HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has been honored with three regional America’s Transportation Awards by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). These accolades recognize PennDOT’s innovative approaches and operational excellence in various transportation projects.
Swift Response to I-95 Collapse
PennDOT’s rapid response to the Interstate 95 Cottman Avenue collapse earned the award for Best Use of Technology & Innovation (small project). On June 11, 2023, a fuel tanker carrying 8,500 gallons of gasoline crashed and exploded on the northbound Cottman Avenue off-ramp from I-95 in Philadelphia. The intense fire caused the collapse of the northbound lanes and severely damaged the southbound lanes, leading to a closure affecting 160,000 daily vehicles.
Governor Josh Shapiro and Secretary Mike Carroll reopened the highway on June 23, just 12 days after the incident. This was achieved using a temporary mechanically-stabilized wall system and a novel material consisting of recycled foamed glass aggregate from Eddystone, PA. This quick and innovative solution allowed for a rapid reconstruction, setting the stage for a more permanent repair.
“The I-95 collapse in Philadelphia was a test of the department’s ability to meet complex challenges with innovative solutions. We met that challenge,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “I’m proud to accept this award on behalf of the dedicated PennDOT staff who work tirelessly in service of Pennsylvanians.”
Advancements in Traffic Management
PennDOT also received the Operations Excellence (small project) award for its active traffic management systems. These systems collect crash data to mitigate congestion and enhance traffic flow. By automatically detecting congestion and redirecting traffic to unaffected lanes, the system has significantly reduced crash occurrences. In 11 corridors, this technology decreased crashes by 183, including 96 rear-end collisions, 86 injury crashes, and seven fatalities compared to the previous year.
“Road safety is the primary concern for the department,” said Carroll. “Our crews are utilizing cutting-edge transportation technology to reduce crashes and improve outcomes.”
Improvements in Washington County
The Safety (medium project) award recognized PennDOT’s work in Washington County. The project aimed to reduce congestion on Route 18, a critical route for local traffic, commercial deliveries, and recreational access. Enhancements included new crosswalks, coordinated traffic signals, pedestrian signal heads, and audible signals. The upgrades also consolidated multiple driveway access points to ease turning movements and improve safety.
The new interchange alleviates congestion and promotes pedestrian safety, benefiting various transportation modes along the corridor.
National Recognition
The America’s Transportation Awards competition, sponsored by AASHTO, AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, evaluates state DOTs in categories like Quality of Life/Community Development, Best Use of Technology and Innovation, and Operations Excellence. Projects are judged within their regions, and the top 12 nationwide finalists will be announced in early September. These finalists will compete for the two 2024 America’s Transportation Awards national prizes.
Through these achievements, PennDOT demonstrates its commitment to innovation, safety, and operational excellence, ensuring better transportation solutions for all Pennsylvanians.
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