U SWATU SWAT

We at Dallas County welcome all of our partners to our third annual Utility Partnering Breakfast. We are here to celebrate and recognize the work and determination needed to TAKE UTILITY PARTNERING TO THE NEXT LEVEL.

In 1998 we welcomed our new director, Don Holzwarth, who inspired us to look at the major issues of project delivery. What birthed from that revolution was the Public Works Five Phase Project Delivery System. In this process Public Works looked at improvements in delivery in areas such as design, right of way acquisition, and construction management. One area that definitely needed improvement was utility relocations and coordination. Phase 4 of the project delivery system was specifically identified to define practices

involving coordination with utilities.

During development of the Five Phase system, partnering was beginning to be recognized as the key to effective project delivery. In 1999 we launched a series of partnering meetings with many of the utility companies. From these meetings we began to notice an element of “seeking to understand” each other’s concerns and issues. This mantra was developed into the established guidebook for all of us: “Dallas County Project Delivery Team’s Essential Elements of Utility Partnering.” This document established the joint missions of achieving our projects for our customers (the public), coordinating with utilities early, maintaining and sharing information, and communicating effectively. All of this is summed up in our most important motto: “0 R R”! – Zero Relocations of the Relocation!

Since this period we have committed to meet quarterly with many of the utilities. We have progressed through CMAQ, developed USWAT (Utility Special Work Assignment Team)-in which many of the utilities are involved-and made

Volume 1 | Issue A | November 2010

SUE (Subsurface Utility Engineering) a practice for many of our projects. We have forged many partnering opportunities, such as Mountain Creek Parkway and Hampton at Bear Creek that are featured in this newsletter.

However, to go somewhere, especially to the next level, it’s sometimes good to pause to recognize and encourage the people who are getting us there. It’s equally important to review the maps and processes that brought us where we are today. Therefore, I’d like to share with you the “Essentials”!!

Thanks again for all that you are doing to make Dallas County a model interagency partner and the destination of choice for residents and businesses.

Alberta

Lorpero dip elenibh elit, consed dolestrud

A Publication of the Dallas County Department of Public Works

A Message from the DirectorAlberta L. Blair, P.E.Have you ever heard the phrase “complexity leading to dysfunction”? This is an accurate description of what happens far too often with construction in our public transportation rights of way. Each stakeholder has design, surveying, construction and real estate professionals. When you include the County and City dynamics (sometimes multiple cities), the number of players involved is very high, and often the coordination amongst them all is very low. That’s why we say we need to TAKE UTILITY PARTNERING to the NEXT LEVEL of effectiveness. We have made so much progress and appreciate all of the hard work and commitment from our utility partners who share our vision of Progress through Partnering. – Don Holzwarth, former Dallas County Director of Public Works, 2009

PROJECTS IN CONSTRUCTION CMAQ - Midway at Trinity Mills P12A CMAQ - Mockingbird Ln at Irving Blvd.P22B31201 - Cockrell Hill Rd., DeSoto31301 - Houston School Rd., Lancaster40202 - Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas32501 - Bear Creek at Hampton Rd., Glenn Heights10214G - Cottonwood Creek Trails, Dallas40902 - Lake Ridge Parkway, Cedar Hill20213 - Lake Highlands Town Center, Dallas

NEWSLETTERProjects Nearing AdvertisementNovember 2010 BIDDING WITHIN SIX MONTHS

30206 - Gaston at Washington intersection Dallas R&B 15-010 - Belt Line Rd. bridge over Trinity River Unicorporated SE part of CountyCDBG - Cockrell Hill Water Main Phase VI Cockrell Hill2-S CDBG - Glenn Heights Morgan Heights Water Main CD02-R Phase I Glenn Heights90111 - Kiestwood Trail in Dallas 22604 - Lawson Rd. on the Sunnyvale/ Kaufman County line20214 - YMCA Extension (trail project) Dallas

Does this sound like a code message for “help”? Yes, we at Dallas County love coded messages, or, as some describe them, acronyms. The above title stands for “Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity, Subsurface Utility Engineering, Statement of Qualifications, help”. Presently we are in the process of requesting SUE consultants to submit their qualifications for this coming year’s contract to provide SUE services to Dallas County Public Works (DCPW). The selected firm(s) will provide SUE services for in-house designed projects and as a supplement (as needed) for consultant designed projects. As DCPW takes utility coordination to the next level, we anticipate increased use of our IDIQ SUE consultant(s).

