The DOT POD

**SPECIAL** Remembering Pat Mapleson During Work Zone Awareness Week

The DOT POD

Show Notes

This episode is launching during National Work Zone Awareness Week. A time to highlight the importance of work zone safety and to remember the men and women who have lost their lives while working to keep our roads maintained and safe.

On March 17, 2006, Patrick Mapleson was filling potholes along Sunrise Highway on Long Island when a driver lost control of his cement truck and crashed into Pat's work zone, taking his life.

This episode was recorded on March 17, 2026 on the same day a tree planting ceremony was held at DOT's Medford Yard on Long Island, marking the 20th anniversary of Pat's passing and honoring his life and legacy.

Josh and Anya were joined by Pat's friend and co-worker Pete Bugala, who was on the job site that day, as well as Pat's daughter Karen Torres who has become an advocate for work zone safety.

More from The DOT POD

Oct 20, 2026

When you think about transportation, you may picture the projects that are happening today. But behind every project is years of planning. And one of the biggest planners of them all is the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council, or NYMTC.

Oct 6, 2026

This episode of the DOT POD talks about something every single employee experiences at some point in their career - learning.

Sep 22, 2026

In this episode of the DOT POD, we are looking at a project that is literally reshaping the heart of Syracuse and transforming how people are traveling through and around Central New York for generations to come...the I81 Viaduct Project.

Sep 8, 2026

This episode was recorded in the Science and Industry Building at the Great New York State Fair where the New York State Department of Transportation was giving visitors a chance to experience something they may or may not think about every day: what it's like to navigate an intersection from someone else's perspective.

Aug 25, 2026

Every summer, hundreds of thousands of people make their way to the Great New York State Fair. They come for the food, music, and rides, and if you've ever walked through the Science and Industry building, you've probably noticed one of the Fair's most interactive exhibits: the New York State Department of Transportation display.

See all episodes →