UDOT Region Th ree
2016 RECAP Region Three sets high standard for safety Region Three’s focus on safety is paying off as 2016 safety statistics showed improvement over 2015.
Inside: 300 South Completion
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Provo Canyon Crew
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Corridor Planning
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R3 Commission Tours
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Everyday Heros
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HAWK Signals
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New Bike Lanes
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MAG Transfer of Funds
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Eagle Mountain Thanks
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Smart Growth
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Questar Pipeline Installed
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Extra Mile Program
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Congratulations Retirees
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As shown in the yellow rows we had an approximately 50 percent reduction in incidents requiring medical treatment, automotive/equipment accidents and preventable accidents. While our incident numbers trended down, participation in the safety program through written “SAVEs” increased 110 percent, from a monthly average of 28 SAVEs in 2015 to 322 per month in 2016. 2016 Safety Manager Dan Fauvell said, “I want to congratulate everyone on a great safety year. Numbers don’t lie.” He added that Region Three is the safety pace setter for UDOT, leading in all safety related categories statewide. “2017 is going to be another great year,” Dan said. “Thanks to everyone for their efforts!” Message from Teri Newell, Region Director
Core Values support safety improvements In 2016, we introduced a set of safety core values based on our vision for safety at Region Three. The phrase, “Communicate. Question. Care.” was provided on framed posters to each maintenance station as a reminder of the working philosophy we adopted with input from employees throughout the region. The improvements in safety statistics for 2016 are evidence that we are taking safety seriously and actively working toward living these values. I hear lots of great conversations about safety throughout the region and I hear some of you starting to question each other to make processes and products better. Before we decided on “Communicate. Question. Care.” Our senior staff had a long discussion about the role of questioning. We can easily be in the habit of simply doing what you are asked – but we are now asking for more than that. I want every employee to think critically about
the job they are asked to do. Sometimes this means questioning your boss or supervisor about what needs to be done or how to do it. As managers and supervisors, it can be uncomfortable to be questioned. But these questions open up conversations that make our work better and safer. As we’ve talked about and practiced these values for the past year, you start to realize how interconnected they are. By questioning, we are communicating with each other more. And taking time to have conversations about the work we do shows that we care. I am proud of the caring attitude I see in Region Three and the results we are achieving in making safety our top priority.
658 North 1500 West • Orem, Utah 84057 • 801-227-8000
300 South community celebrates project completion After years of collaboration between UDOT, Provo City and various other interest groups, 300 South (U.S. 89) in Provo was reconstructed between 200 West and 700 East.
A new intersection at 300 South in Provo: the project works towards UDOT’s goal of Zero crashes, injuries, and fatalities by adding a center-running raised median throughout the corridor to only allow left turns at designated intersections.
The project reconstructed 300 South in concrete pavement; added new storm drain, curb, gutter, sidewalks and raised medians. The Maeser Neighborhood and Provo Bicycle Committee sponsored an opening event in December to celebrate. “This project has really been a collaborative effort between UDOT and Provo City,” said UDOT Project Manager Justin Schellenberg. “We’ve been working together and with the Maeser Neighborhood since 2013 to develop the best solution to a number of issues in the area including traffic accidents and pedestrian safety, aging drainage and utilities, and a lack of safe space for active transportation including bicycles and pedestrians.” The project team has been inclusive of public input since the beginning of the design phase. The project team held several public meetings, met and presented with various community groups, and solicited input from the public on project needs in a variety of surveys, one-on-one meetings, and other means. With stakeholders ranging from private utility companies to bicycle advocate groups, the team collaborated every step of the way to develop the best solution to meet the broadest need. Page 2
The project began as a pavement replacement project, but after significant coordination and many design iterations, the final project includes opportunities for many kinds of road users. The project team worked with the public to address safety and traffic concerns and then Horrocks Engineers’ traffic division worked to address those concerns while ensuring traffic flow is maintained on this busy thoroughfare. In addition to maintaining the same number of travel lanes, the project added a multi-use shared path, bike lanes in both directions, improved the sidewalk on the south side of 300 South and added left turn lanes at University Avenue. A new signal at 400 East allows for better north/south access across 300 South, which was a major concern of area residents who feel the community has been divided by the roadway. A new bicycle/pedestrian signal and crossings was installed at 200 East to improve bike access and safety, and leads the way to Provo’s first “bike boulevard” continuing north on 200 East. Finally, the pedestrian crossing at 600 East has improved pedestrian activated signage installed to address safety for children walking to Provo Peaks Elementary on 200 South. UDOT Regio n Th re e • 2016 RECAP
In December, the Maeser Neighborhood council leadership, along with the Provo Bicycle Committee, Provo City and UDOT got together and celebrated the long awaited 300 South project completion. Read more about the project on the Provo Insider website.
