v spring 2011.pdf · 2011. 7. 27. · construction. he is chairman and ceo of lexicon, inc., a...

Arkansas HighwaysSPRING/SUMMER 2011

2 Arkansas Highways

Director’s Message WiththisissueofArkansasHighwaysmagazine,IpresenttoyoumyfinalDirector’sMessage.AttheJune1stmeetingoftheArkansasHighwayCom-mission,Iannouncedplansformyupcomingretirement.Thoseplansweresharedonthe46thanniversaryofthedayIstartedworkattheDepartment. Iamthankful tohavehad theopportunity to serve thestateofArkansasandthisagencyoverthepastfour-plusdecades.Butmoreimportantly,IamthankfultohavehadtheprivilegeofworkingwiththemanydedicatedemployeesofthisDepartment,bothpastandpresent. TherearemanythingstheDepartmenthasaccomplishedduringmyseventeenyearsasDirectorthatIamproudof.Ican’tmentionthemall,but,hereareafew. Theprofessionaldevelopmentofourstaffthroughtheyearsbringsmegreatsatisfaction.NotonlydoestheDepartmenthaveastaffmadeupofhardworking,dedicatedmenandwomen,thosethatworkhereareheldtohighstandardstoday.Asanexample,manyofourengineersattheAHTDhavetheirProfessionalEngineerlicenses.Thosehigherstandardsapplynotjusttoengineers,buttoallprofessionsfoundinourDepartment.Theresultisamoreefficient,moreeffectiveworkstaff,andonethatweasaDepartmentcanbeveryproudof. The1991HighwayImprovementProgramcomestomindasIreflectonwhatwehaveaccomplished.Theprogramlaidoutaplanforhighwayimprovementsinall75countiesandwehavebeenabletoaccomplishthelion’sshareofthatwork. TheopeningofInterstate540alsomustbementioned.Featuringthestate’sfirstandonlyhighwaytunnel,andscenicloopthroughtheBostonMountains,theroadwayprovidesavitallinktonorthwestArkansasandconnectsthegrowingcommunitiesinthatareaofthestate. WehavebuiltsixnewArkansasWelcomeCentersacrossthestateduringmytimeasDirector.ThenewCentersatLakeVillage,ElDorado,Texarkana,Blytheville,FortSmithandCorningareallstate-of-the-artfacilitiesfeaturingnativestoneandtimberintheirdesign.AseventhoneisunderconstructionatWestMemphisandplansareunderwayforanewoneatHelena-WestHelena.AlloftheseCentersmakeagreatfirstimpressiononmotoristsenteringourstate. The1999InterstateRehabilitationProgramallowedustomakemajorimprovementstoourInterstatesystem.Thefive-yearprogramutilized54projectstooverhaulmorethan350milesofInterstateinArkansas.Tocompletethatusinginnovativefinancingandabondissueforthefirsttimein50yearsbringsasenseofaccomplishment.AnotherbondissuewillbecomingupsoonforArkansasvoterstoconsider. ThebiggestchallengewehavefacedduringmyyearsasDirectorhasbeenintheareaoffund-ing.Theresimplyisnowaytoaccomplisheverythingwehaveneededtodobecauseofthelackoffundingtogetitalldone.ThebiggestchallengeforourstaffandforourCommissionershasbeentospendourmoneyaswiselyandaseffectivelyaspossibletoseethatourmostimmediateneedshavebeenmet.Ithinkwehavebeensuccessfulindoingthat. SpeakingofourCommissioners,IwanttothankalloftheCommissionmembersthatIhavehadthepleasureofworkingwithovertheyears.Ibelievethateachhasaddedvalueandafreshperspectivetomeetingthechallengesweface.IhavefoundthateachofourCommissionershashadastronginterestintheemployeesoftheDepartmentandtheworkthattheydo.Workingtogether,thestaffandourCommissionershavesharedthesamegoalofbuildinguponwhatwehaveaccomplished. Ican’tmentionoursuccesseswithoutmentioningeachoftheGovernors,membersoftheLegislatureandprofessionalsinourindustrythatIhavehadthepleasuretoworkwith.We’veworkedtogethertogetmanywonderfulthingsaccomplishedforourhighwaysystemandhavealwaysdonesoinaprofessionalmanner. Iwanttothankallofyouforyourhardworkandyoursupportovertheyears.Youhavealldoneawonderfuljob,andIknowthatyouwillcontinuetodoawonderfuljobforthisDepartmentandforthepeopleofArkansas. Aswelookbackonouraccomplishments,wealsolooktothefuture.InthisissueofArkansasHigh-waysareinterviewswithourtwonewestHighwayCommissioners,JohnBurkhalterandTomSchueckofLittleRock.WewelcomebothofthemtotheCommissionandlookforwardtoworkingwiththemontransportationissuesinArkansas.Bestwishestoallofyouforcontinuedsuccess.

DirectorofHighwaysandTransportation

ARKANSAS STATE HIGHWAY COMMISSION

Tom SchueckMember

R. Madison MurphyChairman

John Ed RegenoldVice Chairman

John BurkhalterMember

Dick TrammelMember

3Spring/Summer 2011

4 Director Dan Flowers to Retire

5 An Interview with New Commissioner Schueck

9 An Interview with New Commissioner Burkhalter

13 Road Check 2011

14 Floods Cover Highways in Arkansas

18 Aerial Cameras Monitor Traffic

20 Peel Ferry Gets New Tugboat

22 Rest Area Gardens Impress Travelers

25 Boys State

26 Electronic Bidding Arrives

27 Public Hearings

28 Dedications

30 Letters to the Department

Front Cover: ScenicHighway27PopeCountyBack Cover: Highway278,crossingtheCossatotRiverinHowardCounty

Arkansas HighwaysArkansas State Highway and Transportation Department - Spring/Summer 2011

Contents

Arkansas HighwaysispublishedbiannuallybyandforemployeesoftheArkansasStateHighwayandTransportationDepartmentasamediumofdepartmentalnewsandotherinformation.Itisalsodistributedfreeofchargetothepublicuponrequest.

Correspondenceandmaterialsshouldbedirectedto:Arkansas Highways,PublicAffairsOffice,

P.O.Box2261,Room1002,LittleRock,Arkansas72203-2261

EDITOR:RandyOrtARTDIRECTOR:ShelliRussellWRITERS:GlennBolick,DavidNillesPHOTOGRAPHER:JohnJackson

Arkansas Highwaysisprintedonrecycledpaperwithsoybeanink.

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The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation (Department) complies with all civil rights provisions of federal statutes and related authorities that prohibited discrimination in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Therefore, the Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, age,

national origin, religion or disability, in the admission, access to and treatment in Department’s programs and activities, as well as the Department’s hiring or employment practices. Complaints of alleged discrimination and inquiries regarding the Department’s nondiscrimination policies may be directed to James B. Moore, Jr., Section Head

- EEO/DBE (ADA/504/Title VI Coordinator), P. O. Box 2261, Little Rock, AR 72203, (501) 569-2298, (Voice/TTY 711), or the following email address: [email protected]. This notice is available from the ADA/504/Title VI Coordinator in large print, on audiotape and in Braille.

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4 Arkansas Highways

Director Flowers to Retire In September AHTDDirectorDanFlowershasannouncedhispendingretire-mentfromtheDepartmenteffectiveSeptember21stofthisyear. Flowers,a43-yearveteranoftheDepartment,madetheformalannouncementtotheArkansasHighwayCommissionduringtheJune1stbusinessmeetingattheAHTDCentralOffice. FlowershasservedasDirectoroftheAHTDsince1994,longerthananyoneintheDepartment’shistory.HeispresentlythelongestservingCEOofanystatetransportationagencyinthecountry. “TheCommissiongreatly appreciatesDan’s extraordinarycontributionsoverthepast43years,”CommissionChairmanMadi-sonMurphysaid,“notonlytothisDepartment,buttotheStateofArkansas,ourregion,andthenationaltransportationindustry.Thistypeoflong-termleadershipisoneofthemainreasonstheAHTDconsistentlyranksamongthetopfivemostefficientstatetransporta-tionagenciesinthecountry–ouradministrativecostspermilearecurrentlysecond-lowestnationally.” “Ihaveenjoyedaveryrewardingcareer,”Flowersstated.“Theopportunitiesaffordedmehavebeenwonderful.” “Forty-sixyearsagotoday(June1st),IspentmyfirstdayonthejobwiththeAHTD.Iwasworkingonasurveycrewasaseasonal

employeeinBatesville,”Flowersadded.“Icertainlydidn’trealizebackthenthatIwouldaccrueover43yearsofservicetimewiththeDepartmentbeforeretiring.” “Iwouldliketothankallofouremployees,pastandpresent,fortheircontributiontoanysuccessthatImayhavehadovermyyearshere.” TheHighwayCommissionhasofficiallynamedAHTDAssistantChiefEngineerforPlanningScottBennetttosucceedFlowersasDirector. “It isnoaccident that theCommissionwasable tomovethisswiftly innaminganewDirector,”Murphycontinued.“ThisDepartmentdoesanexcellent jobat recruiting, training,andmaintainingqualitypersonnel.Consequently,wehaveaverystrongmanagementteaminplace.NotonlywillwehaveScottasournewDirector,butwewillcontinuetohaveFrankVozelandhis40+yearsofexperienceasourDeputyDirector&ChiefEngineer,andotherseniorstaffwithsignificantexperience.Wehaveaveryprofessionalstaff,andtheCommissionexpectsthistobeaseamlesstransition.”

