Safety Shout: Crime Prevention & Security

Vigilance and common-sense precautions can very often prevent or reduce the severity of crime. Here are some ideas to help keep you safe, and help keep your property yours and MoDOT property MoDOT’s.

• If a door, overhead door or gate locks, lock it. If it doesn’t, consider putting a lock on it. Don’t cover or otherwise defeat sensors on automatic closing systems. Too often we fall victim to crime simply because someone is too wrapped up in convenience to properly secure equipment and property.
• Lock your personal or department vehicle, even if it’s in your own driveway or on a MoDOT lot. How many times have you left keys in a dump truck, pickup, or piece of equipment? No, no, no. Lock the keys inside a locked box in the building overnight, rather than leaving them out complete with vehicle numbers.
• Use vehicles or equipment to block storage rooms or areas while unattended, so thieves can’t get in.
• Cut down and spray overgrowth, especially on or around fences and in areas that reduce visibility for the good guys and provide hiding spots for the bad guys. Repair or replace gaps or tears in fencing.
• Ensure your security lighting works, and add lights in areas that need them. Most thefts on MoDOT property happen at night, and good lighting both reduces opportunities for theft and allows for better identification.
• Walk your building and lot. What are the “soft targets” and convenient areas for thieves? Try to think like a thief for a minute, then fix the problems. Remember, meth is illegal, so don’t get into character that much.

For personal safety, crime prevention professionals give these pointers:

• Don’t walk or jog early in the morning or late at night when streets are deserted. When out at night, try to have a friend walk with you.
• Carry only the money you’ll need on a particular day. Don’t display your cash or any other inviting targets.
• If you think someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street. Don’t be afraid to yell for help.
• Park in well-lit areas with good visibility, close to walkways, stores, and people. Have your keys out.
• Do everything you can to keep a stranger from forcing into your car or forcing you into his. Fight, yell, drive off, go (for the) nuts; whatever it takes.
• If a partner has abused you, do not meet them alone. If you believe you or your children are in danger, call a crisis hotline or a health center (the police can also make a referral) and leave immediately.
• If someone tries to rob you, give up your property—don’t give up your life.
• Talk to your children about how to handle dangerous situations. Teach them “No, Go, Yell, Tell.”

Knowing how to avoid victimization will not only help prevent crime, but will help you enjoy your life more by reducing fear and boosting your confidence. If you would like more information on this or any other safety topic, contact district risk management.

Improved Lee's Summit Airport Unveiled

Missouri Highway and Transportation Commissioner Gregg Smith and members of MoDOT’s Aviation Division were on hand to help dedicate the Lee’s Summit new airport runway improvements Wednesday, Sept. 27.

Improvements to the Lee's Summit Municipal Airport include:

• 5,500 ft. grooved concrete runway

• 4,000 ft. crosswind runway

• Nine inches of pavement thickness

• 60,000 lb. aircraft capacity

• Improved airfield lighting

The Lee's Summit Municipal Airport is located 3.5 miles north of Lee's Summit's charming and vibrant downtown district. 

Approximately 50,000 take-offs and landings occur annually at the airport, which is the equivalent of about 137 operations daily, with the majority of these operations being business-related flights bringing marketing, professional, technical, service and 
support staffers to the area.



And those numbers are expected to increase after these improvements are unveiled. 

Additional upgrades at the airport include a 40,000 square foot heated hangar space now available for overnight rent for business and corporate aircraft and itinerant stays. 

The contractor for the project is Emery Sapp & Sons Inc. and this project was funded with a FAA Grant of $9,372,772, a city local match of $520,709 as well as state airport aid of $520,709.

Thanks to Our KC Irma Volunteers

On Tuesday, Sept. 26, we said thanks to our local MoDOT Kansas City employees who volunteered with the recovery efforts in Florida after Hurricane Irma. 

They were recognized in Warrensburg by our leadership and received leadership coins. A huge thanks goes out to all 58 of our MoDOT employees and the 18 DNR employees who volunteered to help out their fellow Americans. 

Thank you and welcome home!

Kansas City Crew:

Russell Fisher, Maintenance Crew Leader 

Adam Dierkens, Senior Maintenance Worker

Mike Walsh, Maintenance Crew Leader  

Jimmy Miles, Intermediate Maintenance Worker

Larry Patterson, Intermediate Maintenance Worker 

Ron Heinemann, Maintenance Worker

Doug Parsons, Equipment Technician

Ben Sudheimer, Equipment Technician

Major Equipment

Tandem + 20 ton trailer w/one tracked skid steer w/grapple

Tandem + 20 ton trailer w/backhoe w/grapple

1 Ton (diesel) + trailer w/transfer tanks/DEF/etc.

Mechanic Truck

New Training Academy at MoDOT KC set to Launch

A very important training class took place inside room 252 at the Kansas City District Office. It was there where future trainers got their training.

