Advertise on podcast: The DOT POD

On this episode of the DOT POD, we are talking about something that New Yorkers see on many of our roadways - HELP Trucks. Those white trucks that seem to show up at exactly the right moment - when flat tires, spinouts, or dead batteries happen. Recording from the Hudson Valley, Josh and Anya welcome in HELP Truck Operator Jerry Gamone, Manager for DOT's Traffic Management Center in Hawthorne, NY Lance Gorney, and New York State Police Trooper Mike Reilly to discuss the program.

The Livingston Avenue Bridge has been carrying trains across the Hudson River since the Civil War era. Now, more than 150 years later, it's being replaced to meet the needs of modern rail travel while also expanding pedestrian access with a design that respects its historic roots. On this episode of the DOT POD, Josh and Anya welcome in Jeff Moryl, Director of DOT's Project Management Office, and Sue Torelli, Director of DOT's Rail Projects Group, to talk about the bridge's history, why it matters so much, and what it take to replace a critical rail crossing without stopping the trains and passengers that rely on it every day.

The New York State Department of Transportation is all about serving our communities and over the years we've expanded our focus to encompass a wide range of initiatives that listeners may not at first associate with transportation. One area where our department has taken the lead on a nation level is in the fight against human trafficking. In honor of Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Josh and Anya welcomed in Jonathan Nicastro, Director of DOT's Office of Modal Safety and Security and Rich Lindemann, Roadside Inspection Manager to discuss how DOT is working closely with our partners in law enforcement and the trucking and bussing industries to address this crime and help raise awareness.

In this episode of the DOT POD, Josh and Anya visited one of DOT's Traffic Management Centers, or TMC's. These 24/7 hubs are the eyes and ears of New York's roadway network. Inside, skilled operators track live camera feeds and analyze data so they can take quick action in case something serious happens like a crash, storm, or floods. Joining the podcast are Senior Transportation Analyst Anthony Roach and System Operator 3 Elana Walchusky, both based out of the Utica Region.

Every time we pull up to an intersection and the light cycles smoothly from green, to yellow, to red, there is literally a team behind that moment - those who work behind the scenes in our NYSDOT Signal Shops. In this episode of the DOT POD, we are stepping into a world that most drivers rarely think about...until the lights go out. We are talking about traffic signals at one of our many signal shops. Josh and Anya are joined by Jess Muller and Don Paciello from the Mohawk Valley Signal Shop, about how they maintain all those signals as well as the communications systems that tie everything together.

Its hard to believe that the DOT POD is celebrating its second birthday. And from safety stories to snowstorms, wildlife rescues to worm toilets, this year's podcast had it all. Join Josh and Anya as they take a look back at all the great stories shared by the people who are keeping New York moving!

This Veterans Day the DOT POD is taking time to honor the veterans within our DOT family; the people whose dedication to our country continues through their service to the people of New York. Their sacrifice, discipline, and commitment inspires all of us, and on this episode, Josh and Anya are joined by one of these dedicated employees who is ensuring that our veterans are supported every day at DOT -- Cody Baker, Director of Facilities and Employee Safety, as well as NYSDOT's Veteran Services Liaison.

When it comes to battling snow and ice, no one does it better than our DOT crews. Plowing and deicing may look straightforward, but there's a lot of science and skill behind the scenes. On this episode of the DOT POD, Josh and Anya are joined by Rob Fitch, Director of DOT's Office of Transportation Maintenance, and Joe Thompson, DOT's Snow and Ice Program Manager, to give a behind the scenes look at how DOT plans, prepares, and tackles New York's unpredictable Winter weather.

Many airports are run by counties, or airport authorities, but Republic Airport on Long Island is actually owned and operated by the New York State Department of Transportation.   The airport is one of the busiest in New York State in terms of aircraft operations and it is home an annual airshow and supports regional sporting events and venues including the U.S. Open Golf Championship at Bethpage State Park Golf Course. On this episode of the DOT POD, Josh and Anya are joined by Republic Airport's Director, Tony Ceglio to talk about the airport and DOT's involvement.

On this episode of the DOT POD we are celebrating our 50th episode! And what better way to mark the occasion than to give you 50 on 50...Route 50, that is. Anya and Josh and on the road, literally, as they record the episode while cruising down the 31 miles that make up New York State Route 50, going from Scotia to Gansevoort. Joining them on the drive is Region 1's Valerie Deane who shares some history about the Capital Region route, as well as some highlights and a few hidden gems.

Changes are happening to the traffic lights you drive through every day! On this episode of The DOT POD, we are talking about traffic technology that's being implemented right now to make our signals smarter and ready to talk to the vehicles of the future. Josh and Anya, recording from the Great NY State Fair, are joined by Ryan Meagher from DOT's Office of Traffic Safety and Mobility.

They may look like one armed trailers, but Automated Flagger Assistance Devices are proving to be a game changer for worker protection in our New York State work zones. On this episode of the DOT POD, Josh and Anya travel to the Great New York State Fair and sit down with Matt Petrie, the Director of DOT's Bureau of Employee Safety and Health. Join them as they discuss the importance of work zone safety and the introduction of new technology, like the Automated Flaggers, that are helping to keep our workers safe.

On any given day in New York, animals are vulnerable to being struck by vehicles on our roadways...and these collisions aren't just dangerous for wildlife. On this episode of the DOT POD, Josh and Anya discuss how the New York State Department of Transportation is working to provide safe passage for wildlife with the safety of nature and humans in mind. They are joined by two people who are helping the cause in Stephanie DeLano, Director of DOT's Environmental Science Bureau within the Office of Environment, and Chris Standley, Environmental Specialist with the Office of Environment. To get an up close and personal look at one of these Wildlife Crossings, head to the 2025 Great New York State Fair where one will be on display in the Science and Industry building!

In this episode of The DOT POD we are heading into the halls of NYSDOT's Main Office where a group of dedicated employees ensure everything runs like clockwork. We are talking about our facilities team. They are the hardworking caretakers of our mail room, crucial documents, surplus, and inventory. They take care of our lost items and help us organize our events. In short, they do a TON of work behind the scenes in this episode they are given a spotlight and the appreciation they deserve. Josh and Anya welcome in David Pierce, Director, Facilities Management Bureau, and Toni Fusco, Administrative Assistant under Facilities Management.

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.