(l. to r.) Scott Bennett, Assistant Chief Engineer for Planning, and AHTD Director Dan Flowers.

5Spring/Summer 2011

Tom Schueck was appointed to a ten-year term on the Arkansas State Highway Commission by Governor Mike Beebe on January 14th, 2011. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Schueck has a degree in Civil Engineering and also has 41 years experience in forming and managing companies that are involved in heavy construction. He is Chairman and CEO of Lexicon, Inc., a holding company for five construction-oriented businesses. In a recent interview with Public Information Specialist David Nilles, Schueck discussed his appointment and his first months as a Highway Commissioner. Nilles: What were your feelings when Governor Beebe approached you about a position on the Highway Commission?

Schueck:Forthosewholiketodopublicservice,achancetoserveontheHighwayCommissionisagreatopportunity.Itisasought-afterposition.TheGovernorandItalkedaboutitearlierinhisadministrationandheknewofmyinterest.Itwasjustamat-terofwaitingfortheappropriatetime.Whenitcameavailableitwasquiteathrill.ItwasniceandIappreciatedit.Wantingit,

seeingitandgettingnamedallowedmetoaccomplishoneofmygoalssoitwasanicethingtohavehappen.Nilles: What is it about being on the Commission that appeals to you or you find interesting?

Schueck:Well,IcantellyouIwassurprisedattheamountofworkattheCapitolthatwasrequired.Iwasappointedataboutthetimethatthelegislativesessionbeganand,forwhateverreason,Ijustdidn’trealizethattheHighwayCommissionhadtoprotectwhatitalreadyhasinthebudgetplustrytogainmorefundingatthesametime.ThatturnedouttobeaveryinterestingperiodformeasIwasneverinvolvedinthepoliticalprocesstothatextent.IspentquiteafewdaysattheCapitolworkingonthehalf-centsales tax (HJR1001)and the five-centdiesel tax (Act 773). ItinvolvedworkingwithlegislatorsandtheDepartmentstaffanditwasaverygoodlearningperiod. Sofar,wehaveonlyhadacoupleofCommissionmeetingsandIamfindingoutthatmostofthefundingthatIthoughtwehadispre-committed.Ittakesagreatdealofstudytodeterminewhichhighwaystoselectforrenovationsorwhichnewhighwaysneedbuilding.SoIamgraduallylearningmywayaroundandworkingtoreallyunderstandtheposition.Ittakesawhiletocom-prehendwhereourauthorityliesandwhatwereallyhaveinthewayoffundingtobespent.Actually,duringthefewmonthsI’vebeenontheCommissionit’sbeenalearningprocessastowhatIcan’tdo.Tobequitehonest,thatwasasurprise.

An Interview With Tom Schueck

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Thatisaheavybridgegirder.Wedoalotofheavyconstruction,thingslikesteelmills,powerplantsandrefineries.WehaveanEngineeringDivisionwithabout50engineersandsupportstaff.Wealsodoalotofengineeringprocurementconstruction(EPC-typeconstruction),mainlyintheHoustonandLouisianarefinerybusiness.So,myexperienceinconstructionandmyexperienceinhighwayskindofgotogetherandwillbeabighelp.

Nilles: Now that you are on the Commission, what are you hear-ing from people out in the community regarding where they think some of the major needs are:

Schueck:Theneedsthatyouhearaboutarereallyrenovationneeds.ManyarehereincentralArkansas,includingtherenova-tionoftheInterstate430/630interchange.MostofthepeopleIcomeincontactwithareinthemetropolitanareaandtheyfeellikethehighwaysneedtoberenovatedtothepointwheretheycanhandlethetrafficloadonthem. Ofcourse,Iama“userpay”typeguy.Ithinkifyouuseityououghttopaytouseitandifyoudopay,youshouldgetyourmoney’sworth.Inotherwords,themoneyfollowsthecars.Thereareacoupleofschoolsof thought there. It isacomplicatedissueastohowyoudivideupwhatfundsyoudohave,wherethefundingisgoingtobeusedandforwhat.ThatispartofthelearningprocessthatIamgoingthrough. Asfarasmypersonalideas,Ithinkwecouldspendourmoneywiselybydoingtherightthingstotherighthighwaysintherightplaces.Ithinkwecouldgetmorebangforourbuckbymovingmorecarsmorequickly. You lookat interchangeswheretwo

Interstatescometogether,motoristsneedtomovethroughquickly.Forexample,wehavethetrafficbottleneckontheInterstate30 Bridgedowntownwith vehiclesgoingfromLittleRocktoanyplaceupnorth.Ithinkthatisamajorproblemandyouhearalotaboutthatespeciallyfromthecityfathers.Peoplesitinlinesintheircarsdailyandtheydon’tlikethat.Theyliketobemoving!Traf-ficflowisalwaysimportantandwillalwaysbeatopconsideration.

Nilles: What are some priorities you would like to see addressed during your 10-year term on the Commission?

Schueck:Firstofall,wegototheverybasisofourproblem,andthatisfunding.IamgoingtouseatermCommissionChairmanMadi-sonMurphyuses…wehavea“systemicallyflawed”basisforfinancingourhighways.Iwouldliketoseethefinancialbasebesound

Nilles: How do you think your past experience will help you on the Commission?

Schueck:Ithinkmyexperienceisprobablymystrongestsuit.Istartedinthehighwaybusinessbackin1958.Thatisalongtimeago. Iworkedforaroadcontractor inSt.Louis,Missouri,asatimekeeper.ItwasrightwhentheInterstateprogramwasreallyinfullbloom.TherewerejobsintheStLouisareawhereyouhadavarietyofbridgesandlotsofretainingwallsandexcavationworkthroughtheheartoftown.Asatimekeeper,ofcourse,IgottowatcheverythingandIkindoflikedit. Afteraboutthreeyears,IleftforschoolandbecameaCivilEngineer.AfterIgraduatedin1965,IcamedowntoLittleRockandworkedasaprojectengineerforacontractoronLockandDamNumber7,whichistheMurrayLockandDam.Ithinkonceyouareinvolvedinheavyconstructionyoumaintainaninterestinit.SoIalwayshadmyeyeonroadconstructionandenjoyedcomparingthewaytheybuildherewiththewaytheybuiltinSt.Louis.SoIappreciatemydirectexperienceinhighwayconstruc-tion. Istartedmyownbusinessesin1967and1968andtherestishistory.Overtimethosebusinesseshavegrown.Wedoalotofheavyconstruction.WehaveperformedsomefabricationofbridgegirdersfortheArkansasStateHighwayandTransportationDepartmentinthepast.ItoldtheGovernorthatIwouldnotbidonthoseafterIwasontheCommissionmuchtothechagrinofalotofpeoplethatworkforme!Wearemakingthesacrifice!Mostofthebridgeswedoareoutofstateandwearestilldoingthose.Wehavejustrecentlycompletedsome120-tongirderbridges.

7Spring/Summer 2011

andbemodernizedtothepointthatwecangetmoremoniesthanwearereceivingnowsowecanmodernizeourInterstatesystem.Thefundingsituationisourmostimportantpriority.

Oncewegetthroughthat,wehavetodeterminewhatwearegoingtodowiththemoney.Roadprojectsareplannedatleastfiveyearsaheadoftime.However,theneedstodayandtheneedsfiveyearsagoaredifferent.Iknowthatwearegoingtohavetoshortenthattimeframesomehowandgetthefundingcloserinlinewiththeneeds.Irealizeagreatdealofplanninggoesintotheseprojects.Anumberofthingshavetobedoneasyouprogressfromtheideaforahighway,throughthedesignstage,theconstructionphaseandthentotheendresult.Youobservetrafficpatternswherepeopleliveandwheretheyworkandthosepatternschange.Wehavetomanageroadwayswherethemosttrafficisoccurring.NorthwestArkansashasproblemsonInterstate540andincentralArkansaswehaveproblemsontheInterstate30BridgeinLittleRock.GrowthisoccurringonHighway10andInterstate430.Itindicatesthatpeople’slivinghabitschange.ThepointIamtryingtomakeisthatgrowthpatternscanchangeinamatteroftwoorthreeyearsandwemusthavethehighwaystheretohandlethatgrowth.Nilles: What is your impression of the Department itself and the AHTD staff?

