PennDOT wins two transportation innovation awards

PennDOT recently received two awards in the regional America's Transportation Awards competition for an innovative transportation planning approach to a bridge replacement project in Philadelphia and bridge rehabilitation project in Pittsburgh.

The "PennDOT Connects – Connecting Communities" initiative won in the in the Quality of Life/Community Development Small Project category. PennDOT Connects began as a policy issued by PennDOT Secretary Leslie Richards to strengthen the commitment of PennDOT to collaborate with Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs)/Rural Planning Organizations (RPOs) and local governments during the planning process. PennDOT Connects identifies community needs and contextual issues early in project planning through a collaborative process.

"I am so proud of the Department and the recognition that we've received," said Secretary Leslie S. Richards. "These awards are a true reflection of the hard work and dedication that I see each and every day."

"The Liberty Bridge Rehabilitation" project won in the Operations Excellence, Medium Project category. The project consisted of a complete rehabilitation of the 91-year-old Liberty bridge including steel repairs, concrete repairs, full paint of the superstructure, new exodermic deck, and new lane control system.