The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) recently presented its 2017 America’s Transportation Awards for the grand prize and people’s choice awards.
“For 10 straight years, this competition has provided a national platform to recognize the many ways state departments of transportation are making people’s lives safer and better,” Bud Wright, AASHTO executive director, said. “It’s not surprising that the top two prizes have been awarded to projects in both urban and rural areas. Everyone relies on transportation and America depends on state DOTs to deliver the projects we need.”
The grand prize, which was selected by a panel of industry judges, was presented to the Colorado Department of Transportation for its US 36 Express Lanes project. The $487 million project installed intelligent transportation systems, replaced bridges and added commuter and rapid transit lanes.
The people’s choice award, which was selected by online voters, was presented to the Idaho Transportation Department for its US 20 Thornton Interchange project. The $11.2 million project rebuilt an interchange.
Both departments of transportation were given $10,000 to use for a transportation-related scholarship program or a charity.
This year’s competition had 92 nominees from 39 states and the District of Columbia.