Dispatch

John R. KasichGovernor

Myron S. PakushDistrict Deputy Director

Jerry WrayODOT Director

Annual Construction Recap

PAGE 4 DECEMBER 2016

VOLUME XVI, ISSUE XI

COMMUNICATING WITHTHE PEOPLE OF DISTRICT 12

DECEMBER 2016

THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

D12.PUBLIC.INFORMATION@DOT.OHIO.GOV

In this issue...

.COMREAL-TIME TRAFFIC UPDATES AT

Annual Construction Recap Continued...

Calendar ofevents

• Annual Construction Recap • GVV Bridge Surpassing DBE Goals

• LPA Day Provides Resources to Local Agencies

• Corporate Work Study Program

• Start Talking! Campaign

• Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

December 7Pearl Harbor Rememberance

December 21Winter begins

December 24Hanukkah Begins

December 25Christmas Day

December 26Kwanzaa Begins

December 31New Year’s Eve

No, drug abuse is not an issue of transportation; it’s a public health epidemic, here and across the nation. And whether directly related to our mission or not, it is something all citizens can help combat. Governor John Kasich has kicked off a new drug abuse prevention initiative in Ohio, and he is asking everyone in and out of state service to help reduce the likelihood of youth drug use before it even starts. The “Start Talking!” initiative is inspired by research that shows youth are up to 50 percent less likely to use drugs when parents and adults talk with them about it. In 2011, drug overdoses were the leading cause of accidental deaths in the state, with one Ohioan dying from a drug overdose every five hours. “Start Talking” pulls together different programs

designed to provide methods for helping parents, youths and other adults. These tools include providing instructions on how to talk to your kids about drug use, organizing

community discussions, and encouraging positive lifestyle choices. “We’re making real progress in fighting prescription drug abuse in Ohio, because we made up our minds to fight the problem head on,” said Gov. Kasich, “but we still have more work to do because illicit drug abuse remains a huge problem in our state . . . . It’s a tough problem that calls for an even tougher fight. But

it’s a fight we must win, because our future – our children – are at stake.” For more information about Start Talking and how to get involved, visit www.StartTalking.Ohio.Gov.

ODOT Supports Start Talking! Campaign

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer District 12 staff members took part in the 2016 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on October 9 at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. ODOT employees began raising money for the walk in honor of retiree Sandy Premura-John. Rolanda’s Team collected $200 and Sandy’s Team collected $160, for a total contribution of $360. Back row: Damien Hayes, Roy John, Bob Boston, Melvin SaffordRow 2: Sharon Parker, Carolyn Taylor with nephew Kayden, Julie Scheckel with daughter Abigail, Sandra Premura-John, Cheryl, Laurie Scarmuzzi and Rolanda Holloway with daughter Diamond (front, in turquiose) and granddaughter Mi’Khiya

Amanda McFarland The George V. Voinovich Bridge project is one for the record books for multiple reasons. However, one accomplishment that deserves recognition is the success of meeting and exceeding the project’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goals. Each bridge project had a DBE goal of 15 percent, which requires the contractor to hire DBE certified contractors and their contract values must total at least 15 percent of the total contract value. The westbound bridge project – the first of the pair to open to traffic – exceeded their DBE goal with 15.36 percent of the $287,400,000 contract value paid to DBE contractors. Ninety-three contractors worked on the project and 43 of those were DBE certified companies. The eastbound bridge is open to traffic and as of November 2016, the project has paid out 13.8 percent to DBE contractors and is trending toward exceeding the goal. Ninety contractors worked on the project and 40 of those were DBE certified

companies. Work remains to complete various aspects of the project and the contractor is on track to exceed the goal once all work is complete.

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is proud of what these two projects have accomplished. We will look to them as examples of what can be done on not only future Innerbelt construction contract groups, but construction projects all across the state. ODOT remains committed to a strong DBE program and the principles of fairness and opportunity for all of our business partners.

