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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 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, I-35W Bridge. The massive design-build project, which included 10 lanes for traffic, several local side streets, and interchanges, was completed in 13 1/2 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 have received a $10,000 cash award to be used 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 by AASHTO.
Transportation's Top Ten Projects for 2009 are:
- Dial an Engineer: Maryland Department of Transportation, MD 32 at Burntwoods Road Project
- Corridor Upated in Half the Time: Delaware Department of Transportation, I-95 Mainline Widening Project
- Smart Bridge Technology: Minnesota Department of Transportation, I-35W Minneapolis Bridge Replacement Project
- Preserving History: Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, Front Street Natchitoches Restoration Project
- Trimming 30 Minutes from Commute: North Carolina Department of Transportation, Clayton Bypass Project
- Improving International Connections: New York State Department of Transportation, I-86 Interchange Project
- Website Eases 3.8 Million Detours: California Department of Transportation, Fix I-5 Sacramento Project
- Two States Trim Time and Costs on New Bridge: Nebraska Department of Roads, Yankton Bridge Project
- Safety First: Michigan Department of Transportation, M-115 Clare County Improvement Project
- Technology Aids Urban Decongestion: Florida Department of Transportation, 95 Express Miami Project
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