U-SWAT Newsletter page 4

IDIQ SUE SOQ SOS

Alberta L. Blair, P.E. Director of Public Works

John Mears, P.E. Assistant Director / Engineering &

Construction

Antoinette Bacchus, P.E. Assistant Director/

Transportation & Planning

Selas Camarillo, P.E. RPLS Assistant Director /

Property

Noah New, P.E. Assistant Director / Program and

Engineering Management

Dallas County Department of Public Works

411 Elm Street, 4th Floor

Dallas , TX 75202

(214) 653-7151

BIDDING WITHIN A YEAR AND HALF

10306 - Keller Springs Rd. at Addison Rd. intersection Addison22701 - Miller Rd., Rowlett21904 - F .P. Lucas Sr. Blvd., Mesquite30227 - Bonnie View Rd., Dallas22009 - Pleasant Valley, Garland22805 - Merritt Rd., Sachse30221 - Riverfront Blvd., Dallas10217 - Denton Dr., DallasCDGB CD42-T

- Combine Haines Rd. Water Main Phase 1 Combine

BID OPENINGS

47601 - Hunter Ferrell Rd. Irving and Grand Prairie November 2, 2010 21902 - Pioneer Rd., Mesquite (November 18, 2010)

Upcoming Partnering Meetings

Atmos - February 10th 9:30 at Atmos’ Lincoln Center Office Oncor - February 20th 9:00 am 4th Floor Conference Room

IssueIN THIS

1 Taking it to the Next Level

2 Lessons Learned Mountain Creek Pkwy.

3 U-SWAT in Action Hampton at Bear Creek

3 2009 Utilities Partnering Awards

4 Projects Nearing Advertisement

U-SWAT NEWSLETTERpage 2

Utility Special Works Assistance Team (U SWAT) at Work – Hampton at Bear Creek

It has been over two years since we implemented our action plan for U-SWAT. Dallas County has trained both project managers and inspectors in this new paradigm for utility coordination.

The first project to use the U-SWAT method was Hampton at Bear Creek in Glenn Heights. This project was an oversized CMAQ intersection: in addition to intersection improvements, it included a storm drainage system and water line replacement.

The following meetings give an outline of the U-SWAT process that was used for this project:

Monthly Utility MeetingIn this meeting, utility companies were given 65% roadway plans and told when the 100% plans would be completed. They were also able to pick up design schedules, ask questions about the project and schedule the Field Meeting.

Utilities Recognition of 2009 Partnering Awards

Utility Partner of the YearJohn Hollingsworth

Special Utility Partnering RecognitionGeorge Melendez

Special Utility Partnering RecognitionAndy Moore - TriTex Technologies, Inc. (Atmos Energy) Special Utility Partnering RecognitionMark Mihm Special Utility Partnering RecognitionOcie O’Neil - Oncor

Special Utility Partnering RecognitionFrank Spataro – Farmers Electric

page 3

Field Meeting – 26 Feb 09 This meeting is critically important, because it provides an opportunity to see existing conditions in the field. The field meeting proved to be particularly important on this project. After the combined roadway with utilities relocation plans were distributed, AT&T noticed that their duct bank on the southeast corner was not on our plans. At the same location where Atmos had planned to locate a new gas line, there was a conflict with the storm drain line. With this discovery, Atmos was able to redesign and the storm drain line was relocated because of AT&T’s duct bank. We found out that Atmos was going to be a foot away from Hilco Electric poles. Oncor had only two poles to move, one of which was unable to be installed until the Shell Station sign was moved. The cable company was Charter (not Time Warner). AT&T had a lot of splicing to do.

U-SWAT NEWSLETTERHampton at Bear Creek

Utility Special Works Assistance Team

Design Meeting – 13 Apr 09After the utilities had been back to the drawing board and had resubmitted their designs to Laura, she updated the combined plans. We were then ready for timelines for design, bid and construction and to determine who would go first. We got our lineup – Oncor, Atmos, Hilco, Charter and AT&T.

