RICHMOND – A partnership involving two state DOTs, a bridge company, consultants, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and several contractors, has earned the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) national recognition.

The National Partnership for Highway Quality (NPHQ) has named the Woodrow Wilson Bridge/ U.S. Route 1 Interchange Advanced Bridge project a 2006 Silver Winner in the Partnering Category in its annual Making A Difference Awards. Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project Manager Ronaldo T. Nicholson, P.E., will accept the award at the Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance’s 2007 Spring Conference in Roanoke today.

“The success of the Route 1 Advanced Bridge Project is due to the constant teamwork and innovative efforts of all parties involved – designer, contractor, construction managers and owner,” commented Nicholson. “This successful contract is a tangible demonstration of the collegial spirit that symbolizes the entire Wilson Bridge Project. It is an honor for our efforts to be recognized by the roads and bridges industry.”

The award was given to Virginia for management of the U.S. Route 1 Interchange Advanced Bridge project. The project involved building a total of nine bridges over the environmentally sensitive Cameron Run and Hunting Creek to line up with the future widened I-95/I-495 Capital Beltway. The effort was the first major bridge contract for the reconstruction of the Route 1 Interchange, an integral part of the overall $2.5 billion Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project, one of the largest construction projects in the United States. It was selected for the partnership award because only with extensive partnering could this mega project be possible. The quality project was constructed in approximately two years – on time and on budget.

In addition to VDOT, the Maryland State Highway Administration, FHWA, R.R. Dawson Bridge Company and Potomac Crossing Consultants are named on the award in partnership with steel, concrete and other subcontractors.

NPHQ is a partnership of federal, state and roadway industry leaders that advocates customer-centered practices to produce better, safer, more user-friendly roads and bridges.

Page last modified: June 22, 2007