The DOT POD

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Pollinator Week Jun 11, 2024

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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.

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