GVV Bridge Contractors Surpassing DBE Goals

As 2016 comes to a close, District 12 looks back at some of the major projects we’ve been a part of this year. In September, we saw the opening of the eastbound George V. Voinovich Bridge, marking the end of the largest bridge replacement project in Ohio’s history. Large repaving projects took place in spring, summer and fall as part of our Lakefront West and Opportunity Corridor projects. (Continued on page 4...)

Crews reconstruct and widen E. 105th Street near Cedar Ave. as part of Section 1 of the Opportunity Corridor Project, to be completed in Fall 2017.

Lake and Geauga Counties saw the resurfacing of various sections of SR 44 and the addition of the nearly completed connector road between Crile Rd. and Auburn Rd. New exit and entrance ramps to SR 44 were created as part of the rehabilitation of parts of I-422. Multiple bridge deck replacements and maintenance repairs helped extend the life of bridges in Cleveland and its surrounding areas such as SR 237 over I-90 in Lakewood. Early-morning and nighttime commuters were able to experience upgraded LED lighting on underpasses on I-90 around the Innerbelt curve.

Some projects are wrapping up in December, while longer projects like the widening of I-271 and I-77 will be resume in the spring. Thank you to all of our employees who contributed to another productive construction season! Left: Community members walk the new eastbound George V. Voinovich Bridge in September.

We are lucky to live along a state highway – Rt. 608 – where ODOT takes such good care of the highway! ...

You take such good care of this road. People ask if it has been difficult to live along this road, and we always tell them it is not, “because ODOT takes scrupulous care of the highway during all seasons.” Thank you!

Motorists

Customers and co-workers show gratitudePAGE 2 DECEMBER 2016 DECEMBER 2016 PAGE 3

District 12 employees are being recognized by their customers and co-workers for jobs well done! Below are notes to District 12 employees from fellow co-workers, and to the left are messages of gratitude from citizens of Cuyahoga, Geauga and Lake counties who have noticed the Ohio Department of Transportation’s quality work firsthand. If you have received a letter, e-mail or phone call of thanks, or you would like to give a co-worker a kudo, the Dispatch would like to hear about it! Please contact D12.Public.Information@dot.state.oh.us if you’d like to share either a customer or a co-worker kudo with all of District 12!

Jim Boyle,

A couple of weeks ago when I called, I mentioned

the lights being out on the underpass of I-480 over

SR 17, by Trinity High School. Monday night I

noticed the lights were on and that’s a very good

thing! I appreciate the help that you gave to making

sure that got done.

Motorist

Thanks Tony Toth for getting this to the right

people. – Jim Boyle

The new signage on I-90 and around the greater Cleveland downtown area are all fantastic! They are easy to read and to follow. Much better than the old signs, especially 90W at 77S. Thank you!

Motorist

Bob and Rose Moore

Jean

The difference the GVV Bridge makes is incredible! I drive 90E to downtown every day for work. I’ve done this for over 20 years and have always hated the drive. I knew it was going to get better when the new bridge was announced. The first three days made the wait completely worth it. While I realize that the cost was tremendous, the timeline long and the work complicated, everyone I know who drives over it each day is thrilled. Thank you so much for all your hard work. We love Cleveland, we love our new bridge!!!

Thank you,

Motorist

LPA Day Provides Resources to Local Agencies

Sandi Regula

The rep that I talked to, Brenda Riley, was extremely professional and knowledgeable about her job. She answered all of my questions completely and even ended the call with can I assist you with anything else. Really a stellar example of genuine customer service!

