MoDOT KC Shares Its Expertise on Communicating Weather Events

A member of MoDOT KC's Communications Department shared some of their expertise on communicating weather events in the Kansas City community. 

Communication Specialist Markl Johnson took part in a panel discussion during a RAPIO meeting on Friday, Feb. 22 at the MARC (Mid-America Regional Council) offices in downtown Kansas City. 

RAPIO is a monthly meeting where public information officers who work for city, state and government agencies discuss ways on how to communicate effectively. 


Johnson offered his perspective on the role MoDOT's communication team informs the public. 

He talked about the constant dialogue that needs to take place between the public and MoDOT.

Johnson touched on the importance of letting the community know how MoDOT prepares for a weather event and also what's happening during that event. 

Another focus of his talk was how important pictures are to communication. 

Johnson said that Facebook and Twitter were great tools to communicate, but it's the photos associated with them that help tell the story. 

He also talked about being conversational in posts and to see the perspective of the community. 
   
Johnson also stressed the importance of humor and how it helps grab the attention of people in the community. 

  

KC Region Projects Awarded Honors

Three MoDOT Kansas City Region projects recently were awarded honors by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Missouri in their an annual competition that recognizes engineering feats in a range of fields.

Nine projects were honored with their Engineering Excellence Competition Grand Award including the US Highway 169 and I-70 North Loop PEL Study (Buck O’Neil Bridge).

Eight projects were given their Engineering Excellence Competition Honor Award including the US Highway 50 at Route 291 South Interchange project (In addition to ACEC’s Honor Award, this project also received an Excellence in Concrete Award from Concrete Promotional Group.) and the US Highway 50 and Blackwell Road Interchange project.

The American Council of Engineering Companies of Missouri, Inc., ACEC/MO, is an organization of professional engineering firms in private practice. Formed July 12, 1955, and incorporated under the laws of the State of Missouri, ACEC/MO, is a founding member organization of American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC). For more information on consulting engineering firms across the nation, contact ACEC at www.acec.org.

Registration Deadline for Women's Conference is March 1

Are you attending the KC District FIRST annual Women’s Conference? If you have not registered yet, please RSVP to Dawn Campos no later than Friday, March 1 at dawn.campos@modot.mo.gov

• Meet local women leaders in the fields of engineering and construction, including a top women-owned business.
• Learn more about all the departments in the organization.
• Take part in speed mentoring for advice on career advancement.
• And don’t forget breakfast!

This is our first conference, come see what we have planned! You can also RSVP at 816-607-2039.

MoDOT KC Communications Earns Media Award for 470 Work

On Tuesday, Feb. 20, the Social Media Club of Kansas City honored the best in social media marketing campaigns during the 5th Annual #AMPSKC Awards. MoDOT’s local KC Communications team took home the Silver Award, presented for keeping drivers informed during the I-470 construction project. 

In the summer of 2018, the public relations team at MoDOT Kansas City faced a dilemma: an upcoming bridge project was going to completely ruin the commute of more than 70,000 drivers every day for two months. The task was how to help these drivers; the solution was to change their behavior. 

This project reduced I-470/Route 291 to one lane in both directions, from Lee’s Summit, MO, at the Little Blue River bridge all the way to I-70 in Independence, MO. Traffic analysis estimated that this alone could cause traffic delays of up to 75 minutes or more during peak travel times. Additionally, the project required crews to close each loop ramp at the I-470 and I-70 interchange, meaning thousands of drivers would need to find alternate routes to and from both I-470 and I-70.

The team highlighted the bridge rehabilitation project for motorists along both I-470/Route 291, I-70, and US Highway 40. There were several key messages that needed to be conveyed: 

• I-470/Route 291 would be reduced to ONE lane in each direction during construction.

• There would be numerous ramp closures at this interchange – some of them all happening at once.

• There would be major traffic impacts with delays reaching up to an estimated 75 minutes or more.

• Motorists should find alternate routes and avoid the area if possible

The public outreach plan for this project included a variety of communication methods including: 

• Social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram)

• Informational graphics and videos created in-house

• Direct mail

• Weekly news releases

• Formal media event

• Additional construction signage

• Radio

Each of these methods were selected as highly effective ways to reach the most people. Construction is not easy; unexpected things happened and circumstances changed. Most of these channels were used to prepare customers for the work. They were also used to easily reach out to customers in the event that the plans had changed. Whether it was inclement weather, a special event, construction issues, or something as simple as unfavorable pavement temperatures, this project faced several set backs.

MoDOT Kansas City was able to evaluate the success of each of these communication methods in a variety ways. Based on all of these results, especially considering the significant drop in traffic volumes, it is clear to see that the public outreach efforts of MoDOT Kansas City significantly helped alert the public about the impacts of this construction work. Additionally, many drivers changed their behavior.

Safety Shout: High-Visibility PPE

Let’s reflect on the importance of high-visibility PPE. This is your chance to get completely lit and flash people without going to jail. In fact, it will keep you alive! Take a shine to doing it right, and don’t take it lightly. Hey, why don’t you show some class? Class II or III, preferably. Look at you, you’re positively beaming! No dirty looks, please, but feel free to glare all you want! Here’s some advice on how to be noticed in a positive light.

