Tag Archives: highways

Joe Echelle Recognized as Government Official of the Year by International Grooving & Grinding Association

Wednesday, 08 February 2023 08:45
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Joe Echelle, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, receives the 2022 Government Official of the Year Award

The 2022 Government Official of the Year award went to Joe Echelle, Assistant Executive Director, Maintenance, Engineering & Construction, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA). The Government Official of the Year award recognizes leadership in transportation with special emphasis on grooving, grinding and concrete pavement preservation (CPP).

In his role with the OTA, Echelle is responsible for maintaining 630 miles of turnpikes throughout Oklahoma and is responsible for day-to-day operations. He was chosen to receive the Government Official of the Year Award because he has been a continuous champion of improving pavement conditions, making them more safe and efficient for Oklahoma motorists. His approach of maintaining pavements before they deteriorate, rather than addressing problems when the pavements are already at the end of their life, has resulted in millions in dollars of savings for Oklahoma residents.

“Joe has been an exceptional advocate for concrete pavements as well as the importance of pavement preservation techniques to optimize the taxpayer’s investment. We are thrilled to see his efforts recognized on a national level as the way DOT leaders can and should approach highway maintenance.” said Brent Burwell, Executive Director of the Oklahoma/Arkansas ACPA Chapter.

 

Dowel Bar Retrofit Extends Life of Oklahoma Concrete Pavements

Friday, 03 February 2023 14:55
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ARDOT Announces New Work Zone Safety Campaign

Tuesday, 08 March 2022 14:38
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The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT), together with Arkansas State Police (ASP) and Arkansas Highway Police (AHP), announced today a new work zone safety campaign aimed at cracking down on reckless and distracted driving in work zones across the state. 

The Slow Down, Phone Down campaign will deploy increased ASP and AHP patrols in work zones to watch for dangerous driving. The goal is to eliminate preventable accidents.
 


In 2021, there were 2,140 crashes reported in Arkansas work zones – resulting in 16 fatalities and 54 serious injuries. 

“The number of work zone accidents and injuries is rising at an alarming rate in Arkansas,” said ARDOT Director Lorie Tudor. “Even one injury in a work zone is one too many. We can all do our part to reverse this trend.” 

ASP and AHP will be issuing citations to motorists observed using their phone, following too close, or speeding through a work zone – all of which are illegal in Arkansas.   

“As crews go about their jobs improving Arkansas highways, they deserve our best attempts to make their work environment as safe as possible,” said ASP Director Colonel Bill Bryant. “State Troopers will be lending support to the Arkansas Highway Police in their effort to stop motorists who ignore the rules of the road and endanger the lives of those working to make our highways better and safer.”         

“It’s our duty to protect work zones, the men and women working within them, and the citizens driving through them,” said AHP Chief Jeff Holmes.  “We have zero tolerance for distracted and reckless driving. We hope this campaign makes it clear that we need people to slow down and put their phone down when entering a work zone.” 

The Slow Down, Phone Down campaign will take place statewide and will target all motorists – including both commercial trucks and civilian vehicles. For more information, please visit: https://www.ardot.gov/slowdownphonedown/

Concrete Pavement Preservation Key to Extending Life of Oklahoma’s Turnpike System

Wednesday, 05 January 2022 15:54
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The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority has found that by utilizing concrete pavement restoration techniques they can extend the already long service life of their concrete pavements by another 15 or 20 years – an outstanding value for the users of the Turnpike system. Read the Roads & Bridges article here.

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority has found that by utilizing concrete pavement restoration techniques they can extend the already long service life of their concrete pavements by another 15 or 20 years – an outstanding value for the users of the Turnpike system. Read the Roads & Bridges article here.

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority has found that by utilizing concrete pavement restoration techniques they can extend the already long service life of their concrete pavements by another 15 or 20 years – an outstanding value for the users of the Turnpike system. Read the Roads & Bridges article here.

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ACCO Fall Conference

Friday, 29 October 2021 10:46
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OK/AR Chapter ACPA Executive Director Brent Burwell at the ACPA booth during the Fall ACCO Conference

 

The Association of County Commissioners of Oklahoma’s Fall Conference was well attended this year and OK/AR Chapter ACPA was represented by both staff and members. The ACPA booth saw lots of traffic from County Commissioners, their employees and our own membership. There were also plenty of great sessions to listen in on including the County Engineers forum and the General Session featuring the Lieutenant Governor.