Covid-19 Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about Covid-19? Click here to read some of the most frequently asked questions about the pandemic here at MoDOT.

And if you have more questions, email COVID-19Questions@modot.mo.gov.

Construction projects not delayed by Covid-19

MoDOT construction projects are part of the essential work that continues despite the Kansas City metro-wide stay-at-home order.

“At this time, we do not see any disruption to the design or construction of the state’s road and bridge projects.  We are keeping an eye on the materials supply chain, so we can react accordingly.  With our partners in industry, we will strive to keep this construction season on schedule,” District Engineer Dave Sylvester said.

MoDOT buildings will remain closed to the public statewide until April 6. The Kansas City metro remains under a stay-at-home order until April 23.

MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna gave guidance to employees in an email yesterday.

“We know a lot of information has been coming your way both through MoDOT channels and other avenues. It is important at this time that you keep yourself informed with reliable information, as there is quite a bit of misinformation floating about regarding this pandemic situation. We have placed a one-stop-shop button on Sharepoint that provides all of the communications to state employees,” McKenna said.

Anyone with questions reguarding Covid-19 can email them to COVID-19Questions@modot.mo.gov.

Maintenance Team Continues to Keep Kansas City District Roads Safe

 

During these unprecedented times in our country, there are some things that can’t shut down. At MoDOT, we understand that roads are among those things.

Not only can roads not shut down, but our roads must also be maintained. So, while most of Kansas City will work from home during the next few weeks, our maintenance crews will continue to work in the field, filling potholes, prepping mowers, cleaning the salt off area bridges and more.

“Of course, everyone is concerned and taking extra precautions,” Maintenance Superintendent Travis Jones said.

Those precautions include sanitizing trucks, not sharing tools and limiting the people who ride in the same vehicle.

Everyone is doing their part to flatten the curve on the Covid-19 pandemic. Our maintenance crews play an important role in assuring that our highways and bridges are accessible to those who need to travel to hospitals, grocery stores, and pharmacies.

Our maintenance teams appreciate the positive feedback they receive from colleagues and the public via social media. We look forward to seeing more positive feedback in the future weeks as we get through this together.

Events cancelled due to Covid-19 outbreak

MoDOT events have been cancelled and/or postponed through April 30, pending the COVID-19 situation. This includes but is not limited to:

•Big Truck Night

•Bring Your Child to Work

•The Women’s Conference

•Spring Meetings

•Corporate Challenge Kick-Off

Information from Jefferson City Regarding Covid-19

During these unusual times, we know many MoDOT employees have questions about Covid-19 and the social distancing measures that are currently in place. Please review this information that came directly from the Central Office.

• Employees who can effectively carry out their duties from home will be allowed to do so with supervisory approval provided their work can be performed without a decrease in function, a disruption in operations or a decline in customer service. View Personnel Policy 0513 on “Telework” here.

• Employees approved to work from home by their supervisor without access to department-provided equipment may temporarily use personal phones, computers and other necessary information technology resources in order to conduct department business. Please remain vigilant to ensure the department remains secure from cybersecurity attacks. Additional information about this provision can be found here.

• All external meetings scheduled through April 30, including district spring meetings and the DRIVE conference, will be canceled for now. Examine internal meetings to determine whether they can just as effectively be handled by video or teleconference.

• Additional resources are available on the next slide.

MoDOT Prescription Plan

Worried about making it to the pharmacy? Your MoDOT prescription plan offers a partnership with a pharmacy that will mail your prescriptions directly to your home. You can transfer your current prescriptions to Postal Prescription Service and save yourself a trip to the pharmacy. Register for an account and review the mail order FAQ’s here.

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MoDOT Medical Plan

Due to the recent spread of COVID-19, if you find yourself in need of testing, your MoDOT medical plan is there to support you. The testing for COVOD-19 will be covered by the plan at 100%. Any office visit or other services will pay according to plan guidelines.

Resources Available

• Department of Health & Senior Services – COVID-19 outbreak information

• DHSS has also activated a statewide public hotline to provide guidance regarding the disease – 877-435-8411.

• Office of Administration – Management Guidance and FAQs.

• Healthcare services available:

• The LiveHealth Online app connects you with a board-certified doctor in just a matter of minutes from your smartphone, tablet or computer. You can also visit their site here.

• The Employee Assistance Program is available 24 hours per day at 1-800-808-2261. Additional resources related to the EAP program can be found here.

• If after reviewing the above resources you still have questions or concerns, please address them to COVID-19Questions@modot.mo.gov and they will be answered as quickly as possible.

Three ways to stay connected while social distancing

With the new recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many employees are working from home or out of a sparsely populated office. This distancing is important to stop the spread of Covid-19, but during these times it is also important to stay connected in the workplace. Here are three ways to do so that could help boost your spirits during these unusual times.

