Texas Department of Transportation

MORE TEENS ARE DYING IN CRASHES BECAUSE THEY’RE NOT WEARING A SEAT BELT

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 14, 2024

TxDOT’s Teen Click It or Ticket campaign is urging all teens to buckle up—every seat, every ride.

Key Points: 
  • TxDOT’s Teen Click It or Ticket campaign is urging all teens to buckle up—every seat, every ride.
  • The number of teenagers killed in Texas who weren’t wearing their seat belt increased from 144 in 2021 to 162 in 2022, the equivalent of three full school buses.
  • In 2022, 51% (162 of 320) of teens killed in vehicle crashes were not wearing seat belts.
  • The Teen Click It or Ticket campaign will travel the state Feb. 1-15, reaching out to Texas teens with its imperative seat belt safety message.

Gatik and Kroger Celebrate Successful Autonomous Trucking Operations with City of Dallas and Texas State Partners

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, December 14, 2023

Key Points: 
  • View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231214836909/en/
    Gatik, Kroger, City of Dallas and Texas State partners celebrate Gatik and Kroger collaboration with ribbon-cutting ceremony in Dallas-Fort Worth.
  • (Photo: Business Wire)
    To celebrate the remarkable strides made since beginning local operations earlier this year, the companies came together for a ribbon-cutting ceremony with City of Dallas and Texas state officials including Tennell Atkins, Mayor Pro Tem and Council Member, and representatives from Texas Department of Transportation and Texas Department of Public Safety.
  • “You are changing the world,” said Tennell Atkins, City of Dallas Mayor Pro Tem and Council Member in his remarks addressed to Gatik and Kroger.
  • Gatik and Kroger’s cutting edge partnership is making an impact in Dallas and throughout the state of Texas.

Significant Grants From TxDOT Strengthens Port Houston Infrastructure Development

Retrieved on: 
Friday, November 10, 2023

Port Commission Chairman Ric Campo announced during the October 24th meeting of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority that Port Houston received nearly $36 million from the Texas Department of Transportation, almost 20% of the $200 million granted to Texas Ports.

Key Points: 
  • Port Commission Chairman Ric Campo announced during the October 24th meeting of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority that Port Houston received nearly $36 million from the Texas Department of Transportation, almost 20% of the $200 million granted to Texas Ports.
  • The funds were awarded through the State Maritime Infrastructure Grant Program, the first in Texas history for port maritime and infrastructure development.
  • Chairman Campo and Port Houston Executive Director Roger Guenther highlighted the completion of Wharf 6 at the Bayport Container Terminal.
  • During this meeting, the Port Commission authorized more than $100 million in awards supporting the continued growth and development of the port.

FHWA and Roadway Safety Foundation Honor 10 Life-Saving Projects

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, November 30, 2023

WASHINGTON, Nov. 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ten innovative highway safety projects, representing the very best of the nation's roadway safety practices, were honored today with National Roadway Safety Awards at a Capitol Hill ceremony. Two additional projects received honorable mentions.

Key Points: 
  • The awards were presented by the leadership of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Roadway Safety Foundation (RSF), which jointly sponsor the competition.
  • Begun in 1999, the biennial National Roadway Safety Awards honor initiatives that improve roadway safety at the state and local level.
  • "The stubbornly elevated fatality numbers underscore the urgent need for innovations like the National Roadway Safety Award honorees' projects," said Roadway Safety Foundation Executive Director Bruce Hamilton.
  • Applicants for the National Roadway Safety Awards were encouraged to nominate projects and programs that are innovative, effective and cost efficient.

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION HONORED FOR REDUCING PEDESTRIAN FATALITIES ON AUSTIN'S I-35

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, November 30, 2023

WASHINGTON, Nov. 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) was honored today with a 2023 National Roadway Safety Award for working with community leaders to address concerns about pedestrians crossing Interstate 35 in Austin, thereby, significantly reducing the number of fatalities.

Key Points: 
  • As of June 2023, the targeted section of I-35 had experienced 64 percent fewer pedestrian fatalities overall and 89 percent fewer fatalities among pedestrians facing homelessness, compared with 2019.
  • Many were hit at night as they tried to cross the highway to reach stores and a fast-food restaurant.
  • TxDOT partnered with the Federal Highway Administration to study that stretch of I-35 because of the disproportionate number of pedestrians killed.
  • Though no children had been involved in pedestrian fatalities, TxDOT wanted to further ensure their safety.

