The DOT POD

Confined Space Training Oct 22, 2024

In this episode of The DOT POD, host Josh Heller finds himself in a bit of a “tight spot” as he and co-host Anya Kardos head to Alexandria Bay, New York, to get a first-hand look at the New York State Department of Transportation’s brand-new mobile Confined Space Training Trailer.

Their journey offers a unique opportunity to delve into NYSDOT’s enhanced confined space training and how this new mobile training unit is affording real-world scenarios to department employees statewide who navigate the complexities of working in challenging spaces.

Josh and Anya welcome guests Scott Cornell and Dean Yauger with NYSDOT’s Office of Safety and Health as they share the unique challenges and hazards that require specialized knowledge and skills to navigate spaces like manholes, catch basins, culverts, bridge compartments, and underground systems at our state rest areas to keep these structures and our entire network of roadways safe and running smoothly.

Centro & the Future of Micro Transit Oct 08, 2024

The DOT POD's hosts are back on the road, this time visiting Rome, NY to explore the innovative world of micro transit.

In this episode, Josh and Anya sit down with guests Ross Farrell, Director of NYSDOT's Public Transportation Bureau, and Steve Koegel, Vice President of Communications and Business Planning for the Central New York Regional Transportation Authority (Centro).

They discuss Centro's achievements in on-demand transit, their user-friendly app, and how they, and NYSDOT, are leveraging funding to rethink transit for riders.

Recruitment Sep 24, 2024

On this edition of The DOT POD, hosts Josh and Anya are once again on site at the Great New York State Fair talking about recruitment.

The New York State Department of Transportation is constantly on the look out for the best and the brightest to join the DOT team, with openings throughout the entire Department.

Joining the podcast are recruitment coordinator, Dan Patrignani, and motor equipment manager, Bill Chiro, to discuss the need for qualified employees, and how DOT, as well as the State of New York, is making it easier than ever to apply.

For more information on working for DOT, click here.

For a list of DOT job openings, click here.

NYSDOT Remembers 9/11 Sep 10, 2024

On this special episode of the DOT POD, Josh and Anya travel to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City on the eve of the 23rd anniversary of that tragic day.

Listen in as they speak with two former DOT employees, Mukesh Desai and Craig Ruyle, who worked right around the corner from the Towers. They'll take us through the events of that day and the aftermath in the days that followed, and how the New York State Department of Transportation helped aid in the cleanup and recovery.

They also welcome in the Chief Curator of the 9/11 Memorial Museum, Jan Ramirez, and talk about the importance, and the responsibility, of ensuring we never forget the events of that fateful day.

School Bus Inspection Sep 03, 2024

With the first day of school right around the corner, countless parents will be sending their children to school on those bright yellow school buses. But in order for that bus to be on the road, the New York State Department of Transportation makes sure that they pass one of the most rigorous inspections in the country.

This episode of the DOT POD is on location at the Great New York State Fair where Josh and Anya sit down with the Director, Passenger Carrier Safety Bureau, Marc Berger, and Field Operations Manager, Jeff Corey, to talk about what goes in to ensuring your kids get to and from school safely every day.

DOT at the Great NY State Fair Aug 19, 2024

One of the Great annual traditions in New York is the Great New York State Fair which is set to kick off at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse. This year's event is primed to be another exciting affair with nearly a million people expected to walk through the turnstiles.

But with so many people coming to experience this tremendous event, and many of them arriving by car, a great deal of coordination is necessary between the Fair and DOT to ensure a smooth season.

Newly-appointed State Fair Director Julie LaFave recently sat down with co-hosts Josh Heller and Anya Kardos to talk about what’s new and Great at this year’s Fair as well as the coordination involved in putting on such a massive event, while NYSDOT’s Emergency Management Coordinator Amber Stevens spoke about the Department’s coordinating role in the Traffic Management Command Post and participation with partners in the Joint Operations Center at the Fair.

