From the Regional Administrator

With winter well underway, let me say that I’m very proud of our crews who have been battling the record-setting snowfall this season. Over the course of the storms from mid-December through mid-January, many of the crews had been working without any days off until the weather subsided. Many of our Maintenance crews also worked on the Christmas and New Year holidays. I’m sure we still have more winter weather in store for us and our crews will do their best to keep the highways open and as safe as possible.

In this month’s newsletter we’re highlighting some awards and a partnership with the Spokane County Sheriff’s office. As always, if you have any questions on items in this newsletter, or other transportation issues, please let me know. Give me a call at (509) 324-6010 or drop me an e-mail at metcalk@wsdot.wa.gov .

SWAT and WSDOT partner for training

Over the past year, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Department and the Washington State Department of Transportation have partnered to provide some realistic training opportunities for the Sheriff’s SWAT Team.

The WSDOT is in the process of purchasing a number of houses as part of the North Spokane Corridor project. Many of these structures are slated for demolition, but prior to removal of the house, the SWAT Team has been able to stage training exercises in several of the units.

The SWAT Team uses the houses to conduct training in basic entry skills for their members, working on techniques for approach and entry into residences and rooms plus searching and clearing of the home.

The Sheriff’s Department has conducted four training exercises in WSDOT-owned structures. Homes used are vacant and have not been advertised for demolition yet. They are located on the side streets as to not be visual to the freeway traffic. The training benefits the SWAT Team by training their staff with homes realistic to real life situations.

Engineers and contractor recognized for top quality project

Project Engineer Darrel McCallum and his team received the National Award for Excellence in Concrete Pavement from the American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA). The team was given the Silver award in the Municipal Street & Intersections category for their outstanding design and construction work on the Interstate 90/Sullivan Road Interchange Portland Cement Concrete Pavement Intersection Rehabilitation project. The prime contractor on the job was Acme Concrete Paving of Spokane. These awards are presented annually and recognize contractors, engineers and project owners who completed exceptional concrete pavement projects during the previous year.

In addition to their award from the ACPA, the project engineering office and contractor were jointly recognized by an independent panel of experts from the Associated General Contractors and WSDOT Headquarters with the Excellence in Contract Administration award.

The Sullivan Road project was constructed during 19 days of work in the summer of 2007.

Innovation saves money

John Wheeler, a Transportation Engineering Technician with the Washington State Department of Transportation, was doing survey work for a widening project along Interstate 90 in the Spokane Valley a few years ago, when he realized that the control monument data he was collecting could be useful on future projects.
That’s why when Wheeler, a 10-year WSDOT employee, suggested that the agency provide survey personnel with a form documenting control points established by other regional surveyors, the Department was all ears.

By using this suggestion and creating a database for survey monuments, the idea helps eliminate duplication around the state. Eliminating duplication is one of the best and simplest ways to help the Department save money.

The Department of Transportation enthusiastically adopted this innovative idea, and anticipates a first-year savings of $32,500. It’s all a part of the agency’s commitment to saving taxpayers money. John was recognized with an award from the State Productivity Board.