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May 13, 2013Here'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. Work Zone Safety Warning |
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| The End-of-Queue Warning System incorporates temporary rumble strips to reduce work zone collisions. |
TxDOT has introduced a new high-tech system to enhance safety and reduce collisions near highway work zones. The End-of-Queue Warning System, which recently debuted along the I-35 expansion corridor in Central Texas, uses sensors to measure speeds of approaching vehicles and warns drivers with portable electric signs about upcoming traffic backups. Also, temporary rumble strips are spaced between sensors to send mild vibrations through oncoming vehicles to alert distracted or drowsy drivers. The agency plans to expand the warning system to other areas of the state.
Texas Highways: Making Memories!
Just in time for your summer vacation planning, the June issue of Texas Highways highlights three beach retreats on South Padre Island. Also in the newest issue of the official travel magazine of Texas, find out more about the culture, history and recreation of Galveston. Other features include the 75th annual staging of Albany’s Fort Griffin Fandangle; the magnetic allure of the Frio Canyon; the cultural spirit of Dallas’ Deep Ellum neighborhood; and Schulenburg’s German and Czech heritage. Follow the magazine on Twitter and Facebook.
Learn how to get a free trial issue »
Click It or Ticket Campaign
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| Nicole Nugent Covert (left), the granddaughter of President Lyndon Baines Johnson, and Georgia Chakiris (right) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at the 12th annual Click It or Ticket event honoring Johnson’s pioneering dedication to safety. |
The 12th annual Texas Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement campaign kicked off last week at the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum in honor of the 45th anniversary of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act signed by President Lyndon Johnson. Enacted in 1968, this important life-saving law required that all new vehicles come equipped with safety belts. Taking a cue from LBJ’s leadership, Texas has made seat belt safety a major priority and is proud to be one of the most buckled up states in the union. As part of the Click It or Ticket initiative, law enforcement officials across the state will be looking for and ticketing unbuckled drivers and passengers in an effort to raise safety awareness and prevent fatalities.
TxDOT History Online Exhibit
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| A circa-1938 photograph of brick-paved US 80, now US 180, between Weatherford and Mineral Wells in Parker County. |
Interested in the history of the Texas Department of Transportation, back in the days when it was known as the Texas Highway Department? Check out this informative online exhibit, entitled From Pioneer Paths to Superhighways, at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
As Texas roadways become increasingly crowded, TxDOT is asking motorists to Share the Road and Look Twice for Motorcycles during National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The campaign is aimed at car and truck drivers who often report a lack of visibility as the reason for crashes and near misses involving motorcyclists. TxDOT is using motorcycle safety education to continue a positive trend of decreasing motorcycle fatalities from 488 in 2011 to 460 in 2012.
Cost Savings: Digital Distribution
TxDOT will save $197,000 annually through the digital distribution of Texas Highways to employees and retirees — a new practice that began in February. In the past, the agency provided employees and retirees with printed issues of the monthly magazine. Each printed issue cost 90 cents to print and distribute, resulting in processing costs of approximately $239,000 per year. Each digital issue costs only 25 cents to distribute. In addition to the cost savings, the distribution of digital issues better aligns the Texas Highways program with TxDOT's sustainability goals. This is just one example of recent cost savings achievements, as TxDOT strives to be a best-in-class agency by working safely and smartly.
Read more about TxDOT cost savings achievements »
Transportation Commission to Meet May 30
The Texas Transportation Commission will convene for its regular monthly meeting at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 30, at 125 E. 11th Street in Austin. The Commission is scheduled to discuss a staff update on the award of funds to continue safe air traffic control services at municipal airports affected by federal action.
TxDOT Podcast: State Sen. Robert Deuell, Funding Transportation
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.
Few in the Texas Legislature have a district as diverse as state Sen. Dr. Robert Deuell of the Second District. Spanning east from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex to all or part of Delta, Fannin, Hopkins and Van Zandt counties, the senator has made his career on striking balances between big city and small town politics on the three major political hot buttons: education, transportation and water.
In this week’s episode, we talk with the six-term senator about how transportation funding has changed since he took office and where he sees it going next. Episodes are also available on iTunes.
TN Online
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All inquiries may be directed to AskTxDOT@txdot.gov.