Pre Construction Meeting – 21 May 09This was the last scheduled meeting. All utilities had finished their designs and bids were complete. It was time for construction.

During construction, several obstacles were overcome. Installation of Hilco poles adjacent to the Atmos gas line was accomplished by the vacuum method. Charter relocated their facilities despite filing bankruptcy. After a rainy season, AT&T was able to complete the last of the relocations in June 2010.

In summary, constant communication was used to identify conflicts and overcome obstacles.

Taking utility coordination to the next level requires an intentional effort. We cannot be passive; we have to be pro-active-which leads to the following two lessons learned:

1. Anticipation vs. Reaction. We have to “hunt” for conflicts before the Contractor finds them. Our hunting tools include: 1) a drawing that clearly shows known utilities vs. proposed improvements, such as pavement outline, storm sewer, retaining walls, bridge piers, etc. and 2) trained field inspectors on site to help identify possible conflicts before construction.

2. Check, move and check again vs. “hoping” something is in the right place. Our checking tools include: 1) actual on- the-ground surveying 2) CAD plotting of surveyed shots and 3) inspectors noting where utilities are being installed with the mindset of asking will this be in conflict with proposed work?

We want to thank our Mountain Creek Parkway Utility Partners who have willingly participated in the intentional effort of “anticipating” and “checking” this project to a successful conclusion!

A special thanks to the following utilities for their efforts:

Atmos Energy - moved a major section line and block valve(s) assembly.AT&T - moved communication lines.Oncor - moved both aboveground and belowground facilities.Time Warner - rerouted facility feed points.TRA - installed a new 96” diameter sanitary sewer transmission main.

Mountain Creek ParkwayLessons Learned

Before Construction - 2 Lane Asphalt Road

During Construction

After Construction - 4 Lane Divided Concrete Thoroughfare Panoramic View from Mountain Creek Parkway’s Knob Hill just west of Spur 408

U-SWAT NEWSLETTERpage 2

Utility Special Works Assistance Team (U SWAT) at Work – Hampton at Bear Creek

It has been over two years since we implemented our action plan for U-SWAT. Dallas County has trained both project managers and inspectors in this new paradigm for utility coordination.

The first project to use the U-SWAT method was Hampton at Bear Creek in Glenn Heights. This project was an oversized CMAQ intersection: in addition to intersection improvements, it included a storm drainage system and water line replacement.

The following meetings give an outline of the U-SWAT process that was used for this project:

Monthly Utility MeetingIn this meeting, utility companies were given 65% roadway plans and told when the 100% plans would be completed. They were also able to pick up design schedules, ask questions about the project and schedule the Field Meeting.

Utilities Recognition of 2009 Partnering Awards

Utility Partner of the YearJohn Hollingsworth

Special Utility Partnering RecognitionGeorge Melendez

Special Utility Partnering RecognitionAndy Moore - TriTex Technologies, Inc. (Atmos Energy) Special Utility Partnering RecognitionMark Mihm Special Utility Partnering RecognitionOcie O’Neil - Oncor

Special Utility Partnering RecognitionFrank Spataro – Farmers Electric

page 3

Field Meeting – 26 Feb 09 This meeting is critically important, because it provides an opportunity to see existing conditions in the field. The field meeting proved to be particularly important on this project. After the combined roadway with utilities relocation plans were distributed, AT&T noticed that their duct bank on the southeast corner was not on our plans. At the same location where Atmos had planned to locate a new gas line, there was a conflict with the storm drain line. With this discovery, Atmos was able to redesign and the storm drain line was relocated because of AT&T’s duct bank. We found out that Atmos was going to be a foot away from Hilco Electric poles. Oncor had only two poles to move, one of which was unable to be installed until the Shell Station sign was moved. The cable company was Charter (not Time Warner). AT&T had a lot of splicing to do.

