TxDOT Mission

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

TxDOT Goals

• Maintain a safe system
• Address congestion
• Connect Texas communities
• Best in class state agency

TxDOT Values

• Trust
• Integrity
• Responsibility
• Excellence
• Service

In this issue

• Dynamic Map Aids I-35 Travelers
• CRASH Program Receives National Award
• Drive Clean Across Texas Sweepstakes Winner
• Transportation Commission Meeting Set for Dec. 13
• Give the Gift of a Sober Ride Home
• Register Now for the 2013 Texas Transportation Forum
• Leadership appointments
• Rail Conference Slated for January
• TxDOT Podcast: How to Spot A Flood-Damaged Vehicle
• TN Online

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December 3, 2012

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.

Dynamic Map Aids I-35 Travelers

As part of its efforts to better inform Texans about the extensive construction on I-35 in Central Texas, TxDOT has added a new level to its DriveTexas mapping tool: a dynamic traffic map that provides real-time information on closures affecting I-35. Users can find information regarding closures on main lanes, frontage roads, ramps and cross streets, as well as real-time speeds. The map features full details on each closure, active and upcoming, as well as one-click zoom capability. Future enhancements will add estimated travel times to destinations along the corridor and information about known incidents that might slow down traffic. To access the new map, visit DriveTexas.org and click on I-35 near Waco on the map or go to My35.org and click on "Waco District I-35 Conditions."

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CRASH Program Receives National Award

TxDOT's Crash Reporting and Analysis for Safer Highways (CRASH) program was recently awarded the Francis B. Francois Award for Innovation from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). CRASH is an internet-based application that allows law enforcement officials to electronically create and send crash reports to TxDOT. The department uses the data to improve road safety and maximize reporting efficiency, saving lives, time and taxpayer dollars. The award, presented at the AASHTO Annual Meeting in Pittsburgh, recognizes outstanding innovative programming implemented by a state transportation department.

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Drive Clean Across Texas Sweepstakes Winner

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr presents keys to a new Ford Fusion Hybrid to Ernest Rios of Dallas.

Ernest Rios of Dallas won a 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid by entering the Drive Clean Across Texas online sweepstakes. Rios, a 19-year-old student, was recently presented with keys to his new sedan by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr at the team's Valley Ranch headquarters. The low-emission Fusion was donated by the football club to help promote the statewide public education campaign that encourages motorists to do their part in reducing air pollution.

For clean air tips »

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Transportation Commission Meeting Set for Dec. 13

The Texas Transportation Commission convenes for its next regular monthly meeting at 9 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 13 at 125 E. 11th Street in Austin. The Commission will consider the selection of a developer for the I-35E expansion project from I-635 in Dallas County to US 380 in Denton County and discuss ongoing studies to identify transportation projects that will significantly reduce levels of congestion on roadways in the state's major metropolitan areas.

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Give the Gift of a Sober Ride Home

The holidays are a time for celebrating. Unfortunately, this is also the time of year when alcohol-related crashes increase. During last year's holiday season (Dec. 1, 2011 through Jan. 1, 2012) there were 2,462 alcohol-related traffic crashes in Texas, resulting in 842 serious injuries and 78 fatalities. TxDOT's Holiday P.A.S.S. (Person Appointed to Stay Sober) campaign urges Texans to make a commitment to safety this season. Designate a driver before you arrive at an event or party. If you drink, don't drive.

For tips on planning ahead for sober drivers »

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Register Now for the 2013 Texas Transportation Forum

Take advantage of early registration for the 8th Annual Texas Transportation Forum, set for Feb. 17-19 at the Hilton Austin. The annual event assembles local, regional and state leaders with national experts to discuss timely transportation issues critical to the safety and efficient movement of people and goods across the state.

Reserve your hotel room and register online now. Early registration ends Dec. 14 at 5p.m. (CST). We hope to see you in Austin in 2013!

Register now »

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Lauren Garduño

Shannon Crum

Leadership appointments

TxDOT has announced two key leadership appointments. Lauren Garduño is the new chief programs officer. Garduño is a 26-year TxDOT veteran and has served as a district engineer and interim district engineer in several districts including Odessa, Abilene, San Angelo and Brownwood. Shannon Crum is the new director of the Research and Technology Implementation Office. Crum, who joined TxDOT in 2004, previously served as the director of data management in the Transportation Planning and Programming Division.

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Rail Conference Slated for January

The future of regional freight and passenger rail will be among the topics explored at the 9th Annual Southwestern Rail Conference, set for Jan. 24-25, in the Grand Hall at historic Dallas Union Station. The only all-rail conference held each year in Texas is hosted by Texas Rail Advocates. Bill Glavin, director of TxDOT's Rail Division, will be among the featured speakers. Registration is now open and a special discounted hotel rate is available at the Hyatt Regency - Downtown Dallas.

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TxDOT Podcast: How to Spot A Flood-Damaged Vehicle

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

In the months that followed Hurricane Katrina in 2005, a tidal wave of flood-damaged cars washed across the U.S. While it's almost certain to happen again in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, several agencies across the country, from federal and state government to insurance companies to automotive dealers have worked closely to protect the unsuspecting consumer from unknowingly purchasing a flood-damaged vehicle. In this week's podcast, we talk with Bill Underriner, chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association, about how to spot a flood-damage vehicle. Episodes are also available on iTunes.

Listen to Podcast »

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TN Online

Read the latest issue of TN, TxDOT's bimonthly newsletter for employees »

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