• Wear the right class of high-visibility personal protective equipment (PPE). MoDOT requires Class II apparel (shirt or vest) during daylight hours, and Class III apparel (Either a Class III upper or a Class II shirt or vest plus Class E pants or reflective “gaiters”) from a ½ hour before sunset until 1/2 hour after sunrise.
• This PPE must be worn on or near the right of way or anywhere else traffic hazards exist. The policy is there for good reason…it’s easier for a motorist to notice you in the dark when your legs are reflective or when you have on the more reflective Class III top. Even with a Class III top, gators are recommended so it’s easier for drivers to identify you as a human rather than a channelizer or sign.
• Know the difference between “reflective” and “retro-reflective.” This applies to PPE and other safety equipment such as signs, channelizers, etc. “Reflective” material sends light back toward the source (such as headlights) in a 30-45 degree arc. “Retro-reflective” materials send it back in a 10 degree or tighter arc. This means that retro-reflective is much brighter, but can’t be seen as well from the sides. Both have their uses, but they are not always interchangeable. Make sure you follow the Typical Application (TA) and other policy and Engineering Policy Guide (EPG) guidance.
• Never clean reflective or retro-reflective material (clothing, signs or anything else) with diesel, brake cleaner, or any petroleum based solvent. Doing so can degrade the material and the tiny reflective beads inside. Clean PPE and equipment according to the manufacturer’s directions, and replace it as necessary.
• Don’t proudly be the employee with the most dirt, grease, and oil on your high visibility PPE. Most folks know these days that dirtier does not necessarily mean harder-working. Would you rather be seen and be safe, or be seen lying on a hospital gurney with your dirty, greasy self? Keep your priorities straight.
• Don’t hesitate to tactfully remind a coworker they’re not very bright (PPE- wise, that is) when they need it. You may be saving a life. If someone does the same for you, don’t get ornery about it. They may be saving yours.
• Try this test yourself…take a flash picture of an old dirty piece of PPE at night, then take a similar picture of a new one. You might be shocked at the difference. That could be you in there!

Being seen in sufficient time for a driver to slow down or move over can make all the difference in the world. Remember, the highways are full of distracted and impatient drivers, as well as those impaired by medical conditions, drugs, or alcohol. Making sure every driver sees you as brightly as possible is the best way to avoid a dim future. 

If you would like more information on PPE, contact your supervisor or  district Risk Management.

KC District Celebrates Engineers Week

National Engineers Week is Feb. 17-23 and we will highlight our engineers through social media. Engineers Week celebrates how engineers make a difference in our world.  Follow MoDOT_KC on twitter and youtube to see short videos of our engineers. Learn more about the week here.

Check out this great video from some of our newer engineers and the advice they would give to the next generation! 

Innovations Challenge Finalists

Kansas City District has nine innovations that will compete at the Innovations Showcase on April 1 & 2 in Springfield.  Congratulations to all of our innovators!  

Here is KC’s list for the Statewide Showcase:

Online E-11 Form (Travis Jones, Shelly Cooper, Anita Buddemeyer, Courtney Thompson)

Better Photo Documentation (Stephen Colloyott, Becky Wilson, Lynelle Luther, Brian Burger, LeaAnn Otis, Brad Kelly)

Rumble Gores (Brian Burger, James Pflumm, Steve Colloyott, and Russell Penner)

RWA Signs (Tim Hazlett, Bill Chappel, Phillip Nguyen, Jacob Wilson, Steve Colloyott, Brian Burger)

Lane Mile Calculator (Griffin Smith)

Divergeabout (Ryan Hale, Josh Scott)

Wire Theft Protection (Chris Divine, David Bromley, Chris Weikel, Russell Johnston, James Callahan, Scott Brelsford)

Solar Gore Point Warning Flasher (Calvin Kenslow, Scott Brelsford)

Collapsible Stop / Slow Paddle (John Mackey, Tim Koch)

KC EAC Resource Center on Sharepoint

The KC EAC has a brand new resource center available for your use! Whether you need financial assistance,  legal aid, or health assistance, you can find a variety of resources sorted by county at your fingertips on Sharepoint. Click here to see all of the resources.

Where to Find It:

1.From the KC Sharepoint Page, click The Bridge (KCEAC)

2.On the next page, click EAC Resources.

Northland Maintenance Receives Award for Drainage Work

In June 2017 MoDOT Kansas City maintenance facilities took on the huge task of clearing out the clogged drains along a variety of KC roadways. 

Two of these sheds were the Northmoor and Skiles maintenance facilities. The employees who helped make this project successful were honored with awards from the district on Wednesday, Feb. 13.

Take a look at the full photo gallery here.

Public Meeting: Buck O'Neil Bridge Environmental Study (Photo Gallery)

On Tuesday, Feb. 12, MoDOT Kansas City hosted a public informational meeting regarding an environmental study of the Buck O'Neil Bridge at the Mid-American Regional Council. 

MoDOT, the City of Kansas City, Missouri, and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) began an environmental study  on the Buck O’Neil Bridge. The environmental study builds on the planning and environmental linkages (PEL) study to further evaluate options to improve or potentially replace the U.S. 169 Bridge over the Missouri River in Kansas City.

The team will evaluate potential impacts to historic structures, including the existing Buck O’Neil Bridge, and other resources in the study area such as public parks, open spaces, cultural assets, and people and businesses in and around the area. The study, which is scheduled to conclude in late 2019, will require public input.

Commissioners Stop and Say Hello in Sedalia

Commissioners Waters and Ecker were on their way home from an event on Monday, Feb. 6. Due to the inclement weather that evening, they stayed in Jefferson City and drove home the next morning.  On their way back, they stopped by the Sedalia maintenance building to say hello.

Pictured from left to right: Matt Kidder, Russel Rentel, Josh Rupe, Commissioner Waters, and Commissioner Ecker. 

Chili Cook Off and Bake Off (Photo Gallery)

The Employee Assistance Council held a chili cook off and bake off on Thursday, Jan. 31, at the Lee's Summit Maintenance Facility. The event was a fundraiser for the Employee Assistance Fund and drew in many employees from around the district to enter, judge, and attend the competition!

Thank you to all who attended the event and congratulations to all the winners.