Two National Prizes and $20,000 Awarded

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are proud to announce that the I-35W Bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota has been selected as the 2009 America's Transportation Awards Grand Prize winner. Florida DOT's 95 Express Miami Project won the People's Choice Award. The prestigious awards were presented today at the AASHTO Annual Meeting in Palm Desert, California.

The competition recognizes outstanding transportation projects in three categories: "On Time," "On Budget," and "Innovative Management." The ten projects that scored the highest during four regional contests competed for both the Grand Prize and the People's Choice Award.

In the aftermath of the catastrophic, August 1, 2007 collapse the Minnesota Department of Transportation implemented a plan to detour 140,000 vehicles, address public concerns, and begin immediate construction of the new $234 million, I35W Bridge. The massive design-build project, which included 10 lanes for traffic, several local side streets, and interchanges, was completed in 13 and half months; three months ahead of schedule.

"This is truly symbolic of triumph over tragedy," said John Horsley, AASHTO executive director. "We know how difficult the past two years have been for the citizens of the entire state but this outstanding project can be seen as a victory for citizens and a legacy for the loved ones lost."

More than 200,000 on-line votes helped decide this year's People's Choice Award winner. The Florida DOT's 95 Express Miami Project is a $62.9 million High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes project.

The winners announced today will receive a $10,000 cash award to be used by the winning transportation department to support the charity or academic scholarship program of its choice.

Janet Kavinoky director of transportation and infrastructure for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said "businesses large and small cannot succeed without reliable transportation systems and these projects are the best of the best."

"The Chamber supports the America's Transportation Awards competition because it encourages performance, accountability and innovation … congratulations to the winners," Kavinoky said.

A total of 50 projects were entered in this year's America's Transportation Awards competition. Complete details about each of these projects are included in Smart Solutions: 50 Ways America Just Got Better, a new report released today by AASHTO and at www.AmericasTransportationAward.org.  - American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

Related Posts

1. Boxer Honored for Transportation Leadership
2. Easter Seals Project ACTION Hosts Roundtable on Transportation for Students with Disabilities
3. Covenant Transportation Group, Inc. Announces Timing of Third Quarter Earnings Release and Conference Call
4. Women Leaders in Transportation
5. EF Johnson Technologies, Inc. Receives Orders Totaling $1.7 Million From a State Transportation Department
6. INRIX Selected by South Carolina Department of Transportation to Provide Real-time Traffic Speeds and Travel Times Statewide
7. Southern Star Announces Expansion of Firm Storage Service and Firm Transportation Service
8. $17M in transportation grants available
9. Downtown projects receive awards
10. Texas receives $17 million in stimulus funds for transportation