Projects, Suspensions and Workforce

AASHTO is tracking state DOT developments related to projects, suspensions and workforce adjustments.

Updated May 12, 2020

• On May 8 the Florida DOT said it would further accelerate work on 40 critical transportation infrastructure projects by at least 650 total contract days as COVID-19 is keeping traffic volumes low:  https://fdotwww.blob.core.windows.net/sitefinity/docs/default-source/info/co/news/newsreleases/05022020-fdot-phase-2-release.pdf?sfvrsn=3cb5c7f8_2
• Michigan DOT said on May 6 that most of the 85 roadside parks it operates will reopen for the season on May 15: https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,4616,7-151–528243–,00.html
• The mandated lock down caused by COVID-19 has led to a steep drop in revenues for the state of Maine, with the Maine Department of Transportation expecting a roughly $74 million loss in taxes and fees over the spring and summer months, which could balloon to close to $124 million over the next 18 months: https://www.thecentersquare.com/maine/pandemic-leads-to-dramatic-drop-in-revenue-for-maine-department-of-transportation/article_b4b51332-8fe8-11ea-a92e-f3ef9cf731d0.html
• A report issued by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute on May 4 says COVID-19 could cost Illinois as much as $560 million in transportation revenues in 2020 alone: https://illinoisupdate.com/2020/05/06/report-covid-19-could-cost-illinois-as-much-as-560-million-in-transportation-revenues-in-2020-alone/
• With sales of gasoline and diesel off more than 50 percent across Ohio due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the state’s plans to dramatically boost highway construction may suffer a severe setback: https://www.dispatch.com/news/20200504/plunge-in-fuel-sales-from-stay-at-home-order-threatens-ohio-road-projects
• A study by the University-California David Road Ecology Center indicates California’s stay-at-home order could cost the state $370 million in funds that help pay for #highway construction & maintenance plus #transit aid https://roadecology.ucdavis.edu/files/content/projects/COVID_CHIPs_Impacts_updated_430.pdf
• The Center on Budget & Policy Priorities estimates New Jersey’s tax revenue will fall by 10% in FY 2020 & “as much as” 25% in FY 2021; meaning 2021 revenues could “fall as much or more than they did in the worst year of the Great Recession: https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/05/nj-losing-billions-in-epic-tax-revenue-shortfall-these-stunning-examples-show-how-bad-it-is.html
• The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation restarted work on highway and bridge construction projects effective May 1 in accordance with COVID-19 phased re-opening guidance issued by Governor Tom Wolf: https://www.penndot.gov/pages/all-news-details.aspx?newsid=724
• The Maine DOT noted in a news story on April 30 that it is projecting that for the six-month period from April 1 to September 30 motor fuel tax money will be down by as much as 40% or $74 million: https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/money/maine-dot-facing-big-revenues-drop-from-coronavirus-health-crisis/97-d582e83a-1fda-4e51-b146-ff80a1a85401
• The Mississippi Transportation Commission said on April 23 it will temporarily delay bidding on state-funded paving projects while gathering data to gauge the magnitude of the state’s declining transportation revenue: https://mdot.ms.gov/portal/news_release_view/190
• South Dakota Transportation Secretary Darin Bergquist noted in an April 23 news story that state revenues from motor-fuels taxes could be down 40 percent because motorists aren’t driving: https://www.keloland.com/news/capitol-news-bureau/amid-covid-19-millions-of-dollars-arent-flowing-into-south-dakotas-state-highway-fund/
• North Carolina DOT faces a $300 million budget shortfall for the current fiscal year ending June 30 due to COVID-19 induced declines in traffic volumes; as a result, it is starting to lay off temporary workers & suspend projects: https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-04-21-covid-19-impact-ncdot-project-revenue.aspx
• Washington State DOT letter that says the agency is losing up to $100 million per month in motor fuel tax losses as fewer cars are on the road due to the COVID-19 outbreak: https://www.king5.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/transporation-department-faces-staggering-losses-while-washington-traffic-idles-during-coronavirus/281-43c098a1-7c9d-4391-b6e1-5c3e9da44071
