On Friday, March 7, 2008, as predicted, a snow storm began in Northeast Ohio. The first snow began early Friday afternoon and did not stop until the early hours of Sunday. This wicked storm dumped snow at

depths of 16 to 26 inches across the entire area. In addi-tion to the exces-sive snow, winds approaching 40 miles per hour made visibility through-out the area limited at best and nearly non-existent at its worst.

The fact that the snow was non-stop nearly the entire time, made keeping the roads passable a formidable task. Officials from local law enforcement to the Governor, asked motorists to keep their travel to only that which was absolutely essential. Luckily the majority of the snow fell on Saturday, which has significantly less traffic than a weekday. Many motorists heeded the advice of the Gover-nor and law enforcement and re-mained off the roads. Despite the treacherous conditions, our District 12 snow fighting team was able to keep all roads within the District passable during the entire storm. Working 12 hour shifts for the duration of the storm, these fearless road warriors, often plowing in tandem, somehow

managed to keep up their proud tradition of “second to none in ice and snow.” While many of us were safe and warm in our homes all day Saturday, and most of Sunday, the snow fighters of District 12

were pulling out all the stops to not only keep all roads passable during the storm, but to prepare the roads for the Monday morn-ing rush hour. It was a tall order. Media interest in the road conditions, as well as our performance was extremely high. Local stations preempted national shows, and in some instances put on entire programs focusing on the storm. District 12 provided live updates to all the local televi-sion stations as well as information for the

local newspapers. With all eyes focused on our efforts, “How?” everyone won-dered, would we ever be ready for Monday morning? Not only were we ready; but we were standing tall and looking good. Bare pavement was the order of the day everywhere you looked in District 12. To all the managers, mechan-ics, clerks and men and women

in our snow fighting vehicles, you have our warmest wishes and most sincere thanks. Even more importantly, you were praised by the media and thanked often by our custom-ers. Way to go!

Communicating with the people of District 12

DISPATCH

Volume XIII, Issue 4 April 2008 March 28, 2008

Page 4 March 28, 2008

The Ohio Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Ted StricklandGovernor

Bonita G. Teeuwen, P.E.District Deputy Director

James Beasley, P.E., P.S.ODOT Director

March Storm Brings Record Snow

Focus On: Brandon Bivins, Always Ready to RideODOT driver fights severe winter weather during the March 7 & 8 storm of 2008

To all the managers, mechanics, clerks and men and women in our snow fighting vehicles, you have our warmest wishes and most sincere thanks.

If you are in Northeast Ohio in the winter you un-doubtedly have an appreciation for ODOT’s highway technicians. The winter of 2007/2008 is shaping up to be another winter that doesn’t want to end. Brandon Bivins, Highway Technician 2, has worked the past seven years at Warrensville yard and knows first hand what mother nature’s fury is like. Brandon is a graduate of Max Hayes High School and was recom-mended to consider employment with the ODOT by his guidance counselor. Brandon was a member of the benchmark program designed to help students get their Commercial Drivers License’s (CDL’s). Mr. Volosin, Principal and Mr. Ronald Shepherd, Automotive Department Head at Max Hayes were involved with this interactive recruitment process between students and employees of District 12. After being hired, Brandon spent six months training for his CDL under the supervision of Danny Thomas, Highway Technician 2 now at District 4, and Jim An-derson, Highway Technician 1 former training officer. The training included driving snow and ice trucks and front end loaders. All of this training would pay dividends when plowing through the storms of Northeast Ohio. Brandon recently worked a 12-hour shift battling a severe winter storm that began on Friday, March 7, 2008. The National Weather Service had issued a winter storm

warning through Sunday. On Saturday March 8, forecast-ers predicted snow and blowing snow with blizzard condi-tions possible. Throughout the District, motorists were urged to stay off the road and many of them did just that. “I encourage all Ohioans to continue to avoid any unnecessary travel,” said Governor Ted Strickland. It was during this time that Brandon along with many

other Highway Technicians and managers in District 12 rose to the occasion to keep the roadways passable and safe. Many of the safety practices and procedures that Brandon learned in training were put into play. Things like, take your time and don’t drive too fast in the snow, or always look straight ahead for stopped traffic and to be aware of the changing weather conditions. Brandon takes his responsibility seriously. “Making the roads safer for family and friends is important to me,” said Brandon, “snow plowing is fun.” During warmer weather, Brandon enjoys riding motor-cycles. I’ve been riding for two years now. “I’m always ready to ride,” Brandon said.

Top: Brandon Bivins uses caution while plowing his route. Safety is always our primary concern.Left: Brandon loads his truck with salt during the March 7 and 8 storm of 2008.

