White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. (Aug. 30, 2016) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has earned a regional award in the 2016 America’s Transportation Awards competition. The Abraham Lincoln Bridge is the winner in the Quality of Life/Community Development – Large Category.
The award recognizes a transportation project that has contributed to the general quality of life and economic development of local communities. Priority was given to projects that enhance transit, demonstrate community involvement and illustrate the public benefit for users.
The Abraham Lincoln Bridge is the centerpiece of the Downtown Crossing, part of the Louisville – Southern Indiana Ohio River Bridges Project. The project, which is scheduled for substantial completion late this year, is improving safety and cross-river mobility. A study prepared for the Indiana Finance Authority found the Bridges Project would have an economic impact of $87 billion and support 15,000 new jobs over the next 30 years.
“We know the many benefits of the Bridges Project,” said Andy Barber, deputy state highway engineer and KYTC project manager. “We’re already seeing new development and new opportunities. This project is a game changer for our region, and every day drivers will be enjoying a faster and safer commute. That’s a win in my book, but it’s awfully nice to see the recognition for the Lincoln Bridge and the many men and women who helped build it.”
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer offered a letter of support for the Lincoln Bridge. He wrote, “The Abraham Lincoln Bridge is a valuable investment that will help secure our community’s position as a national leader in logistics…But perhaps even more importantly, it will improve the daily commutes of thousands of Louisville-area families, ensuring workers a convenient path to work every morning and home to their families every evening.”
The America’s Transportation Awards competition was created by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) in 2008 with the support of AAA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The award was presented today at the Southern Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (SASHTO) Annual Meeting, held in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.
As a regional winner, the Abraham Lincoln Bridge will be considered for inclusion in the “Top Ten” projects in the competition, which will be announced in September. The Grand Prize winner is selected by a panel of transportation experts, and the People’s Choice Award is chosen online by the voting public. Both prizes carry a $10,000 cash prize to support a transportation-related scholarship or charitable cause.
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The Downtown Crossing includes the new Abraham Lincoln Bridge, an improved Kennedy Bridge and interstate connections on both sides of the river. Substantial completion of the entire Downtown Crossing is scheduled for December 2016.
Find all of the latest traffic information and more details on the Ohio River Bridges Project at www.kyinbridges.com.