Tornado Clean Up Aug 06, 2024

When severe storms swept across the state recently, they left a path of destruction in their wake. The tornado damage left trees and power lines strewn across roads, and buildings and cars destroyed.

But once the weather cleared, the New York State DOT got to work in clearing debris, fixing roads, restoring signals, and helping communities get back to a sense of normalcy.

In this episode of the DOT POD, Josh and Anya welcome in Assistant Commissioner of Operations Pat Barnes and Supervisor, Equipment Operator/Instructor, Chris Wade. They discuss the herculean effort of DOT employees who helped clean up the mess left from these terrible storms.

Employee Assistance Program Jul 23, 2024

State workers, be they members of DOT, or any other agency, work hard every day to keep New York running smoothly. But these employees, just like any other, need someplace to turn for support.

The Employee Assistance Program, or EAP, is designed to be there for all State employees, and on this episode of The DOT POD, Josh and Anya welcome in Nancy Nuding, and EAP Coordinator at NYSDOT's Main Office, and Kelsey Russell, EAP Regional Representative for the Capital Region.

Listen in to find out more about EAP including all the services they provide and how to find your local EAP Coordinator.

Listeners can also go to www.oer.ny.gov/eap or call 1-800-822-0244.

The Boilermaker Road Race Jul 09, 2024

Each year on the second Sunday in July in downtown Utica, NY, tens of thousands of runners converge for the annual Boilermaker Road Race. This 15k event is more party than race, as the entire community bands together to create a carnival atmosphere for runners and spectators alike. But to put an event like this on, so much of the work goes on behind the scenes, long before the opening gun. NYSDOT has been a major partner of the Boilermaker in making sure everything runs smoothly. From ensuring the roads are in good shape, the route is closed off to traffic, not to mention having a team of runners participating, DOT and the Boilermaker work hand in hand. On this episode, Josh and Anya talk with Mike Palowski, the Regional Director of Operations in Region 2, and Boilermaker Race Director Jim Stasaitis, to talk about all the work that is necessary to deliver one of the greatest road race environments in the country.

The Annual NYSATE Conference Jun 25, 2024

On this edition of The DOT POD, hosts Josh and Anya hit the road and travel to Mohawk Valley Community College to attend the Annual NYSATE Conference. NYSATE, which stands for the New York State Association of Transportation Engineers, held their annual conference in Utica, NY and The DOT POD was there. Brian Hoffman, NYSDOT Professional Engineer with Region 2's Design Group, and Bob Rice, Regional Manager for NYSDOT's Office of Planning and Program Management, as well as the President of NYSATE's Board of Directors, sit down to talk about the long and fruitful partnership between NYSDOT and NYSATE.

Pollinator Week Jun 11, 2024

It's nearly pollinator week and at the New York State Department of Transportation, we are doing all that we can to help support the pollinators that are so essential to our everyday lives.

On this episode of The DOT POD, Josh and Anya sit down with Principal Landscape Architect Peter Dunleavy and Maintenance Environmental Program Manager Mary Ellen Papin to talk about exactly why pollinators are so important, and what the DOT is doing to help.

Janet Ho Joins The DOT POD May 28, 2024

On this episode of the DOT POD, Josh and Anya welcome in Janet Ho, the Assistant Commissioner for Finance and Integrated Modal Services. Janet talks about her role, as well as the winding path that brought her to the Department of Transportation.

Bike Safety May 14, 2024

May is National Bike Safety Month, and with the weather getting warmer, and the days getting longer, it is the perfect time to get out and get riding.

With that in mind, Josh and Anya welcome to the DOT POD Karen Lorf, State Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator with the Department of Transportation. Karen discusses active transportation, complete streets, and bicycle etiquette, all in an effort to ensure everyone on two wheels enjoys a fun and safe season.

Workers' Memorial Day Apr 30, 2024

In 2023, the New York State Department of Transportation experienced 214 work zone traffic intrusions. The majority of these crashes were caused by distracted driving, following too closely, unsafe lane change, or disregarding traffic warning signs. Workers' Memorial Day takes place on April 28 and is a chance to remember the many highway and transportation workers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the public.

