MDOT wins America’s Transportation Award

NEW ORLEANS, LA. (Press Release) — The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) received top honors in the southeast regional America’s Transportation Awards during the 2014 Southeastern Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (SASHTO) Conference.

MDOT was honored in the Quality of Life/Community Development category for work on Sangani Boulevard in D’Iberville. The $7.7 million project relieves congestion for drivers, improves safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and was completed 17 months ahead of schedule. With a new overpass, four travel lanes and multi-use pathway, all commuters are now traveling east or west without delay or interference with Highway 67. The multi-use path improves connections between the community and Keesler Air Force Base while providing non-motorized access for residents to local businesses.

“Through this project, we were able to improve community and economic development in D’Iberville and link a new roadway to improve safety for motorists and define safer commuter routes,” said Transportation Commissioner Tom King. “This recognition displays MDOT’s commitment to quality of life in Mississippi communities around the state.”

Now in its seventh year, America’s Transportation Awards are sponsored by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The program recognizes the best of America’s transportation projects in three categories: Under Budget, Best Use of Innovation and Quality of Life/Community Development, a newly created category which honors projects that better connect and contribute to the general quality of life and economic development of communities.

This is a record-breaking year for America’s Transportation Awards as more DOTs from around the country participated and entered projects than ever before in the history of the program.

“It was an honor accepting the America’s Transportation Award on behalf of MDOT,” said Deputy Executive Director/Chief Engineer Mark McConnell. “This project and its award recognition showcases the outstanding, innovative and diverse range of transportation projects that will further improve travel safety throughout our state.”

To learn more about all of the nominated projects and the program, visit AmericasTransportationAwards.org.