Schueck: Thatwasoneofmybiggest surprises. Ibelievetheprofessionalismthatisshowninthisbuildingisunbelievable.IfIaskaquestiontheyhavetheanswer.IfIwantsomethingtodowithfigures,theyhaveit.Or,ifyouwantsomethingtodowithfutureplanningonourroadstheyhaveit.ThisisthemostwellorganizedoperationthatIhaveseeninalongtime.IknewitwasprettywellorganizedbutIdidn’trealizetowhatextent.Thatwasarealbrightspot. ThisDepartmentissomethingallArkansansoughttobeproudof.Peopledonotrealizeallthestepsthatyouhavetogothroughtobuildorrenovateahighway.Youhavetohavethemoney,

thepeopleandorganizationtodoallofthat.Thestaffshouldbeproudofwhattheyhavehere,itisaverygoodDepartment.

Nilles: Considering the two proposals presented during the legis-lative session, do you think we are headed in the right direction when it comes to our future highway needs?

Schueck:It’sapatchworkoraBand-Aidapproach.Thebasisofourfundinghastobechangedsomehowandsomeway.Youlookatourfundingwhichisbasedonfuelgallonspurchasedandyoulookattherisingconstructioncostsandyoucanseetheflawedbasis.Thereisasignificantdiscrepancygoingonthere.Andthatdiscrepancycandonothingbutget larger. We followedtheBlueRibbonCommittee’ssuggestionsandenteredthelegislativesessionwithfiveproposals.FirstwewenttoGovernorBeebetoseewhathecouldsupportandcameawaywiththetwobills.Sowehavetheproposedconstitutionalamendmentauthorizingatemporary.5%increaseinthestatewidegeneralsalestaxandAct773authorizinga5-centpergallonincreaseinthedieseltax.Eachproposal,overtenyears,wouldputoveronebilliondollarsintomeetingourneedsandthatwouldhelpustremendously. Weneedsomethingthatisgoingtostaywithusasourneedsgrowandourpopulationgrows. Our statewidepopulation isthreemillionpeoplenowandintenyearswhoknowswherewearegoingtobe.IamsureArkansaswillcontinuetogrowandthereforeourhighwayneedsaregoingtogrow.Willthismoneyhelpus?Yes,butarewegoingtogetit?Idon’tknow.Thatisthebiggestproblem,wereallydon’tknowifwearegoingtogetit.Therearealotofquestionmarkswhenpeoplehavetovoteonanissue.

8 Arkansas Highways

Nilles: Is there anything you would like to touch on that I haven’t brought up?

Schueck:I’dliketomentionmyfamily.I’vebeenmarriedsince1965.Ihaveasonandadaughter,andfivegrandchildren.IhavelivedinLittleRocksince1965,atransplantfromStLouiswhereIgrewupandwenttoschool. IamChairmanandCEOofacompanycalledLexicon.Itisaholdingcompanyforfiveconstruction-orientedbusinesses.ThefirstoneisSchueckSteel,asteelerecterandamillwrightopera-tionthatdealsinheavyequipment,somethatweighasmuchas500tonsandbuildingsthatconsistof40,000-50,000tonsofsteel.ThesecondcompanyisProspectSteel,asteelfabricationfirm.Wehavedonenumerousbigprojects like the Toyotaplant inJackson,Mississippi,andtheConventionCenterinChicago.WehavedonesomerockettestingtowersforNASAandarepresentlyworkingonasolarprojectinCalifornia.Wedoalotofhighrisebuildings,heavyindustrialbuildings,steelmillsandrefinerytypework.ThenwehaveCustomMetalswhichdoesagreatdealofenvironmentalworkviaplateworkinlargeindustrialplants.ThefourthcompanyisL-ConConstructionandEngineersinHouston,Texas,whichisaratherlargeoperation,itdoesalotofEPCcon-

tractingmainlyintherefiningandpowerbusiness.WealsohaveHeritageGolf.WebuildgolfcoursesallovertheU.S.plusHawaii,PuertoRicoandotherresortareas.OneofourflagshipcourseswhichweareproudofistheLibertyCourseinNewJerseythatoverlookstheStatueofLiberty.PeoplealsogetexcitedaboutChambersBaywhichwebuiltinthestateofWashingtonwheretheU.S.AmateurTournamentwasplayed lastyear. Wehavebeeninthatbusinessfor15years. InadditiontobeingaHighwayCommissioner,IserveasanAirportCommissionerfortheLittleRockNationalAirport. IwasaCommissionerfortheArkansasPollutionControlandEcologyCommissionandfortheArkansasDepartmentofParksandTour-ism. I’veservedontheboardoftheLittleRockBoysandGirlsClub,ontheUAMSFoundationBoard,theLittleRockChamberofCommerceBoardandtheArkansasIndustrialDevelopmentFoun-dationBoard.I’malsoinvolvedwithTheNatureConservancy,theArkansasManufacturersAssociationandtheAssociationofGeneralContractors. Allinall,IthinkthenexttenyearsontheArkansasHighwayCommissionwillbechallenging. But, I’ve tackledchallengesbeforeandbeingontheArkansasHighwayCommissionisoneI’mlookingforwardto.

9Spring/Summer 2011

John Burkhalter was appointed to the Arkansas State High-way Commission by Governor Mike Beebe on January 14, 2011. He will serve the remaining six years of the term of Commissioner Cliff Hoofman who resigned from the Commission to serve on the Arkansas Court of Appeals. Burkhalter has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and is a Registered Professional Engineer. He is President of Burkhalter Technologies, Inc. and Managing Member of Burkhalter Leasing, LLC; Burkhalter Property Group, LLC; and Burkhalter Commercial Group, LLC. He sat down recently with Public Information Specialist David Nilles to discuss his first months as a Highway Commissioner.

Nilles: What were your feelings when Governor Beebe approached you about a position on the Highway Commission?

Burkhalter:IwanttothankGovernorBeebeforappointingme.ItwasaCommissionthatIhadvisitedwithhimaboutonmultipleoccasions.Ifeelveryblessedthathehasgivenmethisopportu-nity.IthinkheevaluatedmeastowhatIknowandwhatIcouldbringtotheHighwayCommission.IwasschooledasanengineersoapositionhereistheultimateCommissionanengineercouldhavetheopportunitytoserveon.IhadalwaysbeentoldthatbeingaHighwayCommissionerwasaverycovetedposition.ThatisnotwhatIwasreallythinkingaboutthough.Ithinkasayoungman,youreallydon’tknowwhataHighwayCommissioneris.IrememberthefirstCommissionerIevermetwasPatsyThomasson.IwasayoungengineerworkinginLittleRock.IwasrightoutofcollegeworkingontheHighway82BridgeinsouthernArkansas.PatsyThomasoncamebyandthatwasmyfirst timetoseeaCommissioner. Youcouldtellshewasarticulateandsheknewwhatshewastalkingabout.Iamveryhonoredandgratefultoserve.Foranengineer,onascalefromonetoten,it’sprobablyaten.IamspendingmoretimethanIthoughtIwouldandthere

An Interview With John Burkhalter

arethingsIhavelearnedthatIdidnotknow.AstheGovernortoldme,weareCommissionersforthestateatlarge.Ihaven’tbeeneverywhereinthestateyetbutIplantospendasmuchtimeasIcanlearningabouttheneedsonourhighwaysthroughoutthestate.IlookforwardtobeingagoodCommissioner.Nilles: What is it about being on the Commission for the next six years that appeals to you?

Burkhalter:It’sachancetogivebacktothestate.WhenIwasgoingthroughengineeringschool,IhadtheopportunitytoworkintheengineertrainingprogramfortheArkansasStateHighwayandTransportationDepartmentfortwosummers. IworkedonthedevelopmentofInterstate440forthehighwaysystem.Theygavemeachancetomakesomefairmoneyduringthesummerandithelpedwithmyeducation.Inowhavetheopportunitytogivebacktothatprogram.Asfarasdevelopingourstateandmovingitforward,Ibelievethatinfrastructureisprobablyoneofthemostimportantthingswehave.Theonlywaywearereallygoingtogrowthestateistobringmorebusinessesandpeopletothestate.IwasthechairmanfortheEconomicDevelopmentCommissionforthestatelastyearandwasonthatCommissionforfouryears.Youlearnalotaboutsiteselection.Oneofthe

10 Arkansas Highways

firstquestionsbusinessesconsideriswhatistheinfrastructurelike?Highways,broadband,ports,railroads,heavyutilities,gas,elec-tricityandroadshavetobeconsidered.Roadsaresoimportanttothedevelopmentofourstateinordertobringnewbusinessesin.IthinkitisverycriticalandIthinkthatiswhatIammostexcitedabout.Whenwelookatthestate’sfuture,wedon’tneedtolookseveralyearsahead,weneedto lookdecadesahead. LookatnorthwestArkansas,fiftyorsixtyyearsagoitwasnotwhatitistoday.Itisnowapowerhouseinthestate.Whereisthenextpowerhousegoingtobe?