U-SWAT NEWSLETTERHampton at Bear Creek

Utility Special Works Assistance Team

Design Meeting – 13 Apr 09After the utilities had been back to the drawing board and had resubmitted their designs to Laura, she updated the combined plans. We were then ready for timelines for design, bid and construction and to determine who would go first. We got our lineup – Oncor, Atmos, Hilco, Charter and AT&T.

Pre Construction Meeting – 21 May 09This was the last scheduled meeting. All utilities had finished their designs and bids were complete. It was time for construction.

During construction, several obstacles were overcome. Installation of Hilco poles adjacent to the Atmos gas line was accomplished by the vacuum method. Charter relocated their facilities despite filing bankruptcy. After a rainy season, AT&T was able to complete the last of the relocations in June 2010.

In summary, constant communication was used to identify conflicts and overcome obstacles.

Taking utility coordination to the next level requires an intentional effort. We cannot be passive; we have to be pro-active-which leads to the following two lessons learned:

1. Anticipation vs. Reaction. We have to “hunt” for conflicts before the Contractor finds them. Our hunting tools include: 1) a drawing that clearly shows known utilities vs. proposed improvements, such as pavement outline, storm sewer, retaining walls, bridge piers, etc. and 2) trained field inspectors on site to help identify possible conflicts before construction.

2. Check, move and check again vs. “hoping” something is in the right place. Our checking tools include: 1) actual on- the-ground surveying 2) CAD plotting of surveyed shots and 3) inspectors noting where utilities are being installed with the mindset of asking will this be in conflict with proposed work?

We want to thank our Mountain Creek Parkway Utility Partners who have willingly participated in the intentional effort of “anticipating” and “checking” this project to a successful conclusion!

A special thanks to the following utilities for their efforts:

Atmos Energy - moved a major section line and block valve(s) assembly.AT&T - moved communication lines.Oncor - moved both aboveground and belowground facilities.Time Warner - rerouted facility feed points.TRA - installed a new 96” diameter sanitary sewer transmission main.

Mountain Creek ParkwayLessons Learned

Before Construction - 2 Lane Asphalt Road

During Construction

After Construction - 4 Lane Divided Concrete Thoroughfare Panoramic View from Mountain Creek Parkway’s Knob Hill just west of Spur 408

U SWATU SWAT

We at Dallas County welcome all of our partners to our third annual Utility Partnering Breakfast. We are here to celebrate and recognize the work and determination needed to TAKE UTILITY PARTNERING TO THE NEXT LEVEL.

In 1998 we welcomed our new director, Don Holzwarth, who inspired us to look at the major issues of project delivery. What birthed from that revolution was the Public Works Five Phase Project Delivery System. In this process Public Works looked at improvements in delivery in areas such as design, right of way acquisition, and construction management. One area that definitely needed improvement was utility relocations and coordination. Phase 4 of the project delivery system was specifically identified to define practices

involving coordination with utilities.

During development of the Five Phase system, partnering was beginning to be recognized as the key to effective project delivery. In 1999 we launched a series of partnering meetings with many of the utility companies. From these meetings we began to notice an element of “seeking to understand” each other’s concerns and issues. This mantra was developed into the established guidebook for all of us: “Dallas County Project Delivery Team’s Essential Elements of Utility Partnering.” This document established the joint missions of achieving our projects for our customers (the public), coordinating with utilities early, maintaining and sharing information, and communicating effectively. All of this is summed up in our most important motto: “0 R R”! – Zero Relocations of the Relocation!

Since this period we have committed to meet quarterly with many of the utilities. We have progressed through CMAQ, developed USWAT (Utility Special Work Assignment Team)-in which many of the utilities are involved-and made

Volume 1 | Issue A | November 2010

SUE (Subsurface Utility Engineering) a practice for many of our projects. We have forged many partnering opportunities, such as Mountain Creek Parkway and Hampton at Bear Creek that are featured in this newsletter.

However, to go somewhere, especially to the next level, it’s sometimes good to pause to recognize and encourage the people who are getting us there. It’s equally important to review the maps and processes that brought us where we are today. Therefore, I’d like to share with you the “Essentials”!!

Thanks again for all that you are doing to make Dallas County a model interagency partner and the destination of choice for residents and businesses.

