Florida, California Transportation Departments' Projects Named Best In Country

Two high-profile projects undertaken by the transportation departments of Florida and the California were voted best in the country in the 5th annual America's Transportation Award competition. The awards were announced Sunday during the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials annual meeting in Pittsburgh.

The Florida Department of Transportation won the People's Choice Award for its A. Max Brewer Bridge Replacement project while the California Department of Transportation claimed the judge's Grand Prize award for its I-405/Sepulveda Pass - Mulholland Bridge Demolition project (better known as "Carmageddon"). A record 712,000 online votes were cast for the top 10 projects selected by a panel of transportation judges. A total of 49 projects from 34 states were entered in this year's America's Transportation Awards competition.

"We are honored to recognize these projects, both of which demonstrate all the hard work our state DOTs are doing to deliver transportation projects to the public ahead of schedule, under budget, and showing the very best uses of innovation," said John Horsley, AASHTO executive director. "Our state DOTs know just how important it is to save taxpayer dollars and minimize inconvenience to the public while delivering vital transportation projects that improve safety for all on the road and eliminate congestion so that drivers can get to their destinations faster."

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Official (AASHTO), AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce sponsor the America's Transportation Awards competition, which recognizes outstanding transportation projects in three categories: Ahead of Schedule, Under Budget, and Best Use of Innovation. AASHTO presented $10,000 cash prizes to both of the winning transportation departments. The money will be used to support the charity or academic scholarship program of their choice.

"The U.S. Chamber congratulates the California and Florida DOTs for their pursuit of innovative solutions to their transportation needs," said Janet Kavinoky, executive director of transportation policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Florida DOT rebuilt the structurally deficient A. Max Brewer Bridge over the Indian River in Titusville, Florida, making sure the new $44.8 million bridge included improvements to cut down on congestion in the area. Caltrans utilized a $5 million communication campaign to help drivers plan for and survive a scheduled shutdown of a portion of heavily traveled I-405 in Los Angeles last year.