projects take home regional awardsTwo Kansas projects – the Turner Diagonal project inKansas City and the Kidron Loop Trail project in NorthNewton – earned regional recognition in America’sTransportation Awards, a national competition thatrecognizes state DOTs and highlights projects theydeliver that make their communities a better place tolive, work and play.“To have two uniquely different Kansas transportationprojects receive recognition is testament to the goodthings that can be accomplished when state and localgovernments and the private sector work together,”said Secretary Julie Lorenz. “It’s an honor for America’sTransportation Awards to highlight projects that had apositive impact on our state’s economy and Kansans’quality of life.”Secretary Lorenz joined in the acceptance of theawards in her capacity as the 2021-22 President ofthe Mid-America Association of State TransportationOfficials (MAASTO). Member state DOT secretariesunanimously elected Secretary Lorenz to the leadershiprole with MAASTO during the region’s 2021 AnnualMeeting held this week in Chicago.The Turner Diagonal project in Kansas Cityreconfigured the interchange, allowing the release ofnearly 50 acres of right-of-way and opened 300 acres of Kidron Loop Trail in North Newton.land for economic development and job creation. Usingalternative delivery methods, the project was completed partnership with funding coming from federal, state,ahead of schedule, opening in less than a year from local and private sources. It is a regional winner in theground-breaking. The project involved a public/private Operations Excellence (medium) category. The Kidron Loop Trail project is an extension of the “Trail of Two Cities,” a collaboration between Newton and North Newton and connecting the adjoining towns. It’s home to scenic and historic sites such as 150-year-old Chisholm Trail ruts. The City of North Newton received KDOT Transportation Alternatives funding to continue the existing trail system along Kidron Creek and provide an unobstructed 1.2 miles of pedestrian/bicycle trails and other amenities. It is a regional winner in the Quality of Life/Community Development (small) category. The Mid America region consists of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin, whichTurner Diagional project in Kansas City. had a total of eight regional winning projects. Sept. 1, 2021 ◄ Newsletter │ 7
I-70 bridge repairThe crew from Bridges Inc. ofNewton works on pouring aconcrete overlay on a bridge repairproject on eastbound I-70 in TregoCounty near Collyer. Work on the$250,000 project began at thebeginning of June and is expectedto be complete in early October.Dominique Shannon’s bridgesquad designed the project.Photo by Todd Anderson, DistrictThreeIn Memory State employeesCondolences to the family and friendsof KDOT employee Debbie Bailey, who return to remotepassed away Aug. 29. Bailey served asAdministrative Officer for District Four at workChanute. She started at KDOT in 2000, andworked at the agency for more than 21 years. On Aug. 25, Governor Laura KellyInformation on the funeral services can be directed state employees whofound here. can effectively execute the duties of their job remotely to return toCondolences to the family and friends of remote work. A memo with thatKDOT retiree Van Adams, who passed away guidance was provided to allAug. 5. Adams started at KDOT in 1980 and Debbie Bailey employees.worked as an Equipment Operator Specialistin Wichita. He retired after 29 years of service in 2009. KDOT offices will remain open, so employees may be required toCondolences to the family and friends of KDOT retiree Lois Jean report in person to support beingAndres, who passed away on Aug. 14 in Topeka. Andres began at open for public business. ThoseKDOT in 1954 and worked in the Bureau of Transportation Planning decisions should be made at aas an Engineering Technician. She retired after 41 years of service in division, bureau or office level.1995. Employees whose jobs are not suitable for telework should reportCondolences to the family and friends of KDOT retiree Barbara in person. Masks or other faceSmith, who passed away on July 26 in Garden City. Smith started coverings are required in all statein 1980 and worked in the Bureau of Materials and Research as a office buildings, regardless ofProfessional Geologist III. She retired in 2007. location.8 │ Newsletter ► Sept. 1, 2021
Crowds welcome Big Boy No. 4014 in KansasBy Delaney TholenDistrict OneTopeka was one of several towns thatgreeted Big Boy No. 4014 to Kansasin August. Despite the heat, hundredsof onlookers of all ages gathered nearGrand Overland Station on Aug. 9 towatch as the historic steam locomotive,a Union Pacific Railroad (UP) restoredrelic, rolled in for one of its four Kansaswhistle stops of the day.Built in 1941, No. 4014 was one of25 “Big Boy” steam locomotives builtexclusively for UP and was designedto pull heavy freight loads throughmountain terrain during World War II,according to the UP website.The giant locomotive weighs more than Early on Aug. 12, scattered groups of Labette residents gathered along1 million pounds and holds 25,000 the railroad tracks to await the appearance of UP’s historic Big Boy steamgallons of water. The Big Boy design engine. Engine No. 4014 had several stops in Kansas on its way south andincludes a unique frame and wheel will have more on its way