MoDOT calls for innovative ideas to save money, improve safety | Business

(KFVS) – The Missouri Department of Transportation is looking to its industry partners for ways to make its operations faster, safer and less expensive.

This is the second year for MoDOT’s “Call to Industry” competition, which asks for innovative ideas to make the department a better organization.

“This year, we are interested in innovations related to customer and employee safety, customer service, customer mobility, and road and bridge maintenance,” said Mike Shea, MoDOT Maintenance Liaison Engineer. “Our focus is to find new innovations that save money, save time, simplify work or improve safety.”

The deadline for submitting ideas is March 1. Companies interested in submitting an innovation can find details and entry forms at www.modot.org/innovations. Winning entrants will be invited to exhibit
their innovations in April at MoDOT’s system operations and management meeting in Springfield, Mo.

MoDOT constantly challenges its own employees to find ways to improve its operations.

Recent innovations by MoDOT employees include a modified hand truck that allows one person to install a snowplow blade, and the use of oversized cinders to fill in ruts along highway shoulders.

 “Whenever possible, we incorporate innovations from employees into regular operations,” said Shea. “We hope our industry partners will give us even more options to improve the way we work.”

For more information, visit www.modot.org or contact the Missouri Department of Transportation at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636).

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