County Public Works recognized with three awards for outstanding projects

Public Works team members proudly display their APWA awards for the High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) Beacon System and Oak Glen Road at Birch Creek Culvert Replacement.

Public Works team members proudly display their American Public Works Association (APWA) awards.

Public Works team members proudly display their American Public Works Association (APWA) award.

San Bernardino County Public Works has been honored with three awards from the American Public Works Association (APWA) for outstanding infrastructure projects conducted in 2024 that enhance safety, emergency response and community recreation.

APWA, a leading professional organization for public works professionals across the United States, recognizes excellence in transportation, water resources, sustainability and public infrastructure management.

“These awards recognize the hard work and dedication of our public works team in responding effectively to the immediate needs of our residents while also laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient county,” said San Bernardino County Public Works Director Noel Castillo. “Public works is about more than just roads and bridges—it’s about building safe, sustainable and vibrant communities for generations to come.”

The award recognitions were received in the following categories:

Outstanding emergency flood control project – Oak Glen Road at Birch Creek Culvert Replacement
Outstanding traffic safety project – High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK)Beacon System
Outstanding park revitalization project – Kessler Park Revitalization

Oak Glen Road at Birch Creek Culvert Replacement

The Oak Glen Road at Birch Creek Culvert Replacement in Oak Glen, was an emergency response to severe flooding caused by Tropical Storm Hilary in Aug. 2023. The storm destroyed the existing culvert and roadway, requiring immediate action to restore public access. The county secured regulatory approvals and swiftly implemented a larger, more resilient culvert system. Completed within two months, the $1 million project demonstrated rapid coordination and effective disaster response. For more information about the project, visit the county’s Public Work’s webpage for the story about the Birch Creek Culvert Replacement.

High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) Beacon System

The High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) Beacon System at 5th Street and Pedley Road located in San Bernardino, significantly improved pedestrian safety, particularly for Monterey Elementary School students. The intersection, plagued by high-speed traffic, required an innovative solution. The HAWK beacon provides an on-demand signal system that stops traffic when pedestrians cross, ensuring safer passage. The $888,000 project combined multiple funding sources and set a new standard for pedestrian safety in the county. For more information about the project, visit the county’s Public Work’s webpage for the story about the HAWK Beacon System.

Kessler Park Revitalization

The Kessler Park Revitalization Projects, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), aimed to enhance park infrastructure, promote outdoor activity, and support youth recreation in response to increased park usage during the pandemic. The project consisted of three key initiatives:

Snack bar renovation: Upgraded with a reconfigured warming kitchen, ADA-compliant restrooms, and new HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems to better serve the Bloomington Little League.
Corridor improvements: Improved walkways, added shade structures installed a wiffle ball field, and enhanced security with new fencing and landscaping.
High-speed Wi-Fi installation: Fiberoptic infrastructure and public access points were installed to expand digital connectivity for park visitors.

Completed in 2024, these improvements revitalized the park, creating a safer, more functional space for the community while strengthening the county’s partnership with local youth programs. For information and a video about Kessler Park improvements, visit the county’s Public Work’s webpage for the story on the Kessler Park groundbreaking.

San Bernardino County Public Works has been serving the region for over a century, managing county roads, flood protection and essential infrastructure. The department encompasses various divisions including transportation, flood control, surveyor, solid waste and special districts, providing critical services such as road maintenance, flood control, solid waste management, and municipal programs to support the county’s growing communities.

For more information on San Bernardino County Public Works, visit dpw.sbcounty.gov.

Additional County Update News – Feb. 13, 2025