VANCOUVER, B.C. - E-470's solar-power initiative has won the highest award of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association. The "President's Award for Excellence" was recently presented to E-470 at the association's 81st annual meeting and exhibition in Vancouver, British Columbia. E-470's solar program previously won the association's annual "Toll Excellence" award for social responsibility in June.
Tolling agencies in the states of Georgia and Oklahoma and in South Africa were other finalists for the President's Award.
In 2012, E-470 completed one of the largest photovoltaic system installation projects of any toll road in the United States. E-470 is now among only a few tolling agencies that rely extensively on solar-generated electricity.
Within the 47-mile E-470 corridor, the system powers a 17-mile stretch served by the Xcel Energy electrical grid. The 22 solar sites host solar-generated electricity panels for road surveillance cameras, road signage, variable message signs and streetlights, toll collection equipment, toll plazas, maintenance facilities and the E-470 Administrative Headquarters Facility. The project has reduced electricity costs and E-470's reliance on nonrenewable energy sources.
This is the second time that E-470 has earned the President's Award. E-470 is one of only two organizations to have earned the distinction more than one time. E-470 previously won the award in 2006 for its application of Lean Six Sigma strategies and tools to achieve business efficiencies.
E-470 is the 75-mph toll road that runs along the eastern perimeter of the Denver metropolitan area. The road is financed, constructed, operated and governed by the E-470 Public Highway Authority, which is composed of eight local governments: Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas counties, and the municipalities of Aurora, Brighton, Commerce City, Parker and Thornton.
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