north. Photo by Priscilla Petersen, District Fourstructure, allowing the heavyweight 132-foot locomotive to articulate and navigate curves. Of the operational (the other seven are on display).original 25 Big Boys, eight remain, but only No. 4014 is While stopped in Topeka, Big Boy was briefly on display to the public while the UP crew worked. At each whistle stop, the crew lubricates all bearings on the locomotive, tends to the boiler and performs any other necessary maintenance. To maximize braking capabilities and minimize wear and tear on the one-of-a-kind restored braking system, freight cars (as seen in Topeka) are attached to Big Boy for extra weight and replaced by passenger cars for certain legs of the tour. According to UP Senior Communications Manager Mike Jaixen, the core steam crew traveling with Big Boy is comprised of seven to eight UP team members based out of Cheyenne, Wy., and is supported by local crews along its route. Jaixen describes Topeka as “a key point in the UP system, and part of the main line, dating back to the early days of passenger and freight rail.” Currently on a 10-state tour, Big Boy No. 4014 will return and visit numerous towns in Kansas inLed by Union Pacific Primary Engineer Ed Dickinson, Big September on the way back to Cheyenne. The full tourBoy No. 4014 and its crew depart for Lawrence. Photo by schedule can be found here.Delaney Tholen, District One Sept. 1, 2021 ◄ Newsletter │ 9
KDOT’s safety culture starts with youBy Troy Whitworth one wakes up one morning thinking, “I’m going to hurtDivision of Safety Director myself today,” or worse yet, someone else. There are many reasons incidents and accidents happen. Many happen because we lose situational awareness byMost of you have heard the term “safety culture” becoming complacent and believing we have done thisbefore, maybe from one of my previous articles, emails job so many times we can do this with our eyes closed.or in a safety video. Safety culture is an attitude and Or maybe we just think it will only happen to the otheratmosphere where safety first is not just a slogan - it is guy. All I know for certain is that you don’t want to bea way of life. So, how is our safety culture at KDOT? that other guy.The reason I ask is because the culture starts with you. If we have a strong safety culture, everyone shouldIt is up to each of us individually to take an active role feel responsible for safety every day. In this type ofin improving the safety environment, employeesculture at KDOT. The go above and beyond toultimate responsibility identify unsafe conditionsfor safety is not up to the and behaviors and takesafety person or your action to correct them.supervisor, but each If we have a strongemployee doing the work. safety culture, anyAfter all, at the end of employee should feeleach day, you are the comfortable walking upone who is safely going to their District Engineerhome – or not. or the Secretary ofLet’s do a quick Transportation to remindassessment of yourself. them to wear theirDo you always wear your safety vest wheneverseat belt each time you the situation calls for it.get in a vehicle, regardless of whether it’s a 100-mile This type of behavior should be rewarded and be anor one-block trip? What about wearing a seat belt on indicator that our safety culture is alive and well.a piece of equipment when you know no one else has Mike Rowe, the narrator of the show Deadliest Catchbeen wearing it? The reason you know no one has worn and star of Dirty Jobs, has an interesting take on safetyit is because the seat belt is buried under things or is which he calls “Safety 3rd.” He makes the point thatso dirty and greasy no one would want to wear it. When safety really comes down to you. You may have seenyou see something like this do you ask why, or do you this video but if not please watch here. Remember, it’sjust think to yourself that it must not be needed. If you not just safety first, second or third, it’s safety always!aren’t doing these things or asking questions, we have For your family and mine.some work to do.I don’t believe anyone plans to have an accident. No10 │ Newsletter ► Sept. 1, 2021
District Two gets prepared for emergenciesBy Ashley PerezDistrict TwoPreparation now will improve traffic control in thefuture as District Two employees installed cross barson the I-70 ramps just west of Salina with permanenttraffic control signage on Aug. 18 to alert motorists of ahighway closure.Currently, multiple workers are needed when I-70must be closed due to winter weather conditions andother situations. The workers must bring in and set upbarricades using temporary traffic control each time theinterstate is closed. Sometimes it’s in blizzard conditionswith short notice, making the job even more difficult. District Two employees work to install the new crossbar barricades. Photo by Vance Donahue, District TwoBy having the closure arms, only a couple workers areneeded to turn on permanent traffic control warningsand lower the crossbar barricades. in sharing their experiences and advice with us when we decided to install them in District Two.”