Nilles: How do you think your past experience will help you on the Commission?

Burkhalter: I’manengineer,and theArkansasStateHighwayandTransportationDepartmentismadeupofalotofengineers.Mydadisaprofessionalengineer.HeworkedfortheLittleRockDistrictCorpsofEngineersastheheadoftheStructureDivision.Engineersareprettyblackandwhiteindividualsinthatweusealotofdata.WhenIfirstgotoutofcollegeIworkedondesign-ingtheHighway82Bridge.That’sanexampleofhavingtobuildthingstoexactspecificationsbecause ifyoudon’tbuildthemcorrectly,youhavethepotentialforlosinglives.Ithinkstartingasanengineerandthenbecomingabusinessmanhasbeenadvantageous.Iownmultiplebusinessestoday.Ihaveworkedbothnationallyandinternationallyinmybusinesses.Asyoubuildbusinessesthroughoutthecountryyoulearnthatcommunicationisveryimportant.Itisnotcutanddried,orblackandwhite. IbelievewhatIhavelearnedinthatareawillbebeneficial.Onanyproject,youhavetobethelowestbidder.Youhavetoearn

thatjob.Thenyouhavetobuildtheprojectandcommunica-tionisveryimportantthere.Youhavetobeabletoeffectivelyconverseandvisitwithpeoplethroughoutgovernment.IthinkIhaveastrongfeelforwhatneedstobedone.IthinkthatwillhelptheArkansasStateHighwayandTransportationDepartmentbesuccessful.

Nilles: Now that you are on the Commission, what are you hear-ing from people in the community regarding what they think our highway needs are?

Burkhalter:ThatisprobablythemostaskedquestionIhavehad.Oncepeople findout thatyouareaHighwayCommissioner,thefirstthingtheyaskaboutisaroad.Someofitisinajokingmanner.Butmostofthemareveryseriousaboutit.Theyknowroadsarevitaltooursafety,tomovingourcitizens,tomovingourgoodsandtoadvancingbusiness. Thatbyfar is themost

11Spring/Summer 2011

askedquestion.PeopleknowwehavetokeepourInterstatesrepaired.Butwehavenumerousregionsinthestateandtheyknowthatwehavetogetfromoneregiontoanother.Theyareveryinterestedinconnectivity.NotjusttoandfromLittleRockbutalsoconnectivityinnorthwestArkansas,forexample.SincenorthwestArkansasisapowerhouseofitsown,therehavetobehighways toalloweasyaccess throughthearea. Peopleareveryconcernedabouttheirhighwaysandwhatwecandotohelpthem.It’slikethatinallofourcitiesthroughoutthestate.Theyareveryinterestedinwhatwecandoforthemtohelpthemimprovetheroads.

Nilles: What are some priorities you would like to see addressed during your time on the Com-mission?

Burkhalter: I think themostimportant thing Iwould like toaccomplishwithmyfellowCom-missionersisimprovingourbud-get.Thenumberstellthetruth.Weare grossly under fundedwith themoneywe have forhighways.Thedatatellsastory,basicallyourrevenuehasbeenflatformany,manyyears.Ithink

mostpeoplerealizehowimportantroadsare.Ithinkmostpeopleknowthat ifyoubuildanewhighwaytherewillbeeconomicdevelopmentwhethersomeonebuildsasubdivisionforhomesorsomeoneputsinabusiness.Roadsareoneofthethingsthatcanhelpmoveusoutofthisrecession.Wehavethepotentialforalotofgrowthinthisstate.Animprovedroadsystemwouldgiveustheopportunitytoconnectpeople.Aswelookahead,itiscriticalthatwefindadditionalfunding.Itwillbeveryimportanttoexplaintothepeoplehowthemoniesreceivedwillbespentandwhere. Soduringmysixyearson theCommission,beingsuccessfulintheseeffortswillbeanimportantstep.

Nilles: What is your impression of the AHTD staff now that you have had an opportunity to get fully involved?

Burkhalter:Theyareveryprofessional.BeinganengineerIknewwhatwashere. Ihavemany friends Iwent tocollegewith inengineeringschoolthatworkhere.Engineers,bynature,areveryconservative,thatisjustthewayweare.Typicallywhenyouaskanengineersomethinghedoesn’thavetositthereandfigureoutwhattheansweris,heknows….it’sprettyblackandwhite.TheDepartmenthasaveryprofessionalstaffandthecommunicationhasbeeneasierthanIthoughtitwouldbe.TheyareveryopentomeasanewCommissionerandveryreceptivetothefactthatIamaRegisteredProfessionalEngineer,whichisrealimportanttomeandotherengineers.BeinganewCommissioner,Ithoughtitwouldbeslowasfarasgainingthestaff’strustandviceversa.Theyhavebeenveryopen,Ihavebeenabletobeextremelyopenwith them. Theyaddressmy thoughtsandcommentseffectively.Ithasbeenveryseamlessforme.


Nilles: Two funding proposals came out of the legislative session. Do you think we are headed in the right direction as we think about our future needs?

Burkhalter:YesIthinkithasbeenalongtimecoming.YouknowtheGovernorhasavery tough job. Hehas tobalancethebudget.Arethereotherways?CouldtherebeotherfundingmechanismsinthefutureourGovernorcouldlookattohelpwithhighways?Iamsurethereare.Butattheendofthedayhehastobalancethebudgetandmakesureourstatemovesforward.Thissession,Iwasinvolvedinthelegislativeprocess.ItalkedtomanypeopleinthelegislatureandIbelievetheseproposalsrepresentourtwobestopportunitiesforfundingforthestaterightnow.WearealsodependentonfundingthattheFederalgovernmentpassesbackdowntous.ThatfundingiscriticalandIknowthatbigbudgetchangesaretakingplaceinWashington.Ithinkthesentimentistocontinuetoreducebud-gets,whichwillmeanlessmoneytothestate.Thesechangeswillimpactustremendously.So,thesetwoproposalsbeforethevotersareprobablycriticalfortheDepartmentregardlessofwhathappensinWashingtonD.C.OurjobasCommission-ersistousethefundingwehavecominginaseffectivelyaspossibleandtomakeourhighwaysystemtheverybestitcanbeinthecomingyears.


Safety Checks Conducted for Roadcheck 2011 TruckandbussafetyinspectorswereonthejobnightanddayinArkansasandacrossthenationduringtheCommercialVehicleSafetyAlliance’s(CVSA)72-hourInternationalRoadcheckheldJune7th–9th.Theinspectorscheckedvehiclesandtheirdriversat inspection sites setupalongmajorhighwaysacrossNorthAmerica. Inaddition, rovingpatrols inspectedvehiclesanddriverstravelingotherroadways. “Commercialmotorvehicleinspectorsworkdiligentlyeverydaytoensurethatthecommercialvehiclesusingourhighwaysdosoassafelyaspossible,”saidStephenA.Keppler,CVSA’sexecu-tivedirector.“Whileasignificantmajorityofvehicleoperatorsarehighlyresponsible,conscientiousandsafe,afewarelessso.” That’swhereRoadcheckcomesin.Itprovidesavitalservicetocheckdriverandvehiclesafetyfitnesstohelpkeepourroadssafeandclearfrompreventablecrashes,backupsandaneed-lesslossoflives. InArkansas,inspectionsitesweresetuponInterstate30nearBentonandonHighway270nearSheridan.Atotalof269inspec-tionswerecarriedout.Ofthose,139vehiclespassedinspectionwithnoviolationsandreceivedaCVSAdecal. Althoughactual percentageestimates vary, it iswidelyacknowledgedthatdriverfatigueisafactorinmanycommercialtruckandbuscrashes.Forthisreason,Federalregulationslimitthenumberofhoursacommercialdrivermayoperatehisorhervehiclewithoutanoff-dutyrestperiod.Enforcementoftheselimitsisessentialtoensuringcomplianceandcombatingdriverfatigue.This year’s Roadcheckemphasizedcheckingdriver logbooksandunderscoredtodriverstheimportanceofmaintainingtheirlogbooks,takingbreaks,preventingfatigueanddrivingwithoutdistractions. Inlightofrecent,highly-publicizedfatalbuscrashes,CVSAinspectorsalsoemphasized inspectionofpassengercarryingvehicles. Since its inception in 1988, the roadside inspectionscon-ductedduring theannual Roadcheckhavenumberedoveronemillionnationally.Ithasalsoprovidedforthedistributionofcountlesspiecesofeducationalliteratureandsafetyeventstoeducateindustryandthegeneralpublicabouttheimportanceofsafecommercialvehicleoperationsandtheroadsideinspec-tionprogram. “AsalongstandingmemberofCVSA,theArkansasHighwayPolicelookforwardtoparticipatinginthis72-hoursafetyinspec-tionblitzwithourenforcementpartnersfromacrosstheUnitedStates,CanadaandMexico,”statedRonBurks,ArkansasHighwayPoliceChief. “These inspectionsgoa longway inmakingourhighwayssaferforallmotorists.”

