In this issue

• Saenz, Simmons to Retire
• Transportation Commission Actions
• TxDOT Ready for Big Game
• "Know When to Pass" Event on Super Sunday
• "The Road Show" Webcast Set for Feb. 7
• Statewide Podcasts

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TxDOT Goals

1. Prepare for the future
2. Enhance safety
3. Maintain the transportation system
4. Relieve congestion
5. Enhance connectivity
6. Work with our partners to identify funding strategies

Monday, January 31, 2011

Here's our roundup of Texas Department of Transportation news and events. If you have any questions, comments or just want to know more about something you read here, send a message to AskTxDOT@txdot.gov.

Saenz, Simmons to Retire

Amadeo Saenz

TxDOT Executive Director Amadeo Saenz and Deputy Executive Director Steve Simmons last week announced their retirements, effective Aug. 31, 2011. Saenz, a 33-year veteran of the agency, has served as executive director since 2007. Simmons has worked at TxDOT for more than 28 years and was named to his current position in 2001.

Steve Simmons

Saenz pledged to the Texas Transportation Commission and employees that in his remaining months with TxDOT, he will continue his commitment to deliver a first-class transportation system, provide outstanding customer service, guide the agency through the current session of the Texas Legislature and assist in the smooth transition to new agency leadership.

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Transportation Commission Actions

The Texas Transportation Commission convened on Jan. 27, 2011, for its monthly meeting and took the following actions:

• Received a comprehensive mobility plan from the I-35 Corridor Advisory Committee, which includes near, mid-range and long-range initiatives.
• Received a recommendation from the TxDOT Restructure Council that staff expedite the process of identifying an outside consultant to assist with implementing recommendations contained in the Council's final report.
• Approved the designation of certain high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes in Harris County to high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes operated by Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO).
• Adopted a department-wide Public Involvement Policy developed by Texas Southern University and authorized the development of an action plan to implement the policy.
• Approved the department's determination to exercise its authority for developing, constructing and operating the portion of Grand Parkway (State Highway 99) in Harris County.

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TxDOT Ready for Big Game

With an estimated 150,000 visitors expected in North Texas this week for Super Bowl XLV at Arlington's Cowboys Stadium, and related events in the Metroplex, safety is TxDOT's top priority, especially if winter weather affects area roadways. The Dallas and Fort Worth districts are prepared to address all safety concerns on roadways with additional manpower, materials, courtesy patrols and emergency responder support.

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"Know When to Pass" Event on Super Sunday

Football game days are among the heaviest days for alcohol consumption. In 2009, there were 27,237 DUI alcohol-related crashes in Texas that resulted in 956 deaths and 17,703 injuries. TxDOT wants to make the public aware of this very real problem and reduce game day drinking and driving behavior.

Through a partnership with ESPN, our "Know When to Pass" truck will be parked outside of 1010 Collins Entertainment & Event Center for the NFL Alumni Party on Super Sunday in Arlington. This opportunity will allow us to remind thousands of football fans to find a safe ride home after the game.

Event info »

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"The Road Show" Webcast Set for Feb. 7

Join us on Monday, Feb. 7, 2011, for "The Road Show" webcast on www.txdot.gov. TxDOT Executive Director Amadeo Saenz will host an informal discussion on statewide transportation issues. Visit www.txdot.gov and click on "The Road Show" link to watch the program and take part in the discussion. Back to top

STATewide Podcasts

TxDOT produces a weekly Statewide Podcast to keep you updated on the latest transportation news and issues, and new podcast episodes are published every Friday on the TxDOT website, www.txdot.gov.

In this week's episode, we talk with Michael Morris, director of transportation with the North Central Texas Council of Governments, about preparations for Super Bowl XLV on Sunday in Arlington.

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