Awards were presented Sunday at the AASHTO Annual Meeting in Palm Desert, CA. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce sponsored the competition for the second year.

America's Transportation Awards recognize outstanding transportation projects in three categories: On Time, On Budget, and Innovative Management. The 10 projects that scored the highest during four regional contests competed for both the Grand Prize and the People's Choice Award.

In the aftermath of the Aug. 1, 2007, collapse of the I-35W bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, the Minnesota Department of Transportation implemented a plan to detour 140,000 vehicles, address public concerns, and begin immediate construction of the new $234 million bridge. The massive design/build project -- which included 10 lanes for traffic, several local side streets, and interchanges -- was completed in 13.5 months. That was three months ahead of schedule.

"This is truly symbolic of triumph over tragedy," said John Horsley, AASHTO executive director. "We know how difficult the past two years have been for Minnesota, but this outstanding project can be seen as a victory for citizens and a legacy for the loved ones lost."

More than 200,000 online votes helped decide this year's People's Choice Award winner. The Florida Department of Transportation's 95 Express Miami Project is a $63 million High Occupancy/Toll lanes arrangement that encourages carpooling and rewards travelers with lower fares for traveling during off-peak hours.

The winners announced Sunday will each receive a $10,000 cash award to be used by the winning transportation department to support the charity or academic scholarship program of its choice.

"Businesses large and small cannot succeed without reliable transportation systems and these projects are the best of the best," said Janet Kavinoky, director of transportation and infrastructure for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "The chamber supports the America's Transportation Awards competition because it encourages performance, accountability and innovation."

Also participating in the award ceremony on behalf of competititon sponsor AAA was Hamid Bahadori with AAA of Southern California. Bahadori said that having served as one of the America's Transportation Awards judges, he wanted to recognize the outstanding quality of all 50 of the nominations that came in from the state DOTs for this year's competition. He cited the importance of delivering transportation improvements to the nation's drivers and to the economy.

More information about the winners is available at www.AmericasTransportationAward.org.

Also this week, AASHTO released a report highlighting smart solutions state DOTs are using to improve mobility based on the 50 entries in the America's Transportation Awards contest. (see related story)