(Above, l. to r.) PFC Ron Burnett inspects connections with a commercial vehicle driver.

(Above) PFC Kreston Taylor works from below to complete an inspection on this commercial vehicle.


Spring Flooding Closes Highways Across Eastern Arkansas ThemonthofApril,with its relentless tornadosand

heavy rainstorms, was a rough one on the state ofArkansas.Therainfalltotalsthestormsleft intheirwakecreatedevenmoreproblemsonArkansas’highwayswellintothemonthofMay. Atthetimethisarticlewaswritten,57counties inthestatehadbeendeclareddisasterareasand13countieswerealreadyunderafederaldisasterdeclarationissuedbyPresidentBarackObama. Manyhighways, including Interstate40at theWhiteRiver, lookedmorelikelakesthanroadways.Asaresult,AHTDofficialswereforcedtoclosemanyroadways. “Wehadapproximately 80 sections of highways inArkansas that had tobecloseddue towaterover theroadway,”statedEmanuelBanks,AssistantChiefEngineerforOperations. “Roadways in seventeencountieswereaffected.” AttheCentralOfficeinLittleRock,telephoneinquiriesabout road closures reached such a high volume, atelephonebankwith12stationswassetupintheauditoriumtohandleinquiriesfrommotorists. “We had staff frommany different AHTD divisionsvolunteer their timeonMother’sDayweekendand thefollowingweektoanswerthephones,”statedRalphHall,AssistanttotheDirector. “Weappreciatethehardworktheyputin.” Overa62-hourperiod,thephonebankreceivedjustunder15,000inquiriesregardingfloodedhighways. ThemostsignificantclosureonthehighwaysoccurredwhentheWhiteRiverinPrairieCountyoverfloweditsbanksspillingwaterontoInterstate40.Asaresult,a22-milesectionoftheInterstatewasclosedinbothdirectionsbetweenthecitiesofHazenandBrinkley. Theclosure lastedforeightdaysinonedirectionoranother. “The floodwater in theWhiteRiverencountered thebackwater in theMississippiRiver,”Banksadded. “Asaresult,thewaterstandingonInterstate40couldn’trecede

veryquickly.” WestboundtrafficwasroutedtoHighway49atBrinkley,directedwestonHighway64toBaldKnobandbackdownHighway167toInterstate40atNorthLittleRock.EastboundtrafficexitedtheInterstateatHazen,traveledsouthwardtoStuttgartwherecarandtrucktrafficweredivertedtoseparatedetours. At their highest level on Interstate 40, floodwatersrosetonearthetopoftheconcretemediandividingtheeastboundandwestboundlanes.

Highway 38 at Des Arc



Spring Flooding Closes Highways Across Eastern Arkansas

Highway 14 in Jackson County

Interstate 40 eastbound at the White River

Highway 62 near Eureka Springs

AHTD staff working the phone bank at the Central Office.



Highway 43 in Boone County

Highway 1 in Monroe County

Highway 412 in Lawrence County


The stretch of Interstate 40 from LittleRocktoMemphisisoneofthenation’smostheavilytraveledtruckcorridors.Becauseofthedetouron the Interstate,AHTDofficialsworkedwithDepartmentsof TransportationinTennessee,Mississippi,Missouri,Oklahoma,Texasand Louisiana towarn truckers andmotoristsoftheupcomingdetoursinArkansas. IncentralArkansas,Highway67/167nearJacksonvillewasclosedforseveraldaysduetohighwaterintheBayouMetoarea.Theclosure forcedmotoristscommuting inandoutof LittleRock forwork to findalternateroutesonHighway107andHighway161. Once floodwaters receded acrossthe state, themajor concern shifted fromhighwater todamages to the roadways.Floodwaters from spring rains hadalreadycausedanestimated$10millionindamagetoArkansashighwaysbeforethelatestroundofbadweather.FederalreimbursementwillhelpcoverthecostofthedamagesastheDepartmentgetsstartedreturningthings tonormalonthestate’sroadways. Interstate 40 eastbound at the White River



NowtheDepartmenthasavideosystemthatwillprovidethataerialview.Itfeaturesaheliumballoonwithavideocameraattachedtothebottom.Whenlaunched into theair, thesystemsendsvideoof thehighwaylocationbacktothegroundandcanprovidemoreaccuratedataon the traffic flowand trafficcountsinthearea.Theballoons,inusearoundtheworld,aremarketedbyacompanycalledLighterThanAirSystemsofDeland, Florida. Traffic study is just oneway in

which theballoonsareused. ThecompanyhassolditsgeartotheU.S.BorderPatroland

theU.S.Navy,amongothers. In January, representatives

from the company spent afew days with AHTD

engineers to

practice launchingand retrieving theDepartment’sballoonandlearningwhatthevideosystemcando Theballoon,which is 13 feet indiameter, useshelium to gain altitudeandcanbe inflatedanddeflated inapproximately tenminutes. It rises toaheightof500feet.Askirtwrappedononesideoftheballoonassists in stabilization inwindycondi-tions. Aminimumof twopeopleareneeded tolaunch theballoon. TheballoonandcamerasystemaretetheredtoawinchonthebackofaDepartmentpickuptruck.Onceitislaunchedandintheairoveraprojectlocation,thecameraonboardcanbeoperatedbyajoystickontheground.Thejoystickrotates thecameraandcanalsozoominandoutforbetterviews.

Balloon in the Sky Monitors Traffic Down Below

When AHTD engineers are monitoring traffic flow for future highway improve-ments, it can be a bit difficult to assess the traffic in a particular location when

they’re observing from the ground. A bird’s eye view would be much more helpful.

Mike Schiffl, Cartographer IV, prepares the video camera before launch of the balloon.



A similar video system mounted on a pole can be utilized on windy days.

Daniel Siskowski prepares to deflate the balloon. The balloon can be deflated or inflated within approximately ten minutes.

Filled with helium, the balloon is raised into the air and tethered to a winch on an AHTD truck.

Thevideofeedissenttoalaptopcom-puterstationedontheground. AHTDstaffhasdonetestflightswiththebal-looninanopenfieldnexttotheCentralOffice. “Webeganwithasmallerballoonintrain-ingbutcompanyrepresentativeswithLighterThanAirfeltthatballoonhadalittletoomuchmovement sowenowhavea 13-footbal-loon,” saysMikeSchifflof thePlanningandResearchDivision. “Traininghasgonewellbutwe’llalwayshave to stay aware of obstacles such aspowerlinesandpoles.” AHTD staffplan touse the informationgathered for better computermodels forfuturehighway improvements. Modeling isused toprojecthow trafficwill reactunder

certainconditions. Specificexampleswould include how traffic is flowing,whereitbecomescongestedorhowandwhendriversswitchlanesataparticularlocation.Aerialobservationofsuchtraf-ficbehavioriseffectivelyobtainedbythenewequipment. Another versionof the system theDepartmentnowhasusesatelescopingpoleandcanraiseacameratoaheightof58feet.Itcanbeutilizedwhenwindconditionsmakeitimpossibletousetheballooneffectively. InMarch,stafftooktheballoononitsfirst location shoot toa siteon Interstate430tomonitortrafficintheInterstate430/Highway10area.

Thedatagatheredfromthevideosystem is recorded and is expectedtobeagreathelptoAHTDstaffwhoare monitoring a specif ic highwaylocation. “There is no limit to theamountoftimewecanrecord,”Schifflcomments.“Italldependsonwhatsourceyouarerecordingto.” Thenumberofwaystoutilizethenewequipmentwillincreasewithtime. “We’vealreadyhadsomeinterestindoingtrafficcountswiththeequipment,”Schiffladds.“Asmorestafflearnthatthenewequipment isavailable, theymayadoptthe ideaofaheliumballoonfortheirownapplications.”

Live video from the balloon is monitored by the Department crew on the ground.



