PALMDALE – The City of Palmdale walked away with three awards presented by the High Desert Branch of the APWA at its annual holiday dinner held on Friday, Dec. 7.
Palmdale won the Innovative Design of the Year for DryTown Water Park’s Dusty’s Mineshaft Racer, the Best Use of Technology for its traffic signal synchronization program, and Outstanding Public Works Employee of the Year, which was awarded to Senior Civil Engineer Lynn Glidden.
“We’re very proud of all that we’ve accomplished this year in public works, and being recognized by the professionals in your field makes it all the more gratifying,” said Palmdale’s Director of Public Works Mike Mischel.
Dusty’s Mineshaft Racer, which opened in June, is the newest attraction at DryTown. The four lane thrill ride launches riders headfirst into a thrilling 360 degree turn in an enclosed tube, before plunging 40 feet down the lanes for a downhill dash to the finish line and a serious drenching. Other site improvements included a restroom, group entry and pump/filtration buildings, site concrete, lighting and landscaping.
The City’s traffic signal synchronization program, with the assistance of the City’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant from the United States Department of Energy, utilized Miovision cameras attached to the traffic signals of selected intersections.
Data was recorded and inputted into computers using TrafficWare Synchro software. In addition to being more accurate, the software interfaces with the new software, which allows the City to save significant amounts of time in analyzing the data and performing traffic signal synchronization. Rather than drawing their own maps, the software utilizes Google Maps to save significant time in data preparation.
In the program, Palmdale City staff synchronized 11.04 miles, covering 39 intersections along four major and one minor corridor. One intersection in particular, Avenue S and Sierra Highway, realized a savings of 14 percent in emissions, reduced the number of stops per hour in the same intersection by 20 percent and reduced fuel consumption by 16 percent.
Glidden, who has served for 22 years in Palmdale’s public works department, was instrumental in several key projects during the year. She was the lead engineer on the award winning Dusty’s Mineshaft Racer, overseeing the project in its entirety. Glidden also oversaw the new Palmdale Transportation Center security upgrade, which allows staff to better monitor and ensure safety at the facility, streamline coordination with law enforcement agencies, and maintain compliance with State video retention requirements.
Glidden also spearheaded the expansion of the new buildings at the Palmdale maintenance facility on 3rd Street East. The design-build project includes a 20,000 square foot steel warehouse building; a 8,400 square foot administration building; removal of two existing modular buildings; underground utilities including fire line with three hydrants; electrical and fiber line; minimal site improvements; and removal of approximately 50 cargo containers to bring the Center in compliance with the City of Palmdale’s Zoning Ordinance.
“Lynn always does an excellent job in handling all types of projects and is exemplary in handling projects requiring special consideration, working well in overcoming issues or obstacles that may occur during the process with outstanding grace and professionalism,” Mischel said.
The American Public Works Association exists to develop and support the people, agencies, and organizations that plan, build, maintain, and improve communities. For information on APWA, visit www.apwa.net. The High Desert Branch of the APWA covers member communities in the northern portion of Los Angeles County and most of San Bernardino County.
For more information, call at 661-267-5300.
(Information via press release from the city of Palmdale.)
dumbandblind says
1. Anything to do with Dry Town is a farce. Total waste of taxpayer funds. All show and downright useless. Who ever thought of even spending $1.00 on a project like this instead of using the money for more Sheriff Deputies or preventing useful and extremely hardworking Public employees from getting laid off should be fired and fined or maybe investigated for fraud and embezzlement.
2. Traffic synchronization all right. Please count all the traffic related accidents and rethink the Best Use of Technology one more time.
2. How outstanding is that when the Public Works Employee failed to control the flash floods the moment rains hit Palmdale.
Tsk tsk tsk.
dumbandblind says
Oh and one more thing, the Palmdale City Engineer should be seen more decongesting drains than smiling.