LANSING, MI — Matt Chynoweth, the Michigan Department of Transportation's (MDOT) Chief Bridge Engineer, has been named one of the American Segmental Bridge Institute's (ASBI) 2020 Leadership Award recipients for outstanding career contributions.

Chynoweth, a 17-year veteran of the department, is Director of the department's Bureau of Bridges and Structures (which develops statewide policy for design, construction, maintenance, and operation of the state's 11,218 bridges) and serves as the Michigan Bridge Lead for the Gordie Howe International Bridge. He oversaw a complex bearing replacement project on the I-75 Zilwaukee Bridge in 2013 and 2014.

The Zilwaukee Bridge is the largest post-tensioned segmental concrete bridge in Michigan. This type of bridge construction (also used in building the US-131 bridge over the Muskegon River and the M-39 southbound ramp to eastbound I-94) offers benefits that include efficient construction and durability.

State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba said that recognition is well-deserved.

"Michigan is so fortunate to have Matt's nationally recognized expertise here at MDOT, providing direction and oversight for all public bridges," Ajegba said. "Under his leadership, the Bridges and Structures team works every day to keep our bridges safe and passable."