The TxDOT Update
News and Information from the Texas Department of Transportation

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Work with others to provide safe and reliable transportation solutions for Texas.

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In this issue

  • New Traffic Tools Enhance Roadway Safety
  • Phil Wilson: Agency Administrator of the Year
  • Texas Highways: Austin!
  • Commission Workshop, Meeting Set For June 26-27
  • Get a Summer P.A.S.S.
  • TxDOT Partners With NTT DATA
  • TxDOT Podcast: State Sen. Robert Nichols
  • Small Hr

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June 18, 2013

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.

New Traffic Tools Enhance Roadway Safety

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A flashing yellow arrow signal is used to indicate traffic is permitted to turn left but must yield to oncoming traffic.

TxDOT recently introduced three new safety tools — Automated Flagger Assistance Devices, temporary rumble strips and flashing yellow, left-turn arrows — designed to reduce crashes, fatalities and injuries near construction zones on Texas roadways. Motorists will see expanded use of these devices throughout the state in the coming months.

"Safety is best approached using multiple strategies to increase the chances of success," said TxDOT Executive Director Phil Wilson. "There is no amount of over preparedness when it comes to saving lives. It is our hope that motorists become familiar with these new tools and heed their warnings for their own safety and the safety of others on the road."

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Phil Wilson (left) receives award from TPEA Executive Director Gary Anderson.

Phil Wilson: Agency Administrator of the Year

TxDOT Executive Director Phil Wilson recently received the Agency Administrator of the Year Award from the Texas Public Employees Association (TPEA). Wilson was honored for his work on behalf of state employees and for participating in a productive dialogue with TPEA and lawmakers to solve critical issues affecting state employees. He has helmed the agency since October 2011.

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Texas Highways: Austin!

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In the July issue of Texas Highways, our editors give readers the Austin experience, introducing their favorite capital city music, museum, dining and outdoor venues. Also, visit Houston's natural amenities like Buffalo Bayou and Discovery Green; discover the enriching frontier heritage of Bosque County; and let the spirit of the growing Texas bourbon market move you. Follow the magazine on Twitter and Facebook.

Learn how to get a free trial issue »

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Commission Workshop, Meeting Set For June 26-27

The Texas Transportation Commission will convene for a special workshop and its regular monthly meeting June 26-27 at 125 E. 11th St. in Austin. The Commission will begin its workshop at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 26, to discuss various issues.

The Commission will begin its meeting at 9 a.m. on Thursday, June 27. The Commission is scheduled to receive an update on recently enacted state legislation that affects the operation of the department and authorize the issuance of a request for qualifications for the development, design, construction, maintenance, operation and potential financing of the Loop 375 Border Highway West Extension Project in El Paso County.

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Get a Summer P.A.S.S.

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TxDOT encourages drivers to line up a P.A.S.S. (Person Appointed to Stay Sober) before heading out to summer events. During the last five summers, alcohol-related fatalities increased by more than 10 percent in Texas. In the summer of 2012 (June 1 to Aug. 31), there were 6,576 alcohol-related traffic crashes in Texas resulting in 2,486 serious injuries and 302 fatalities. Be safe and make a sober driver an essential part of your summer plans. For information about finding a sober ride home, visit www.soberrides.org.

View the P.A.S.S. video »

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TxDOT Partners With NTT DATA, Inc.

TxDOT recently signed a contract with NTT DATA, Inc. to privatize functions of its information technology (IT) organization. NTT DATA will assume responsibility for providing support for application maintenance and development, customer support, network and telecommunications systems support, professional support services and IT security. The partnership will help TxDOT realize greater efficiencies and allow the agency to reinvest savings into other strategic priorities.

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TxDOT Podcast: State Sen. Robert Nichols

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State Sen. Robert Nichols

The weekly TxDOT Podcast keeps you updated on the latest transportation news and issues. New episodes are published every Friday on the TxDOT website, www.txdot.gov.

Senate Joint Resolution 2, a bill under consideration in the current special session of the Texas Legislature, calls for dedicating additional funding to transportation in Texas. In this week’s episode, we talk with state Senator and former Texas Transportation Commissioner Robert Nichols. Episodes are also available on iTunes.

Listen to Podcast »

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All inquiries may be directed to AskTxDOT@txdot.gov.