TENNESSEE DEPT . OF TRANSPORTATION
In 1908 , Henry Ford changed the world with the introduction of the first accessible automobile for the average middle class American . The Model T changed history forever and with it came a flood of other changes , including the development of transportation agencies .
In 1915 , the formation of the Tennessee Department of Transportation ( TDOT ) provided the foundation for a statewide system , and since then the department has grown from a network of state highways to a high quality road and bridge network .
Celebrating 100 Years July 1 , 2015 will mark the 100 year anniversary of TDOT . The department has seen multiple changes throughout the years with the most significant shift coming from within .
“ Back in the day , it was ‘ pave it black and don ’ t look back ,’” said Paul Degges , Chief Engineer and Deputy Commissioner , who has been with TDOT for 27 years . “ We were all about building new roads and moving on to the next big project . Today , and the evolution of the department , has really been an asset management and
104 October 2014