On this episode of the DOT POD, Josh and Anya are joined by two people who know just how dangerous these work zones can be when drivers don't do their part to keep the roads safe, Karen Torres and Cody Baker.

Karen lost her father, Patrick Mapleson, to a distracted driver who entered his DOT work zone. She shares her family's story and how she transformed her grief into a mission as a safety advocate. Cody is with DOT's Main Office Employee Safety and Health Office and talks about our annual Workers Memorial event.

We want to thank all of our dedicated and hard working DOT highway workers who put their own safety on the line so that we can get to our destinations safe. And we ask motorists to slow down, move over, and pay attention!

Deb Nelson Joins The DOT POD Apr 16, 2024

On this edition of The DOT POD, Josh and Anya are joined by the Director of the Office of Policy, Planning, and Performance, Deb Nelson.

From her more than 30 years of experience at DOT, to her background in forestry, and her first job out in the wilds of Alaska, find out more about this integral member of the Department of Transportation.

The Solar Eclipse Apr 02, 2024

On this special "Celestial Edition" of the DOT POD, Josh and Anya discuss the once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse occurring across New York State on April 8, 2024. They are joined by the Director of Interagency Operations for the Governor, Jessica DeCerce, and DOT's Director of the Transportation Systems Management and Operations Bureau, Becky Gibson-Schott.

While this will no doubt be an awe inspiring event, the likes of which won't be seen in New York State again until 2079, it is also a massive undertaking for agencies around the state to make sure everything runs smoothly. With hundreds of thousands of people set to stream into the path of totality, we talk about the preparation that has already occurred, and that continues to be ongoing, as we approach April 8.

Whether you're an eclipse-chaser traveling from out of state, or the path of totality goes through your backyard, we offer some advice to make sure you get the most out of this incredible spectacle.

To find out more about the eclipse, be sure to visit www.ilovenewyork.com/eclipse.

Women's History Month Mar 26, 2024

In honor of Women’s History Month, this episode of the DOT POD features some of the inspiring women of the New York State Department of Transportation in their own voices.

Listeners will hear from:

Stephanie Winkelhake: Chief Engineer
Nancy Kamel: Regional Transportation Maintenance Engineer, Long Island
Deb Nelson: Director, Office of Policy, Planning & Performance
Jennifer Hawkins: Program Engineer, Office of Transportation Maintenance
Sondra Little: Director, Office of Diversity and Opportunity
Sanjyot Vaidya: Regional Design Engineer, Western, NY
Janet Ho: Assistant Commissioner for Finance & Integrated Modal Services

Each of these women discuss their integral roles with DOT, as well as the struggles and challenges they overcame to get to where they are today.

Rochester's Roc City Skatepark Mar 12, 2024

In the heart of Rochester, directly adjacent to the iconic Frederick Douglass Susan B. Anthony Memorial Bridge, lies the Roc City Skatepark. Since its opening in 2020, the skatepark has been a welcome space where skateboarders, rollerbladers, BMXers, and other progression-oriented sports enthusiasts come to embody the sport, sharpen their skills, and enjoy endless hours of outdoor recreation.

The creation of the skatepark would not have been possible without numerous officials and community members and partners doing their part. At DOT, the Office of Right of Way, was integral in turning this idea into a reality. The DOT POD is joined by Thomas Finch and Jeremy Button who worked hand in hand with the City of Rochester to make this project the resounding success it has become.

State Weather Risk Communication Center Feb 27, 2024

Weather in New York is a bit unpredictable, to say the least. But the first-of-its-kind New York State Weather Risk Communication Center (SWRCC) aims to improve the state's collective preparation and response to extreme weather events.