District 12 was chosen by Flexible Pavements of Ohio to receive a Quality Paving Award for work during the 2007 paving season. The winning project, State Route 21 (Brecksville Road) from the Ohio Turnpike to State Route 82 in the City of Brecksville, was managed by Project En-gineer Alice Robie and Area Engineer Jeff Hebebrand. Flexible Pavements of Ohio is an association for the development, improvement and advancement of quality asphalt pavement construction. Flexible Pave-ments of Ohio is dedicated to providing its members with the technical, educational, marketing and legislative support that will best aid them in the production and installation of the highest quality asphalt Pavements. Each year at its Annual Meeting, Flexible Pavements of Ohio recognizes projects that demonstrate exceptional quality in construction and awards them the Quality Seal. In 2006, Ohio Department of Transportation winners included District 1, Wyandot County; District 3, Erie and Wayne Counties; District 5, Coshocton County; District 7, Auglaize County and District 8, Hamilton County. The over $1 million State Route 21 resurfacing project began in May of 2007 and was completed in August of that year. “Any time that a project achieves an award by the

industry it’s something to be proud of,” said Hebebrand. “We may think that the road rides well, but it’s great to see the industry coming in and saying we got a good quality project,” he continued. “It’s nice to be recognized by the industry experts.” Burton Scot Contractors, who performed the project, provided quality work and maintained good rapport with both the City of Brecksville and locals. “The contractor

did an excellent job in notify the locals and also maintained excellent communication with the

project engineer,” Hebebrand said. Project Engineer Alice Robie is credited with helping the project to run smoothly while maintaining a high level of safety. “Alice did a great job in coordinating with the City of Brecksville,” Hebebrand said. “It was very safe job with no ac-

cidents, Hebebrand continued, “Alice worked with Burton Scot to make sure the

project was safe and met all of the mainte-nance of traffic guidelines.”

Members of the District 12 staff attended an awards presentation and were awarded with a plaque on March 19 at the Hilton Columbus. Anyone may view the award in the main lobby of the District 12 Headquarters. For more information on Flexible Pavements of Ohio, visit them on the Web at www.flexiblepavements.org.

Page 2 March 28, 2008 March 28, 2008 Page 3

District 12 Awarded by Flexible Pavements of Ohio

www.BuckeyeTraffic.org

NEWS IN THE MAKING: Around District 12Mark Your Calendars for These Upcoming Events!

Team-Up ODOT Team-Up ODOT will be held on May 8 at the

Rhodes Center at the Ohio Expo Cen-ter from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register by April 14!

Failure to keep your blood pressure in check could lead to heart attack or stroke. It is vital that you know the warn-ing signs of a heart attack or stroke so you can get help immediately.

Health and Safety Update: Know the Warning Signs

Although some heart attacks are sudden and intense, many start slowly with mild discomfort or pain, with one or more of the following symptoms: ▪ Chest discomfort or pressure ▪ Breaking out in a cold sweat ▪ Nausea ▪ Light-headedness ▪ Pain, tingling or discomfort in one of both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach ▪ Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort

Heart Attack Stroke Recognizing the signs of a stroke and getting to the hospital quickly are very important. This signs of a stroke are sudden onset of: ▪ Confusion ▪ Trouble speaking or understanding ▪ Trouble seeing in one or both eyes ▪ Severe headache without a cause ▪ Weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, espe- cially on one side of the body ▪ Trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance

Work Zone Awareness Week National Work Zone Awareness Week will take place April 7 through 11. The Ninth Annual National Media Event will be observed on: April 8, in Sacramento, California at the California State Capitol. The event will be hosted by the Cali-fornia Department of Transportation (Caltrans). This year we are reminded to “Slow for the Cone Zone”. Today’s work zone points to tomorrow’s improved roadways for smoother rides, better traffic flow and safer travel in your future. Each district across the state will observe NWZAW by “Lighting-up-Orange” in order to remind motorists to use caution in Ohio’s construction zones.

National Volunteer Week This year’s National Volunteer Week is Sunday, April 27 through Saturday, May 3, 2008. National Volunteer Week was created in 1974 when President Richard Nixon signed an executive order to establish the week as an annual celebration of volun-teering. And every year since that time, each U.S. President, along with many governors, mayors and other elected of-ficials, has signed a proclamation promoting National Volunteer Week. District 12 will hold its volun-teer clean-up event on Saturday, May 3 here at the District head-quarters. Please join members of the District Executive Leadership team at 9 a.m. in the District 12 Memorial Gardens. The event will take place rain or shine! Family and friends are invited as members of the ODOT, District 12 staff come together to remember those who have given their lives while beautifying the Memorial Gardens. Volunteerism is increasingly important as we work to solve social issues throughout the nation. No matter how busy you are, there’s an opportunity that’s right for you. For more information on National Volunteer Week or to find a local volunteer center, log-on to www.pointsof-light.org or visit 1-800-volunteer.org.

www.BuckeyeTraffic.org

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEKApril 27-May 3, 2008

Visit 1-800-volunteer.org today and make a commitment to serve.