THE UDOT REGION THREE
2014 OUTLOOK 658 North 1500 West • Orem, Utah 84057 • 801-227-8000 Welcome to the summer 2014 Outlook, a newsletter that focuses on what is happening in Region Three.The “2013 Recap” newsletter provided a review of the past year’s work and this is the forward-looking newsletter that communicates where we’re headed next.
Zero Fatalities Bandanas Remind Region Three Staff to be Safe on the Job and Safe on Utah’s Roads A photo contest will highlight where bandanas are used.
We will publish three newsletters each year and rely on email announcements from the Orem office to keep you informed about new employees, retirements, service awards, family announcements and other events. The third newsletter will be issued late-fall and will focus on “A Day in the Life” of Region Three. You might also choose to follow the Region Three Twitter feed @UDOTRegion3 for information about projects and other messages. Breakfast tastes better with a Zero Fatalities bandana. Ron Hall and Clayton Weaver test it out at the May 21 Staff Appreciation Breakfast. How do you use your Zero Fatalities bandana?
Zero Fatalities bandanas were handed out at the May 21 staff recognition breakfast as a daily reminder of UDOT’s commitment to keep Utah’s roads safe.
INSIDE: Lane Closure Notification Interactive Projects Map Bike Advisory Group Zero Fatalities Ride Canyon Projects Click N Fix Uinta Rail and Roads Commission in R3 Seasonal Closures Recommended Reading Awards
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Take a picture of someone using the Zero Fatalities bandana on the job, on a hike or at home and send it to Kim Krein (kkrein@ utah.gov) or Region Communications Manager Eileen Barron (ebarron@utah. gov) with the subject line “photo contest.” Include the location of the photo and identify the people in photo as part of your contest entry. The best photo(s) of the summer will receive a prize at the
summer picnic. Deadline for submissions is August 15. Photos of snow removal, maintenance and construction are also welcome as we build a photo library that demonstrates the range of locations that we work. Check your phone and your computer for images that help tell the story of what we do at Region Three! Past images are welcome and keep an eye out for good photo opportunities this summer.
UDOT REGION THREE•2014 OUTLO OK
Lane Closure Notification Process in Place for 2014 LANE CLOSURE N O T I F I C AT I O N T O O L I N THE WORKS FOR 2015 The lane closure reporting process for 2015 is currently being developed. The implementation team plans to expand the program to more state routes and make the lane closure activation easier for the contractor. The team is developing an app that contractors can use to verify the planned closure, cancel or reschedule a planned closure. The vision is for a push notification to go to the contractor 30 minutes in advance with a screen where they can confirm or reschedule the closure. Another notice will be sent when the lane closure is scheduled to be complete in order to remove the closure from the UDOT Traffic map. Look for more information about plans for 2015 this
UDOT leadership has identified real-time lane closure reporting as an important information tool to let taxpayers know when lanes are closed on their roads. Reporting lane closures via the UDOT Traffic app and website provides Utah drivers helpful information so they can plan their trips to minimize delays. Frequently, publicizing lane closures via the app and website has shown to reduce traffic volume in a given work zone. During the 2014 construction season, Region Three lane closures will be reported in real-time via the UDOT Traffic app and website for all projects on I-15, U.S. 6 (east of I-15), U.S. 40, and S.R. 189. The lane closure reporting process will be followed on defined routes within Region Three during 2014. A special provision that outlines these requirements will be added as a change order.
winter.
1. The contractor notifies the resident engineer of a scheduled lane closure, a minimum of 72 hours prior to the closure. This can
be via phone, email, or text message, depending on the RE’s preference. The contractor should include the route, start and end mileposts, number of lanes, start time, and end time for the scheduled lane closure. 2. The contractor notifies the thirdparty PI consultant of the scheduled lane closure, providing the same details that were given to the RE. The third-party PI consultant then enters the information on the UDOT Traffic website. If there is no third party PI, send the information to Region Communications Manager Eileen Barron. 3. The contractor calls the TOC 30 minutes prior to closing any lanes to confirm the closure and to activate the lane closure on the UDOT Traffic website. This ensures that the closure is displayed on the UDOT Traffic website and mobile application. Closures entered into the system but marked as “inactive” are not visible on the website or the application. 4. The contractor calls the TOC 10 minutes prior to reopening lanes to deactivate the lane closure on the UDOT Traffic website. This ensures that the closure no longer appears on the UDOT Traffic website and mobile application. Even though the end time for the closure may have passed, the system will not automatically deactivate a closure – it must be done manually.
