New York State Receives America's Transportation Award From AASHTO

• by New York State Department of Transportation

ALBANY, NY (06/11/2008)(readMedia)-- New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Astrid C. Glynn announced today that New York State was among the first states to receive an America’s Transportation Award by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) in recognition of the Frederick Douglass-Susan B. Anthony Bridge replacement project in Rochester.

“We are thrilled that our triple-member arch bridge in Rochester was selected to receive AASHTO’s America’s Transportation Award,” Commissioner Glynn said. “This signature bridge project is an example of a quality transportation initiative that did more than rebuild an aging structure over the Genesee River. This magnificent span has created a new appreciation of transportation by becoming an icon for the city of Rochester.”

The competition, sponsored by the American Automobile Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and AASHTO, honored state department of transportation projects from the Northeastern Association of State Transportation Officials (NASTO) region. The transportation projects were judged according to their size in three categories: “Innovative Management;” “On Time” completion; and “On Budget” construction.

“America’s Transportation Award gives worthy recognition to those professionals and projects that are making our nation’s transportation system safer and better,” said AASHTO President Pete Rahn, who presented the awards this week at NASTO’s meeting in Pittsburgh. “These improvements are saving taxpayers both dollars and precious time.”

The $38 million Douglass-Anthony Bridge, completed in June 2007, received the Innovative Management award in the medium-project category. The project incorporated many design details that helped it blend into the context and character of the community. Its creative design required innovative and dedicated management techniques, leadership and partnership through all phases of its planning and construction. The project was delivered on schedule and with great community support, appreciation and enthusiasm.

The project will go on to compete in the national awards contest to be presented at the AASHTO annual meeting in Hartford, Connecticut, in October. To find out more, visit www.americastransportationaward.org.

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