Pictured: The new face of Douglas County Public Works, Doug Glass
When you roll up to a work zone, it’s natural to feel a little frustrated. No one likes unexpected delays, but they are a sign of progress. Douglas County is making historic investments in transportation infrastructure to support a growing community, and that means more construction in the near term. With that progress comes a shared responsibility: slowing down, staying alert and keeping everyone safe in work zones.
As part of our effort to help community members understand the impacts of the 2050 Transportation Plan and how to navigate it safely, we are thrilled to introduce the newest member of the Public Works team, Doug Glass.
Who is Doug Glass?
Doug is our new Public Works mascot and a cheerful face for progress in the county. From bridge reinforcement to new stretches of road, Doug represents the link between construction and the long-term quality of life promised in the 2050 Transportation Plan. His mission is simple: to represent transportation safety, stewardship and education in Douglas County. Over the next couple of months, you will start to see Doug whenever there are investments associated with the 2050 Transportation Plan. This will include social media, Cone Zone Updates, media alerts, job sites and more.
Doug needs a nickname, and we need your help!
The best nicknames are earned, not assigned, and we’re seeking the public’s help to give Doug his. We invite everyone to vote on their favorite. See the options below:
- Little Doug
The future of Douglas County is growing up, and Little Doug is here to usher in a new generation of infrastructure improvements.
- Doug the Do-er
A nod to the famous Bob the Builder, Doug the Do-er emphasizes the objective of completing projects on time and on budget.
- Dug
This phonetic play on his name turns “Doug” into an action verb for construction, symbolizing his hands-on work in building the county’s future.
Voting will close at midnight on April 26, and the new name will be announced on May 4, 2026.
Why bring Doug Glass to life during Work Zone Awareness Week?
Well-maintained roads are safer, smoother and longer-lasting, but getting there requires construction. Every year, Douglas County completes critical maintenance and improvement projects on residential streets and major corridors alike, as well as monumental infrastructure improvements designed to support the growth of this community.
For the people doing that work, the roadway is their workplace. Passing vehicles traveling too fast or not paying attention create real risks. That’s why National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), observed April 20-24, is an important reminder that while we build our future, small choices like eliminating distractions and slowing down can save lives.
Statistics from the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse show there were 101,000 crashes in work zones resulting in 899 deaths in 2023, the most recent dataset. In addition, 82 roadway workers were killed in work zones. These statistics remind us that lane closures, reduced speed limits and alternate routes are in place for their safety, as well as yours.
Doug Glass is committed to helping reduce surprise delays. There are several ways to know what’s planned, so you can plan a little extra time:
- Use our interactive map to help you identify the impacts where you live or on your commute.
- Sign up for email alerts. Choose Road Work/Cone Zone in the “Interested In” menu
- Connect with us on Nextdoor, Facebook and X.
- Visit our Cone Zone webpage for a one-stop shop of roadwork info around Douglas County
- For state roads, visit cotrip.org
What is the 2050 Transportation Plan?
The 2050 Transportation Plan is a strategic roadmap, driven by a public engagement process, for Douglas County’s use of transportation funds. As the county works with community members and local stakeholders to invest in the future of multi-modal transportation in Douglas County, the plan sets goals for transportation and identifies transportation needs to achieve them.
What will the plan do?
- Develop actions and projects to address these needs
- Prioritize projects
- Identify funding strategies and an implementation plan
What’s in the plan?
- Projects to enhance safety and reduce severe crashes
- Expanding multimodal options like trails, bike infrastructure and transit
- Improving roadway maintenance and connectivity
- Strategies to support older adults and people without access to a car
- Preparing for future growth and emergencies
Learn more about the 2050 Transportation Plan.
About Douglas County Public Works
The Douglas County Public Works Department is committed to providing a safe and efficient transportation system. Through the 2050 Transportation Plan, the department focuses on sustainable growth, multimodal connectivity, and maintaining the high quality of life residents expect.