Hosts Josh and Anya travel to the University at Albany's ETEC Building to sit down with the Director of the NY SWRCC, Dr. Nick Bassill, and NYSDOT's Director, Emergency Transportation Operations and Security Programs Bureau, Matt Vasilow, to discuss how this partnership began and how it is helping NYSDOT be better prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store.

I-81 Local Hire Initiative Feb 13, 2024

The Syracuse I-81 Viaduct Project is one of the largest and most ambitious projects in New York State transportation history. On this episode of The DOT POD, we not only take a look at the project, but specifically, who is going to be working on this transformational project.

Host Josh Heller is joined by guest host TeNesha Murphy, the Community Liaison and 1-81 Viaduct Project Assistant for NYSDOT as they welcome in NYSDOT’s I-81 Special Assistant Scott Butler, and President of the Urban Jobs Task Force, Deka Dancil. The four discuss the local hire provision that is a part of the I-81 project that strives to educate, train, and ultimately employ local citizens.

From the idea being conceived, to the hurdles jumped, to the leg worse necessary to make it a reality, to where things stand today, we look at how this project and this initiative can have a major and lasting impact on the citizens of Syracuse.

NYSDOT & SUNY Cobleskill's Internship Program Jan 30, 2024

The New York State Department of Transportation and SUNY Cobleskill are working together to train the next generation of skilled trades technicians in the field of diesel technology and agricultural equipment technology.

This industry is currently challenged by a sharp increase in retiring technicians, as these retirees take with them decades of applied skills and intuitional knowledge. NYSDOT and SUNY Cobleskill’s partnership is enhancing the workforce by providing a foundation of practical experience and technical skills as well as an opportunity to build networks so that students see first-hand what careers within NYSDOT are possible.

Josh and Anya are joined by DOT's Director of Fleet Administration and Support, Shane Gilchrest, assistant professor in the Agricultural Engineering Department, and Cobleskill alum, Kaden Marvin, and current junior, Corey Cherizard.

The Rebuilding of the Route 28N Bridge, and the Reconnecting of a Community Jan 16, 2024

During the devastating flooding in July of 2023, the route 28N bridge, in the community of Long Lake, sustained enough damage to render it impassable. This led to a nearly 80 mile detour for residents to get to the neighboring community of Newcomb. However, NYSDOT was able to have a temporary bridge in place within three weeks, and not only fixed, but improved, the 28N bridge in a matter of months. The DOT POD spoke with Rick Zeller (Assistant Resident Engineer for Hamilton County) and Chris Langett (Construction Supervisor) who described the work done on the ground as the waters receded and the extent of the damage was discovered, as well as the work done in expediting this project to help reconnect the community of Long Lake.

Mike Rossi Joins the DOT POD Jan 02, 2024

The DOT POD welcomes in Mike Rossi who recently became the Acting Director of NYSDOT's newly created Office of Data and Information Technology Management. We talk about this brand new office and what it entails, along with finding out more about Mike, including that he is a third degree blackbelt.

Road Salt Dec 19, 2023

With the snow and ice season now firmly under way, The DOT POD welcomes in Rob Fitch and Joe Thompson to discuss the use of road salt, the importance of protecting the environment while also keeping roads safe for the traveling public.

The DOT POD Snow & Ice Spectacular Dec 05, 2023

The DOT POD tackles the snow and ice season. Guests Joe Thompson (Snow and Ice Program Manager) and Chris Rafuse (Maintenance Supervisor in Region 3’s Onondaga West residency) discuss how the New York State Department of Transportation navigates the New York winters. From pre-winter prep, to storm response, and everything in between, we take a look at the inner workings of this crucial aspect of the NYSDOT and see why we have the best snow and ice operators in the country.

Harry White Joins The DOT POD Nov 21, 2023

The DOT POD welcomes in Harry White, a NYSDOT bridge engineer with decades of experience who combines wit and hilarious anecdotes to break down the cutting-edge concepts behind some of the Department's bridge designs.

Welcome to The DOT POD Nov 16, 2023

Welcome to The DOT POD, the official podcast of the New York State Department of Transportation.

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