Awards

ADOT vehicle-to-infrastructure pilot study wins national award

ADOT vehicle-to-infrastructure pilot study wins national award

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT vehicle-to-infrastructure pilot study wins national award

ADOT vehicle-to-infrastructure pilot study wins national award

January 31, 2024

Testing evaluated safety promise of emerging transportation technology

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation has received a national award for a pilot study that looks toward the day when additional transportation infrastructure will be able to give drivers critical information about conditions ahead.

The National Operations Center of Excellence, an organization dedicated to the management and operation of state highways, presented ADOT with its Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) Award in the Emerging Trends and Technologies category.

With funding provided through the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Emerging Technology Program, ADOT partnered with Verizon to test the viability of using sensors, cameras and wireless connectivity to deliver critical information about upcoming curves, work zones and slowing traffic.

“The purpose of the pilot project was to test and validate that critical safety notices could be sent to drivers in an efficient and timely manner,” said Susan Anderson, Systems Technology Group Manager for ADOT’s Transportation Systems Management and Operations division. “It helps position us for the day when vehicles are equipped to interact with transportation infrastructure.”

During the pilot program, as the test driver entered a segment, a safety message was sent to a cellphone app that broadcast an audio alert and notified a passenger with a visual alert of the real-time traffic conditions.

This technology, often referred to as vehicle-to-infrastructure or vehicle-to-everything, isn’t available yet for the general public. ADOT doesn’t currently use apps that broadcast traveler information on slowing for curves, work zones, traffic slowing and similar real-time conditions.

You can learn more about ADOT’s pilot study here.

I-17 project installing fiber-optic infrastructure wins regional award

I-17 project installing fiber-optic infrastructure wins regional award

I-17 101 traffic interchange

I-17 project installing fiber-optic infrastructure wins regional award

I-17 project installing fiber-optic infrastructure wins regional award

September 12, 2023

Effort involved 67 miles between Anthem Way and McGuireville

PHOENIX – An Arizona Department of Transportation project that installed high-speed fiber-optic infrastructure along 67 miles of Interstate 17 between north Phoenix and McGuireville has won a regional award. 

The construction trade publication Engineering News-Record honored the team responsible for the project, including prime contractor Kiewit Infrastructure West Co., with a 2023 Best Projects Award of Merit for the Southwest region in the Specialty Construction category. 

As part of the state’s initiative to bring broadband internet access to more Arizonans, the $20.6 million project completed earlier this year installed conduit and fiber-optic cable between Anthem Way and the McGuireville Rest Area. This work connected and completed a broader project totalling 146 miles of fiber-optic conduit between Van Buren Street in Phoenix and the I-17/I-40 interchange in Flagstaff. Future fiber-optic conduit projects are planned along the length of I-40 through northern Arizona.

ADOT, which designed the winning project in partnership with Kimley-Horn, worked with Kiewit to use innovative micro-trenching technology to install the fiber-optic infrastructure under the asphalt shoulder of I-17. This helped address challenges posed by hard rock next to the highway and deliver the project in a safer, faster and more cost-effective manner with minimal impacts on the public.

Winning projects will be honored in Engineering News-Record’s Oct. 30 issue and at a luncheon in Phoenix on Oct. 31. 

Fiber-optic conduit also has been added along I-19 between the Tucson area and Nogales. These efforts complement a state law that allows private broadband providers to install, operate and maintain telecommunications equipment within ADOT’s right of way using conduit installed along state highways.

In addition to the benefits to rural broadband connectivity, ADOT plans to use the fiber to provide intelligent transportation systems technology, such as overhead message boards, traffic cameras, weather stations and wrong-way driving detection. The infrastructure also will help lay the groundwork for emerging technologies like connected and automated vehicles.

For more information on ADOT’s broadband efforts, please visit azdot.gov/BroadbandClick here to see a map of current and planned fiber-optic conduit routes.

ADOT’s Business Engagement and Compliance Office, Major Projects leader honored

ADOT’s Business Engagement and Compliance Office, Major Projects leader honored

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT’s Business Engagement and Compliance Office, Major Projects leader honored

ADOT’s Business Engagement and Compliance Office, Major Projects leader honored

April 5, 2023

WTS Advancing Women Advancing Transportation recognizes industry commitment

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation's Business Engagement and Compliance Office and Robert Samour, ADOT Deputy State Engineer for the Major Projects Group, have been honored for contributions to the transportation industry and to advancing women. 

