The award comes with a $10,000 cash prize. Pledges from Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) transportation-industry partners will boost that amount to more than $30,000. KDOT, in collaboration with the Kansas Board of Regents, will direct the funds toward transportation-related scholarships at Regents’ universities.
“From day one, my administration has prioritized a strategic and innovative approach to delivering much-needed transportation projects that make our roads safer, spur economic growth, and create jobs,” Kelly said. “Winning this prestigious award is proof that the entire country is taking notice of our successes."
KDOT Secretary Julie Lorenz accepted the award on behalf of Kansas and KDOT in San Diego at the annual meeting of American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).
The ATA People’s Choice award winner was determined through online votes from the public. The Turner Diagonal Project was among 12 state finalist projects selected from 80 nominations from 35 states.
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The $30.3-million Turner Diagonal project in Kansas City reconfigured the interchange on I-70, allowing the release of nearly 50 acres of right-of-way and opened 300 acres of land for economic development and job creation. Using alternative delivery methods, the project was completed ahead of schedule, opening in less than a year from ground-breaking.
The Turner Diagonal project made use of public funds from the Unified Government of Wyandotte County, KDOT, and a U.S. Department of Transportation Build grant, as well as private-sector support. The Kansas Turnpike Authority donated right of way.
Completing the project 20 months faster than traditional delivery months helped create 2,000 new jobs at Turner Logistics Park. Truck staging areas improved truck travel times in the area. Pedestrian paths and sidewalks provided a more sustainable, usable community asset.
