Major Transportation Projects in Indiana Receive National Recognition

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) gained national recognition for two high profile projects at the annual Mid America Association of State Transportation Officials (MAASTO) conference held in Cleveland, Ohio. As part of the 10th annual America’s Transportation Awards competition, the U.S. 31 Hamilton County Reconstruction project and Ohio River Bridges East End Crossing project garnered top honors for making their communities better places to live, work and play. CHA Consulting, Inc. (CHA) had a major role in the U.S. 31 reconstruction and the Downtown Crossing section of the Ohio River Bridges project. 

U.S. 31 was awarded best large project in the Operation Excellence category. Completed two years ahead of schedule and $100 million under budget, the $350 million project upgraded 13 miles of roadway and included 46 bridges, 21 roundabouts, and 11 interchanges. By reducing congestion and improving safety and reliability, this substantial partnership between INDOT and CHA has benefited the economic competitiveness and quality of life for Hamilton County and the entire region.

U.S. 31 was recently awarded a National Recognition Award by the National American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) after receiving the Grand Project Award in ACEC Indiana’s Engineering Excellence Awards. The project was given a Monumental Award for Engineering by the Indy Chamber of Commerce and selected as the Best Highway/Bridge Project in the ENR Midwest Regional Awards.

The Ohio River Bridges East End Crossing project won the large project division of the Quality of Life/Community Development category. The Lewis and Clark Bridge is the highlight of the East End Crossing component, providing a safe, efficient connection between Louisville and Southern Indiana.

The overall $1.319 billion Ohio River Bridges project, which is anticipated to generate more than $87 billion in economic growth, encompassed two major undertakings, the East End Crossing and a Downtown Crossing. Among other major assignments, CHA provided a design for the $175 million approach roadways on the Indiana side of the bridge, widening I-65 from 11 to 14 lanes.

Both projects will compete at the national level for the Grand Prize and the People’s Choice Award. An independent panel of judges will award the Grand Prize to one of the three highest scoring projects from each region. The general public can vote online for their favorite “Top 12” project beginning August 21 in the People’s Choice competition. Winners of both prizes will be announced in September.

Cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award on August 21 at https://americastransportationawards.org/