A new lane closure reporting process will be followed on defined routes within Region Three. UDOT REGION THREE•2014 OUTLO OK
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Interactive Projects Map Being Prepared for Public Launch UDOT Region Three is developing an interactive map to display project information in a GIS format. Region Three will develop and test its use with plans to launch the GIS map as a statewide resource in the future. Internal staff and technical staff may be accustomed to using GIS, but this map is targeted for use with local government officials and other key stakeholders so that people not familiar with GIS can easily find meaningful information in a public-friendly format.
this resource through the summer. As we use the map, we will gather feedback from stakeholders and internal staff alike to refine the map and its functionality. An updated version of the map based on initial feedback is targeted to be launched in November. Link to the map from the UDOT Region Three homepage www.udot.utah.gov/go/ region3 or use this url: http://www.udot.utah. gov/thepoint/region3_map/
The map will utilize existing GIS layers and add project-specific details, such as concept and final design, for use in meetings with local governments and stakeholders. A limited number of layers will be pre-selected to keep the map interface simple and easy to use for nonGIS users. The Interactive Projects Map development team is working toward a June launch date in order to begin using
WHY DOES A PI PERSON CARE ABOUT CADD S TA N D A R D S ? The map will be a tool for users to easily find meaningful information in a public-friendly format.
Communications Manager Eileen Barron is one of the region’s biggest advocates for enforcing UDOT’s new CADD QC/QA standards. Why? “If the CADD standards are followed, design files will easily transfer into GIS. And displaying project design information in GIS is a priority for us as we interact with cities and other stakeholders.” As the interactive projects map is launched and tested over the next several months, our ability to import design files will be tested as well. “If CADD files are appropriately tied in and already reference latitude and longitude, importing design files to GIS can be a seamless process.”
A new interactive projects map will utilize existing GIS layers and add project-specific detail for use in meetings with local governments and stakeholders. Page 3
Bike Advisory Group Formed to Validate Region Three Bike Plan FROM THE IN BOX…
More than 20 people attended the kick-off meeting for the Region Three Bike Advisory Group, a group of staff who have interest in
“We have been so excited this week as we watched the changes to this intersection! (2300 W 2100 N in Lehi) I am sure the changes will ensure the safety of the kids walking to North Point [Elementary School].
better understanding the Region Three Bike Plan. Craig Hancock is leading the effort to
improvements that were discussed
become familiar with the bike plan and
include:
identify local government priorities.
•
Parking and bike lanes
•
Bicycle signal detection and routing
“As part of UDOT’s emphasis on integrated Thank you for addressing the congestion and the safety concerns. It really has been amazing that changes were so prompt!” Thank you again, Karen Ishihara April 14, 2014
transportation, we want to take a close
of bicyclists through intersections •
are difficult for bicyclists
look at the existing plan and validate that our staff and local governments support
•
Sweeping and snow removal or snow storage
it,” Craig said. “We will work with local governments and MAG to gain their buy-in
Pavement type; chip seal surfaces
•
Rumble strips
so that together we have a commitment to implement the bike plan.”
A core group from the 20 interested staff will meet monthly to work through
Region Three staff expressed interest
the existing bike plan and coordinate
in the bike plan for a variety of reasons:
with local governments and MAG. The
some are bicyclists who ride for recreation
larger group will be assembled for input
or commuting. Others were interested
and feedback at key points during the
because the bike plan affects their job and
validation process. “In the end,” Craig
how projects are built. There was also a
said, “the goal is to have a region bike
mix of on-road riders and trail riders. Some
plan that we commit to make happen.”
key considerations in implementing bicycle
Cyclists and motorists share Provo Main Street
UDOT REGION THREE•2014 OUTLO OK
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T WITTER BY TEXT
Zero Fatalities Team Hosts stop for Ride to Light up Eureka
Here’s how to create a Twitter account and subscribe to receive Region Three’s tweets via text message:
On May 3, more than 500 motorcycles traveled from the Salt Lake Harley Davidson Dealership to Eureka.