• Missouri is cutting back planned construction projects as it expects its primary source of road funding to take a major hit: https://www.newstribune.com/news/local/story/2020/apr/19/modot-cuts-april-bids-anticipating-less-gas-tax-revenue/824817/
• In an interview doe an April 19 news story, Mississippi DOT Executive Director Melinda McGrath said that with residents sheltering in place to slow the spread of COVID-19, ‘there is less demand for fuel. As a result, we anticipate fuel tax receipts to be decreased in the coming months.’ https://mississippitoday.org/2020/04/19/like-everything-else-states-transportation-system-likely-to-suffer-due-to-covid-19/
• The Wyoming DOT and the Associated General Contractors of Wyoming announced on April 16 that they’ve created new COVID-19 safety rules for state highway work crews this #construction season: http://www.dot.state.wy.us/news/wydot-agc-of-wyoming-partner-on-construction-coronavirus-safety-guidel
• An $81 million Florida highway project to improve a seven-mile stretch of #Interstate 75 is being fast-tracked by Gov. Ron DeSantis due to low #traffic volumes due to the COVID-19 crisis: https://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20200415/coronavirus-florida-desantis-tells-state-to-speed-up-i-75-widening
• The Texas DOT says traffic counts statewide have declined due to the crisis, including 43% in its San Antonio district alone, allowing the agency to accelerate work on a variety of transportation projects: http://herald-zeitung.com/community_alert/article_e4170482-7f7b-11ea-b9e8-8b10201d9f90.html
• The Virginia DOT reports that with traffic down 40% to 60% due to the COVID-19 crisis, highway crews are getting ahead of schedule on interstate projects, pavement repairs & bridge replacements: https://www.pilotonline.com/news/health/vp-nw-road-projects-0415-20200415-m6uindiwkjcazeqj4iib7rswd4-story.html
• The Mississippi DOT noted on April 14 that it continues to push ahead with work on several million dollars’ worth of highway & bridge projects in the northeast part of the state: https://mdot.ms.gov/portal/news_release_view/177
• On April 13 Utah decided that instead of using phone alerts the Utah DOT will program electronic signs near the state line to advise people to visit entry.utah.gov to submit electronic travel notification forms: https://kutv.com/news/local/utah-no-longer-sending-mobile-covid-19-alerts-to-those-who-cross-the-state-line — This follows the April 9 executive order issued by Utah Gov. Gary Herbert establishing a requirement for individuals entering Utah to complete a travel declaration form. The Utah Department of Transportation will collect this information electronically via text message sent to travelers when they enter the state: https://governor.utah.gov/2020/04/09/governor-issues-executive-order-on-inbound-travel/
• On April 11 the Florida said it is ‘expediting’ construction in significant portions of the I-4 Ultimate Project in Orlando due to the reduction in traffic from COVID-19 pandemic: https://fdotwww.blob.core.windows.net/sitefinity/docs/default-source/info/co/news/newsreleases/04112020-i4uacceleration.pdf?sfvrsn=a859dec9_2
• On April 10 the Iowa DOT said it still plans to move forward with $775 million worth of transportation projects this construction season that aim to improve critical infrastructure: https://www.transportationmatters.iowadot.gov/2020/04/iowa-dot-open-for-business.html?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
• On April 9 the Arizona DOT said lighter traffic volumes will allow it to expand transportation project work hours: https://azdot.gov/adot-news/lighter-traffic-allowing-adot-expand-project-work-hours
• On April 9, Utah Gov. Gary Herbert has issued an Executive Order establishing a requirement for individuals entering Utah to complete a travel declaration form. The Utah Department of Transportation will collect this information electronically via text message sent to travelers when they enter the state: https://governor.utah.gov/2020/04/09/governor-issues-executive-order-on-inbound-travel/
• On April 8, the New Hampshire DOT noted in a news story that it is moving ahead with a slate of transportation projects while remaining ‘mindful’ of COVID-19 pandemic protocols to keep construction workers safe: https://www.nhbr.com/coronavirus-wont-stop-highway-construction-in-new-hampshire/
• On April 9 the Oklahoma DOT said it will continue forward with critical transportation operations during the COVID-19 crisis, overseeing 29 new contracts worth $60 million to improve roads & bridges across the state:  https://www.ok.gov/triton/modules/newsroom/newsroom_article.php?id=277&article_id=57120
