MILWAUKEE -- The Wisconsin Department of Transportation received notable recognition early this month for their work on the Hoan Bridge. But the honors might not stop at just this award.
In just one week, DOT will find out if the Hoan has qualified to compete in a National Top Ten Competition among construction projects.
The American Association of State and Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) have given Milwaukee kudos before. Brian Roper, the southeast freeways construction supervisor, said this is the state's second time winning a title.
"Every year they hold this competition and again, anywhere between 70 and 80 projects around the country are submitted. We actually haven't won it here in Wisconsin since 2008 with the Marquette Interchange. So, it's been a bit of a drought."
From the 84 different projects submitted from 40 states, the Hoan Bridge snatched the regional award for "Best Use of Innovation".
The AASHTO's goal is to highlight projects that deliver value on transportation investment. It was through the use of various technical and material designs, as well as communication with drivers and large businesses like Summerfest that earned the construction project its title.
"We're just happy to be able to not only walk away with an award but also be able to share that with a broader team of folks who helped deliver it, as well as the people who suffered through it with us," Roper said.
Roper said if the Hoan does make it into the national competition, this won't be a win only for the department.
"If we have the opportunity to compete for that, it's really an opportunity for the community to rally together," Roper said. "To be able to vote for something to give the Milwaukee area positive recognition."
The AASHTO will announce the national "Top Ten" competition finalists on September 7.