At an April 1 ceremony in Phoenix, the WTS Advancing Women Advancing Transportation‘s Metropolitan Phoenix Chapter presented its Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award to ADOT’s Business Engagement and Compliance Office (BECO). BECO ensures that ADOT and its subrecipients, contractors and consultants comply with federal regulations related to disadvantaged and small business inclusion, equal and fair employment opportunity and on-the-job training in the construction trades. 

BECO’s efforts include Construction Academy Pre-Apprenticeship Training Programs that prepare minorities, women, disadvantaged individuals, and veterans to enter highway construction trades. A Disadvantaged Business Enterprises and Small Business Transportation EXPO scheduled for Wednesday, May 3, at the Mesa Convention Center will help small businesses and those owned by individuals from socially and economically disadvantaged groups compete for transportation contracts that receive federal funding. 

More information on BECO and its mission are available at azdot.gov/BECO.

Samour, who received the Honorable Ray LaHood Award, named for the former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, oversees ADOT’s Major Projects Group. In that role, he is responsible for the state’s largest freeway projects, including construction of the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway and the I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project. That includes managing public-private partnerships that allow ADOT to construct these projects faster and at a lower cost.

The WTS Advancing Women Advancing Transportation is an international organization dedicated to shaping the future of transportation for the public good through the global advancement of women. More information on the group and its mission is available at wtsinternational.org. To learn more about other winners of the Metro Phoenix Chapter’s annual awards, please visit wtsinternational.org/chapters/metro-phoenix > Annual Awards

Arizona Highways Magazine again glitters with awards of gold, silver and bronze

Arizona Highways Magazine again glitters with awards of gold, silver and bronze

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Arizona Highways Magazine again glitters with awards of gold, silver and bronze

Arizona Highways Magazine again glitters with awards of gold, silver and bronze

October 14, 2021

The accolades keep rolling in for Arizona Highways. The magazine published by the Arizona Department of Transportation has earned more recognition for its excellence in design, visuals, outstanding writing and production.

In its annual awards program, the International Regional Magazine Association (IRMA) awarded Arizona Highways a total of 22 honors in categories including excellence in feature writing, photography, art direction, Writer of the Year, Photographer of the Year, among others. 

This is the seventh straight year that Arizona Highways has received at least 16 IRMA awards. 

“Arizona is known for its unique beauty, robust and diverse mixture of colorful personalities and incredible stories that we are privileged to bring to the world every month,” said Kelly Mero, Publisher of Arizona Highways. 

“The real stars are the state and its people, and they make it possible for us to receive awards like these. They deserve this recognition as do the talented people inside and outside of ADOT who collaborate to make Arizona Highways come alive every month.”

IRMA is a nonprofit association of 25 regional magazines from across North America. This is the 41st annual awards competition, and entries are judged by a panel of magazine industry experts from outside of IRMA. 

Arizona Highways received the following awards:

 

Gold award winners:

Profiles: Meet the Master | September 2020 | Kelly Vaughn

Column: August 2020, December 2020, March 2021 | Robert Stieve

Single Photo: Navajo Dancer | May 2020 | Mylo Fowler

Portrait Photo: Greg Wildman | January 2021 | Joel Grimes

Portrait Series: I Just Want to Go Home | May 2020 | David Zickl

Magazine Photographer of the Year: Jack Dykinga

 

Silver award winners: 

Public Issues: At the End of Their Ropes | January 2021 | Noah Austin

Historic Feature: The Exodus Trail | May 2020 | Annette McGivney

Nature and Environment Feature: Ho, Ho, Ho … Green Giants | March 2021 | Tyler Williams

Essay: Breathing Space | July 2020 | Craig Childs

Photo Series: The Evolution of Landscape Photography | April  2020 | Edited by Jess Kida 

Illustration: The Exodus Trail | May 2020 | Davide Bonazzi

Special Focus: The Great Escapes | July 2020

Cover: May 2020

 

Bronze award winners: 

Travel Feature: A Trip to Remember | August  2020 | Willis Peterson

General Feature: Salvage Operation | March 2021 | Annette McGivney

Headline and Dek: Beadlemania | November  2020 | Robert Stieve

Art Direction SIngle Story: There’s Gold in Them Thar Hills | October 2020 | Keith Whitney

Magazine Writer of the Year: Kelly Vaughn

Travel Package: The Great Escapes | July 2020 | Edited by Robert Stieve

 

Award of Merit:

Art and Culture Feature: The Fruits of Her Labor | May 2020  | Kelly Vaughn

Recreation: In for a Bumpy Ride | June 2020 | Chel Knorr

 

Founded in 1925, Arizona Highways is dedicated to promoting travel to and through the state of Arizona. In addition to the world-renowned magazine known for spectacular landscape photography, Arizona Highways publishes travel guide books, calendars and other products to promote travel in Arizona. The magazine has subscribers in all 50 states and more than 100 countries.

