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This Month

SANDAG newsletter
provides information
on key projects & services
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Tell us how you want to
get involved with SANDAG underline spacer
Meeting audio files now available on Web site underline spacer
New photo library depicts existing smart growth areas
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Fare Facts: A guide to
regional transit fares underline spacer
Bike to Work Day 2009
a success
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Compass Cards continue
to roll out underline spacer
Hybrid buses go into service
on new SuperLoop underline spacer
I-15 Express Lanes project
wins two major awards underline spacer
Actions from the May
Board of Directors meeting
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   the rEgion
 

I-15 Express Lanes project I-15 Express Lanes
wins two major awards

The I-15 Express Lanes project won two major awards in June, taking home top honors in the 2009 Tranny Awards as well as an achievement award from the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC).

In addition, the Smart Corner development project also won a Tranny Award at the 20th Annual California Transportation Foundation awards ceremony on June 1.
The Foundation chose I-15 Express Lanes as the state’s Freeway Project of the Year, and tapped Smart Corner as California’s Transit Project of the Year.

“Working with our partners and all the communities in the region, SANDAG strives to stay on the cutting edge,” SANDAG Chair and Escondido Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler said. “Our goal is to use the smartest, most efficient means to improve the quality of life in this region. These two projects do that. And we are very proud of this recognition.”

In awarding the Freeway Project of the Year to SANDAG, the California Department of Transportation District 11, and their contractors, the Foundation noted that the innovative new stretch of I-15 Express Lanes that opened in September 2008 established a balance between providing the benefits that come with carpool lanes while maximizing the use of the lanes to reduce traffic congestion. The expressway-within-a-freeway features four reversible lanes, direct access ramps, and a state-of-the-art automated toll collection system that allows solo drivers to use the facility for a fee.

The Transit Project of the Year award was given to SANDAG, Centre City Development Corporation, and their contractors in recognition of the mixed-use development near San Diego City College. In addition to serving as a major Trolley and bus hub, the innovative development serves as a new “origin” and “destination” point along the larger transit network, the Foundation noted. The development consists of a 19-story residential tower and a five-story office building linked by a Trolley station, ground-floor retail, and underground parking.

NARC chose the I-15 Express Lanes project as the 2009 recipient of its Major Metro General Achievement Award. The award is given in recognition of excellence in projects that exemplify regional cooperation, innovation, and regional impact.

Project Manager
Colleen Windsor, Communications Director
Phone: (619) 699-1960, E-mail: cwi@sandag.org