TRANSPORTATION

TRANSPORTATION DART Board of Directors Announces Nadine Lee as New President & Chief Executive Officer

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Board of Directors recently announced the appointment of Nadine Lee as its new president & chief executive officer. Lee, an experienced transit industry leader and engineer who has worked in the transportation industry for nearly 30 years, will assume her new position on July 12.

“The DART Board is pleased to welcome a leader of Nadine’s caliber and experience to direct the agency during these challenging and exciting times,” said Paul N. Wageman, chairman of the DART Board of Directors. “DART is an essential resource for the residents of our region, as well as a growth engine for all of North Texas. Nadine possesses the passion and expertise to grow DART into an even greater, more successful organization, and to create a lasting impact for our customers and local communities.” Before joining DART, Lee served as the chief of staff of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro). In this role, Lee coordinated programs and services across the nation’s third busiest transit agency and led an effort to make bus service more equitable and dependable for residents. Previously, she was the deputy chief innovation officer in Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation where she led the development of Vision 2028, Metro’s 10-year strategic plan to improve mobility and quality-of-life for Los Angeles County residents. "I am honored to be selected for the opportunity to lead this exceptional organization of dedicated and talented professionals," said Lee. “DART’s employees have always demonstrated a deep commitment and dedication to its customers, mission, and each other. I look forward to building on the foundation that has been created here and developing new programs and opportunities for the customers and communities we serve.” Prior to her tenure at Metro, she led the development and

Nadine Lee, President & Chief implementation of the Flatiron Flyer Bus Rapid Transit for

Executive Officer Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD), a project that produced a 40% increase in corridor ridership in its first few months of service. Lee also led RTD’s Northwest Rail and Commuter Rail Maintenance Facility projects in the FasTracks Program.

“Nadine’s deep knowledge and understanding of how growing transportation choices can improve the quality of life for customers aligns perfectly with DART’s long standing mission," said David Leininger, DART’s interim president & chief executive officer. “I am confident that her distinguished track record of leadership and innovation will ensure the agency's continued success in serving the residents of North Texas."

Lee was appointed to the Leadership APTA Committee in 2019 and is a past director of the WTS International board. She was also honored as the WTS International Woman of the Year in 2019. A registered Professional Engineer in Colorado and Kansas, Lee received her B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Please visit dart.org for more information.

Source: Dallas Area Rapid Transit

TRANSPORTATION Distracted Driving Continues to Plague Texas Roadways

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

Sadly, distracted driving is still near the top of the list when it comes to crashes on Texas roadways, coming in at No. 2 for traffic-related crash causes. Last year Texas roadways saw nearly 1 in 5 crashes caused by a distracted driver in which 364 people died and 2,200 were seriously injured.

Last month was National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and TxDOT continues to remind all Texans to put their phones down and give driving their full attention whenever they are behind the wheel.

“A serious or fatal crash can happen in an instant,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “If you’re distracted by your phone, or doing anything else that takes your focus away from driving, you’re putting yourself, your passengers and everyone else on the road at risk. Distracted driving crashes are 100 percent preventable. Driving should be your number one priority behind the wheel – everything else can wait.”

TxDOT is re-launching its web-based augmented reality game “Dart Those Distractions” to reinforce the importance of paying attention behind the wheel. Designed to be played on a smartphone or tablet (but not while driving), the game increases awareness about the dangers of distracted driving in an interactive, engaging way. The game challenges players to throw darts at balloons that symbolize driving distractions, such as eating, grooming, programming music or checking a navigation system.

Dangerous distractions include any activity that diverts the driver’s attention away from safely operating a vehicle. Research shows that regardless of whether a driver uses a voice-to-text program, hands-free device or a handheld one, the distraction will affect the driver’s ability to drive safely.

Since September 1, 2017, it has been illegal to read, write or send a text while driving in Texas. Violators can face a fine up to $200.

