HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has been named a finalist in the prestigious 2024 America’s Transportation Awards. The accolade recognizes its exceptional response to the collapse of the Interstate 95 bridge over Cottman Avenue in northeast Philadelphia. This significant acknowledgment places PennDOT among the Top 12 finalists out of 106 nominees from 39 state departments of transportation, competing for the Grand Prize and the People’s Choice Award.
On June 11, 2023, the collapse of the I-95 bridge, triggered by a fire, presented an unexpected challenge for PennDOT. The incident prompted immediate action from the PennDOT District 6 team. Governor Josh Shapiro swiftly issued a Declaration of Disaster Emergency, enabling rapid mobilization of resources and personnel. In a concerted effort involving PennDOT, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, and other key bodies, the team successfully demolished the collapsed structure and constructed a temporary roadway within an impressive 12-day timeline.
PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving this feat, stating, “Reopening I-95 in record time was the direct result of incredible collaboration and is a testament to what is possible when everyone is committed to taking action and finding solutions.” This swift and efficient response underscores the potential of interagency cooperation and innovative problem-solving in addressing infrastructure challenges.
The I-95 project is now vying for the Grand Prize, which will be determined by an independent panel of transportation experts, and the People’s Choice Award, decided through public online voting. Both awards come with a $10,000 cash prize, which can be allocated to a charity or transportation-related scholarship of the winner’s choosing.
America’s Transportation Awards, sponsored by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, evaluates projects based on their impact on community development, operations excellence, and innovative technology use. This year’s competition introduced a Safety category, emphasizing projects that effectively address safety challenges.
PennDOT’s project not only reflects operational excellence but also signifies the broader impact of transportation initiatives on community safety and quality of life. The rapid reconstruction of the I-95 bridge serves as an exemplary model for addressing critical infrastructure issues with urgency and precision.
AASHTO Executive Director Jim Tymon commended the finalists, stating, “These 12 projects serve as the best of the best transportation projects completed by state DOTs across the country, but they are only a fraction of the incredible work states are doing to better their communities.”
The final results will be announced at the AASHTO Annual Meeting in Philadelphia this October. Online voting for the People’s Choice Award is underway and will continue until October 29, allowing individuals to support PennDOT’s commendable efforts by casting their votes daily.
PennDOT’s recognition in this national competition not only highlights its adept response capabilities but also reaffirms Pennsylvania’s commitment to advancing transportation infrastructure that meets the needs of its communities. As the state continues to set benchmarks in transportation excellence, the I-95 project stands as a testament to what can be achieved through determination and collaborative effort.
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