Bikers get ready to go -- John Gleason and Eileen Barron from UDOT and Mary Rice and Brent Wilhite from PPBH distributed Zero Fatalities bandanas, snacks and water to the ride participants.
Sponsored by KSL radio host Doug Wright as a fundraiser to restore Eureka’s historic City Hall, UDOT was invited to participate in order to raise awareness about safety on Utah’s roads. The Zero
Fatalities team provided snacks and Zero Fatalities bandanas to the riders at the Elberta corner where Redwood Road and US-6 intersect.
From PC 1. Log into Twitter. 2. Make sure you have a mobile number associated with your account by clicking on the gear icon in the top right. Select Settings and then Mobile. If there isn’t a number listed go through the process of activating a phone. If there is a phone number listed there make sure the “Tweets from people you’ve enabled for mobile notifications” box is marked. 3. Visit the @UDOTRegion3 page. 4. Click on the gear icon next to the Following button. Select “Turn on mobile notifications” From Twitter App 1. Search for UDOTRegion3 and select it. 2. Select the gear icon on left side and then “Turn on notifications.” If that is not an option there isn’t a mobile number associated with the account. Sample tweets:
Canyon Projects Slated for 2014 UDOT crews and contractors will improve safety and preserve pavement in Provo Canyon, Daniel’s Summit on U.S. 40 and the
May 16 Maintenance work Sunday on Springville 400 S Interchange: Crews will be working on traffic signals. Plan to use alternate.
mouth of Spanish Fork Canyon this summer. Crews will install turn lanes and lighting at select locations along an eight-mile stretch of Provo Canyon. Following these safety improvements, crews will complete a five-mile paving project from Deer Creek Reservoir to the Wasatch County line in July and August. UDOT will extend passing lanes along a seven-mile stretch of U.S. 40, near Daniel’s Summit east of Heber, between June and August.
Crews will replace the bridge deck over the railroad and pave about a half-mile west of the bridge on U.S. 6 at the mouth of Spanish Fork Canyon from lateAugust through September. Information about traffic impacts during construction is available on the UDOT Traffic app and website, udottraffic.utah. gov.
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May 8 UDOT Deputy Director Shane Marshall participated in the Provo Westside Connector groundbreaking today.
UDOT Click ‘n Fix App Available UDOT Click ‘n Fix is a new tool that allows the public to report issues Here’s what UDOT Deputy Director Shane Marshall has to say about Click ‘n Fix: “I’m excited about this tool’s implementation because not only does it fit with our core value of public responsiveness but it also improves our transparency in how these issues are handled.”
using a website or mobile application. It has replaced the comment form on the
others can add their own comments and
UDOT website and has back-end function-
photos. Using the back-end dashboard
ality to issue work orders and track status.
tool we will be able to acknowledge the
The types of submissions on Click ‘n Fix in-
service request, ask questions, post
clude barrier or guardrail damage, potholes,
comments and replies and finally close
or traffic signal timing. In Region Three, Kim
an issue once it has been resolved. All of
Krein receives incoming posts and calls the
these interactions are available for every-
appropriate maintenance crew to address
one to see on the website or app.
requests. Click ‘n Fix is designed to be a customer
GET UDOT CLICK N’ FIX APP THROUGH ITUNES,GOOGLE P L AY
The website and app allow anyone to report
service tool that provides an opportunity
an issue by placing a marker at the exact
to educate the public about the work it
location on an interactive map where ser-
takes to maintain Utah’s roadways. Look
vice is requested. After the marker is placed
for a UDOT Conference session this fall
the tool will then ask questions to help us
to learn more about Click ‘n Fix and a
better understand what is needed. A person
formal public launch with media coverage
making a submission also has the ability to
next winter.
attach a photo. Once an issue is reported
App discription: UDOT Click ‘n Fix allows you to report issues you see on Utah’s state highways and interstates, like potholes or signal problems, directly to the Utah Department of Transportation. You simply drop a marker on the map where you noticed a concern, answer a few questions to help us understand what needs to be fixed and include a photo when possible. You can even comment on issues others have submitted. We’ll notify our crews and get it fixed as quickly as possible and let you know as soon as we have it resolved. Help us reach our goal of Zero Fatalties and never drive distracted. Please don’t use this, or any, app while driving.