St. Martin de Porres Students Join ODOT Through CWSP

Unnamed Motorist

Ariana Mosquera Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) is a program at Saint Martin de Porres High School that allows students to work as a professional employee at a business or office. Students from different grades work on one or two days of each week. For example, juniors may work on Tuesdays or freshman may work on Thursdays.In actuality, the students work to reduce their tuition. The purpose of CWSP is to pave a pathway for students to gain work experience for the future. High school students achieving professional work experience is a major advantage for them. Student job opportunities range from hospitals, to banks, and from construction, to offices. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has participated in CWSP since 2011. ODOT currently has two student employees, Ariana Mosquera and Jason Chavez. ODOT

has a special system that allows the student employees to rotate to different departments in the building. Whenever a semester ends for the students, they are moved from whatever department they are in to a new one. This way, the student can have variety in their work and gain more experience. Student employee, Ariana Mosquera, stated, “ODOT has really helped me learn how to work independently and self-motivate myself.” She has been a student employee at ODOT for two years. She first came to ODOT as a sophomore and is now a junior. New student Jason Chavez is a freshman and he started working at ODOT back in August. If you see Ariana or Jason around the office, feel free to introduce yourself!

Ariana Mosquera During the Local Public Agencies (LPA) Day for District 12, over 97 personnel from different public agencies from Cuyahoga, Geauga and Lake Counties gathered to learn about updates to the Local-Let Process. The presentations provided information about different types of programs and new tools such as NOACA programs, TIMS Vision and Traffic Monitoring Management System (TMMS). One program discussed at the event was NOACA’s Statewide Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program, which awards agencies that help reduce traffic and air pollution. A new tool that was discussed was a website called Transportation Information Management System (TIMS) Vision. TIMS Vision provides roadway and environmental information. Another tool, TMMS is a website that holds, delivers and replaces traffic monitoring data. “We were very pleased with the attendance and interest from our locals,” said Natalie Conley, LPA Manager

for District 12. “We provided a long day with of a lot of smaller bits of information and contacts. We had a big focus on the technology and resources ODOT provides, demonstrating where to find things and the paths to get there.”

St. Martin de Porres student Ariana Mosquera works on articles for the Dispatch. She has been helping at ODOT since 2015.

Jennifer Cirincione

GIMS Systems Administrator Ian Kidner presents the features of TIMS Vision to the audience.

Jason Chavez helps file paperwork.

• • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

We are lucky to live along a state highway – Rt. 608 – where ODOT takes such good care of the highway! ...

You take such good care of this road. People ask if it has been difficult to live along this road, and we always tell them it is not, “because ODOT takes scrupulous care of the highway during all seasons.” Thank you!

Motorists

Customers and co-workers show gratitudePAGE 2 DECEMBER 2016 DECEMBER 2016 PAGE 3

District 12 employees are being recognized by their customers and co-workers for jobs well done! Below are notes to District 12 employees from fellow co-workers, and to the left are messages of gratitude from citizens of Cuyahoga, Geauga and Lake counties who have noticed the Ohio Department of Transportation’s quality work firsthand. If you have received a letter, e-mail or phone call of thanks, or you would like to give a co-worker a kudo, the Dispatch would like to hear about it! Please contact D12.Public.Information@dot.state.oh.us if you’d like to share either a customer or a co-worker kudo with all of District 12!

Jim Boyle,

A couple of weeks ago when I called, I mentioned

the lights being out on the underpass of I-480 over

SR 17, by Trinity High School. Monday night I

noticed the lights were on and that’s a very good

thing! I appreciate the help that you gave to making

sure that got done.

Motorist

Thanks Tony Toth for getting this to the right

people. – Jim Boyle

The new signage on I-90 and around the greater Cleveland downtown area are all fantastic! They are easy to read and to follow. Much better than the old signs, especially 90W at 77S. Thank you!

Motorist

Bob and Rose Moore

Jean

The difference the GVV Bridge makes is incredible! I drive 90E to downtown every day for work. I’ve done this for over 20 years and have always hated the drive. I knew it was going to get better when the new bridge was announced. The first three days made the wait completely worth it. While I realize that the cost was tremendous, the timeline long and the work complicated, everyone I know who drives over it each day is thrilled. Thank you so much for all your hard work. We love Cleveland, we love our new bridge!!!