In addition to these improvements, the project works towards UDOT’s goal of Zero crashes, injuries, and fatalities by adding a center-running raised median throughout the corridor to limit left turns only at designated intersections. Reducing left turns reduces potential conflict locations throughout the corridor. Providing designated space for bikes and pedestrians increase motorist awareness and expectation to improve safety. Finally, the project provides improved crosswalks at multiple locations in response to safety concerns from the neighborhood. The design team worked hard to develop a project that supported public input and built positive relationships with affected stakeholders. The team was pleased when selected contractor Knife River embraced those project goals and continued working with UDOT to reduce impacts to the public wherever possible. Knife River Project Manager Mike Roe Page 3
explains, “We knew this was important to UDOT and we knew a full reconstruct in concrete would be impactful to folks. So, we planned ahead to work with the public as best we can. But, we also want to get done quickly and provide the best quality. It’s a fine balancing act and UDOT has been a great partner to help us achieve that balance.” Through each phase of construction the project team has been committed to keeping the public informed about activities that might impact them. The project hosted a “Meet the Contractor” open house where are residents and motorists could view project plans, learn about construction impacts, and discuss concerns. Knife River was extremely involved in the meeting and worked closely with the project public involvement (PI) team to address stakeholder concerns as they were raised. As the project continued, the same level of professional, honest and helpful communication was maintained. UDOT Regio n Th re e • 2016 RECAP
Provo Canyon Crew describes what it’s like to work in the canyon Maintenance crews in canyon areas have some additional tasks and challenges, but also the rewards of working in beautiful scenery and regularly spotting wildlife. This fall, the Provo Canyon crew answered some questions about their experience working in the canyon. What is unique about working in a canyon environment? In addition to the beautiful scenery and seeing wildlife every day, we have a lot of different maintenance activities that sheds in the valley don’t do such as cleaning rock cuts, building rock walls along the river, using the snow blower and working on the two anti-ice spray systems in the canyon. We also help the avalanche crew with the howitzer by hauling ammunition to the bunker at the top of Sundance and watch them shoot it. Cleaning rock cuts at the mouth of Provo Canyon
What is the most interesting thing about working in the canyon? The various weather patterns we have. It will be snowing from Mile Post 11 to 15 and sunny everywhere else. We call this stretch of road the Devil’s Hole. What challenges do you face? Changing weather patterns and trying to keep traffic moving during snow storms. We can get a large amount of snow and see a lot of accidents, which means we have to keep up with repair of guardrail and cable barrier that is damaged. We have temporary road closures for avalanche control, too, that makes winters interesting. In the summer, we work to keep rocks, trees and other debris off the roadway. We have seen some serious tanker and semi-truck rollovers and work to protect the rivers and natural environment when building retaining walls.
Using the snow blower in Provo Canyon Page 4
What is a memorable moment? In Winter of 2010 we got 48 inches of snow in 24 hours. We could only keep one lane open on S.R. 189, and we had to call the Parleys Canyon shed to bring their snow blower so we could get the other lane open. This took almost a week because they were using it on their roads as well. During that storm we had several avalanches as well as trees and power lines across the road. UDOT Regio n Th re e • 2016 RECAP
Corridor Planning Helps with Quick Installation of Eagle Mountain Signals Eagle Mountain City demonstrated their shared commitment to UDOT’s goal for Zero Crashes, Injuries and Fatalities through their active participation in identifying the need for traffic signals on Corey Wride Memorial Highway (S.R. 73) at Mt. Airey Drive and Sunset Drive.
A new signal at SR 73 at Sunset Drive, westbound.