The Click ‘N Fix website and app allows anyone to report an issue by placing a marker at on an interactive map where service is requested. UDOT REGION THREE•2014 OUTLO OK
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Uinta Rail & Roads Project Underway Region Three has a leadership role in planning for the future
U S - 4 0 PA S S I N G L A N E E X T E N S I O N TA K E S SHAPE
transportation needs of the Uinta Basin, including Uintah and Duchesne counties.
Paving on the US-40 Passing Lane Extension project west of Vernal begins June 23. Thanks to Jack Lyman for sharing these progress photos taken March through May 2014.
A tanker drives through a pvement project on US 40 in Vernal -- one strategy to meet future transportation needs in the Uinta Basin is to define a standard cross section for consistent lane widths and shoulders.
With planned growth in the Basin,
complete late-summer. The project team
the Uinta Rail and Roads project was
has been evaluating data including traffic
initiated to look at different transportation
volumes, crash data and pavement
options to enhance economic
conditions in order to prioritize future
development.
projects. The results of the study will be incorporated into UDOT’s Long Range
Craig Hancock is leading the roads
Planning process.
analysis, which is scheduled to be John Thomas is leading the rail EIS project team, which is preparing to publish a Notice of Intent later this year to formally begin the environmental study. As a rail project, the study will have a different joint-lead than FHWA and likely follow different guidelines and procedures from typical UDOT environmental studies. A draft EIS is anticipated in 2016.
US-40 and 500 East in Vernal
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Region Three to Host Utah Transportation Commission Visit The Utah Transportation Commission met in Roosevelt on June 13 and will meet in Lehi August 15. Hosting the Commission provides an opportunity for Region Three to showcase projects as well as raise awareness of transportation needs in the area.
Utah Transporation Commissioner At-Large Gayle McKeachnie
Utah Transporation Commissioner Kent Millington
The day before the Commission meeting, the commissioners tour the area. In Roosevelt, we highlighted the “Twist” construction project and the Uinta Rail and Roads studies. For the Lehi meeting in August, we will highlight greenfield construction projects such as Pioneer Crossing Extension and Vineyard Connector as well as the anticipated growth and development in northwest Utah County.
The Commission holds meetings throughout the state on a monthly basis. Commissioners are appointed by the governor and serve as part of an independent advisory committee. The seven-member group prioritizes projects and decides how funds are spent. Gayle McKeachnie is an at-large member recently appointed to the commission who lives in Vernal; Commissioner Kent Millington resides in Highland and represents Region Three.
Seasonal Road Closures Examined Statewide A statewide planning study evaluated seasonal road closures, including SR-35 Wolf Creek Pass in Region Three. The statewide planning study was designed to
D I D YO U K N O W ?
provide data analysis that can be used by the region
UDOT Region Three spent $3.9 million
and executive leaders to
for snow removal during the 2013-
make informed decisions
2014 winter season. These funds
about future seasonal
helped maintain more than 100 plow
road closures.
trucks operating from 15 maintenance UDOT Region
stations in six counties.
Three will conduct We logged 35,194 man hours, which
Wolf Creek Pass
is enough time for 100 people to
The study looked at the feasibility of
determine decision-making criteria and
watch the entire Star Wars Trilogy and
keeping high mountain roads open to UDOT
communication processes for future
Prequel Trilogy 23-1/2 times.
standards year-round including costs and
closures.
stakeholder outreach to
potential benefits. UDOT REGION THREE•2014 OUTLO OK
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Recommended Reading List UDOT Executive Leadership has been reading the following books: Turn the Ship Around: How to Create Leadership at Every Level by David Marquet From the vantage point of the commander of the USS Santa Fe, read how the crew completely turned the ship around, going from worst to first by questioning many of our basic leadership assumptions and shifting from take-control authority to give-control empowerment. Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcom Gladwell Blink is a book about how we think without thinking, about choices that seem to be made in an instant-in the blink of an eye-that actually aren’t as simple as they seem. Why do some people follow their instincts and win, while others end up stumbling into error? And why are the best decisions often those that are impossible to explain to others?
