Award Winners (2023)
The Windsor River Road and Windsor Road Intersection Improvement and Multi-Use Pathway Connector Project
Location Windsor River Road and Windsor Road City or County Responsible for Project Windsor Category Safety or Intelligent Transportation System Projects Description The Windsor River Road and Windsor Road Intersection Improvements and Multi‐Use Pathway Connector Project is a transformative transportation project with unique challenges but also substantial benefit for the community it serves. For this project, the Town of Windsor hired GHD to provide project planning, public outreach, permitting, grant assistance, design, and engineering services during construction. The scope of work included construction of a roundabout, at‐grade rail crossing safety devices, pedestrian crossing safety improvements, and a multi‐use pathway segment. The results of the project are improved safety, enhanced multi‐modal connectivity, environmental benefits, and a better sense of place and gateway into the downtown Town Green area. The roundabout design created safer active transportation infrastructure at a complex intersection. The new design is expected to reduce the number of
Leland Avenue, et al., Street Improvement Project
Location Unincorporated South Whittier City or County Responsible for Project Los Angeles County Category Roads: Efficient and Sustainable Road Maintenance, Construction and Reconstruction Projects. Description When it comes to street improvements, Los Angeles County Public Works has utilized sustainable pavement treatments with outstanding success. Public Works continues its commitment in preserving and improving the quality of our roads in a cost-effective and environmentally responsible way. California Mandate AB32 is a state law requiring the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and working within limited budgets were key motivators for developing Public Works’ sustainable approach which includes: (1) focusing on preserving roads in good condition; (2) using recycled materials in pavement treatments; and (3) reutilizing in-place materials during construction. The Leland Avenue, et al., Project that was completed in September 2023 showcases the benefits of Public Works’ sustainable approach. This project was funded with the Road Maintenance Rehabilitation Account funds.
Kirkwood Road and Columbia Avenue Bridges
Location Over Jewett Creek just south of Corning, CA City or County Responsible for Project Tehama County Category Bridge: Efficient and Sustainable Bridge Maintenance, Construction and Reconstruction Projects Description Tehama County completed the new Kirkwood Road and Columbia Ave Bridges over Jewett Creek in December 2023. The old bridges were at the end of their service lives and both steel girder bridges were narrow with no shoulders. The Kirkwood Bridge was previously restricted to one lane due to the bridge’s condition. The new wider bridge at Kirkwood now has a 32-foot clear roadway width, while Columbia now has a 24-foot width. Both are now reinforced concrete slab type bridges and offer many advantages. These new bridges meet the function classification, terrain, and AASHTO standards; and provide safe and modern facilities for County residents and local agribusiness. Key design features provide service longevity, limited maintenance, and positive environmental effects including
American Avenue and Golden State Boulevard Intersection Realignment
Location American Avenue and Golden State Boulevard City or County Responsible for Project Fresno County Category Safety or Intelligent Transportation System Projects Description The intersection of Golden State Boulevard (GSB) and American Avenue had multiple design deficiencies, including horizontal and vertical alignment of the intersection and sight distance. These geometric deficiencies, together with the proximity to the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) tracks and the high-speed limits of the roadways (55 mph on American Ave and 65 mph on GSB), made it very challenging to design a major realignment along all four approaches. The skewed alignment of Golden State Boulevard as it crosses American Avenue created a non-standard intersection that was unsignalized and vehicles on American Avenue crossing GSB had to stop in the median to safely maneuver the crossing. There was also a 2.5 feet grade difference between the east leg of American Ave and the GSB which created
Ord Terrace Elementary School Crossing Improvements Project
Location 1775 La Salle Avenue, Seaside CA 93955 City or County Responsible for Project City of Seaside Category Safety or Intelligent Transportation System Projects Description The City of Seaside is committed to developing Safe Routes to School for the children of Seaside. Ord Terrace Elementary School (School), a public school located at 1775 La Salle Avenue, serves over 400 students in Kindergarten through 6th grade in the City. The Ord Terrace Elementary School Crossing Improvement Project (Project) was a traffic-calming project to benefit the families and staff of the School by improving an important route to school. Prior to the implementation of the Project, heavy traffic and parking congestion were experienced during the morning and afternoon drop-off and pick-up periods. The prior crosswalk located across La Salle Avenue was less visible to vehicles as were the crosswalk signs which added to the safety issues students faced when crossing at
Upper Market Corridor Safety Improvements Project
Location Market St: Castro St to Octavia St/US-101 Highway and Guerrero St: Market St to Duboce Ave City or County Responsible for Project San Francisco Category Complete Streets Projects Description Upper Market Corridor is a multi-functional thoroughfare with heavy usage from pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation riders, and vehicular usage in San Francisco, CA. The Upper Market corridor connects the historic Castro district from Market Street/Castro Street to Octavia Street/US-101 Highway for approximately 1 mile. The project also included Guerrero Street from Market Street to Duboce Avenue. This busy Market Street segment has unique intersections that have 6 streets intersecting leaving wide roadway space for vehicles. To beautify the corridor and promote safety to align with Vision Zero SF (aiming to eliminate all traffic deaths in San Francisco by 2024), approximately $10 Million was spent overall for the project using local funding (IPIC-Interagency Plan Implementation Committee). During planning phase, community