Learn more at arizonahighways.com and irmamagazines.com/

Innovative Flagstaff bridge project in line for national award

Innovative Flagstaff bridge project in line for national award

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Innovative Flagstaff bridge project in line for national award

Innovative Flagstaff bridge project in line for national award

September 24, 2021

FLAGSTAFF – The Arizona Department of Transportation’s Fourth Street Bridge replacement project in Flagstaff is receiving national recognition. The project is among a list of 12 in line for national awards from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). 

The innovative bridge project has already won western regional recognition. For the national award, the three highest-scoring projects from each regional competition earn a place on a “Top 12” list of projects competing for the national Grand Prize – selected by an independent panel of industry judges – and the People’s Choice Award, chosen by the public through online voting. In addition, those top national winners each receive $10,000 in cash awards to be donated to a charity or scholarship of the state DOT’s choosing.

"This project has provided improved access to our campus for our students and families. It also has created safe and healthy alternatives for students who want to walk to school or ride their bikes," said David Lykins, superintendent at Northland Preparatory Academy, a charter school located near the southern end of the Fourth Street Bridge.

The new, wider bridge not only benefits the academy helping students get safely to and from school, but also boosts economic development in the area with better traffic flow and more mobility options.

ADOT State Engineer Dallas Hammit explains the innovative bridge-slide method utilized for the project, “We used a slide technique where the new bridge was built just east of the old one. That allowed us to move the new structure into place in about two weeks. This greatly decreased the inconvenience to the traveling public.” 

After the old bridge was demolished, crews used hydraulic jacks to “slide” the new bridge into place. The method cut an estimated two months off of construction time and saved nearly $7 million over traditional bridge construction methods. This reduced the impact to the local community during construction as well as creating a wider bridge that allows vehicles and pedestrians to safely cross. View a time-lapse video of crews moving the new bridge into place at vimeo.com/442491601

Online voting for the People’s Choice Award begins Sept. 24. AASHTO will then announce the winners of both the Grand Prize and People’s Choice awards in October at the AASHTO Annual Meeting in San Diego. Members of the public can visit this link to vote for ADOT’s Fourth Street Bridge project and learn more about all the nominees at americastransportationawards.org.

This is the second year in a row ADOT was honored with the Top 12 recognition. Last year, ADOT’s Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway was named to the list.

Fourth Street Bridge project in Flagstaff wins regional award

Fourth Street Bridge project in Flagstaff wins regional award

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Fourth Street Bridge project in Flagstaff wins regional award

Fourth Street Bridge project in Flagstaff wins regional award

September 15, 2021

PHOENIX – For its efforts to improve traffic flow and safety in Flagstaff, the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Fourth Street Bridge replacement project has won a regional award, as announced Wednesday by the Western Region of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

Winning in the Quality of Life/Community Development category in the America’s Transportation Awards competition, the Fourth Street Bridge project was recognized for improving safety for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. The project widened the bridge itself over Interstate 40, adding capacity for vehicles, and created space for bicycles and pedestrians separated by a concrete barrier. The project also connected the Flagstaff Urban Trail System across the interstate.

“We are honored to be recognized for our efforts to improve safety and connectivity in the Flagstaff region,” said Audra Merrick, district engineer for ADOT’s Northcentral District. “This project fits into our mission to connect Arizonans everywhere, every day.”

In addition to creating better community connectivity, the bridge was replaced using the innovative bridge-slide method where crews built the new bridge next to the old one. After the old bridge was demolished, crews used hydraulic jacks to “slide” the new bridge into place.

The method cut an estimated two months off of construction time and saved nearly $7 million over traditional bridge construction methods. This reduced the impact to the local community during construction.

Sponsored by AASHTO, AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the America’s Transportation Awards competition was created to showcase the projects delivered by state departments of transportation every year in order to tell the broader story on the importance of transportation. The awards focus on getting more out of the existing system; implementing new technologies and innovations; and projects that improve overall quality of life and enhance community development.

For more information, visit americastransportationawards.org.