Thank you,

Motorist

LPA Day Provides Resources to Local Agencies

Sandi Regula

The rep that I talked to, Brenda Riley, was extremely professional and knowledgeable about her job. She answered all of my questions completely and even ended the call with can I assist you with anything else. Really a stellar example of genuine customer service!

St. Martin de Porres Students Join ODOT Through CWSP

Unnamed Motorist

Ariana Mosquera Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) is a program at Saint Martin de Porres High School that allows students to work as a professional employee at a business or office. Students from different grades work on one or two days of each week. For example, juniors may work on Tuesdays or freshman may work on Thursdays.In actuality, the students work to reduce their tuition. The purpose of CWSP is to pave a pathway for students to gain work experience for the future. High school students achieving professional work experience is a major advantage for them. Student job opportunities range from hospitals, to banks, and from construction, to offices. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has participated in CWSP since 2011. ODOT currently has two student employees, Ariana Mosquera and Jason Chavez. ODOT

has a special system that allows the student employees to rotate to different departments in the building. Whenever a semester ends for the students, they are moved from whatever department they are in to a new one. This way, the student can have variety in their work and gain more experience. Student employee, Ariana Mosquera, stated, “ODOT has really helped me learn how to work independently and self-motivate myself.” She has been a student employee at ODOT for two years. She first came to ODOT as a sophomore and is now a junior. New student Jason Chavez is a freshman and he started working at ODOT back in August. If you see Ariana or Jason around the office, feel free to introduce yourself!

Ariana Mosquera During the Local Public Agencies (LPA) Day for District 12, over 97 personnel from different public agencies from Cuyahoga, Geauga and Lake Counties gathered to learn about updates to the Local-Let Process. The presentations provided information about different types of programs and new tools such as NOACA programs, TIMS Vision and Traffic Monitoring Management System (TMMS). One program discussed at the event was NOACA’s Statewide Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program, which awards agencies that help reduce traffic and air pollution. A new tool that was discussed was a website called Transportation Information Management System (TIMS) Vision. TIMS Vision provides roadway and environmental information. Another tool, TMMS is a website that holds, delivers and replaces traffic monitoring data. “We were very pleased with the attendance and interest from our locals,” said Natalie Conley, LPA Manager

for District 12. “We provided a long day with of a lot of smaller bits of information and contacts. We had a big focus on the technology and resources ODOT provides, demonstrating where to find things and the paths to get there.”

St. Martin de Porres student Ariana Mosquera works on articles for the Dispatch. She has been helping at ODOT since 2015.

Jennifer Cirincione

GIMS Systems Administrator Ian Kidner presents the features of TIMS Vision to the audience.

Jason Chavez helps file paperwork.

• • • • • • • • • • • •

.... _,...

Dispatch

John R. KasichGovernor

Myron S. PakushDistrict Deputy Director

Jerry WrayODOT Director

Annual Construction Recap

PAGE 4 DECEMBER 2016

VOLUME XVI, ISSUE XI

COMMUNICATING WITHTHE PEOPLE OF DISTRICT 12

NOVEMBER 2016

THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

D12.PUBLIC.INFORMATION@DOT.OHIO.GOV

In this issue...

.COMREAL-TIME TRAFFIC UPDATES AT

Annual Construction Recap Continued...

Calendar ofevents

• Annual Construction Recap • GVV Bridge Surpassing DBE Goals

• LPA Day Provides Resources to Local Agencies

• Corporate Work Study Program

• Start Talking! Campaign

• Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

December 7Pearl Harbor Rememberance

December 21Winter begins

December 24Hanukkah Begins

December 25Christmas Day

December 26Kwanzaa Begins

December 31New Year’s Eve

No, drug abuse is not an issue of transportation; it’s a public health epidemic, here and across the nation. And whether directly related to our mission or not, it is something all citizens can help combat. Governor John Kasich has kicked off a new drug abuse prevention initiative in Ohio, and he is asking everyone in and out of state service to help reduce the likelihood of youth drug use before it even starts. The “Start Talking!” initiative is inspired by research that shows youth are up to 50 percent less likely to use drugs when parents and adults talk with them about it. In 2011, drug overdoses were the leading cause of accidental deaths in the state, with one Ohioan dying from a drug overdose every five hours. “Start Talking” pulls together different programs