The cabins were lifted onto the tugboat hulls after they arrived at Peel.

Peel Ferry Receives New Tugboats IfyoutravelupHighway125innorthernArkansasasfarasyoucango,you’llcometotheendoftheroadatBullShoalsLake.That’swhereyou’llfindArkansas’lastoperatingferryboat.DriveaboardandthePeelFerrywilltakeyouacrossthelakewhereyoucanpickupHighway125againonitswaytoMissouri.

ThePeelFerryhasbeeninoperationsince1968.Thetug-boats thatget the ferrybackand forthacross the lake, theSpringbanktugandtheSt.Charlestug,areboth1967models.Becauseoftheirageandtheamountofworkthetugshaveputinthroughtheyears,theDepartmentrecentlypurchasedtwonewtugboatstoreplacethemusingfundingfromtheAmericanRecoveryandReinvestmentAct.ThenewboatsweredeliveredandputinthewaterinMarch. ForreaderswonderingwhytheDepartmentusestwotugs,it’ssothereisneveratimewhenmotoristscan’tgetacrossthelake. “Weuseonebargeandonetugatatimetohaultrafficandtheotherisasparetouseduringrepairsandservicesowedon’thavetoshutdownoperation,”saysMarkGrozis,PeelFerrySupervisor. “The Spr ingbank tug has148,462 hours on its engineandtheSt.Charlestughas182,571hours,”statedGrozis.

Itiseasytoseehowallthosehourscouldaddup.Theferryoperates365daysayearfromsunuptosundown.Itmakesaroundtripapproximatelyevery40minutes. Thenewtugsareaboutthesamesizeastheoldtugsbuthavemorepowerfulengines. “Theoldtugshad210-horsepowerDetroitenginesinthemandthenewoneshave300-horsepowerJohnDeereengines,”Grozisstated. Theferriescanput thatpowertogooduse. In fact, theDepartmenthasorderedtwonewbargesthatwillholdmorecarsthanthepresentbarges.Theferriescarryabout85vehiclesaday. “Ouraverage riders includepeople sightseeing,goingshopping,goingondoctor visits, orpeopleout fishingandcamping,”saysGrozis.

OnJune22nd,AHTDstaffandlocaldignitariesgath-eredontheshoreofBullShoalsLaketoofficially

christen the new tugs.With twobrandnewtugboatsreadytogo,thePeelFerryshouldbeabletogettravelersbackandforthacross the lake towhere theyaregoingforyearstocome.

Preparations are made to launch into the water.



The cabins were lifted onto the tugboat hulls after they arrived at Peel.

The tugs arrived at Bull Shoals Lake on a flatbed truck.

One of two new tugboats docked beside the old St. Charles tug.


Dick Trammel (far right) officially christens one of two new tug boats in a traditional ceremony. Also present (l. to r.) were AHTD Director Flowers, State Representative Kelley Link and District 8 Engineer Steve Lawrence.


The number of “Visitor Comment Cards” arriv-ing in the Public Affairs office, 27 at this particular time, really says it all… motorists are writing the Department to say how much they enjoy the land-scaped gardens at the AHTD’s Welcome Centers at West Memphis and Helena-West Helena, and rest areas at Palestine and Forrest City.

Welcome Center Landscaping Popular With Motorists

Darrel Gaskin, Maintenance Aide II,

beside a bed of Verbena.][ “The landscaping

was beautiful! The nicest landscaping

and flowers we have seen in any state.”

][ “Darrell Gaskin, I just LOVE your

gardens. I wish I could have met you!”



Thegardens at all four locations are thework of AHTDemployeeDarrellGaskin,MaintenanceAidII,inDistrictOne.Inadditiontothecommentcards,hishardworkhasevenpromptedaletterofpraisefromtheDirectoroftheDepartmentofParks&Tourism. GaskinhasbeenworkingfortheDepartmentforquiteawhilebutonlyinthepastfewyearshashedonemuchlandscapingattherestareas. “IwanttothankJoeSartiniforofferingthislandscapingjobtomebackinDecemberof2007,”Gaskinstates.“Ithasbeenthemostenjoyablepartofmynearly35yearswiththeDepartment.” ThelandscapingworkkeepsGaskinbusyyearroundbutbyfarthebusiesttimeisinthespring. “That’swhenalltheweedsarrive!”hesaysjokingly.“Butitisalsoaveryrewardingtimegettingtowatchtheflowersemerge,”headds. Whentheflowersdopopupfortheseason,theyareabighitwithmotoristspullinginoffoftheroad. “Theygrabtheircamerasoutoftheircars,itisveryrewardingtomejusttoseetheirfaces.” Theadmirersarefullofquestionstoo.Theyaskaboutthetypesofflowers,wheredifferentvarietiescansurvive,andwhattypeofsoilandfertilizerGaskinuses. “Ihavestartedusinglabelstoidentifytheplantsinalloftheareas,”Gaskinadds. Notonlydomotoristswalkawaywithanswerstotheirques-tions,someactuallygettotakeseedshomewiththemaswell. “Iharvesttheseedsandoccasionallygiveanenvelopeofthemtopassersby.” Withgardensinfourlocations,Gaskinhasquiteafewareastotendto.ThefirstgardenwasattheWestMemphisWelcomeCenter.Withthehelpofseveralcrewmembers,hehadtrucksbringinseveralloadsofdirttobuildraisedbedsaroundtherestarea.ThenhewenttotheForrestCityrestareaandspentafewdaysthere.ThenitwasontoWestHelenaandPalestine. Gaskinsometimeshassummeremployeeshelpingoutbegin-ningin lateMayandcontinuingtoearlyAugust,butthemainhelpcomesfromBillKinard,aRoller-OperatorinDistrictOne.

“Heisveryknowledgeableinallphasesoflandscapedesign,includingselectingthebestflowersforsunnyorshadyplaces.Healsoknowsaweedwhenoneemerges,whichisveryhelpful.” Weedsmaybehardtofindbecausetherearesomanydif-ferentvarietiesofplantsandflowersinthegardens. “WalkingthroughtheForrestCityrestarea,Ioncecounted78differentvarietiesofplants,”statesGaskin.

“Ichooseplantsbasedonbloomtime,resultinginsomethingalwaysinbloomfromFebruarytolateOctober.FloweringbeginswithmanyvarietiesofdaffodilsinJanuaryandFebruaryrightonthroughtheseasontochrysanthemumsinOctober.” AnddoesGaskinhaveafavoritelocationamongtheloca-tionshegardens? “MyfavoritelocationistheForrestCityrestareabecauseofitsplaceinCrowley’sRidge.It’sallflatfarmlandinEasternArkansasso

][ “The flower gardens here are an attraction in

themselves. The members of our motorcoach tour group thoroughly enjoyed walking

around reading the signs that identified the plants.”

][ “Loved the landscaping –

probably the nicest rest stop I have seen

in the U.S.A.”


][ “The gardens are fantastic! I thought maybe

a master garden club maintained them, but no - congratulations to the man

who does.”

][“The flower gardens are a welcome addition to our

stop in West Memphis. Our thank you to those who

care for them.”

theridgegivesanaturallandscape”saysGaskin.“Allwehadtodowasplantafewflowerstogetstarted.Ialsobuiltacoveredwalkwaytoassistvisitorsastheyaccessthestairwayandhillsidesidewalk.” InadditiontohisworkfortheDepartment,GaskinhasalargegardenathishomeinForrestCity. “IusemanyofthesameflowersintherestareasthatIuseathome.MyfavoritesaretheAsianlilies,peoniesandroses(teaandknockoutrosevariety).” Gaskinisfamiliarwiththelocalnurseriesinthearea.“ItrytousethenurseriesthatareclosesttotheareaI’mworkinginfortheflowers,fertilizersandplantings.” “Iboughtalargenumberofflowersinthefirstyearbutbuy-inghasdecreasedovertheyearsduetothenaturalspreadingoftheflowersandabilitytopropagate(divide).Aseniormastergardeneroncetoldmethatthefirstyearyourgardensleeps,thesecondyearitcreepsandthethirdyearitleaps.Shewasrightonthebutton!Thedayliliesarethemostusedflowersbecausetheymultiplysoquickly.TheyareallinfullbloomfromlateMaythroughJuneandsometimesintoJuly.” “Nowwithalltheperennialsinplace,allIhavetodoisliftand separateandkeep spreading them fromyear toyear,”Gaskinstates. Gaskindefinitelyhasaloveofgardeningandisobviouslygoodatit.Ashisperennialscontinuetospreadeachyear,thenumberofpeoplewhoappreciatehisworkwilllikelybeincreasingaswell.