Both were identified as future traffic signal locations in the S.R. 73 Corridor Preservation Plan. This early planning laid the groundwork for a shared vision that enabled installation of the signals as soon as warrants were met to address traffic and safety needs. The Mt. Airey signal was completed quickly to address safety concerns identified by the City. Because S.R. 73 is a high speed facility, trucks were entering from a gravel pit on the north side using the two-way left turn lane as an acceleration lane. This conflicted with westbound left turns into a subdivision. Through Eagle Mountain’s leadership and coordination with traffic and safety engineers at UDOT, a traffic signal was warranted, designed and installed in less than 90 days. All parties involved contributed to the quick completion of this important safety project. Central traffic completed their study in a timely manner, including accounting for the unique conditions of truck traffic leaving the Hadco Construction gravel pit adjacent to S.R. 73 and Mt. Airey Drive. Funding the signal was also a collaborative effort between Traffic and Safety, Region Three contingency, and donated roadway materials from Hadco Construction, owners of the adjacent gravel pit. The new traffic signal at Sunset Drive was similarly installed with a shared vision of support from Eagle Mountain City to meet UDOT’s goal of Zero Crashes, Injuries and Fatalities. A new elementary school had opened adjacent to the intersection, which had a history of severe crashes. Central traffic and safety conducted the study that showed the signal was warranted. Page 5
Central traffic and safety provided funding in two stages: first for design and utilities; second for construction of the signal. The designer worked earnestly to resolve issues in preparing the plans and Cache Valley Electric installed the signal in two weeks from start to finish. The signals at Mt. Airey Drive and Sunset Drive on S.R. 73 create a safer environment for residents and drivers alike. Eagle Mountain City’s cooperation and support helped get these signals installed immediately after warrants were met and fulfilled the shared vision established in the S.R. 73 Corridor Preservation Plan, demonstrating how early agreement on future plans enable quick implementation as growth occurs.
A new signal at SR 73 at Sunset Drive, northbound. UDOT Regio n Th re e • 2016 RECAP
2016 Region Three Commission Tours end with social hours Region Three hosted the Utah Transportation Commission in Duchesne and Eagle Mountain this year. The Commission alternates holding meetings at the UDOT headquarters in West Valley City with visiting locations throughout the state. Prior to the formal business meeting where commissioners make budget decisions, the region hosts a tour to highlight transportation needs and accomplishments in the area. The Duchesne tour featured our rural roads, including U.S. 191, U.S. 6, U.S. 189, and U.S. 40. The tour ended at Starvation Reservoir with dinner hosted by East Area Supervisor Ervan Rhoades. He prepared Navajo Tacos with freshly made scones, chili and all the toppings. Local elected officials were invited to join the Commission to chat in a more informal setting. The Eagle Mountain tour highlighted the growth in northwest Utah County, including plans for the future Vineyard Connector, Mountain View Corridor and expanding S.R. 73. The tour ended at the Saratoga Springs Maintenance Station, where Leslie Beck, Jim Winn and Kim Krein had prepared soup, rolls and dessert for the commissioners and local officials. The light meal provided an opportunity for people to get to know each other and talk about the transportation needs in the area.
Region Three plow drivers recognized as “Everyday Heroes” The Provo Daily Herald featured UDOT plow drivers in their weekly “Everyday Heroes” newspaper column in December. If you haven’t read the article, check it out here: “Snowplow drivers quietly protect motorists’ lives”
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UDOT Regio n Th re e • 2016 RECAP
Heber City HAWK improves pedestrian safety to city park Heber City officials and residents had ongoing safety concerns about crossing U.S. 40 to the city park since U.S. 40 is heavily traveled by semi-trucks and the city park is used for city events like concerts and the summer farmer’s market. A HAWK signal was proposed as a possible solution to have a protected crossing mid-block directly into the center of the park and help meet UDOT’s goal for Zero Crashes, Injuries and Fatalities. Central traffic and safety funded the project, which allowed the signal to be designed in less than 45 days and constructed in less than two weeks after warrant. The HAWK signal has been well received by the community and provides a safer solution for pedestrians crossing U.S. 40.
HAWK signal in Roosevelt improves pedestrian connection to new school Roosevelt City approached UDOT with concerns about safety for students crossing U.S. 40 to attend Union High School. As the city was preparing to open a new school facility, pedestrian safety became a community concern and the city advocated for a solution that addresses UDOT’s goal of Zero Crashes, Injuries and Fatalities. The HAWK was installed between the offset legs of Union Street near Union High School and required outreach regarding use of the HAWK to the community and school. Roosevelt City partnered with UDOT to help students and others understand how the HAWK signal works.
High intensity Activated crossWalks have been installed in Heber City (top photo) and Roosevelt.