Approximately 36 maintenance supervisors, many of who are experts in several subjects in road maintenance went through a rigorous training program at the Kansas City District Office, Wednesday, Sept. 27.

MoDOT MS receiving information on how to be good instructors      

These men and women at MoDOT will soon be instructing new hires in the KC Maintenance Department on how to properly and safely do their job. 

It’s all part of a new program set to launch next week called the MoDOT Training Academy.

MoDOT’s Safety and Health Manager Eric Ramsey says the new academy is an absolute must. “Data showed the new people (new hires) were getting hurt and breaking stuff“, says Ramsey. “This new approach better prepares our workers,” he adds.

In the Kansas City District, from Jan. 2, 2016, through July 11, 2017, there were 84 recordable injuries. Of those injuries, 35 or 42 percent were suffered by new employees hired in 2016-2017.

Currently at MoDOT, a new Maintenance Department hire receives basic awareness of key topics regarding training, but there is no hands-on component. 

There is additional training once they are assigned to a work group, but even then that training isn’t sufficient enough according to Ramsey. That’s where he believes the training falls short and needs to be expanded.  

Ramsey says the intent of the academy is to provide consistent training by expert instructors so employees are able to enter their work group prepared and aware of their strengths and weaknesses.

The new training program is a formal academy with benchmarks for achievement.

 

Ramsey says, “To me it’s a turning point for Kansas City and even with MoDOT.”  

The academy will be a week-long training course, but may expand later in the future. Ramsey says that all maintenance supervisors will eventually go through the academy as well.

  

Benefit Golf Tournament for 2017 Christmas Family

Please consider participating in this year's Benefit Golf Tournament for our 2017 Christmas Family on October 9.

Veterans Day Event 2017

Veteran's Day will be here before we know it. In honor of all of our employees who have served, MoDOT Kansas City is hosting a Veteran's Day Event on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Veterans are invited to a special luncheon at 11:30 a.m. in Conference Room 252 at the District Office. Following the luncheon, all MoDOT employees are invited to join us for a ceremony in Conference Room 136.

Veterans, please sign up today to be included in the luncheon. RSVP by sending your name, rank, number of years served, and a picture of you (if possible) from your years of service to Lairyn McGregor at lairyn.mcgregor@modot.mo.gov. 

Hope to see you there!

MoDOT Hosts Media Tour of I-470 Bridges Project

On Monday, Sept. 25, MoDOT Kansas City hosted a media only tour of the I-470 bridges project going on now in Lee's Summit from Little Blue River to Cedar Creek. Local news channels and papers stopped by the project site for a chance to learn about the status and importance of the project. Lee's Summit Resident Engineer, Jacob Wilson, met with the media to shed some light on the situation.

This project has caused quite a commotion for travelers along I-470 over the last few weeks. This was an opportunity for MoDOT to address some of the community's biggest concerns and alert them of the impacts this project will have on traffic in the months to come.

"Most of the work is happening in the westbound lanes currently and I-470 in this location will return to its normal configuration this winter," explains Jacob. "Beginning next spring, we will shift our work to the other side of I-470 to work on that end, as well as bridges further west and up north which will include the I-470 bridge over I-70," he adds. "The biggest thing we ask for is patience and for drivers to be safe in our work zones. This project was moved up so that the roads are completed when we have other larger project beginning in 2019 like the I-70/I-435 interchange project," he finishes.

Jacob also explained to the media that no matter what a schedule has planned, sometimes things happen that can cause delays. Take a look at some of the steel that began to bend and expand when exposed to the extreme heat (left).

To check out some of the interview, watch our Facebook live video here.

Service Awards - September 2017

Five Years

Several MoDOT Kansas City employees were honored on Thursday, Sept. 21, for their years of service with the department. A total of 46 employees have been recognized for having between 5 and 15 years of service and safety. To see the full photo album, click here.

Ten Years

District Engineer Brian Kidwell and Assitant District Engineer presented the awards and provided the attendees with other fun facts about what was happening in the world when these employees began their journey at MoDOT.