AHTD Hosts Boys State Delegates ArkansasBoysStatewasheldinCentralArkansasthefirstweekinJune.Itisaweek-longprogramincivicseducationforhighschooljuniors.Aspartoftheirannualprogram,thegrouppaidavisit totheDepartmentto learnmoreabouttheoperationsofstateagenciesandtheAHTDspecifically. ApproximatelytwentydelegateswereonhandattheCentralOfficeforapresenta-tionthatincludedinformationontheDepartment’srole,theoperatingbudgetandstepsrequiredforconstructingahighway.Programssuchasthe24-HourLitterHotline,thestate’sScenicBywaysandtheWildflowerProgramwerealsodiscussed. Followingthepresentation,thegrouptouredtheMaterialsBuildingwheretheylearnedmoreabouttestsonsoilstrengths,asphaltandconcretecompression. ArkansasBoysStateissponsoredbytheAmericanLegionandhasbeeninopera-tionfornearly70years.Over40,000Arkansasyouthhaveparticipatedintheweeklongcamp.

Ellie Watson, Laboratory Coordinator, explains testing procedures to Boys State delegates in the AHTD Materials Lab in Little Rock.


(l. to r.) Lorie Tudor, David Fillipps, Bill Bradberry and Tammy Goshien look over construction bids after receiving them electronically for the first time. Tudor, Bradberry and Goshien are in the AHTD Programs & Contracts Division. Fillipps is with Info Tech of Gainesville, Florida.

AHTD Now Accepting Bids Electronically OnNovember16thof2010,theArkansasStateHighwayandTransportationDepartmentjoinedagrowingnumberofDepart-mentsofTransportation(DOTs)acrossthecountrythatarenowusing the Internet toacceptelectronicbidsonconstructionprojects. TheGeorgiaDOT implemented thenation’s first Internet-basedbiddingsystemin1998.Theprocesshasbeensosuccessful,manyotherDOTshavefollowed.Infact,StateDOTshavebeentheleadersinphasingtheelectronicbiddingprocessintothewaycompaniesdobusiness.Atotalof41DOTsacrossthecountrynowuseelectronicbidding. With theAHTD’s electronic bidding service, called “BidExpress,” contractors can receiveall thenecessary informa-tiontheyneedtopreparetheirbidovertheInternet.Theycanproceedinpreparingtheirbidand,whenfinished,submittheircompletedbidproposalover the Internet. TheAHTD isabletoelectronicallyprocess thebid information. ThecontractorreceivesareceiptfromBidExpresswhenthebidisreceivedontheserver.Securityisassuredbytheuseofmaximumencryptiontechnology,digitalsignaturesandprivateandpublickeycodes.Throughthesystemofprivatekeys,thebidfilesareunreadablebyanyoneexcepttheDOT.Contractorscanwithdraworreplacetheirbidsatanytimepriortoopeningonbidlettingday. Priortothefirstelectronicbidsbeingaccepted,AHTDstaffersintheProgramsandContractsDivisionweretrainedandthentestedthesystemforseveralmonths. “We had our Bid Express training in February of 2010,”stated Bill Bradberry, Staff ProjectDevelopment Engineer in

theProgramsandContractsDivision.“Thereweresixtoeightcontractors thathelpeduswith testing fromMarch throughSeptember.Wethenhadover100peoplefromthecontract-ingcommunityinfortraining,inOctober,beforewewentlivewiththeNovemberletting.” AccordingtoBradberry,65%ofthebidsonNovember16thwereelectronicbids.Therewasatleastoneelectronicbidoneachproject.Bidsononeparticularprojectwereallelectronic. “Wereceived31Internetbidsand17ofthetraditionalpaperbids,”Bradberryadded.“WewerepleasantlysurprisedbyhowmanyInternetbidsweresubmitted.ThattellsmethecontractorswerereadyforanInternetbiddingoptioninArkansas.” InternetbiddingprovidesbenefitstoDepartmentsofTrans-portationandcontractors. “It’s quicker, easier andmoreefficient,” says Bradberry.“ContractorsnolongerhavetotraveltoLittleRocktosubmitabid.Theycansubmitabiduptothelastminutefromtheirhome,officeoranywherewithanInternetconnection.AcontractorfromwesternArkansastoldmeafterthelettingthatitcouldn’thavebeenanyeasier.” Bradberrywasaskedaboutthefutureofelectronicbidding. “Ithinkwewillseemoreandmoreofit.It’suptothecontract-ingcommunity,butbasedonthefirstletting,itlookslikeeveryoneisheadingthatway.” “Thisisasignificantmilestoneforeveryoneinimprovingthebidlettingprocess,”statedAHTDDirectorDanFlowers.“It’saneasierprocessandlesscostlyforbothcontractorsandtheDepart-ment.We’reexcitedaboutitsuseinthefuture.”



PUBLIC HEARINGS

Highway 5 - Bryant Planning Study

A Public InformationMeetingwas held in Bryant onDecember14,2010,aspartofaplanningstudyregardingcapacity improvementsonHighway 5. The study is beingconducted to identify improve-mentstoaddresscongestionissues.The study area for improvementsextendsfromthePulaskiCountylinewestward toBenton. A totalof37peopleattendedthemeetingwhichwasheldatFirstPentecostalChurch.

Highway 5 - BryantCulvert Construction

TheAHTDheldaPublicInvolve-mentMeetinginBryantonNovem-ber 9th, 2010, to discuss plans forinstallinga triplebarrelboxculvertonHighway5.Thenewculvertwillreplacea smaller one in order toimprovedrainagebetweenHensonPlaceandForestDrive.Atotalof37peopleattendedthemeetingwhichwasheldatCollegevilleElementarySchool.

Highway 5 - Mountain View

TheArbannaBaptistChurch inMountainViewwasthesceneofaPublicInformationMeetingonMarch3,2011,regardingimprovementsforHighway5.Planscallforreconstruc-tionandnewclimbing lanes tobelocatedonfourmilesofthehighwaybetweenLittleRaccoonCreekandCoveProngCreek. Therewere52peopleinattendance.

Highway 13 Extension - Searcy

Acrowdof172peopleattendeda Public InformationMeeting atValleyBaptistChurch in SearcyonNovember 16, 2010, regarding theextensionofHighway13.Planscallforconstructinganextensionoftheroadwayonnewlocationinsouth-west Searcy. TheextensionwouldbeginatHighway267andcontinuenorthwardtoHighway36.

Highway 62 - Garfield

A Design Public Hearingwasheld inGarfieldtodiscussplans forimprovementstoHighway62.Atotalof217peopleattendedthehearingatGarfield First BaptistChurchonNovember 18, 2010, to learnmoreaboutplans forwideningHighway62tofivelanes.Theimprovementswould extend from just north ofAvocaeastwardtothecommunityofGateway.



DEPARTMENT

Highway 82 Project Completed in Crossett

CommissionChairmanMadisonMurphyledhighwayofficialstoCrossettforaDecember15,2010,dedicationofworkonHighway82.AHTDDirectorDanFlowersandFederalHighwayAdministration’sArkansasDivisionAdministratorSandraOttowerealsopresent. TheprojectwastowidenHighway82tofivelanesfromHigh-way133eastwardfor2.4miles.The$5.9millioncontract, let inNovember2007toIdealConstructionCompany,includedminordrainstructures,curbandgutter,sidewalksandtrafficsignals. “AlotofdevelopmentishappeningalongHighway82andthiswideningprojectwillhelpwiththeaddedtraffic,”saidMur-phy.“InjustthepastyearwealsocompletedwideningworkonHighway133andwehavemoreofthatworkscheduled.” ExecutiveDirectoroftheArkansasGoodRoadsTransporta-tionCouncilJohnnieBolinofCrossettcommendedtheHighwayCommissionfortheircommitmenttoSoutheastArkansas.

North Little Rock Mayor Patrick Hays (with scissors) cuts the ribbon on East Broadway in North Little Rock.

Two phases of work included $12.4 million to widen Highway 70 to five lanes from Interstate 30 eastward to Highway 165. Over 20,000 vehicles travel the heavily commercialized roadway on a daily basis.

Commission Chairman Madison Murphy (r.) and Arkansas Good Roads Transportation Council Executive Director Johnnie Bolin, of Crossett, visit at the ribbon cutting event for Highway 82.