• On April 7, the Utah DOT committed to keeping 220 construction projects worth $3.8 billion on schedule despite the COVID-19 outbreak: https://blog.udot.utah.gov/2020/04/u-s-89-upgrade-in-davis-county-is-udots-top-project-in-2020/
• On April 7 the Oregon Department of Transportation and Portland Parks & Recreation announced more changes and are enforcing more closures for the city of Portland’s 200 parks to help prevent the potential transmission and spread of COVID-19: https://katu.com/news/coronavirus/portland-parks-bureau-odot-taking-steps-to-discourage-gatherings
• On April 6, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reopened indoor facilities at five additional rest areas statewide it originally shut down on March 17: https://www.penndot.gov/pages/all-news-details.aspx?newsid=723
• The Missouri DOT is reminding #motorists that highway safety is more important than ever during the COVID-19 outbreak as ‘the emergency room is the last place you want to find yourself.’ https://www.modot.org/node/18370
• Pennsylvania will stop paying about 9,000 state workers whose offices have been closed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic; 5,700 of them are PennDOT workers. Paid leave for state employees whose work locations are closed and who are unable to work remotely will end April 10, according to Gov. Tom Wolf’s Office of Administration: https://www.theintelligencer.net/news/top-headlines/2020/04/pennsylvania-halting-pay-for-9000-state-workers/
• On April 3, the Arizona Department of Transportation has temporarily reopened two long-shuttered northern Arizona rest areas to support truckers hauling essentials during the current public health situation: https://azdot.gov/adot-news/adot-reopens-two-northern-arizona-rest-areas-support-trucking-0
• On April 2, the Minnesota Department of Transportation said it would undertake 188 road and bridge projects during the 2020 highway construction season to help maintain the state’s transportation system, improve safety and support construction jobs: https://www.dot.state.mn.us/newsrels/20/04/02-construction.html
• On April 1, at the direction of Governor Ron DeSantis the Florida DOT started accelerating work on $2.1 billion worth of critical infrastructure projects, in part to shore up construction industry jobs: https://fdotwww.blob.core.windows.net/sitefinity/docs/default-source/info/co/news/newsreleases/04012020-fdot-accelerates-projects-statewide.pdf?sfvrsn=45682cb0_2
• On April 1, Missouri Governor Mike Parson said he would pull back $180 million worth of planned spending to ensure a balanced state budget and to gather together necessary funds to combat COVID-19 going forward. Those funding cuts will hit several state agencies, including the Missouri DOT: https://governor.mo.gov/press-releases/archive/governor-parson-announces-expenditure-restrictions-ensure-balanced-budget
• On April 1, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer clarified in an executive order that Michigan Department of Transportation projects would continue unless it is determined that there are COVID-19 concerns that precipitate a delay or shutdown. Local agency and other critical infrastructure projects can also proceed, if the local government owner deems the project essential with the above public health conditions and precautions also being respected: https://thinkmita.org/gov-whitmers-administration-clarifies-essential-construction-projects/ This is in response to the March 27 request by, the Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association that the governor deem all construction field operations – including work fixing roads and bridges – throughout the state as non-essential so employees can stay home and protected from the COVID-19 virus: https://mi-ita.site-ym.com/news/498110/MITA-requests-Governor-deem-construction-operations-non-essential-to-protect-employees.htm
• On April 1, the Connecticut Governor’s budget officer reaffirmed commitment – for now – to planned transportation infrastructure investments across the state: https://ctmirror.org/2020/04/01/ct-maintains-funds-for-transportation-port-development-amidst-pandemic/