In addition to honoring those receiving service awards, some employees were commended on their commitment to safety, receiving awards for 15 years of no loss time injuries.

Congratulations to all and thank you for your service to the citizens of Missouri!

Five Years

Fifteen Years

Charles Brumble
Quentin Carter
Stephen Colloyott
Robert Etter
Wyatt Farley
Thomas Grame
Jason Gray
Levi Jackson
John Jones
Lawrence Patterson
John Woolridge
Roseann Young

Ten Years

Fifteen Years of Safety

Aaron Broaddus
Sally Butterworth
William Degroat
Adam Dierkwna
Gerri Doyle
Russell Fisher
Taylor Hill
Jody Jordan
James Kavanaugh
Michael Landvik

Brian Lavender
JoAnn Mackay
Dale Mallott
Melissa Neff
Stephen Vogt
Michael Walsh
Ryan Watterson
Joseph Webber
Jacob Wilson
Quentin Wuthnow

Fifteen Years
Charles Burton
Don Gentry
William Gray
Brian Hof
Nancy Lancaster
Jeffrey Miller
David Price
Clara Winkler

Fifteen Years of Safety
Justin Anderson
Gene Collins
William Grey
Stephen Holloway
James Luther
Scott Townsend

MoDOT Hosts 5th Annual Day of Remembrance

MoDOT Kansas City hosted its fifth annual Day of Remembrance Ceremony at the District Office on Thursday, Sept. 21 at 1:30 p.m. This is a day that was initiated in Kansas City after Clifton Scott was killed in the line of duty in 2012 as a way to remember our co-workers.

At 1:34 p.m., the Day of Remembrance event began. The start time holds a specific meaning, honoring the memory of the 134 MoDOT employees who sacrificed their lives in service to the citizens of Missouri. 

District Engineer Brian Kidwell and District Assistant Engineer Chris Redline led the ceremony and read the names of the 23 fallen Kansas City district employees. Shortly after, family members of Clifton Scott were invited forward to place a memorial wreath followed by a moment of silence. 


The Lee's Summit Veterans of Foreign Wars concluded the ceremony with the playing of Taps.

To see the entire collection of photos, click here.

Safety Shout: Preventing Shoulder Injuries

Just speaking off the cuff, it seems shoulder injuries are all too common to physically demanding jobs. This is not a humerus fact, and it cuts like a blade. Sometimes it’s easy to socket to the task at hand, but if you take your eye off the ball the result can be a painful injury that’s slow to heal. Arm yourself with knowledge, and you can prevent these injuries as you’re tendon to your work. 

• To better understand how shoulder problems occur, it helps to look at the shoulder’s structure. The shoulder joint is composed of three bones: the clavicle (collarbone), the scapula (shoulder blade), and the humerus (upper arm bone). Two joints, acromioclavicular and the glenohumeral (a ball and socket joint) facilitate movement. The shoulder can be compared to a golf ball and tee, in which the ball can easily slip off the flat tee. This design makes it very flexible, but also very prone to injury.
  
• The shoulder is easily injured because the ball of the upper arm is larger than the shoulder socket that holds it. To remain stable, the shoulder must be anchored by its muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Think of it as if your arm is being held in pace by a bungee cord—pull it too hard and it pops out of place. Or, worse, the cord frays or snaps.
  
• Avoid any movement that pulls your arm directly away from the body, such as hanging onto something overhead. This makes it extremely important to watch your step on ladders and while climbing down from trucks or equipment. Falling and catching yourself with a hand can easily damage or dislocate your shoulder. That’s one of the reasons MoDOT insists on maintaining three points of contact.
  
• Avoid throwing or swinging objects, especially heavy objects, over your head. Your shoulder is weakest at neck height and above, and can be easily injured by weights that don’t feel all that heavy when you’re lifting them.
  
• Strengthening and stretching exercises are tremendously helpful in preventing shoulder injuries, since so much relies on muscles, tendons and ligaments which can all be significantly strengthened with quick and easy exercises and stretching movements.
  
• It’s unfortunate but true that the leading cause of shoulder ailments is the natural degeneration of soft tissues caused by aging. Since aging sure beats the alternative, it’s important to take care of your shoulders by avoiding those movements that cause shoulder pain and stress. Always ask yourself if there’s a better, safer way to do the job at hand that doesn't place as much strain on your body. Usually, there is. You might say the responsibility for preventing injuries is on your shoulders!
  
  If you would like more information on avoiding shoulder injuries, contact district Risk Management.

