Two area Pennsylvania Department of Transportation workers were recognized last month with Innovation Awards for creating efficiencies and implementing best practices.

“The PennDOT workforce is more than 11,000 strong, and these award winners represent some of the most dedicated among us,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “I’m proud to see so many examples of that dedication and recognize those employees for their creativity in solving problems and working diligently for Pennsylvania travelers.”

Carroll and other department executives honored winners Bruce Bubser Jr. of Palmerton and Rick Stone of Cumbola, Schuylkill County. Bubser and Stone were recognized for the self-contained skin patching truck.

The annual Innovation Awards Ceremony recognizes some of the best and most innovative ideas cultivated and implemented by PennDOT employees across the Department. The ceremony honors employees who looked at the work they were doing, the processes, systems and tools they were using, and found ways to improve the quality, safety and value of the products and services PennDOT provides.

Each employee receives a custom award that represents PennDOT’s appreciation for their dedication and commitment to efficient and effective operations at all levels of the organization.

“Bruce and Rick are outstanding employees dedicated to providing the best transportation system possible,” District 5 Executive Christopher Kufro said. “The innovation they are piloting will help to increase efficiency while reducing the cost of maintaining our roadway network.”