Montoursville, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today recognized PennDOT employees with Innovation Awards for their efforts to improve work practices and create efficiencies. One team member from PennDOT's District 3, which represents Tioga, Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Union, Snyder, Northumberland, Montour and Columbia counties was among the honorees.
"PennDOT employees have demonstrated a tireless dedication to the Department's mission and goals," said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. "I'm proud to see so many examples of that dedication and recognize those employees for their creativity in solving problems and improving processes."
The annual Innovation Awards Ceremony recognizes some of the best and most innovative ideas cultivated and implemented by PennDOT employees across the Department. Employees who assessed and improved processes, systems and tools they were using to meet the need of Pennsylvania drivers are considered for the award. Each employee receives a custom award that represents PennDOT's appreciation for their dedication and commitment to efficient and effective operations at all levels of the organization.
Carroll and other department executives honored winner Todd Hardy, Bridge and Structural Design Manager. Hardy was recognized for Emergency Grout Bags On-Hand. The Emergency Grout Bags are used for emergency repairs when there is undermining of bridge substructures. The bags are placed in the void of the superstructure and pumped full of grout to restore 100 percent of the bearing of the bridge foundation.
Having the Emergency Grout Bags on-hand saves the Department money and time during emergency situations, as well as minimizes the impacts to the traveling public by shortening the length of potential bridge closures.
"I congratulate Todd on his well-deserved innovation award for Emergency Grout Bags on-hand," said District Executive Eric High. "Todd has over 35-years of experience with the Department after serving in the military. He has dedicated much of his career to the bridge unit, ensuring that our bridges are inspected and maintained, while continuously working to find cost-effective solutions that benefit the motorists who traverse the District's roadways and bridges each day. I again congratulate Todd on his innovations award and upcoming retirement in December."
Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Tioga, Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Union, Snyder, Northumberland, Montour and Columbia counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District3.
Information about infrastructure in District 3 including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.gov/D3Results. Find PennDOT's planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Maggie Baker, 570-368-4202 or magbaker@pa.gov
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