Published May 2 2013
The American Public Works Association has recognized three projects led by the city's Transportation Department with national awards, including two for project of the year. It's the first time Bellevue has won multiple APWA awards in the same year.
"Three APWA awards in one year is a remarkable achievement that highlights the great work by Bellevue's Transportation Department, in collaboration with Utilities and other departments," said City Manager Steve Sarkozy. "Along with professional accreditations of city departments, awards from national organizations are good yardsticks for measuring how we're doing at providing high-quality services to the public."
The three award-winning efforts, each undertaken in 2012, are:
- 108th Avenue Southeast Improvements: Public Works Project of the Year in the category of transportation-- less than $5 million. A team of 13 staff members from the Transportation, Utilities and Parks departments implemented the project, in conjunction with a contractor. The one-mile long route in south Bellevue, resulted in a safer route to and from Enatai Elementary School, with a new sidewalk, multi-use trail and bike lanes, enhanced lightin and a raised crosswalk.
- West Lake Sammamish Parkway Slide Repair: Public Works Project of the Year in the category of Disaster or Emergency Construction Repair -- less than $5 million. After a slide in January 2012 caused significant damage to private property and closed a key roadway, an 11-member, cross-departmental project team led a recovery effort to make emergency repairs. Working closely with contractors, the city reopened the Parkway on April 10, and property owners were pleased with the result.
- Neighborhood Traffic Safety program: Exceptional Performance for Journalism. The award recognizes presentation of a story about a public works issue or event that projects a positive image of an agency in the course of its work. NTS was selected for its innovative approach to outreach and engaging residents in finding solutions to traffic safety issues. Specifically, the program uses traffic action plans to respond to residents’ traffic safety concerns. Also, a blog called Streets are for Everyone (SAFE) was developed to share traffic safety resources and project information.
With a membership of more than 28,000 worldwide, including 63 chapters in North America, APWA serves public works professionals in government agencies and the private sector. Its annual awards program recognizes "outstanding individuals, groups and chapters representing the best in the public works profession," according to the organization's website.