• As of March 26, WSDOT became the second state DOT to suspend construction work due to COVID-19 safety concerns. Following the state Stay Home, Stay Healthy order, WSDOT is suspending most state construction work for at least two weeks. WSDOT had been working closely with its contractor, labor and industry partners to develop COVID-19 response plans that would protect all of the people working on its projects by meeting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Unfortunately, WSDOT stated in press release that “despite these efforts, it is not possible to meet the guidelines while maintaining construction. There have also been difficulties sustaining sufficient staff levels. In some cases this week, between 25% and 40% of a given crew was not available to work on WSDOT construction projects. https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/about/suspending-construction-covid-19
• The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has closed its District and County maintenance offices. On Tuesday, March 31, PennDOT announced that 61 emergency and critical highway and bridge projects will be active statewide. On March 17, PennDOT paused its normal highway and bridge construction program, but it restarted urgent emergency work to ensure a reliable transportation system as circumstances surrounding COVID-19 continue to unfold. The agency also reopened key rest areas on March 19 originally closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in order to support the needs of the trucking industry: https://www.penndot.gov/pages/all-news-details.aspx?newsid=718
• At least 32 state DOTs are enacting bans on out of state travel and non-essential in-state travel due to COVID-19. And like most organizations around the country most State DOTs are encouraging office workers to work from home to the maximum extent possible. That being said, similar to other crises or disasters, many State DOT staff that work in the “field” (maintenance and operations) need to be on the job to make sure the transportation system can continue to operate.
• As of March 23, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is maintaining essential services such as road and bridge maintenance and construction while non-essential are transitioned to remote status: https://www.ri.gov/press/view/37988
• As of March 23, Washington State DOT ferries will remain on a winter sailing schedule until April 25: https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/news/2020/03/23/state-ferries-remain-winter-sailing-schedules-through-april-25-due-lower-demand. This follows the agency’s decision to delay restart of U.S.-Canada ferry service until April 26: https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/news/2020/03/20/start-state-ferry-service-canada-suspended-until-april-26-due-covid-19-situation
• On March 21, John MacKinnon commissioner of the Alaska DOT&PF said that though there is a state-wide stay-in-place order, all highway maintenance operators will continue to maintain airports and roads, remove snow and ice, and keep essential transportation links open. At this time, all state owned airports and the Alaska Marine Highway System are open and operational: http://dot.alaska.gov/comm/pressbox/arch2020/NT20-0001.shtml
• Effective March 21, the Florida DOT is discontinuing food service at all Florida rest areas, though restrooms, refueling facilities, convenience stores, and pet walking areas remain open: https://fdotwww.blob.core.windows.net/sitefinity/docs/default-source/info/co/news/newsreleases/03212020-fdot-turnpike-enterprise-discontinues-food-services-plazas.pdf?sfvrsn=20dc753c_2
• On March 20, the Connecticut DOT said road and bridge construction projects will continue as planned, however contractors are being instructed to follow best practices and to follow public health guidelines for sanitizing and minimizing the potential for virus transmission: https://portal.ct.gov/DOT/News-from-the-Connecticut-Department-of-Transportation/2020/CTDOT-Modifies-Operations-during-COVID-19-Outbreak
• On March 20, state DOT leaders participated in a national webinar to discuss the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on transportation agencies.
• The Mississippi DOT is sending most of its staff home on administrative leave but noted that construction and maintenance crews will remain on duty to perform core job requirements such as construction inspections, roadway repairs, and severe weather response: https://mdot.ms.gov/portal/news_release_view/149
• State DOTs are cancelling public involvement meetings related to construction projects and they’re turning to online tools for collecting public comments as part of the project planning process. The Minnesota DOT offers an example: https://www.dot.state.mn.us/newsrels/20/03/13-covid19.html