New bike lanes on University Avenue in Provo Bike lanes were striped on University Avenue in Provo as part of implementing Region Three’s bike plan. UDOT worked with Provo City to enforce the removal of on-street parking and also implemented a shared right turn lane configuration to call attention to the potential presence of bicycles at intersections.
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UDOT Regio n Th re e • 2016 RECAP
MAG Transfer of Federal Funds Frees up Time for UDOT PMs UDOT Region Three and Mountainland Association of Governments (MAG), Utah County’s metropolitan planning organization, have a long-standing collaborative partnership for transportation planning and projects.
Entering into this agreement to exchange federal funds for state funds streamlines MAG’s process for quicker project delivery and is estimated to save 15 to 30 percent for not using federal funds, including saving the costs of meeting the associated federal requirements. The project management process is much simpler since there is no federal involvement or regulations. Both agencies agree that UDOT is better able to utilize federal funds and UDOT will be able to spend less time managing small local projects. MAG has developed a project management process to guide local government managers that includes points of accountability and quality standards while allowing more local control of projects. The transfer of federal funds allows state funds to be maximized in optimizing mobility and preserving infrastructure in local government settings. UDOT Region Three and Mountainland Association of Governments (MAG), Utah County’s metropolitan planning organization, have a long-standing collaborative partnership for transportation planning and projects. These agencies took another step in streamlining processes in the interest of best serving Utah County’s communities by agreeing for UDOT to transfer MAG’s federal funds and replace them with state dollars.
Because state funds do not carry the same requirements, MAG and UDOT agreed to exchange MAG’s federal funds for state money. This lessens the burden on MAGsponsored projects and simplifies their local government processes. The federal transfer also lessens the burden on UDOT’s project managers and saves time for UDOT’s right of way agents, advertising personnel, as well as construction, programming and comptrollers’ time savings.
MAG receives approximately $9 million in federal funds annually to apply to local government projects identified through the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) process. The use of federal funds is attached to several requirements that can add significant time and costs to local transportation projects. Use of federal money requires: • National Environment Policy Act environmental process • Buy America • Davis Bacon Wages • Federal right of way acquisition process • UDOT project management
MAG and UDOT created this shared vision for an exchange process that would meet the needs of both organizations and best serve communities in Utah County. It was agreed that MAG will receive $0.85 state funds from UDOT for every $1 of federal funds. We agreed to exchange federal fiscal year 2017 and 2018 funds with the option to continue the process beyond those years.
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The exchange will take place annually, in one lump sum, at the beginning of the federal fiscal year or when the Federal Highway Administration confirms that the federal funds are available. Projects will continue to be selected through the adopted TIP process and requires a 6.77 percent local match for each project.
Eagle Mountain City Expresses Appreciation to UDOT in Thank You Video As part of the November 2016 Transportation Commission meeting in Eagle Mountain, the city prepared a thank-you video featuring their staff and council members. In it, they express appreciation for UDOT’s work to install new traffic signals, as well as snow plowing and the snow fence along State Route 73. Eagle Mountain Mayor Chris Pengra showed the video to the Commission during the formal meeting as part of the public comment period.
UDOT Regio n Th re e • 2016 RECAP
This photo shows Smart Growth Workshop participants taking a walking tour. The mix of employment centers, commercial, retail and restaurants makes this a thriving environment with the potential for making short trips by walking or bicycling.