TxDOT offers these tips to prevent distracted driving that can lead to a ticket, or worse, a crash: • Always give driving your full attention. • Pull off the road entirely and come to a complete stop before you talk or text. • Put your phone away, turn it off, or use an app or your phone settings to block texts and calls while driving. • Tell friends, family and co-workers you won’t respond to texts or calls while driving. • Remember that all distractions are dangerous, so pay full attention when behind the wheel.

TxDOT’s distracted driving awareness campaign is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel, like wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. November 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths on Texas roadways.

TRANSPORTATION Notice and Opportunity

to Comment on SH 6 Reconstruction - Gorman

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

Purpose:

The TxDOT Brownwood District is proposing to improve SH 6 from 0.18 Miles north of Crescent Street to the Comanche County line in Gorman, Eastland County, Texas. This notice is affording an opportunity to comment as part of the environmental review process for this project. All comments must be postmarked or received on or before Monday, May 17, 2021.

Description:

The project involves reconstructing the roadway to include adding a continuous center-turn lane, curb and gutter, pedestrian facilities and storm drainage. This will involve work within the city of Gorman for approximately 1.34 miles and include approximately 3.52 acres of new right of way (ROW). Storm sewer installation work is proposed along SH 6 and to FM 8 to an outfall at a culvert just south of FM 8 at FM 679. The proposed project would, subject to final design considerations, require additional right of way and potentially displace one residence and three non-residential structures. Relocation assistance is available for displaced persons and businesses. Information about the TxDOT Relocation Assistance Program and services and benefits for displaces and other affected property owners, as well as information about the tentative schedule for right-of-way acquisition and construction, can be obtained from the TxDOT district office by calling (325) 643-0415.

The project materials are written in English. If you need an interpreter or document translator because English is not your primary language or you have difficulty communicating effectively in English, one will be provided to you. If you have a disability and need assistance, special arrangements can be made to accommodate most needs. If you need interpretation or translation services or you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation to review the project materials or submit information, please contact Lisa Tipton, TxDOT Brownwood District Public Information Officer, at (325) 643-0413 no later than 4 p.m. CT, at least three business days before the date you would like to review the project materials or submit information. Please be aware that advance notice is required as some services and accommodations may require time for TxDOT to arrange.

Memorandum of Understanding:

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried-out by TxDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated Dec. 9, 2019, and executed by FHWA and TxDOT.

Please call (325) 643-0413 or visit https://www.txdot.gov/ for more information.

TRANSPORTATION DART and Trinity Metro Rail Lines to Connect at DFW Airport

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By Subcontractors USA News Provider

Recently, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Board of Directors unanimously approved a resolution authorizing a payment of $21.5 million to Trinity Metro for reimbursement of project costs incurred by Trinity Metro in the construction of approximately 2-miles of rail and platform facilities linking the Cotton Belt line to the DFWIA Terminal B passenger rail platform. The reimbursement is associated with the facilities to be shared by the DART Silver Line. In addition, DART will provide Trinity Metro $6 million for access rights to Terminal B at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport for the future DART Silver Line project once it begins revenue service in 2023. The Trinity Metro Board Directors approved the agreement on Monday, April 12. "The Silver Line helps address strong demand by a growing number of residents and employees in the eastern portion of the region for a convenient and efficient connection to DFW Airport," said Paul N. Wageman, chairman of the DART Board of Directors. "We are pleased to finalize the agreement with Trinity Metro. It marks another important right of way segment that DART has secured and is critically needed to complete the construction of the Silver Line."

With revenue service scheduled for 2023, the 26-mile Silver Line project will traverse seven cities between DFW Airport, Grapevine, Coppell, Dallas, Carrollton, Addison, Richardson, and Plano, and include 10 new stations. The primary purpose of the Silver Line is to provide passenger rail connections and service that will improve mobility, accessibility and system linkages to major employment, population, and activity centers in the northern part of the DART service area.

