Transportation Department
Contents
Division Highlights
Speed Cushion Project
Royal Palm Road Between 51 and 47 Avenue
The Traffic Mitigation Division, in collaboration with the Traffic Signs and Pavement Markings Division, successfully completed the installation of a speed cushion project on Royal Palm Road, between 47 Avenue and 51 Avenue The purpose of the project is to enhance neighborhood safety by decreasing vehicle speed on the road This allows for residents and pedestrians to have safer streets
Division Highlights
IMS Data Collection
The City of Glendale
As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure safe and wellmaintained roads, our community is working closely with Infrastructure Management Services (IMS) to assess the current condition of local roadways To accomplish this, we are using a cutting-edge tool called the ICC IrisPRO Pave This specialized device, operated by trained field crews, is designed to evaluate the state of the roads in our area Equipped with advanced cameras and sensors, the IrisPRO Pave thoroughly examines pavement properties such as cracks, erosion, slope, grade, obstructions, and the presence (or absence) of accessibility features By collecting the detailed data, staff can identify areas in need of maintenance or rehabilitation This helps us prioritize repairs and improvements, ensuring that our roads remain safe and accessible for all citizens Together, we are working to keep the City of Glendale’s roadways in top condition for years to come!
Safety Enhancement Project
Glendale Avenue & Litchfield Road
The Traffic Signs and Pavement Markings Division recently completed a signing and pavement marking project to enhance safety in the area adjacent to the Glendale Avenue and Litchfield Road intersection. The project included upgrades to the existing lane markings, the installation of rumble strips to alert drivers of the "T intersection," and improvements to signage. The improvement to the striping will further enhance visibility and provide better guidance for motorists, especially during nighttime hours. These improvements will ensure that drivers have clear and accurate information about the road layout, resulting in safer driving conditions.
Division Highlights
Updates at Airport
Updated Airport Signs
The airport has recently transitioned from a Municipal to a Regional airport. As part of this upgrade, the airport is in the process of updating its signage. Once the new signs are in place, we will be sure to share updated photos with you!
New Hanger Construction
You may recall that we previously mentioned the beginning of construction on a brand-new hangar. This 1,000 square-foot facility is expected to be completed by June 2025. As of January 13, 2025, contractors have started the process of removing the asphalt
Wildcard Game at State Farm Stadium
You may have heard about the Palisades Fire, which has impacted much of Los Angeles. As the fire spread, the NFL made the decisive choice to relocate a game originally scheduled at SoFi Stadium to State Farm Stadium, prioritizing the safety of both fans and players in attendance. Glendale Regional Airport had 30 jets on the ground at game time in comparison to about 4 to 7 on the average day!
A Visit from a V-22 Osprey
We had an exciting visit from a V-22 Osprey this week! The aircraft arrived on Wednesday and departed Thursday, leaving a powerful rotor wash (air that is driven downward by the rotor) that had our airport staff working for several hours to clean up afterward. This was well worth it, as it was truly a memorable event!
Division Highlights
Turf Conversion
75 Avenue, Between Union Hills and Beardsley
The Right-of-Way Division launched a transformative project, replacing natural grass with xeriscaping, featuring artificial turf and the addition of 39 drought-tolerant trees. Shrubs were planted between the trees, and artificial turf was laid in narrow areas to keep the roadway clear. A new irrigation system and four deep-watering tree wells were installed to support the existing trees, while decorative rock was added to control dust
Designed with water conservation in mind, the project dramatically reduces irrigation needs The selected droughttolerant trees and shrubs thrive in arid conditions, ensuring long-term sustainability This effort not only conserves water but also fosters a greener, more environmentally friendly community
Flashing Yellow Install
47 Avenue and Olive Avenue
th th
Upgrades to the 47 Avenue and Olive Avenue intersection, as part of the Flashing Yellow Arrow (FYA) Phase IV project, have been implemented This intersection has been converted to a FYA for both the westbound and eastbound directions and is now active The project was federally funded and managed by ADOT AJP Electric was the contractor performing the work on the project.