Winter Is Coming: Winter Ops Update

Winter is coming!!!

We have a series of training sessions that are scheduled for our snow plow eligible/required employees in September and October. The first requirement is for safety sensitive employees up to and including salary grade 14 to have their Class B CDL with tanker endorsement, interstate designated status and no air brake restriction. Please contact Chris Sholl if you have your written portion, but need the training for the driving portion. Chris can be contacted via email at christopher.sholl@modot.mo.gov.

Snow Plow/Winter Ops training will begin this week at the State Fairgrounds in Sedalia and participants have been contacted. Other training sessions will be held at Nashua Maintenance on 9/26, 9/28 and 10/16. This Winter Ops training is required for all plowers who have less than 5 years of experience or who have had a recent safety violation involving a vehicle.

We have not made the final shed assignments for our non-maintenance helpers due to our recruiting effort that is in progress, but almost complete. This information will be sent out by the end of September.

KC Maintenance Sharepoint site will be the official location for our plow schedules, route maps, and guaranteed leave information. This is located at http://sharepoint/Districts/D4/systemmanagement/maint/SitePages/EmergencyResponseandWinterOps.aspx

More information will be coming in the next few weeks as we continue to finalize our plans.

Questions? Please feel free to contact Jimmy Shannon, Lynelle Luther, or Chris Sholl.

Safety Shout: MoDOT Day of Remembrance

Thursday, September 21, 2017 is MoDOT’s Day of Remembrance. The KC District has a memorial, and another is established on a beautiful site in Jefferson City near the State Capitol, on behalf of fallen MoDOT workers. On it is inscribed the names of those lost in the line of duty, along with the words, “Respect, Honor & Remember.” Please take a minute to do that. Then, take another minute to consider how you can best honor our fallen employees in ways beyond quiet reflection and moments of silence. 

Records on causation are sketchy prior to 1987, but here’s the heavy toll we’ve paid since 1987 to keep our roads and citizens safe. You can honor those supreme sacrifices, and those made by the employees prior, back more than 100 years, in some very meaningful ways…

We’ve lost twenty-six coworkers to incidents involving motorists and work zones. You honor them every time you don a hardhat, safety glasses and reflective gear to enter the right of way. You honor them as you watch out for each other, set the right signs, look for safer ways to work, never cut corners and when you tweak your work zone to make it easier for motorists to understand. You honor them by placing safety above convenience.

We’ve lost eight coworkers in motor vehicle crashes conducting MoDOT business.
You honor them when you click your seat belt, use a spotter, obey traffic laws, and check your monster ego and don’t retaliate when someone else drives aggressively. You honor them by realizing that deadly smart phone really can wait.

We’ve lost five coworkers to injuries caused by moving equipment. You honor them when you lock and tag out, trim your hoodie string or secure loose clothing, set chocks, respect moving equipment hazards, and properly spot while backing.

We’ve lost two coworkers to medical conditions suffered while at work. You honor them each time you make a positive lifestyle change, when you quit tobacco, when you get a flu shot, a checkup or a health assessment, or when you drag yourself to the doctor’s office.

We’ve lost one coworker who was shot while visiting a rest area, and another who died in an explosion. You honor them when you stay cautious and aware of your surroundings, and when you report anything out of the ordinary to the proper authorities.

We’ve lost one coworker who drowned trying to save a motorist trapped in a submerged car. You honor him when you realize your limits and ask for help, even when it’s difficult to do so.
We’ve lost two coworkers who fell from elevated areas and ladders. You honor them when you use the right fall protection gear, inspect it properly, and understand the risks involved in even the slightest elevations.

You respect, honor and remember every fallen worker when you understand--really understand--how vital it is to fully engage your most important piece of personal protective equipment—your brain. And, when you truly start to realize how insignificant complaints about safety procedures are compared to the unacceptable cost of you, a coworker, or a member of the public ignoring them. Moments of silence and respectful reflection are both appropriate ways to honor our fallen, but perhaps the best way is to do everything you can to not join them. Make safety a value, not a priority, and make it part of your natural behavior. If you would like more information on this or any safety topic, contact district risk management.

David Winship Recognized

Congrats are in order for Skiles Maintenance Crew Leader David Winship.

He received the "Leadership in Action" coin recently from Assistant District Engineer Chris Redline.

If you're not familiar with the new employee recognition program, here's how it works.

One hundred numbered coins have been minted with MoDOT's values of Safety, Service and Stability engraved on the back.

