Larry Tibbitts, left, receives plaque from State Transportation Director Kirk Steudle, right.

June 16, 2009 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has dedicated the Bay City Rest Area in honor of Larry E. Tibbits, P.E., of Merrill, Saginaw County. The rest area, located on southbound I-75 near Mile Marker 158, is known for its attractive flower beds, which are the result of a partnership with the Master Gardener Program, a partnership which Tibbits encouraged. MDOT dedicates Michigan rest areas in honor of retired MDOT employees who have made a significant contribution to transportation in the state.

Tibbits, a graduate of Laker High School, began his career with MDOT in 1970. In 2009, after 39 years of service, he retired as the department's chief operations officer. He was responsible for engineering, construction, research, and maintenance for all state highways. Early in his career, Tibbits' focus centered on traffic engineering, public transportation, and railroad coordination. In 1994, he accepted the position of Bay Region Engineer. As region engineer, Tibbits managed the operations of 11 counties, and initiated partnerships with Master Gardeners and other gardening organizations to beautify rest areas in Michigan with flowering landscapes.

He also was instrumental in establishing MDOT's 26 Transportation Service Centers, which moved staff to within an hour of all Michigan residents. He served on many national and international committees, focusing on the reduction of highway fatalities and serious injuries. He received the 2005 AASHTO President's Award for Highway Traffic Safety, the 2007 Governor's Traffic Safety Advisory Commission Safety Leadership Award, and the 2008 American Traffic Safety Services Association's National Safety Award.

MDOT: Working to improve our state roads and bridges.