Work at NYSDOT can sometimes be a messy business. Think about maintaining worm-composting toilets at a state rest are - or transforming roadkill into renewal by cleaning and composting animal carcasses from our state highways.

Those are just a couple of the MANY challenging jobs our dedicated DOT employees tackle daily, and we'll find out more about them on this episode that looks at the dirtier side of DOT.

Josh and Anya are joined by Lou D'Astrii who oversees the Southern Tier Welcome Center in Kirkwood, NY and Russ Burckhard, Highway Maintenance Supervisor 1 based out of Voorheesville, NY for this special, Dirty Jobs Edition of the DOT POD.

This episode explores a critical part of emergency preparedness at the New York State Department of Transportation - our yearly staging area drills.

These drills aren't just routine exercises, they're basically huge rehearsals for real events, ranging from hurricanes and floods, to snowstorms and other emergencies.

Recently, Josh and Anya had the chance to observe a staging drill in Utica and learn first-hand how they are a crucial learning opportunity. Regional Director of Operations for Region 2, Mike Palowski, and Senior Transportation Analyst join the podcast to discuss.

Safety doesn’t just happen by accident; it takes carefulplanning. To keep New York’s roadway safe DOT has developed a Strategic Highway Safety Plan which is aimed at drastically cutting down on serious crashes and fatalities, with the ultimate goal, of course, being zero deaths.

In this episode, Josh and Anya explore the key factors thatmake us vulnerable to serious crashes, what DOT is doing to protect all roadway users, and the changes we may see in the near future.

Joining the podcast are Rob Limoges, Director of the Officeof Traffic Safety and Mobility, and Mary Harding, Director of the Highway Safety Bureau, to help break all of this down .

In this episode, we are shining a spotlight on rail safety - an essential aspect of our transportation system, that millions of people rely on for their daily commutes as well as in getting the goods we need.

But did you know that the New York State Department of Transportation plays a crucial role in keeping our rail system safe?

Guests Mike Labello and Brian Galvin walk us through the vital work DOT is doing through rail inspections to monitor New York's rail infrastructure and how these efforts protect not just passengers - but also the communities surrounding the rails.

We often hear of the inspiring stories of DOT workers who go above and beyond their duties, helping those in need; like aiding stranded drivers during major snowstorms or after accidents.

On this edition of The DOT POD, we're sharing the stories of DOT employees who come to the aid of animals in distress.

Josh and Anya are joined by DOT workers Brett Stoner, Ryan Wilson, and Kim Latour. From rescuing animals in need, to collecting donations for a local shelter, their stories will show a different side of DOT.

DOT's projects and initiatives are deeply rooted in our communities. But to truly meet the needs of the people we serve, we've got to meet them where they are.

This principle is at the core of public engagement and we're continually seeking innovative ways to connect with our communities.

On this episode, Project Director for the I-81 Viaduct Project, Betsy Parmley, and Community Liaison and Public Information Officer TeNesha Murphy join us to talk about DOT's groundbreaking I-81 Connect, our first ever app linked to our largest ever project, as well as give an update on this transformative project.

The New York State Department of Transportation prioritizes safety 24-7, 365, to ensure our roadways remain safe for everyone who uses them.

Every time we travel, whether it's our daily commute, or shuttling our kids to school, we share the road with large commercial trucks and motor carriers. But have you every thought about the people responsible for making sure these trucks and their drivers are safe and fit for the road?

In this episode of the DOT POD, Josh and Anya welcome in Larry Johnson and Danielle Adair form DOT's Office of Modal Safety and Security to talk about the individuals dedicated to minimizing crashes involving commercial vehicles and incidents with hazardous materials by conducting inspections throughout New York.

Airports are critical to the health and well-being of the communities in upstate New York. They are gateways to local economies and make lasting impressions.

In September, $230 million was awarded to nine upstate airports as part of the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition.

On this episode, Josh and Anya sit down with Deputy Chief Engineer Carlos Rivera and Aviation Director Lowell Lingo to discuss the projects as well as the importance of these facilities.

On this episode of The DOT POD, NYSDOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez joins Josh and Anya to discuss how we're ensuring better infrastructure, enhanced safety, and greater mobility for all New Yorkers.

The women of DOT represent an extraordinary collective of dedicated professionals who thrive in a field that has long been viewed as predominantly male.

In honor of Women's History Month, we are highlighting a newly formed Women's Group in DOT's Long Island office that is dedicated to uplifting and empowering the women who are making significant contributions to DOT and the transportation sector.

In this episode, Josh and Anya are joined by Nancy Kamel and Deborah Rivera to discuss the group's origins and how it is nurturing a vibrant community of women centered around mentorship, advocacy, and collaboration.

For more information about the women's group or how to start your own, contact Nancy:

[email protected].