The Connecticut and Florida transportation departments won the top two prizes in the America’s Transportation Award competition on Nov. 14. The Connecticut DOT earned the grand prize, chosen by a panel of experts, and Florida DOT was voted for the People’s Choice Award in the competition run by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, AAA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
The competition, now in its ninth year, attracted a record 84 nominated projects from 39 state DOTs and the District of Columbia. The 12 projects receiving the highest ratings in four regional competitions competed for the final two awards.
“This year’s grand prize winner, the new Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge, is another perfect example of what this competition is about,” said Bud Wright, AASHTO executive director. “This spectacular new addition to New Haven’s skyline … was delivered ahead of schedule and on budget, improving safety, relieving congestion and enhancing travel options for tens of thousands of daily commuters."
The $554 million Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge carries 140,000 vehicles daily to several major interstate highways and the Gateway Terminal, one of the nation’s busiest intermodal ports.
Florida’s Eller Drive/Intermodal Container Transfer Facility overpass earned 65,000 of more than 220,000 online votes cast. The $42.5 million project improved safety and traffic flow to the Port Everglades cruise and container terminals through upgraded intersections, improved railroad crossing signals, and a new bridge.
“Our organization is a co-sponsor of this annual competition because it demonstrates how these award-winning transportation projects are the foundation for America’s economy,” said Ed Mortimer, executive director of transportation infrastructure at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