“The new closure arms, along with accompanyingsignage will be very helpful the next time we have a The permanent crossbar installation will be lessneed to close westbound I-70,” said James Roudybush, confusing to motorists and consistent with what is usedDistrict Two Maintenance Engineer. “District Three has in other locations. The installation went well and ishad these for a few years now. They were very helpful ready to alert motorists when needed, Roudybush said.KDOT receives EPA diesel and clean,” said Secretary Julie Lorenz. The auxiliary power units on the locomotives will reducereduction grant to help short idling hours, which has several benefits:line railroad lower emissions • Reduction of pollutants and fine particulate matters along the rail freight transportation corridor; • Diesel fuel savings;In cooperation with the Cimarron Valley Railroad • Improved railroad operating efficiencies;(CVR), KDOT has been awarded a grant from theEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) for auxiliary • Enhanced ambient air quality to the communitiespower units on the CVR’s seven locomotives. The along the rail line.Diesel Reduction Fuel Act (DERA) grant award is KDOT and the CVR will work together to coordinate$127,536, and CVR is contributing $191,305 in activities. Installation of the units is slated to begin inmatching funds. October and will take about 90 days. The units will be“KDOT looks forward to partnering with the Cimarron operated for the life of the locomotives. CVR is locatedValley Railroad so these federal funds have a positive primarily in southwest Kansas and operates more thanimpact on commerce while keeping Kansas skies clear 186 track miles extending into Oklahoma and Colorado. Sept. 1, 2021 ◄ Newsletter │ 11
Repairs continue on U.S. 83Trivia! Business/South Main bridgeFamous bridges around the world1. It is the largest suspension bridge in the world tofeature two decks and carry both road and rail traffic.It was also subjected to serious wind tunnel testing asthe area has powerful typhoons.2. A combined bascule and suspension bridgespanning the River Thames, this bridge was openedon June 30, 1894, by The Prince of Wales. It is amongthe top iconic landmarks in the city.3. This aqueduct bridge was constructed by theRoman Empire. It is believed to have been builtbetween 19 BC and 150 AD. It was constructed 1entirely without mortar.4. A Medieval bridge over the Arno River, this bridge ismainly known for its shops of jewelers, art dealers andsouvenir sellers and for being Europe’s oldest stone,closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge.5. This is the world’s tallest bridge – it is 343 metershigh (taller than the Eiffel Tower), 2,460 meters longand touches the Tarn valley in only nine places.6. This bridge was built in 1916 to resemble arainbow. The builders used no nails or rivets – they 2dovetailed thousands of pieces of wood.Trivia answers1. Tsing Ma Bridge, Hong Kong, China2. Tower Bridge, London, England.3. Pont du Gard Aqueduct, Gard, France.4. Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy.5. Millau Viaduct, Tarn Valley, France 36. The Wind and Rain Bridge, Sanjian County, China 1/2. Recently, the crew broke up the concrete to remove the north end of the joint, then cleaned the joint on the U.S. 83 Business/South Main bridge project in Garden City. 3. The north half of the joint has been repaired, and the final concrete pour is scheduled soon. The bridge is expected to be re-opened by mid-September. Photos by Lisa Knoll, District Six12 │ Newsletter ► Sept. 1, 2021
Remember to keep computing devices healthyPeople are aware of the need for safety measures may assist with discovering the intent of the sender.to reduce the spread of COVID-19 - face masks, s Even a trusted source could become compromised.handwashing, social distancing, etc. But also consider An unexpected or strange correspondence should bethe health of computing devices. Most computers have verified with the sender by a phone call prior to openingantivirus software and other precautions, but don’t any link or attachment.forget about mobile devices. Here are some tips to helpprevent unauthorized access and keep information safe: s To verify safety on emails sent to your KDOT address that have a link or attachment, please create an EBITSs Keep Android and Apple devices and applications Case here and attach the email.up to date. Check for updates regularly or enablingautomatic updates to make sure they remain secure. s Report malicious emails as Spam, Phishing, to help stop the spread of these emails.s Be mindful of application, email and text sources. s Blocking unknown senders and deleting their texts Not all applications in the app stores are from messages - particularly with links or attachments - couldtrustworthy vendors. Researching a developer or an protect against Phishing attempts or the execution ofapplication can inform you on the developer’s reputation malicious code.or what the application can access on your phone. A few steps can go a long way in protecting yours Never follow a link or download a file from an privacy, data, device and finances.unknown source. Doing an online search of a sender Tech Tip: Navigating the Intranet Just a reminder that the new KDOT Intranet now has lots more information available and has been redesigned in a more user friendly format. The Intranet site is open to employees only. Below are some tips to help navigating the Intranet: • Use Microsoft Edge as the web browser. • Click the KDOT logo located on the top left corner to switch to the KDOT Internet homepage. • Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see two rows of Quick Links that make navigating easier to a variety of pages. • Utilize the Search function in the top right corner if you are having trouble locating something. • Use Ctrl + F to find and highlight a word(s) within the webpage you are on. • Contact the Intranet Data Steward for your Division or Bureau for any content or data changes needed to your organizational page. Sept. 1, 2021 ◄ Newsletter │ 13
