Page 10 - Everyday Kitsap 2016

GETTING AROUND

Going the Distance

Utilizing new technology and materials on our roadways

O ne of the core values of Kitsap County Public Works is effi ciency. We are always looking for ways to reduce waste
and costs, decrease environmental impacts, and use emerging technology in innovati ve ways. Here’s how....

WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE SMARTER TRAFFIC SIGNALS A SIGN OF THE TIMES
ROAD The County switched from When metal traffi c signs are
Each year, maintenance crews incandescent to LED bulbs in traffi c replaced the metal is recycled and the
generate over 5,000 tons of ground signal indicators. This saves energy County is paid fair market value for the
asphalt. This happens during routi ne and reduces maintenance costs. commodity. The County has stopped
repairs and during asphalt grinding that Incandescent bulbs use 116 watt s each using wood sign materials and has
occurs prior to applying new asphalt. and require replacing once a year. LED converted to metal. This expands the
Rather than disposing of this material, bulbs use only 6-11 watt s and can last recycling program and reduces the use
the County re-purposes it for use in up to ten years. of wood products.
other road maintenance acti viti es. We have also replaced high-pressure The County also switched from using
Typical maintenance requires sodium luminaires (street lights) with solvent based paints to water based
applying aggregate materials – or virgin highly-effi cient LED lights. LED lighti ng paints. This eliminates many hazardous
asphalt. But the County is increasingly increases energy savings and reduces chemicals and saves thousands of
using recycled asphalt products for maintenance costs. LED lights also dollars annually. The striping program
trench backfi ll and embankment improved safety and nightti me visibility has improved effi ciency and reduced
constructi on. Recycled asphalt can also by eliminati ng dark areas between costs by staging supplies in multi ple
be applied directly to a gravel roadway poles. An added benefi t is that LED locati ons reducing the distance a
or shoulder. lights reduce the eff ect of direct and striping truck needs to travel.
By recycling asphalt grindings, refl ected up-light, which is the primary Raised center line refl ectors help
dwindling aggregate supplies are cause of urban sky glow. drivers navigate our roads. Maintaining
preserved and manufacturing The County also expanded the use these markers is a challenge – and costly
costs, environmental impacts, and of solar powered devices. There are 57 to replace. During winter, snow and ice
transportati on costs are reduced. This school zone fl ashers, 22 speed signs, control acti viti es scrape the refl ectors
practi ce saves taxpayers approximately 7 warning fl ashers, and 4 rapid fl ash off the road. Five years ago we began
$50,000 to $75,000 annually. beacons – all solar powered – installed to recess all center line refl ectors on
throughout the County. roads with posted speeds of 35 mph
and above. Plowing operati ons no
longer damage the refl ectors, and their
functi onal life increased to fi ve years.
The County conti nues to explore ways to reduce and reuse waste materials, adopt new technology, reduce power
consumpti on and keep maintenance costs low. Public Works treats effi ciency as smart business, and helps us provide bett er
services that benefi t us all.

pg 10 | Spring 2016 | KitsapGov.com