When someone receives the coin, the number and name of the person is recorded in a database operated by HR.

The recipient keeps the coin until they see a fellow employee demonstrating the same leadership values.

They then hand off the coin and let HR know. The process continues in a "pay it forward" type system.

Congrats to David for being one of the first! 

Off the Clock with George Duncan

MoDOT Kansas City is excited to release it's second installment to it's new podcast series, Off the Clock. This month, we're speaking with George Duncan, a maintenance supervisor in Belton. When he's not at MoDOT, George can be found spinning and mixing as a DJ.

George first got into DJ-ing after a life long love of music. When George's twin brother needed some help at an event, George stepped up to the plate and found a passion for the hobby as well.

To listen to George's podcast, click here. If you'd like to receive updates of when new podcasts are added, be sure to subscribe to our SoundCloud channel.

MoDOT Hosts DBE Mixer for I-435 South Loop Link

MoDOT hosted a disadvantaged business enterprise mixer on Thursday, Sept. 7 to support the design/build project for the I-435 South Loop Link. 

Recently, four teams were short-listed for the project:

• Clarkson Construction/Burns & McDonnell joint venture
• Emery Sapp & Sons/parsons Transportation Group
• Rachmacher Bros. Excavating/Wilson & Co.
• Ideker/Millstone Weber joint venture.

The four teams met at the MoDOT district office from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for coffee, cookies, and to meet with local DBEs. Large projects such as a design/build require that a portion of the project funds are spent on disadvantaged businesses. This mixer allowed DBEs, the contractor teams, and MoDOT get to know another and discuss the overall needs and possibilities of the project. 

About forty people attended the mixer. According to Prenness Taylor, MoDOT's Intermediate Civil Rights Specialist, the event was very successful. 

"We had a great turn out at the mixer. I was very proud of the DBEs that came out," said Taylor. "The feedback has been great. They enjoyed the mixer and appreciated the opportunity to meet the shortlisted teams. I root for each and every one of them and want so much for them to just have the opportunity for the teams to see how hard  they work can can be an incredible asset to their team."

Learn more about the I-435 South Loop Link Project at www.modot.org/kansascity/major_projects/I435South/

Eight Volunteers from Kansas City Deploy to Florida to Help with Hurricane Irma

The Missouri Department of Transportation is sending several crews from across Missouri and the Kansas City District to Florida to help with Hurricane Irma recovery on Sept. 11.

The team from the Kansas City District consists of six maintenance workers and two mechanics from Cass and Johnson Counties. They prepped with a safety briefing at 9 a.m. at the Warrensburg Maintenance Facility, then left at 10 a.m. where they will meet up with other MoDOT crews in Sikeston, MO.

The team includes:

• Russell Fisher, Strike Team Leader 
• Adam Dierkens, Senior Maintenance Worker
• Mike Walsh, Maintenance Crew Leader 
• Jimmy Miles, Intermediate Maintenance Worker
• Larry Patterson, Intermediate Maintenance Worker 
• Ron Heinemann, Maintenance Worker
• Doug Parsons, Equipment Technician
• Ben Sudheimer, Equipment Technician

This "Strike Team’s" target city has not been determined however their task has been decided. They will be performing a “cut and throw” operation in which they will clear debris from roadways.      

They will be sent with tents, cots, MREs (meals ready to eat), bottled water and fuel tanks. The group will take four vehicles, which will include a backhoe and skid steer for clearing brush. They will also take chainsaws. 

The team will be on site for at least two weeks, but may stay longer. Another group from Jackson County will eventually relieve the first group. 

Monday Sept. 17 Kicks Off Child Passenger Safety Week

September 17-23, 2017 marks the annual Child Passenger Safety Week, a concentrated focus on the most vulnerable and one of the most important people in the car.

In 2016, 18 children less than eight years of age were killed and 47 suffered serious injuries as occupants in motor vehicle crashes in Missouri. Twenty-nine percent of the children killed were not restrained in a car seat or safety belt.

During this week, law enforcement will be cracking down on child safety seat violations.

In addition, you will see several more opportunities for car seat checks. 
Missouri law requires all children under eight to be in a child safety or booster seat until they are 80 pounds or 4'9" tall.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, three out of four child safety seats are improperly installed. Car seat inspection stations are located all over Missouri. Find the one closest to you at www.seatcheck.org. MoDOT also offers car seat checks. Schedule one with our Emergency Response team! 