Smart Growth Workshop looks at active transportation options to make connections across I-15 The I-15 Technology Corridor project from Lehi Main Street to S.R. 92 has completed environmental re-evaluation and is moving forward with preparing a procurement process for construction to begin in 2020. The $450 million widening and reconstruction project includes a frontage road system between 2100 North and S.R. 92 to distribute traffic and provide local access to destinations in the area. While roadway plans have progressed, the project team also wants to explore opportunities to provide better pedestrian and bicycle connections across I-15. The project name, “Technology Corridor,� reflects the rapid growth of the tech industry in northern Utah County. Traffic numbers show a flattening of peak direction on I-15 at Point of the Mountain as southern Salt Lake County communities are now bedroom communities to the growing business, industry and entertainment available at Thanksgiving Point, the Traverse Mountain Outlet mall and businesses such as Adobe, Vivant, Ancestry.com, Mountain Point Medical Center, UCCU and others. The mix of employment centers, commercial, retail and restaurants makes this a thriving environment with the potential for making short trips by walking or bicycling. The Murdock Trail runs through the area, connecting to the Jordan River Trail, and a FrontRunner station provides transit access. Along with this growth is a high interest in quality of life supported by the ability to walk and bike, and that is where I-15 presents a challenge. The interstate runs between two multi-use areas of development where many short trips are made. To proactively address active transportation solutions, the Tech Corridor project team invited Smart Growth America, a group that works with elected officials, real estate developers, chambers of commerce, transportation and urban planning professionals, and governors to improve everyday life for people through better development, to facilitate a collaborative workshop to better understand the challenges and opportunities for active transportation in the area. Improving the active transportation network can remove trips through the interchange and support better connectivity for individuals who do not want to rely on vehicles for trips. A two-day workshop was held in Lehi in October with participants from UDOT, UTA, Lehi City, MAG and representatives from private Page 9
developments such as Thanksgiving Point. The workshop included a walking tour of the area, with small groups assigned a route to test such as from the FrontRunner station to Adobe. This provided an on-the-ground view of challenges for pedestrians and bicyclists and safety concerns that could be addressed with some design changes. The multi-agency approach to the discussion was important since some of the improvements to better accommodate active transportation would take place on local streets or private property. After spending time on issues analysis, the workshop focused on brainstorming potential solutions. Some of these ideas were further examined by the Tech Corridor project team and the group reconvened in January to review progress and gather additional input to defining a potential active transportation project to be built concurrent with the Tech Corridor. The Tech Corridor team will continue to develop active transportation concepts and facilitate discussion among project partners about how pedestrian and A two-day workshop was held in Lehi bicycle connections in October. can be improved. UDOT Regio n Th re e • 2016 RECAP
Permits Office Keeps Traffic Moving during Questar Pipeline Installation on State Street The Permits Office at Region Three worked closely with Questar Gas to successfully keep traffic moving during the installation of a high pressure gas line on U.S. 89 (State Street) from Alpine to Provo. As one of Utah County’s few continuous north-south routes, the Questar Gas 18-mile project on State Street had potential to cause big traffic delays. With UDOT’s strategic goal to Optimize Mobility in mind, Austin Tripp led the coordination with Questar Gas to successfully establish parameters for work hours and number of lanes impacted. UDOT and Questar Gas also worked together to identify installation methods and traffic control measures that minimized impact to the driving public.
Questar Gas pipeline: Keeping Utah Moving
Early coordination and communication between UDOT and Questar Gas was key. Early project planning with Questar Gas and Orem City helped greatly reduce traffic impacts. The pipeline was planned to run down State Street from Pleasant Grove to Provo. After UDOT’s traffic analysis and modeling, it was decided to move the pipe to Orem City streets from Lindon to Provo to prevent construction impacts that would have created large delays due to volumes of cars and utility work in a concrete roadway. Region Three’s traffic engineers and the Traffic Operations Center traffic analysis also helped the Permits Office determine parameters for hours of operation and the number of lanes that needed to be available during peak travel times. As a result of this coordination, delays were minimized with most pipeline work occurring at night and lanes re-opened during the day.
Questar Gas moveable barrier: Keeping Utah Moving
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UDOT Regio n Th re e • 2016 RECAP
Questar Gas trench: Keeping Utah Moving
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UDOT Regio n Th re e • 2016 RECAP
Who would you like to recognize for going the Extra Mile? UDOT Launches New Employee Peer Recognition Program
In response to a need for employees to have a method to give recognition to each other, the Extra Mile program was created with input from the Employee Advisory Council. Chase Johnson represents Region Three on the Council. The program works on a point system that allows employees to give each other points, or “Extra Miles,” for a job well done. When you have earned a few of these Extra Miles, you can redeem them in the program catalog for a variety of gifts. The Extra Mile program allows employees to give each other points, or “Extra Miles,” for a job well done. Points can be redeemed on the Interchange site.
A couple of videos are available to help employees become familiar with how the system works. You can also email extramile@utah.gov if you have questions. Giving an Extra Mile to another employee Redeeming Extra Mile points Click this link to access the Extra Mile Program. To access this link, your UDOT user name and password is required.
Here are a few details about the program: • Each employee can give up to four (4) Extra Miles per year • Up to 16 Extra Miles can be redeemed by each employee each year • Extra Miles can easily be redeemed in the catalog
Congratulations, 2016 Retirees!
Doug Angus, 29 years
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Kevin Carter, 30 years
Roberto Castenada, 22 years
Ron Lefler, 14 years
UDOT Regio n Th re e • 2016 RECAP