[CCoE Notice] Fwd: COVID-19 Pandemic and TxDOT Research

Fri Mar 20 09:29:51 CDT 2020

Dear University Liaisons and Research Partners,

I would like to thank you all for your dedication and commitment to continuing the work needed on our research projects.

It is my expectation that the researchers and our RTI Project Managers will remain in regular communications regarding their research projects and that all will follow appropriate guidelines to remain safe while conducting research activities.  If there is any needed project schedule deviations or postponements as a result of COVID-19 and the current work climate, please let us know, via RTIMAIN at txdot.gov.

Additionally,  I would like to share with you our media relations message describing how TxDOT is diligently working to keep our employees and the public safe. (See below)

Respectfully,

Kevin Pete, PMP®
Director, Research & Technology Implementation Division
Texas Dept. of Transportation
(512) 416-4726
Research<http://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/division/research-technology.html>|Library<http://library.ctr.utexas.edu/Presto/home/home.aspx>|TxSTIC<http://txstic.org/>|TxLTAP<http://txltap.org/>

[Texas Department of Transportation (R)]

TXDOT TAKING COVID-19 ACTION TO KEEP EMPLOYEES AND PUBLIC SAFE
Efforts include travel center lobby closures, canceling in-person public meetings, safety messages, and a telework directive for office employees
NEWS RELEASE

MediaRelations at txdot.gov<mailto:MediaRelations at txdot.gov>
(512) 463-8700
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March 17, 2020

AUSTIN — TxDOT is acting to help reduce the risk of COVID-19. On Friday and over the weekend the department took several steps to protect the public and TxDOT employees. At the same time, TxDOT remains committed to delivering services to its customers all over the Lone Star State.

Given the recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to cancel gatherings of 50 or more people and the request from President Donald Trump to avoid gatherings larger than 10 people, TxDOT is postponing or canceling its in-person public hearings and gatherings through April 3. That date is subject to change. This excludes the Texas Transportation Commission meeting on March 26, 2020, which will be addressed separately. When possible TxDOT will look to offer virtual participation strategies for public input.

Work on projects to improve our transportation system continues, as does TxDOT’s ongoing work to maintain and operate our state’s transportation system, to include ferry operations.

TxDOT has closed the lobbies of its 12 Travel Information Centers until further notice to help combat the threat of COVID-19. Outside restrooms will remain available at all times and will be regularly cleaned between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The safety rest areas<https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUdSnkmiRSKrKeVDPF4UeuJFFOCZ81Itvi7gKhejTrCLBtZL3U6mNXAUVC8XmuAPcZD7pF6B8wV1XipQ0b1IIDWJ85Nb9oN1VTl3JA04seoLxfFeqT5zJK2DBrdpa10S1rgzbojRINgE10987MJ115Y6LEMeaQpWh9d3Yia9fBeRGIgfT_ZjQJzmEYbj76Qe-2FPss4jYoXjZw-2FRzQtxxq-2Fjsud5F0m0ybxEhypkDorB4QRjDZd9Mtr3PLpe0356HrfIyzLIB6Ka4ial0AvL-2BBwFyLT-2FdHO3D7OBIRX1AnlPclk-2BKbe01N58bb5Bi-2FVRAYT9TY6zV1RKzMX5YusikpJ9o98z6eCVZypk7unOF-2FDe4-2Bp92P-2F7vMYVh-2FzuA1InVupoLQjpTZJiNfkShzaiupnzldfmsD-2FQ0ySyEkv9D1ZlEbR9PinmHeWvtsfKdctFgGhb4PKh2fraztTTBPaRHtqR1h-2BnFeAzOdQvFDAfqx48ylEnmJgySw72sB8KyXBPCojlxPTQFCIaoVU9WjrlsoCNGDV-2BXJs-3D> on highways throughout the state remain open. These provide important rest stops for drivers.

Travelers can also still speak with our center counselors about road conditions or travel information between 8 a.m.and 5 p.m. Anyone can call 1-800-452-9292 or visitdrivetexas.org<https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUbExgq8-2B6fnkgwIPv1gTER1lTGHEz5fDkmrCypdi1RS9YuL3iAA1lSD-2FEC4U5okeEg-3D-3DtVz4_ZjQJzmEYbj76Qe-2FPss4jYoXjZw-2FRzQtxxq-2Fjsud5F0m0ybxEhypkDorB4QRjDZd9Mtr3PLpe0356HrfIyzLIB6Ka4ial0AvL-2BBwFyLT-2FdHO3D7OBIRX1AnlPclk-2BKbe01N58bb5Bi-2FVRAYT9TY6zV1RKzMX5YusikpJ9o98z6eCVZypk7unOF-2FDe4-2Bp92P-2F7vMYVh-2FzuA1InVupoLQjpTeZq-2B9UspRIq00aTJq3t4-2FoyTrdiPFjpGKuGH8MgvgbwvEkBYZakVLrhgf0yqZgxvKpW19RH7PHdJRMXdzTSfqZXNPS2jQCTsJyYbeCmZtIjNflpcem4U-2Bodjg5joOgIUQX5v4UUun8Tt-2FBYia0Ak7s-3D> to obtain road condition information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

As awareness is key, on Saturday, March 14, TxDOT began sharing safety messages on its digital highway signs throughout the state. These messages include, “Give Xtra Space, With Each Other, And On The Road” and “Hands Clean, 2 Beat Covid-19, Be on TX Team.” These are short, easy to read messages to help reinforce the importance of preventing the spread of the virus.

In conjunction with Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s disaster declaration related to COVID-19, TxDOT is also requiring its office-based employees to telework beginning March 16.

Teleworking has been an option for TxDOT office-based employees for several years now, and with this temporary new directive, TxDOT will continue serving the state’s transportation needs. TxDOT’s number one priority is always safety, and the agency is in constant contact with state health and emergency management officials to do its part during this global health situation.

Visit the COVID-19 website of the Texas Department of State Health Services athttps://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/ for the most up to date information and guidance from state health officials.

For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations atMediaRelations at txdot.gov<mailto:MediaRelations at txdot.gov> or (512) 463-8700.

###

The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, maritime, rail and public transportation across the state.

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[A Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) message]<https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/featured.html>
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