ADOT Kids recognized for role during unprecedented times

ADOT Kids recognized for role during unprecedented times

SR24-1

ADOT Kids recognized for role during unprecedented times

ADOT Kids recognized for role during unprecedented times

By David Rookhuyzen / ADOT Communications
November 5, 2020

Earlier this year, when living rooms became classrooms and personal studies became work offices, the ADOT Communications team knew it wanted to find some small way to help all the kids – and their parents – who were suddenly spending more time indoors and away from friends and family.

That's why we started ADOT Kids, a series of educational blogs posts and activities focused on fostering a love for transportation, engineering and infrastructure, while also providing some home-based, socially distanced fun. Since April, kids have been able to learn about snowplows, build toothpick bridges, submit their own freeway designs, and so much more.

We sure loved seeing everything the kids submitted, such as what they would put up on our overhead digital signs. ADOT Kids has been a hit with children, parents and educators as well as ADOT employees who have also served as subject-matter experts in answering questions from children.

And, it seems some other folks out there thought this was a good idea too.

You see, since 2007, the Transportation Research Board had sought out the best ideas and innovative practices among agencies to explain complex transportation topics to a general audience, in the form of its John and Jane Q. Public Competition. For this, the competition's 14th year, the theme was appropriately "Success Communication during Disruptive, Crisis Situations." 

Turns out that ADOT Kids fit the bill perfectly. The Transportation Research Board let us know that the series took away top honors in the competition, adding “We applaud your initiative to make the extra effort to ensure the important work of the transportation profession is accessible to the public!”

ADOT Communications will be recognized at the board's annual meeting in January – held virtually, of course – and will have the opportunity to talk up ADOT Kids during a panel session.

To see our small effort to help during the public health situation receive a national award makes us feel as proud as the parents whose children produced these amazing bridge drawings.

Now if only we had a refrigerator to hang it up on.

More renown for Arizona Highways magazine

More renown for Arizona Highways magazine

I-17 101 traffic interchange

More renown for Arizona Highways magazine

More renown for Arizona Highways magazine

October 29, 2020

Arizona Highways, the world-renowned magazine published by the Arizona Department of Transportation, has earned more recognition for its excellence in words, pictures and design.

In its annual awards program, the International Regional Magazine Association (IRMA) awarded Arizona Highways a total of 19 honors in categories including essay writing, illustration, photography and art direction. The magazine also received an Award of Merit for its February 2019 feature celebrating the 100th anniversary of the designation of Grand Canyon as a national park.

This is the sixth straight year that Arizona Highways has received at least 16 IRMA awards. 

“We are privileged to live in a state known not only for its iconic beauty but for its rich and diverse mixture of history and colorful personalities,” said Kelly Mero, publisher of Arizona Highways. “Arizona, its people and its history are the real stars of the show and make it possible for us to receive awards like these. This recognition is testament to that - and to the tremendous people both inside and outside of ADOT who collaborate to make Arizona Highways come alive every month.”

IRMA is a non-profit association of 25 regional magazines from across North America. This is the 40th annual awards competition, and entries are judged by a panel of magazine industry experts from outside of IRMA. 

Arizona Highways received the following awards:

Gold award winners:

Essay: Prayers for Snow | December 2019 | Craig Childs

Nature & Environment Feature: Hanging on for Dear Life | October 2019 | Annette McGivney

Art & Culture Feature: These Generations of Weaving | March 2019 | Danielle Geller

Headline & Deck: Great Balls of Fire | April 2019 | Robert Stieve

General Feature: The Unsettling Story of Ken Patrick | January 2020 | Robert Stieve

Silver award winners: 

Profiles: Esther Henderson & Chuck Abbott | September 2019 | Matt Jaffe

Historic Feature: The Early Photographers | September 2019 | Robert Stieve

Magazine Writer of the Year: Matt Jaffe

Magazine Photographer of the Year: Jack Dykinga

Art Direction Single Story: Sandwich Tour | April 2019 | Keith Whitney

Overall Art Direction: March 2019 | April 2019 | January 2020

Department: The Journal | January 2020 | February 2020 | March 2020

Bronze award winners: 

Photo Series (35,000 or more): Not Just Any Old Place | February | Edited by Jeff Kida

Portrait Photo: Wally Brown | March 2019 | Mylo Fowler

Illustration: Wildflowers (series) | March 2020 | Dyana Hesson

Column: July 2019, August 2019, February 2020 | Robert Stieve

Travel Feature: No Exit Route | November 2019 | Morgan Sjogren

Cover: March 2019

Award of Merit:

Special Focus: Grand Canyon Centennial | February 2019

Founded in 1925, Arizona Highways is dedicated to promoting travel to and through the state of Arizona. In addition to the world-renowned magazine known for spectacular landscape photography, Arizona Highways publishes travel guide books, calendars and other products to promote travel in Arizona. The magazine has subscribers in all 50 states and more than 100 countries.