East Broadway Project Ready in N. Little Rock

AHighway70(EastBroadway)wideningprojectinNorthLittleRockwasdedicatedonOctober29,2010.CommissionersCarlRosen-baumandCliffHoofmanjoinedwithNorthLittleRockMayorPatrickHaystocelebratethecompletionofthefinalphaseoftheproject. Twocontractswereawarded towidenHighway70 fromInterstate30eastwardtoHighway165. ThefirstphasestartedinAugustof2007witha$3.5millioncontracttoWeaver-BaileyContractorstowidentheroadfromLocustStreettoCornishStreet

andalsoincludedworktoimprovethegradeatthesiteoftheoldrailroadoverpassnearVerizonArena. Phasetwowasan$8.9millioncontractawardedtoMobelyContractors in Januaryof 2008. This final segmentcontinuedthewideningtoHighway165.Thenewfive-laneroadwayisawelcomeimprovementforthe20,000vehiclesthatdriveitdaily. “I’vebeenworkingtogetthisprojectdoneduringmyentiretenureontheHighwayCommission,”saidRosenbaum.HoofmannotedthatheandMayorHayshavetalkedabouttheprojectforover20yearsand“I’mhappythatwefinallygotitdone.”


DEDICATIONS

Paragould officials braved a cold morning to officially dedicate the newly widened section of Highway 49 from Highway 135 to Highway 412. AHTD Director Dan Flowers (with scissors) and Commission Vice Chairman John Ed Regenold were on hand for the ceremony. This is just one of several recently completed projects in the Paragould area.

A large crowd of local Crossett area residents gathered for the official cutting of the ribbon for the recently completed project to widen Highway 82. The area has seen a recent influx of economic development and the newly widened roadway will help ease the heightened number of vehicles that have followed.

Highway412.The$6.5millioncontractwasawardedinJanuaryof2008toGarryMeadowsConstructionCompany. A$122,000trafficsignalprojectapproximately2.5milessouth,attheintersectionofHighway49andHighway358(McDanielRoad),wascompletedearlierintheyear. “TheseprojectsarejustacontinuationofourcommitmenttoimproveHighway49inthisarea,”saidFlowers.Chamberofficialsnotedthattheseimprovementsgreatlyhelpwiththeireconomicdevelopmentplans.

Highway 49 Job Dedicated In Paragould

AlargecrowdgatheredinParagouldonacoldmorningonNovember19,2010,toofficiallydedicatecompletionofaHigh-way49wideningproject.CommissionViceChairmanJohnEdRegenoldandAHTDDirectorDanFlowersmadethetriptojoinChambermembersandlocalofficialsintheceremony. Thepurposeoftheprojectwastowiden1.35milesofHighway49tofive-lanesbetweentheintersectionsatHighway135and


June3,2011

ChiefRonBurksArkansasHIghwayPolice

OnbehalfoftheemployeesofMFAOilCom-pany,IwanttothankyoufortheDepartment’sinvolvementinasafetymeetingweheld.Sgt.DarrenSmithgaveanoutstandingpresentationanddemon-strationofaLevel1roadsideinspection,whichwaswellreceivedbyourCMVdrivers. Sincetheinceptionofthefederalgovernment’sCSAinitiative,weareverymuchintunewiththechallengesthatlieaheadinmaintainingasafefleetanddrivers.TheeffortsmadebySgt.Smithcertainlyhelpedusraisethebaronfleetsafety.

Sincerely,JerryTaylor,PresidentMFAOilCompany

January12,2011

[email]:

ThisisamessagetotellyouwhataGREATjobyourDepartmentdidinkeepingInterstate530openforcommutersduringthewinterweather.ItravelfromLittleRocktoPineBluffeverydayandhavenotrouble.IworkfortheDepartmentofCorrectionandIhadtobeatwork-andIwas.

SteveEdwards

Letters to the Department

January12,2011

ArkansasHighway&TransportationDepartment:

Ijustwantedtotakeamomentfrommydayandgivethanksforthedeterminationandhardworkofallinvolvedinclearingthewayaftertheterriblesnowevent. Iwasverygratefulformysafeandquickcom-mutetoworkthismorning.Asalways,anothergreatjobwasaccomplished.IpraythatthesituationthatoccurredonInterstate30inSalineCountywillbeovercomesoon.

HerchellAngeronCampusManagerAgapeChurch

November22,2010

ArkansasHighwayandTransportationDepartment:

ThankyousomuchforyouandyourmowingcrewthatmowedHighway69recently.Wereallyappreciatethegreatjobthattheyhavedone.Thankssomuch.

DonaldandMaudeRobertsNewport,Arkansas

November16,2010

CorporalBrianHarwood

OnbehalfoftheATASafetyManagementCouncil,thankyouagainforservingasapanelistandofferinginsightsonthetopic,“CSAExperiences:Inspector-Investigator-CarrierPerspective”atthe2010Safety&HumanResourcesNationalConference&Exhibition. Thisyear’sconferencewasjudgedahugesuc-cessbyattendees.Wecreditthoseofyouwhosogenerouslysharedyourknowledgeandexperiencewiththesesafetyprofessionalsfromacrossthecoun-try.AttendeeswereequallygenerouswiththeirpraiseandIamgratefulforyourinvolvementandcontribu-tions.

WarmestRegards,SusanChandler,ExecutiveDirector


May27,2011

ArkansasHighway&TransportationDepartment

MichaelGuesswenttheextramiletocheckonourproblemonInterstate40nearClarksvilleatabout10:30a.m.onFriday. Wehadafronttireblow.Wedidn’tknowhowtochangethetireandhediditallandwouldtakenomoneyforhisservice.Thankyouforthegoodemployeeyouhired.Hemadeourday!

James&GrydeneMcDonaldPoncaCity,Oklahoma

November21,2010

ToWhomItMayConcern:

OnNovember5th,mywifeandIvisitedyourofficestoobtainmapsofVanBurenCounty,forresearchofmywife’sancestor’shomesteads. TheassistanceprovidedbyAshalaDosterinMapSalesandSharonHawkinsintheMappingSec-tionwasoutstanding.Wewereveryimpressedbytheirprofessionalismandthepersonalattentionwereceived.SharonevenwentoutofherwaytofindolddocumentspertainingtoVanBurenCounty. YoushouldbeveryproudtohavethesetwoladiesasrepresentativesoftheAHTD.

Sincerely,CalHunnius

January24,2011

[email]:

IwanttorecognizeandcommendagroupofAHTDemployeesthathavegoneaboveandbeyondinthelastboutsofwinterweatheraffectingourroadways.IliveinBigelow(PerryCounty).WhenthefirstbadweatherhitonJanuary10th,ourroadwaysweregreatcomparedtoothersurroundingareasbecauseofthehardworkandpreparationstakenbythePerryCountyofficeoftheAHTD. IworkindowntownLittleRockandonWednesday,the12th,IhadnoproblemsatalldrivinginPerryCounty,evenonWyeMountain,whichisnormallydifficultingoodweather. Thenwiththelatestroundofweatheronthe20th,theproperproceduresweretakenandthePerryCountyroadswerepreppedandclearedwithnoproblemstravelingthroughoutthecounty. Iknowworkingduringthoseconditionsisdangerousandtaxing,soIwanttorecognizethehardworkofthisspecificofficethatwentaboveandbeyondtomakesuretheroadsofPerryCountyweretakencareof.

TracyStarks,RNStudentHealthResourceOfficerMedicaidInTheSchools(MITS)

November29,2010

Mr.DanFlowers,Director

Thankyoufor[theDepartment’s]giftof$1,000.00toArkansasChildren’sHospital.Yourgiftisanimpor-tantcontributiontoourmissionofprovidingthebestpossiblecaretoouryoungpatients. EverydayatArkansasChildren’sHospital,physi-cians,scientists,supportpersonnelandvolunteersworktoimproveandsavethelivesofsickandinjuredchildren.Yourgiftisessentialtotheworkwedo,anditissomeaningfultothefamilieswhowillbenefitfromyourgenerosity. Thankstofriendslikeyou,wecancontinuetoprovidecare,loveandhopetopatientsandtheirfamilies,whilegrowingtomeettheirevery-changingneeds.Withyourdonation,wecanmakethemostofthetoolsavailabletotreatsickchildrentodayandsupportresearchthatwilldevelopnewcuresandtreatmentsforfuturegenerationsofchildren. Yourgiftishelpingusmakeadifferenceinthelivesofchildren.Thankyouverymuchforthisgener-ousexpressionofyourcareandconcern.

Withdeepestgratitude,JenniferB.CarlisleVicePresident

[EDITOR’S NOTE: The AHTD’s $1,000 gift to Arkansas Children’s Hospital was originally presented to the Department by TRC as part of the “Top Projects of the Decade Award” received in late 2010. The award recognized AHTD’s work on the Interstate 40 Mississippi River Bridge Seismic Retrofit Project. TRC is a national engineering services, consulting and construction management firm.]

FORWARDING SERVICE REQUESTED

Arkansas State Highway and Transportation DepartmentPost Office Box 2261Little Rock, AR 72203-2261

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDLittle Rock, Ar 72203

Permit No. 2556

v spring 2011.pdf · 2011. 7. 27. · construction. he is chairman and ceo of lexicon, inc., a...

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