The Nature of Adversity, Decision Making and Defeating Obstacles

Retrieved on: 
Monday, November 20, 2023

FRISCO, Texas, Nov. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Author Scott Moen helps readers recognize the benefits of developing a strong character and self-esteem to conquer adversity in The Politics of Adversity: Taking back our country from the progressive left ($22.49, paperback, 9781662888861; $37.99, dust jacket, 9781662888878; $9.99, e-book, 9781662888885).

Key Points: 
  • Having embraced adversity and conquered it, I now have the confidence and courage to overcome anything that life throws at me.
  • He firmly believes that only by understanding the nature of adversity and defeating the progressive left can the country be saved.
  • His book thoroughly discusses the nature of adversity, where it comes from, why it should be embraced, how to conquer it, and how to use it to develop character and self-esteem.
  • The Politics of Adversity: Taking back our country from the progressive left is available online through amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON SOUTHERN GATEWAY PARK, OPENING SLATED FOR 2025

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, November 9, 2023

DALLAS, Nov. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Southern Gateway Public Green Foundation officially kicked off construction of Southern Gateway Park – a transformational bridge park spanning Interstate 35E in Southern Dallas – at a recent "groundmaking" celebration with more than 200 community and civic leaders, donors and partners in attendance. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) completed the bridge and related infrastructure earlier this year so that the next phase of the project – construction of the park itself – can begin later this month.

Key Points: 
  • DALLAS, Nov. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Southern Gateway Public Green Foundation officially kicked off construction of Southern Gateway Park – a transformational bridge park spanning Interstate 35E in Southern Dallas – at a recent "groundmaking" celebration with more than 200 community and civic leaders, donors and partners in attendance.
  • The park is a public/private partnership with the City of Dallas and the Southern Gateway Public Green Foundation, with support from the North Central Texas Council of Governments and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
  • Sen. West echoed Mayor Johnson's sentiments, saying: "Southern Gateway Park (SGP) signifies a historic investment in infrastructure and equity in Southern Dallas and a revitalized Oak Cliff community.
  • The Southern Gateway Public Green Foundation enlisted global design firm HKS and renowned landscape architecture firm SWA to lead the park's planning and design.

The IIA Names Benito Ybarra Executive Vice President of Global Standards, Guidance, and Certifications

Retrieved on: 
Friday, October 27, 2023

He will work closely with The IIA's International Internal Audit Standards Board (IIASB), the Professional Certifications Board (PCB), and the Global Guidance Council (GGC).

Key Points: 
  • He will work closely with The IIA's International Internal Audit Standards Board (IIASB), the Professional Certifications Board (PCB), and the Global Guidance Council (GGC).
  • "With over 25 years in internal audit leadership globally, Benito brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our organization," said IIA President and CEO Anthony Pugliese, CIA, CPA, CGMA, CITP.
  • Further, Ybarra has already made substantial contributions to The IIA in various senior volunteer roles.
  • Additionally, Ybarra actively participated as a member of The IIA International Professional Issues and Guidance Committee and served as President of the IIA North America's Austin, Texas chapter.

Houston ConnectSmart—Houston Region’s Mobility App Celebrates One-Year Anniversary Milestone with New Partnerships, Programs, and a Commuter Challenge

Retrieved on: 
Monday, October 23, 2023

Houston, Texas, Oct. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HOUSTON—Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) officials announce how during its first year the Houston ConnectSmart app has made Houston more connected and less congested.

Key Points: 
  • Houston, Texas, Oct. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HOUSTON—Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) officials announce how during its first year the Houston ConnectSmart app has made Houston more connected and less congested.
  • Through the Houston ConnectSmart app, commuters receive tailored suggestions to improve their daily travel and have access to transportation tools and services that you cannot find anywhere else.
  • Additional features like the app’s School Zone alerts help keep children safe throughout the program’s 13-County region.
  • By utilizing the carpool function or taking alternative transportation to the event, participants are eligible to receive valuable incentives to explore the app.

Summer Lawton named South Central Texas office leader for HNTB

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, October 19, 2023

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- HNTB Corporation, a leading infrastructure solutions firm, has named Summer Lawton, PLA, ASLA, South Central Texas office leader and vice president, overseeing offices in Austin, El Paso, Round Rock and San Antonio. She succeeds former office leader Scott Haywood, who was appointed to HNTB Central Division president.

Key Points: 
  • AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- HNTB Corporation , a leading infrastructure solutions firm, has named Summer Lawton, PLA, ASLA , South Central Texas office leader and vice president, overseeing offices in Austin, El Paso, Round Rock and San Antonio.
  • She succeeds former office leader Scott Haywood , who was appointed to HNTB Central Division president.
  • "She has a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in the region and will successfully guide the South Central Texas offices to unprecedented heights of success."
  • "I am thrilled to take on this new role and to lead HNTB's talented South Central Texas team," said Lawton.