AJP replaced the northwest and southeast signal poles with new mast arms, which were necessary to align with the turn signal indication for the FYA. Additionally, AJP performed a complete rewire of the intersection. All signal heads have been fitted with 3-inch yellow reflective tape. The intersection also features new pedestrian push buttons on all sides.
Upcoming Projects
Brought to you by Tony Abbo
Completed Projects
Olive Avenue and 61 Avenue signal: The project is complete The project consisted of improvement to the existing outdated signal system
Nearing completion
Camelback Road and 53 Avenue Hawk and Bethany Home Road and 58 Avenue Hawk: Both projects should be completed by the end of this month Contractor is waiting for the electric company to power up the Hawks
Lighting on Olive Avenue – 59 Avenue to 67 Avenue: Project is 98% complete The contractor is completing work on the final light fixtures and the punch list items Work should be completed by the end of this month
In Construction
Hawk at 67 Avenue and Montebello – completion anticipated at the end of this summer
Starting Soon
83 Avenue and Bethany Home Road – addition of a right turn lane on NB 83 Avenue in advance of Bethany Home Road and Cardinals Way intersection: Construction contract going to council on 01/28/2025.
Glendale Avenue and Sarival Avenue signal – New signal at the intersection: Construction contract going to council on 01/28/2025.
Glendale Fatal Crash Data
as of January 31, 2025
Employee Recognition
Kudos
Timothy Hoover
Thank you for your prompt attention to the requests I send you that involve safety Your quick turnaround on these requests is sincerely appreciated Keep up the good work
Chantell
Vidaure & Judy Anderson
- Tony Abboth
Chantell and Judy took care of document destruction for the airport We had closets full of materials that were well past their due dates. They came in and handled it all. I am so impressed by their efficiency, conscientiousness, and hard work that I wish they were here at the airport all the time! Thank you, Chantell and Judy, for your excellent work!
- Matt Smith -
Steve Pena & Matt Aldama
I want to thank Steve and Matthew for creating a sign that was requested on short notice. I appreciate your help and quick response!
- Marilu Garcia -
Renee
Bridgeman
Thank you for handling the airport customers so well. Your friendliness and professionalism puts the customers at ease and helps to deescalate tension when they come in with a complaint.
- Julie Patterson -
Andrew
Gonzales
Thank you for going above and beyond to improve the functionality of the airport You take it upon yourself to do whatever you can to enhance processes on a daily basis
- Julie Patterson -
Maya Pazos
Thank you for empowering staff to make changes and process improvements at the airport. Your easygoing manner makes you approachable when we need to develop processes and rules.
- Julie PattersonMatt Smith
You are always willing to help and go above and beyond in doing so. You make us feel as if we are not a bother and are very welcoming.
- Jarrell Jack -
National Engineers Week
February 18 - February 25
This February, we are excited to celebrate National Engineer’s Week from February 18 to 25. Be sure to take a moment and thank our talented engineers Javier Gurrola, Tony Abbo, and Becca Fastje for their hard work and dedication to our department and the community!
Employee Recognition
Anniversaries
Reflective of Most Recent Hire Date
Robert Ream - Sr Traffic Engineering Specialist - 29 years
Flavio Samonte - Lead Transit Operator - 19 years
Erin Steffa - Financial Analyst - 18 years
Josefina Mar - Transit Operator - 1 year
Jose Reyes - Transit Operator - 1 year
Antonio Martinez - Signs & Markings Service Worker - 1 year
Gilbert Gonzales - Signs & Markings Service Worker - 1 year
New Hires
Welcome!
Dean Sunthorn
ROW Service Worker
Promotions
Way To Go!
Jessie Morales
Promoted to:
SR Service Worker for ROW
Departures
Best of Luck!
Shahid Abbas
Transportation Director
Jerry Carlson
GIS Technician
Get to Know Dean!
ROW Service Worker
Dean moved to Maryvale, Arizona just before his seventh birthday and later attended Trevor Browne High School He has a strong passion for soccer, having received a scholarship to Phoenix College before continuing his athletic journey at Eastern New Mexico University In addition to soccer, Dean enjoys camping and fishing Be sure to say hi and give him a warm welcome to the Transportation Department!
Employee of the Quarter
How to vote for the next quarter!
