The Diverging Diamond Interchanges project off US-20 in Rexburg, Idaho, recently was honored with the International Communitas Award.
The award recognizes exceptional businesses, organizations and individuals who are unselfishly giving of themselves and their resources, and those who change how they are doing business to benefit their communities.
“It’s nice to see this project recognized on such a large scale,” Engineering Manager Conner Huffaker said. “It was unique in its design and construction and skillfully targeted the specific needs of the community. Despite the challenges encountered, the project has changed the face of the community for good and received remarkably positive public support. The end result is something all those who helped bring it to reality and the community who use it every day can be truly proud of.”
The two intersections were originally intended to be built separately over two construction seasons. The Idaho Transportation Department received feedback from area municipalities and the public, asking if the work could be conducted in one year by fully closing the exits one at a time. The department then created an aggressive construction schedule.
The Rexburg community and greater eastern Idaho were generally positive and supportive during construction. The department’s project team worked to ensure the significant work-zone impacts did not damage the department’s reputation.