The winning projects were announced last week at the SASHTO Annual Meeting in Biloxi, MS. Each recipient is now contending for the America's Transportation Awards Grand Prize, to be presented this fall. (see related story)

"These projects represent a tremendous value to the taxpayer and illustrate the hard work that goes into modernizing and maintaining the nation's system of highways and bridges," said John Horsley, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, one of the contest's sponsors. "In these tough economic times, state departments of transportation are making every dollar count and these outstanding projects illustrate how all of us benefit."

AASHTO, AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have teamed up for the second year to host this competition to honor America's very best in transportation.

During the SASHTO regional competition, the North Carolina Department of Transportation received two awards. The first was presented for the Clayton Bypass Project, winner in the "On Time, Medium Project" category. The second was given for the Ocracoke Bridges Project, winner in the "Innovative Management, Small Project" category.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development took home a prize for the Front Street Natchitoches Restoration Project, winner in the "On Time, Small Project" category.

Finally, the Florida Department of Transportation's 95 Express Miami Project won in the "Innovative Management, Medium Project" category.

Winners from all four of the regional competitions are now competing for the national Grand Prize, which will be presented at the AASHTO Annual Meeting on Oct. 25 in Palm Desert, CA. A separate People's Choice Award will also be bestowed on the project receiving the highest number of votes from the general public.

Learn more about all of the projects and the competition at www.americastransportationaward.org.