When completed, the $1.3 billion Silver Line will connect with the Trinity Metro TEXRail commuter rail line at DFW North station providing access to Downtown Fort Worth and various other Tarrant County locales. The Silver Line will also connect with the Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) A-train commuter rail line providing access to various Denton County locations, DART's Green Line providing access to Dallas Love Field and Downtown Dallas via Downtown Carrollton Station, and DART's Red and Orange Lines at CityLine/Bush Station, giving riders easy access to Downtown Plano and the eastern side of the DART network.

More information about the DART Silver Line Regional Rail project can be found at www.dart.org/silverline.

Source: Dallas Area Rapid Transit

TRANSPORTATION Houston Becomes Large Hub for Southwest Airlines Service

Southwest Airlines relaunches service from Bush Airport, providing more convenience for travelers throughout Houston.

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

After a 16-year absence, Southwest Airlines relaunched service at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, IAH, widening the airlines’ footprint in Houston to provide greater convenience for business and leisure travelers throughout the region.

“Welcome back home to Bush Airport,” Houston Airports Director Mario Diaz said. “No matter where you live or plan to visit in Houston, you now have ease of access to Southwest Airlines’ awardwinning customer service at both of Houston’s world-class airports.”

Southwest Airlines has a long history with Bush Airport. The airport served as one of three airports where Southwest operated on its first day in operation, June 18, 1971. The carrier moved to Hobby Airport shortly thereafter, though it operated service from both airports between 1980 and 2005. Southwest remains a key employer in the City of Houston, providing nearly 4,000 jobs.

“With Southwest’s expanded Houston service, we’re looking forward to bringing more options for local travelers,” Vice President of Southwest Business Dave Harvey said. “Whether traveling for leisure or business, Southwest customers can now fly from the Houston airport most convenient to them and experience the flexible policies and world-class hospitality that’s made Southwest a part of Houston’s community for 50 years.”

Last month, Southwest Airlines’ inaugural flight to Bush Airport arrived from Dallas Love Field and was greeted by a celebratory water arch as it taxied to the ramp at Terminal A. The airline will be operating 15 daily departures from Bush Airport Terminal A at three separate boarding gates. Southwest’s customers can now fly between Bush Airport and five nonstop destinations: Chicago Midway, Dallas Love Field, Denver, Nashville and New Orleans.

“Airline expansions like this are important to global air service hubs like Houston,” Diaz said. “As we recover from the pandemic, safety of our passengers will remain our top priority. Partners like Southwest will ensure that as we rebuild and recover, we are building forward better.”

For more information, please visit https://www.fly2houston.com/.

Source: The Houston Airport System

Houston Airports Chronicles ‘Year of Resilience’ in 2020 Annual Report

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

The 2020 story of Houston Airports is not one of suffering, misfortune or pity. It’s a story of overcoming, never giving up, finding hope in the smallest victories and emerging resilient.

The annual report chronicles the unprecedented year that pushed our airport system, city, economy and world to the brink. The content in the annual report is layered with a timeline of important COVID-19 events that gives perspective to the stories told. Additionally, for the first time, select content comes to life with specially added QR codes.

For Houston Airports, 2020 was a year that started with a fierce tailwind — thrusting Houston Airports into a record-breaking year. The year was on track to break an all-time high of 60 million passengers, until a cascade of news about a virus called COVID-19 commanded the world’s attention. The public health emergency forced Houston Airports leadership to take quick action to preserve and protect its essential workforce, passengers, stakeholders, partners and investments.

The hardships didn’t come without an outpouring of accolades that replenished our team’s drive for excellence.

Despite the historic and prolonged decline in passenger traffic, Houston Airports’ strategic focus on safety and partnerships opened the door to a promising rebound in the final months of 2020. In 2021, Houston Airports remains focused on its four strategic priorities: making our passengers happy; acting responsibly to achieve social, environmental and economic sustainability; building platforms for future success; and investing in our partnerships and employees.

The Houston Airports 2020 Annual Report is available at: https:// www.fly2houston.com/sites/default/ files/2021-04/Houston%20Airports%202020%20Annual%20Report_0.pdf

For more information, please visit https://www.fly2houston.com/.