Learn more at ArizonaHighways.com

For the MVD, these awards are a big deal

For the MVD, these awards are a big deal

SR24-1

For the MVD, these awards are a big deal

For the MVD, these awards are a big deal

By Doug Pacey / ADOT Communications
September 15, 2020

Unless you’re in the service of issuing driver licenses, vehicle titles and registrations, you probably haven’t heard of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. But if you are, like the thousands of people working at the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division, the AAMVA Awards are a pretty big deal.

And Arizona’s MVD was a big winner again in the 2020 AAMVA Awards, winning two awards in the national contest.

“I’m excited for all the people who work at MVD when their efforts result in awards and recognition for their creative and thoughtful solutions,” said MVD Director Eric Jorgensen. “One of our core principles is to always be looking for ways to improve a process, reduce the time people need to get a service from us and make things easier for everyone. Every day, we’re striving to become more efficient in order to get Arizonans out of line and safely on the road.”

MVD’s online Travel ID Document Guide was recognized in the Interactive Presentation category for Public Affairs and Consumer Education. This online tool simplifies the  process of learning what documents are required to obtain a REAL ID. The step-by-step guide condenses the necessary information into easy-to-read instructions.

MVD’s recent adoption of virtual inspections of Authorized Third Party offices earned it an award in the Improvement Through Efficiencies category. MVD performs regular inspections of these businesses and some are in remote locations, requiring as much as a 12-hour round trip drive. In 2018, inspectors began using Apple’s FaceTime on a trial basis. The virtual inspections were so successful that the program became fully functional in 2019, saving hours of driving time and reducing expenses.

“AAMVA is always so proud to recognize the excellent work our members do for the communities they serve,” said AAMVA President & CEO Anne Ferro. “Through their efforts, MVDs and law enforcement agencies make drivers and vehicles safer, identities secure, and ultimately, save lives.”

Do us a favor and show your support for the South Mountain Freeway!

Do us a favor and show your support for the South Mountain Freeway!

SR24-1

Do us a favor and show your support for the South Mountain Freeway!

Do us a favor and show your support for the South Mountain Freeway!

By David Rookhuyzen / ADOT Communications
September 11, 2020

Could we ask for a favor?

We promise it's easier than giving a ride to the airport or housesitting a cat.

You see, we were pretty enthused last month when we learned that three ADOT projects had won first-place honors in the regional awards for the 2020 America’s Transportation Awards competition. What department of transportation wouldn't be honored that the road work it had labored on was making a splash among its peers?

But while telling people about the kudos, we also mentioned there was a possibility for those projects to be considered for the "Top 12," a nationwide competition of – you guessed it – 12 projects vying to win either the Grand Prize or People's Choice Award.

Imagine then how we felt this week to announce the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway, the $2 billion construction project that opened to traffic last December and was literally the biggest thing we've ever managed, had been chosen by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (or AASHTO) to go head-to-head with 11 other projects from across the country. These projects were chosen because they make travel in the U.S. safer, better and more accessible to motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.

And here's where that favor comes in.

The Grand Prize winner will be determined by a independent panel of transportation experts looking closely at each submission, but the People's Choice Award is just what it sounds like – a vote by the general public on their favorite project. So we need your help ensuring that the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway gets the recognition it deserves. 

If you are one of the thousands of people who uses the new freeway regularly or have just used it a few times to get from the east to west Valley (or vice versa!), now's your chance to show your support. You can cast votes for the South Mountain Freeeway through Oct. 25 by going to AmericasTransportationAwards.org. And here's the kicker: It's not a one-and-done thing. You can cast a vote every single day of the competition to help make sure the South Mountain Freeway rises to the top.

To sweeten the deal, we'll also mention the project that takes home the Grand Prize or the People's Choice Award also gets $10,000 to donate toward a charity or a transportation-related scholarship.

So please take few minutes each day to throw a vote toward making the South Mountain Freeway the clear favorite when the winners are announced in November. Even if you can't do it that often, every vote counts!

And after that ... maybe we could talk about getting a ride to the airport?