There is one way we can all impact child passenger safety -- lead by example. 
Missouri’s child safety seat survey revealed that when drivers are not buckled up, 28 percent of children were not restrained either, but when the driver was buckled up, only 2 percent of the children weren’t restrained. Some day your kids, nephews, nieces, neighbors or grand kids will be drivers. Lead by example and buckle up, every one, every time. 

Lear more at http://www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/CPS

Safety Shout: Chemical and Herbicide Safety

We all use chemicals in our daily lives, at work and at home. Some are more dangerous than others, but all should be used properly and respected for the hazards they present. MoDOT makes every attempt to provide the safest products available, but there’s no such thing as a perfectly safe chemical. Like a motor vehicle, a firearm or a household appliance, a chemical is only as safe as its operator.

• Read the label and/or the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Know the precautions (such as what PPE to use) as well as the first aid information, before you use the chemical. Know the plan to contain or mitigate a spill or unexpected release in advance. You won’t have time for research in an emergency.
• Never mix substances unless they’re designed for that purpose. Some chemicals react violently with other chemicals, or can cause dangerous vapors. Don’t use unmarked containers or previously used containers that may still contain traces of other chemicals.
• Be sure you store and transport chemical substances in a manner consistent with the manufacturer’s advice. Be careful not to allow them to overheat or be shaken up too much during storage or travel. Secure containers properly. 
• Herbicides are an indispensable part of MoDOT’s vegetation control efforts. While most are safe if used as directed, they are all still toxic to some degree. Always use proper PPE to keep herbicides out of your eyes and off your skin. Wash thoroughly after using them, to get the spray off you, especially before eating. Some herbicides can absorb through your skin or mucous membranes, so take care to prevent or mitigate this hazard. Remember that overspray on vegetation can remain dangerous for hours or days after application.
• Remember that chemical poisoning in adults usually occurs after many small exposures over time, rather than all at once. Pay attention to detail, and prevent or shorten as many exposures as possible so they don’t add up over time to impact your health later in life.
• Small children are most at risk from poisoning from chemicals. Assume kids will always get into exactly what you don’t want them to get into, and keep all chemicals out of their reach. Even relatively harmless things like liquid soap and perfume can poison a child.
  
  Chemicals such as herbicides are good friends to have, and they’ve made our lives much better. But, even a friend can make you sick in too large a dose. If you would like more information on chemical and herbicide safety, contact district Risk Management staff.

MoDOT KC District Engineer Hits the Airwaves

MoDOT KC District Engineer Brian Kidwell makes an appearance on Kansas City's KCUR 89.3 FM Radio Station.

On Tuesday, Sept. 5 Kidwell was part of a two-panel discussion regarding the Buck O'Neil Bridge, formally known as the Broadway Bridge. 

Kidwell talked about the ongoing structural issues the bridge faces and the possible solutions to fixing it.


One of the biggest issues with the bridge is the pack rust, which is causing it to tear itself apart said Kidwell.  

Another issue with it is the safety aspect. Kidwell specifically mentioned the pedestrians who walk across the bridge despite it not having sidewalks. 

There are several options on the table for rehabbing the aging structure, but it would require anywhere from year and a half to two years of closing the bridge to make those repairs. The closure is something that heavily concerns city leaders in Kansas City and commuters themselves. 


The host of the show, Gina Kauffmann also brought up the possibility of replacing the bridge altogether. 

Kidwell said that's also a viable option, but would cost upwards of $200 million for the undertaking.

In the coming days and possibly months, the subject of what to do with the Buck O'Neil Bridge will undoubtedly come up within the Kansas City community.

She's Back!!!!!!!!!!!

After several weeks of recovering from major Achilles repair surgery, Human Resources Manager Deborah Hogan has returned to work.

Hogan along with her bright, shiny smile walked back into the District Office Monday, Sept. 5.

If you have time, stop by her office to say hello.

She may even tell you about her surgery and some of the challenges she's faced.

Most importantly, it's good to see her return.

MoDOT Day of Remembrance - Sept. 21

MoDOT will host its annual Day of Remembrance on Thursday, Sept. 21. This is an opportunity for employees, friends, and families, to come together to remember, respect, and honor our falled MoDOT workers. 

The Day of Remembrance was introduced as a way to remember our coworkers after Clifton Scott of the Kansas City district was killed on the job in 2012.

The year, the ceremony will begin at approximately 1:30 p.m. at the Kansas City District Office. More information is to follow as the date draws nearer.