GDOT Ahead of the Curve Podcast

In this episode, host Natalie Dale dives into the partnership between the Georgia DOT, Atlanta Regional Commission, Gwinnett County, and the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia to launch the Georgia Mobility and Access Planner (G-MAP). This new app provides real-time trip planning and personalized navigation for older adults, limited-English speakers, and travelers with diverse mobilit...

In this episode of Ahead of the Curve, host Natalie Dale breaks down GDOT’s major effort to upgrade and replace key segments of I-285 West in Fulton and Cobb counties. Natalie sits down with Director of Construction Patrick Allen and State Traffic Engineer Sam Harris to discuss the rebuilding process for I-285 and share how motorists can stay informed about upcoming closures.

In this episode, host Natalie Dale sits down with GDOT Commissioner Russell McMurry to discuss how GDOT is meeting the growing demands on our transportation infrastructure through innovation and strategic investment. Commissioner McMurry also shares insights into his new role as AASHTO president and the value of work-life balance.

This special episode of Ahead of the Curve coincides with Women's History Month and is dedicated to the women in transportation. Host Natalie Dale moderates a live panel discussion about the diverse roles and significant contributions of women within the Georgia DOT. The panel consists of the following women who share professional insights about their career journeys at Georgia DOT: Meg Pirkle, Ch...

In this episode, host Natalie Dale explores the multi-agency collaboration for the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer. Georgia DOT's Permits & Operations Division Director Alan Davis and D7 District Engineer Paul DeNard, along with MARTA’s Deputy General Manager Rhonda Allen, discuss the behind-the-scenes work taking place to keep the region moving.

Human trafficking is a devastating crime that occurs in communities across our state and nation, including along our transportation network—on roadways, at rest areas and welcome centers, in airports, and in other public spaces. Georgia DOT is deeply committed to combating human trafficking, not only in Georgia but wherever it occurs. In recognition of National Human Trafficking Awareness Month in...

In part two of this series, we continue to explore how Georgia DOT’s Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Program uses drones to make projects safer and more efficient. Members of the UAS Program join host Natalie Dale to discuss how drones are used in transportation projects, and how GDOT employees can get involved.

In this episode, the first of a two-part series, we explore how Georgia DOT’s Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Program uses drones to make projects safer and more efficient. Members of the UAS Program join host Natalie Dale to discuss how drones are used in transportation projects, why it matters for safety, and how GDOT employees can get involved.

In this episode, Natalie Dale sits down with Strategic Workforce Director Kelly Johnson to explore how our customer service efforts are helping to shape Georgia’s transportation future.

Host Natalie Dale is joined by Emergency Management Assistant Operations Coordinator Matt Needham and East Georgia Region (District 2) Communications Officer Will Volk to explore the impact of Hurricane Helene on Georgia's transportation system in 2024. They dive into the critical lessons learned from the storm and discuss how Georgia DOT is prepared to manage and respond to future hurricane threa...

This episode dives into the Keep Georgia Safe campaign, an initiative that educates students about road safety. Host Natalie Dale is joined by Stacy Tornio and 5th-grade teacher Thomas Bussey to discuss the partnership between Georgia DOT and We Are Teachers, and how they're working to keep young drivers safe on the road.

Host Natalie Dale chats with State Safety Engineering Supervisor Ron Knezevich and State Pedestrian Bicycle Engineer Connor Booth about the GDOT programs and activities that help keep pedestrians safe in Georgia.

Host Natalie Dale chats with Georgia DOT Director of Policy and Government Affairs Josh Waller and Policy Analysis Bureau Specialist Abigail Handel about the importance of GDOT's involvement in the legislative process.  

Host Natalie Dale dives into Georgia's source for real-time traffic updates - 511. In this episode, guests Alan Davis, State Traffic Engineer, and Christina Barry, Assistant State Traffic Engineer, chat about how motorists can access the latest traffic information, weather alerts, construction updates, and emergency notifications through the 511 service.

In this episode, host Natalie Dale is joined by State Safety Manager Sharon Morales and Safety Program Manager Ed David Adams to chat about how GDOT strives to increase safety in road construction work zones for both motorists and our workers.

Host Natalie Dale sits down with Deputy Commissioner Brad Saxon as he highlights the roles, projects, and experiences that helped shape his career at Georgia DOT.

Host Natalie Dale dives into the role of the TIME Task Force with Incident Response Program Manager Jason Josey, Georgia State Patrol Captain Ritche and Georgia DOT  District 6 Communications Officer Joe Schulman.  In this episode, the guests provide an overview of key TIME initiatives and how the task force works to improve coordination between agencies.

In this episode, host Natalie Dale is joined by the Incident Response Program Manager Jason Josey to share insight on the important role of HERO in keeping the traveling public safe as the program celebrates 30 years of service.

In this episode, host Natalie Dale is joined by Assistant Director of Strategic Communications Katina Lear, Assistant State Environmental Administrator Amber Phillips, and State Program Delivery Administrator Kimberly Nesbitt to share their insight on the important role that public involvement plays in shaping Georgia DOT projects.

Host Natalie Dale chats with Georgia DOT's Intermodal - Transit Program team about how GDOT supports transit programs across the state, especially in rural areas.

In this episode, Natalie Dale chats with Assistant State Maintenance Engineer for Emergency Operations Emily Fish and GEMA State Meteorologist WIll Lanxton about how Georgia DOT stays prepared for a hurricane or tropical storm that impacts our state.

Host Natalie Dale chats with State Environmental Liaison Sandy Lawrence about the purpose of the Interagency Office of Environmental Quality and its collaboration with state and federal agencies. Natalie also interviews US Army Corps Biologist Nicole Liette and Georgia DNR Environmental Specialist RJ Hunter on how their partnership with GDOT helps keep projects on track.

Host Natalie Dale chats with Georgia DOT Director of Policy and Government Affairs Josh Waller and Policy Analysis Bureau Specialist Abigail Handel about the importance of GDOT's involvement in the legislative process.

Host Natalie Dale is joined by Georgia DOT’s Division of Permits and Operations Director John Hibbard and Executive Director of The Ray C. Anderson Foundation Allie Kelly to discuss the innovations happening on an 18-mile stretch of I-85 in West Georgia known as The Ray Highway.

In this episode, host Natalie Dale interviews GDOT’s Assistant State Environmental Administrator Doug Chamblin and Georgia Department of Natural Resources Program Manager for Wildlife Conservation Trina Morris about the landmark Endangered Species Act agreement and what it means for Georgia and the bats that live here.