When voting for Employee of the Quarter, you ’ re recognizing staff who have made significant contributions. Please follow these guidelines:
Who: Briefly describe the staff member you are nominating.
What: Explain how they demonstrated excellence or went above and beyond, including any challenges they may have faced.
Outcome: Highlight the results of their efforts and how they benefited the City, with any measurable data if possible.
Serena Martinez Airport
Events & Information
February Safety Tips
Super Bowl Safety Tip Here
The super bowl is a great time to get together with friends and family. This does not mean we should forget that alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time, increasing the risk of collisions. Plan ahead by having a designated driver or rideshare to stay safe and responsible.
Valentine’s Day - Buckle Up!
This Valentine’s Day, love is in the air and so is your safety! This year, give the gift of a safe journey to your special someone. Buckle up. Every trip. Every time. Make sure you both make it home to celebrate together.
NSC offers virtual and in-person, instructor-led training Employees trained through NSC Learning make their workplace safer for everyone Check out the NSC Learning Events Calendar or click on the logo to the right for a variety of free webinars and podcasts National Safety Council
Have you Completed your OTIS / NIMS Trainings? Although not enjoyable trainings, we are required to stay up-to-date! Please make sure to complete each training as it is assigned. If you would like to complete them all at once or have any questions at all, let Emily Pompa know! Click the “HSI” logo to access your account and work on trainings!
“Be a team player, designate a sober driver; Fans don’t let fans drive drunk.”
Safety Spotlight
Thank you R.O.W. and Streets for Completing All of your Training
As we enter the time of year when annual trainings are making their return, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the division that consistently leads the way in training completion A big thank you to the Right of Way and Streets Division for their unwavering commitment to ensuring that all new hires and current employees are up-to-date with their OTIS trainings Their dedication to maintaining 100% completion for both initial and annual training is truly commendable, and it sets a strong example for the entire department!
Events & Information
Health & Wellness
February 6, 7, 13 or 14:
Wear
Red for Heart Month <3
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U S and largely preventable Show your support for the Go Red campaign by joining our COG Wear Red Days: Feb 6, 7, 13 or 14 Pose for a team photo or snap a selfie to enter the prize drawing The prize winner will be chosen through a random drawing of all entries Photos will be displayed on the GRID. Email photos to: Glendale Contest Photo deadline Feb 14.
contest@cogaz.onmicrosoft.com
Feb. 11: Good Life, Take 10 at 10
10:05 – 10:15 am, 10-minute Wellness Update Join Wellness Program Manager, Ali WaelchliBrooks for a quick Good Life wellness update the second Tuesday of each month at 10:05. The focus for February is heart smart tips. Increase your energy level, learn some quick tips and be ready for your day! Click to register or see the GRID calendar.
Zoom:
https://glendaleaz zoom us/webinar/register/W N UO1EvJRQRkC4qiEmBGRkhg
Transit Updates
The Arrowhead Transit Center is located on the north side of Arrowhead Towne Center near the AMC Theater and Arrowhead Towne Center food court. This facility provides amenities such as electrical outlets for charging personal electronic devices, covered passenger waiting area, a map kiosk, sight lighting, bus pullouts, and internet access to the free mall wi-fi service
Several Valley Metro bus routes serve this transit center including Valley Metro bus routes 170 (Bell Road), 186 (Union Hills), and 83 (83 Avenue). Please visit the Valley Metro website for details on bus arrival/departure times for these routes.
Valley Metro Express bus routes 573 (West Glendale Express) and 575 (North Glendale Express) can be boarded on the south side of the mall, near the former Forever 21 site. Express passengers may not board the bus at the Arrowhead Towne Center site on the north side of the mall
Events & Information
Transportation Challenge
Carefully Read the Directions Below
The five items above are hidden within the newsletter Find them ALL and be entered to win a $10 gift card! The winner will be announced on February 21, 2025 You can send your answers in one of the following ways
Putting your answers in the suggestion box at your site with your name
Scanning the QR Code on page 1 of the newsletter.
JanuaryWinner
Max Morales
Through email to Emily Pompa, Cassandra Johnston, Tracy Klein, Susan Angotti, Julie Patterson, Gilbert Gonzales or Tony Abbo