designed to provide methods for helping parents, youths and other adults. These tools include providing instructions on how to talk to your kids about drug use, organizing

community discussions, and encouraging positive lifestyle choices. “We’re making real progress in fighting prescription drug abuse in Ohio, because we made up our minds to fight the problem head on,” said Gov. Kasich, “but we still have more work to do because illicit drug abuse remains a huge problem in our state . . . . It’s a tough problem that calls for an even tougher fight. But

it’s a fight we must win, because our future – our children – are at stake.” For more information about Start Talking and how to get involved, visit www.StartTalking.Ohio.Gov.

ODOT Supports Start Talking! Campaign

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer District 12 staff members took part in the 2016 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on October 9 at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. ODOT employees began raising money for the walk in honor of retiree Sandy Premura-John. Rolanda’s Team collected $200 and Sandy’s Team collected $160, for a total contribution of $360. Back row: Damien Hayes, Roy John, Bob Boston, Melvin SaffordRow 2: Sharon Parker, Carolyn Taylor with nephew Kayden, Julie Scheckel with daughter Abigail, Sandra Premura-John, Cheryl, Laurie Scarmuzzi and Rolanda Holloway with daughter Diamond (front, in turquiose) and granddaughter Mi’Khiya

Amanda McFarland The George V. Voinovich Bridge project is one for the record books for multiple reasons. However, one accomplishment that deserves recognition is the success of meeting and exceeding the project’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goals. Each bridge project had a DBE goal of 15 percent, which requires the contractor to hire DBE certified contractors and their contract values must total at least 15 percent of the total contract value. The westbound bridge project – the first of the pair to open to traffic – exceeded their DBE goal with 15.36 percent of the $287,400,000 contract value paid to DBE contractors. Ninety-three contractors worked on the project and 43 of those were DBE certified companies. The eastbound bridge is open to traffic and as of November 2016, the project has paid out 13.8 percent to DBE contractors and is trending toward exceeding the goal. Ninety contractors worked on the project and 40 of those were DBE certified

companies. Work remains to complete various aspects of the project and the contractor is on track to exceed the goal once all work is complete.

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is proud of what these two projects have accomplished. We will look to them as examples of what can be done on not only future Innerbelt construction contract groups, but construction projects all across the state. ODOT remains committed to a strong DBE program and the principles of fairness and opportunity for all of our business partners.

GVV Bridge Contractors Surpassing DBE Goals

As 2016 comes to a close, District 12 looks back at some of the major projects we’ve been a part of this year. In September, we saw the opening of the eastbound George V. Voinovich Bridge, marking the end of the largest bridge replacement project in Ohio’s history. Large repaving projects took place in spring, summer and fall as part of our Lakefront West and Opportunity Corridor projects. (Continued on page 4...)

Crews reconstruct and widen E. 105th Street near Cedar Ave. as part of Section 1 of the Opportunity Corridor Project, to be completed in Fall 2017.

Lake and Geauga Counties saw the resurfacing of various sections of SR 44 and the addition of the nearly completed connector road between Crile Rd. and Auburn Rd. New exit and entrance ramps to SR 44 were created as part of the rehabilitation of parts of I-422. Multiple bridge deck replacements and maintenance repairs helped extend the life of bridges in Cleveland and its surrounding areas such as SR 237 over I-90 in Lakewood. Early-morning and nighttime commuters were able to experience upgraded LED lighting on underpasses on I-90 around the Innerbelt curve.

Some projects are wrapping up in December, while longer projects like the widening of I-271 and I-77 will be resume in the spring. Thank you to all of our employees who contributed to another productive construction season! Left: Community members walk the new eastbound George V. Voinovich Bridge in September.