Alberta

Lorpero dip elenibh elit, consed dolestrud

A Publication of the Dallas County Department of Public Works

A Message from the DirectorAlberta L. Blair, P.E.Have you ever heard the phrase “complexity leading to dysfunction”? This is an accurate description of what happens far too often with construction in our public transportation rights of way. Each stakeholder has design, surveying, construction and real estate professionals. When you include the County and City dynamics (sometimes multiple cities), the number of players involved is very high, and often the coordination amongst them all is very low. That’s why we say we need to TAKE UTILITY PARTNERING to the NEXT LEVEL of effectiveness. We have made so much progress and appreciate all of the hard work and commitment from our utility partners who share our vision of Progress through Partnering. – Don Holzwarth, former Dallas County Director of Public Works, 2009

PROJECTS IN CONSTRUCTION CMAQ - Midway at Trinity Mills P12A CMAQ - Mockingbird Ln at Irving Blvd.P22B31201 - Cockrell Hill Rd., DeSoto31301 - Houston School Rd., Lancaster40202 - Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas32501 - Bear Creek at Hampton Rd., Glenn Heights10214G - Cottonwood Creek Trails, Dallas40902 - Lake Ridge Parkway, Cedar Hill20213 - Lake Highlands Town Center, Dallas

NEWSLETTERProjects Nearing AdvertisementNovember 2010 BIDDING WITHIN SIX MONTHS

30206 - Gaston at Washington intersection Dallas R&B 15-010 - Belt Line Rd. bridge over Trinity River Unicorporated SE part of CountyCDBG - Cockrell Hill Water Main Phase VI Cockrell Hill2-S CDBG - Glenn Heights Morgan Heights Water Main CD02-R Phase I Glenn Heights90111 - Kiestwood Trail in Dallas 22604 - Lawson Rd. on the Sunnyvale/ Kaufman County line20214 - YMCA Extension (trail project) Dallas

Does this sound like a code message for “help”? Yes, we at Dallas County love coded messages, or, as some describe them, acronyms. The above title stands for “Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity, Subsurface Utility Engineering, Statement of Qualifications, help”. Presently we are in the process of requesting SUE consultants to submit their qualifications for this coming year’s contract to provide SUE services to Dallas County Public Works (DCPW). The selected firm(s) will provide SUE services for in-house designed projects and as a supplement (as needed) for consultant designed projects. As DCPW takes utility coordination to the next level, we anticipate increased use of our IDIQ SUE consultant(s).

U-SWAT Newsletter page 4

IDIQ SUE SOQ SOS

Alberta L. Blair, P.E. Director of Public Works

John Mears, P.E. Assistant Director / Engineering &

Construction

Antoinette Bacchus, P.E. Assistant Director/

Transportation & Planning

Selas Camarillo, P.E. RPLS Assistant Director /

Property

Noah New, P.E. Assistant Director / Program and

Engineering Management

Dallas County Department of Public Works

411 Elm Street, 4th Floor

Dallas , TX 75202

(214) 653-7151

BIDDING WITHIN A YEAR AND HALF

10306 - Keller Springs Rd. at Addison Rd. intersection Addison22701 - Miller Rd., Rowlett21904 - F .P. Lucas Sr. Blvd., Mesquite30227 - Bonnie View Rd., Dallas22009 - Pleasant Valley, Garland22805 - Merritt Rd., Sachse30221 - Riverfront Blvd., Dallas10217 - Denton Dr., DallasCDGB CD42-T

- Combine Haines Rd. Water Main Phase 1 Combine

BID OPENINGS

47601 - Hunter Ferrell Rd. Irving and Grand Prairie November 2, 2010 21902 - Pioneer Rd., Mesquite (November 18, 2010)

Upcoming Partnering Meetings

Atmos - February 10th 9:30 at Atmos’ Lincoln Center Office Oncor - February 20th 9:00 am 4th Floor Conference Room

IssueIN THIS

1 Taking it to the Next Level

2 Lessons Learned Mountain Creek Pkwy.

3 U-SWAT in Action Hampton at Bear Creek

3 2009 Utilities Partnering Awards

4 Projects Nearing Advertisement