Use video conferencing and Facetime instead of email

Obviously, not every interaction should be via Facetime, but you should not dismiss the power of face-to-face interaction, especially for those working from home. You can create a video conference by going to join.modot.org. From there, click on “join meeting” and type in the meeting host’s meeting ID. Your meeting ID/conference number in the MoDOT directory.

Take a walk to catch up

When you take time to catch up with coworkers on projects over the phone step outside with your cell phone and go for a walk while you chat. The fresh air will help those working from home feel less isolated. And the exercise (and sunshine when available) could help boost your mood.

Say good morning

As many employees work from home, it’s important to remember to stay connected to your co-workers. Say good morning to the people who you would normally see at the office via Skype, e-mail or text. This is an unusual circumstance, but we can stay connected as we practice social distancing. We are in this together.

Corporate Challenge kicks off with April 10 party

Did someone say tailgate party?

The EAC is hosting a family-friendly tailgate party from 4 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 10 at Kaufmann Stadium. The kick-off also includes a one-mile walk that earns points for MoDOT’s Corporate Challenge team, but you don’t have to participate in the walk or other corporate challenge events to attend the kickoff party.

The party is open to Corporate Challenge participants and supporters. So, whether you plan to participate in track and field, swimming, dodge ball or cheer in the stands the EAC hopes to see you on April 10.

“Join us on April 10th for the Corporate Challenge Kickoff/Walk and have a fun-filled evening with music and snacks. Take a look around at some of the equipment we use and take a leisurely mile walk around the tailgates to earn points for MODOT,” said Trisha Sen, EAC member and kick-off party coordinator.  

This year MoDOT’s Corporate Challenge kick-off event will include MoDOT’s very own Michael Rios as D.J. Rios said he will take everyone’s requests.

The will also include food, MoDOT trucks and equipment on display, tailgate games and bounce houses.

Mark your calendar and plan to bring your whole family to the event.

If you haven’t signed up for Corporate Challenge yet, there is still time to do so. Companies throughout Kansas City compete against one another in a variety of athletic events, beginning April 10 and going through June. Money raised from the Corporate Challenge events goes to the Special Olympics. Click here to view a full list of the events. 

To sign up for Corporate Challenge, visit http://kccorporatechallenge.com/. Use the code MODOT2020 to create your account.

MoDOT’s team still needs team captains for the following events:

·         Dodgeball

·         Duathlon

·         Long jump

·         Shot put

·         Table tennis

·         Trap shoot

·         Volleyball

If you are interested in being a captain or have any questions about Corporate Challenge, contact MoDOT’s Corporate Challenge Coordinator Karlee Bauknecht at Karlee.Bauknecht@modot.mo.gov.

Maintenance open for transfers through March 18

Kansas City Maintenance Department is currently accepting requests for employees who would like to transfer to other maintenance buildings. Those interested in a transfer can visit the internal job announcement page on the MoDOT website and click on the Kansas City folder.  

These transfers will be open through March 18 and are open to pay grades 6,7 and 8. Crew Leaders and higher are not eligible for transfers because those are competitive positions.

Angela Norman, with Kansas City Human Resources, will contact transfer applicants regarding building preferences. Applicants will choose their first, second and third preferences.

Approved transfers will be effective April 1. Preference will be given to employees who have not recently transferred.

KC Scout Presents Behind the Scenes Look at Traffic Management to KCITE

Lights, camera, action!

Kansas City Scout and Operation Greek Light recently presented a unique look at how KC Scout and OGL operate to the Kansas City Institute of Transportation Engineers (KCITE) at the MoDOT Kansas City district office. Nearly 50 KCITE members attended the two hour event on Thursday, March 5.

The training provided a behind the scenes look at what traffic operations look like in real time. This particular session combined two viewpoints (both KC Scout and Operation Green Light) working together to help assist in a major traffic incident.

The event kicked off with a short presentation and overview of KC Scout and OGL by KC Scout Manager, Randy Johnson and Manager of Traffic Operations, Ray Webb. The kick off (planned ahead of time by the team) was interrupted by a real time reenactment of an actual traffic incident that occurred in Lee's Summit last summer when a vehicle was hanging over the Colbern Rd. bridge over I-470.

Actors in the reenactment includes Transportation Project Manager Mark Sommerhauser, Traffic Systems Supervisor Kelly Alvarez, TMC operator James Banhart, OGL Traffic Signal Analyst Barry Viss, and emergency response operators Hector Ortiz, and Chuck Burns.

"Since we can't fit such a large group of people in the actual Traffic Management Center, we wanted to bring the unpredictable environment of the TMC and Operation Green Light to them," explain KC Scout Manager Randy Johnson.

The hours of preparation for this innovative presentation style paid off by how much attendees participated in the session. Each attendee walked away with a new perspective of KC Scout and OGL.