Derailed! A sudden storm - strong enough to push over rail cars - struck the area around the K-4/K-14 junction in far north Rice County around 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 15. Lyons Subarea Supervisor Randy Miller took photos after responding. He said an emergency management official told him that the storm appeared to be a “downburst … basically all that air shot down to the ground, and it dispersed in every direction.” The storm left piles of hail. Besides blowing over at least half a mile of rail cars, the wind damaged KDOT traffic signs and a KDOT salt shed. The Great Bend Subarea, Great Bend Area and Lyons Subarea crews replaced 10 damaged signs and 50 sign posts - back to pre- storm conditions - and were in the process of repairing the shed, Miller said. Photos by Randy Miller, District Five The KTA invites the public to provide feedback on their Turnpike travel experience by participating in the annual Customer Satisfaction Survey. Anyone who uses the Turnpike, whether daily or occasionally, is encouraged to share their thoughts to help KTA prioritize future projects and make internal improvements. Read the full news release here.14 │ Newsletter ► Sept. 1, 2021
Thank you for your service RetireesMilestones The following employees will retire from KDOT on Oct. 1.KDOT employees celebrating state service Headquartersanniversaries in September. Mary Hammes, System Software Analyst III, Information 40 years TechnologyLarry Meyer, Construction Manager, Lakin Clinton Hutchins, Engineering Technician Specialist, 30 years Structures & Geotechical ServicesLeonel Alvarado, Engineering Technician Mark Remboldt, Engineering Technician Senior, RoadSpecialist, Rossville DesignJoseph Beilman, Chemist – Analytical, Topeka Denise Schwab, Assistant Bureau Chief, HumanDaniel Espinosa Jr., Equipment Operator ResourcesSenior, Kinsley Mark Taylor, Director, Program & Project ManagementDavid Ubel, Engineering Technician Specialist, District OneDodge City Ralph Isbell, Equipment Operator Senior, OskaloosaLynn Whittlesey, Engineering Technician, Tracy Underwood, Equipment Operator Senior, AtchinsonManhattan District Two 20 years Lonnie Ehrlich, Highway Maintenance Supervisor LincolnTerri Rule, Executive Office Administrator,Ozawkie District ThreeRamona Taylor, Administrative Assistant, Kevin Berry, Equipment Operator Specialist, OberlinTopeka James Kanak, Equipment Operator Senior, Norton 10 years Rodney Kaus, Equipment Mechanic Senior, HaysJustin Deal, Equipment Operator Senior, Thomas Weishapl,Highway Maintenance Supervisor,Winfield OberlinLarry Heim, Engineering Technician Specialist, District FourAtchison Wayne Nelson, Highway Maintenance Superintendent,David Krieger II, Equipment Mechanic, Salina PittsburgShannon Moore, CEO Midpoint, Ness City District FiveKenneth Peden, Highway Maintenance Earl Bartlett, Engineering Technician Specialist, WichitaSupervisor, Troy Jesse Gregory, Equipment Operator, WinfieldGary Rainbolt, Equipment Operator Senior, John Wiens, Engineering Technician Senior, HutchinsonLarnedLarry Roberts, Engineering Technician, Wichita The following employees will retire from KDOT on Sept. 1.Marvin Thomas, Equipment Operator, Auburn District Four Gary Crisswell, Equipment Operator, Altoona Kurt Daniels, Right of Way Property Appraiser Supervisor, Right of Way Sept. 1, 2021 ◄ Newsletter │ 15
Deadlines for both contests coming up in SeptemberContests aim to Put the Brakes on FatalitiesStudents and school/class/booster club can win prizesPoster and video contests where Independent Energy andKansas students can win prizes and Convenience;learn about traffic safety are back as sMovie passes from AAA Kansas;part of this year’s Put the Brakes on andFatalities Day safety campaign. s$200 for the school, class or theIn addition, the school, class or booster club.booster club of the grand prize-winning students will also receive Poster entries must bemoney as part of the contest prizes. postmarked by Friday, Sept. 24. Information and entry forms arePoster contest: For Kansas available here.students ages 5 to 13 - all studentswho submit completed poster entries Video contest: For Kansas teenswill be eligible for a random prize in grades 8-12. Prizes from the KTAdrawing of a $100 Amazon gift card. include a GoPro, DJI Stabilizer andA total of 18 regional winners in the six regions and a DJI Drone, and the grand prize winner’s school, classage groups (ages 5-7, ages 8-10 and ages 11-13) will or booster club will receive $500. Video entries mustreceive a bicycle from the KTA and a helmet from Safe be submitted to the KTA by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday,Kids Kansas. Three statewide winners will each receive: Sept. 26. Entry details are available here.sKindle Fire Tablet and case from the KTA; KDOT, KTA and other transportation organizations in Kansas are sponsoring the contests.s$50 Amazon gift card (all cards from Fuel True/16 │ Newsletter ► Sept. 1, 2021
