Americans used the nation’s highway system to travel
almost three trillion miles last year. That’s equal to nearly six
million trips to and from the moon. Getting people and goods to
their destination takes a safe and dependable highway system,
and for the second year in a row America’s Transportation
Awards will honor those signature projects that are improving
travel and the quality of life in communities across the nation.
The competition’s sponsors—the American Association of
State Highway and Transportation Officials, the American
Automobile Association and the U.S. Chamber Commerce—will
use volunteer judges to select the winning projects; delivered, on
time, on budget and with innovative management.
“Today, as part of the economic recovery, states are
making smart investments to create good jobs and serve their
communities,” said John Horsley, AASHTO executive director.
"States have demonstrated a commitment to keeping America
moving and the 41 exceptional projects from 28 states entered
last year, are good examples of the quality work being done.”
Regional winners will be announced this summer. Finalists
will compete for the top two prizes: the Grand Prize and the
People’s Choice Award.
"AAA and its members understand that the urgent need for
an improved national transportation system requires projects that
are completed on time, on budget, and make a significant
difference in their respective regions. Such projects should be
celebrated and can serve as shining examples for the planning
and execution of critical projects in the future,” said Robert L.
Darbelnet, AAA President and CEO. “AAA is pleased to be a part
of ‘America’s Transportation Award’ to recognize and showcase
smart transportation investments that can help alleviate
congestion, improve mobility and make the nation’s roads and
bridges safer for all who travel them.”
Last year’s Grand Prize went to the Woodrow Wilson
Bridge, which crosses the Potomac River between Virginia and
Maryland. The bridge is credited with dramatically reducing
congestion at one of the country’s worst bottlenecks.
More than 55,000 people voted for the People Choice
Award winner, Mississippi’s Bay St. Louis Bridge, which replaced
the original structure destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.
“To convince Americans to support the necessary
investment in our nation’s transportation system they have to see
hard evidence of their user fees at work,” said Janet Kavinoky,
director of transportation infrastructure at the U.S. Chamber of
Commerce. “America’s Transportation Awards showcase
projects that not only improve the flow of goods and services
around our country, but also provide taxpayers with a tangible
‘bang for their buck.”