Help them Grow or Watch Them Go: Career Conversations Employees Want, by Beverly Kaye & Julie Winkle Giulioni* Responsibility for career development ultimately rests with employees, but it is the job of management to prompt, guide, reflect, explore ideas, activate enthusiasm and drive action. This can be accomplished using a framework for thinking about conversations to help others grow, focused around the concepts of hindsight, foresight and insight.
*Shane Marshall is holding a discussion about this book on Thursday, August 21, at 11:00 a.m. in the Njord Conference Room at the UDOT Complex. Contact Joni DeMille (jdemille@utah.gov) to borrow a written or audio copy of the book.
Spring site visit
UDOT Executive Director Carlos Braceras visited the Region Three materials lab, machine shop and Provo/Orem maintenance crew May 1. Carlos went on-site for some drainage work east of I-15 and is pictured here talking with Chad Hansen, (Carlos), Greg Searle, Jeff Wood and Chad Gasser. Page 9
“The Executive Leadership Team chooses a book to read together and discuss as part of our regular meetings. This creates an ongoing conversation about practical ways to empower our workforce and make better decisions. I welcome your suggestions for a book that has been influential in your career.” – Teri Newell, Region Director
REGION THREE NOMINEES Employee of the Year Dave Gill Cole Giles Jeff Wood Reed Sleight Tyson Larson Andy Anderson Calvin Tisi
Award Nominees Announced at Staff Appreciation Breakfast UDOT sponsors statewide recognition for employees in three categories: Employee of the Year, Leader of the Year and Career Achievement. Each region conducts its own nomination process to select the individuals who represent the region in the statewide recognition.
Kim Krein Kendall Draney Lynda Seckletstewa Mike Rymer Mote Siufanua Rich Allen Steve Carnesecca Steve Steib
At Region Three, nominations could be submitted by any employee using a one-page nomination form. A selection committee comprised of one staff member from each division determined the Region Three honorees who will then advance to be nominated for the statewide recognition.
The Region Three honorees were announced at the staff recognition breakfast Wednesday, May 21. Lynn Worwood and his crew at the machine shop served a cowboy breakfast and French toast to more than 120 people. Zero Fatalities bandanas were available to all who attended and all nominees received framed certificates. Congratulations to all nominees!
Kelly Fugal Arty Johnson Doug Bassett Eldon Simpson
Tyson Larson was named Employee of the Year, Bill Townsend was named Leader of the Year and Mike Sabey was awarded Career Achievement.
Lester John Leader of the Year Adam Lough Fred Priebe Gary Steele Jack Lyman Justin Lazenby Travis Garrett Bill Townsend Chad Allinson Rich Crosland Ron Hawkins Career Achievement Doug Angus Ervan Rhoades Mike Sabey Gary Gibbs Lynn Worwood
C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S !
The Region Three honorees were announced at the staff recognition breakfast Wednesday, May 21.
UDOT REGION THREE•2014 OUTLO OK
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Region Three Award Winners: Employee of the Year: Tyson Larson, Signal Crew
The staff recognition breakfast, Wednesday, May 21
“Tyson is a hardworking and loyal employee. He does whatever it takes to get the job done and remains cool under pressure. Tyson is very dependable and is always there to lend a hand to a fellow employee.” Leader of the Year: Bill Townsend, Resident Engineer “Bill maintains a good, fun loving attitude and a positive outlook. Bill has the confidence necessary to make timely decisions and stick with them, which is valuable and necessary in construction.” Career Achievement: Mike Sabey, Paint Crew “Mike has been with the department for over 48 years. Mike has done all the tasks that the maintenance stations do, as well as special tasks for the whole region.” Do you have photos of these guys in action? As part of the statewide award nomination, we’d like to include pictures of our Region Three nominees on the job. Send your photos to Kim Krein (kkrein@ utah.gov) by August 15.
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