Three of Arizona's major freeway and highway projects have earned regional awards in a national transportation competition that focuses on efforts to strengthen communities, improve the quality of life and foster a more efficient economy.

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials announced Arizona Department of Transportation projects, including the new Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway in the Phoenix area, have won first place awards in the organization’s west region.

The 2020 America’s Transportation Awards recognized the following ADOT projects in the competition’s three categories:

Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway, First Place in “Best Use of Technology & Innovation, Large Project:” ADOT used a Public-Private Partnership method to hire a developer to design and build the 22-mile South Mountain Freeway as a single project, rather than several smaller projects. As part of a total investment of $2 billion, the 22-mile South Mountain Freeway opened to traffic in December 2019. It provides a new connection between the East and West Valley regions, bypassing downtown Phoenix. Innovations include the developer remaining responsible for maintenance of the freeway for 30 years, providing a win-win partnership for taxpayers, motorists and ADOT.

Interstate 10/State Route 87 Improvement Project, including Dust Detection, First Place in “Operations Excellence, Medium Project:” With a focus on safety and improved traffic flow, ADOT completed much-needed third lanes in November 2019 while realigning and reconstructing a 4-mile stretch of I-10 near Eloy, midway between Phoenix and Tucson. A modernized interchange now connects I-10 and SR 87. The $72 million project also features a first-of-its-kind dust detection system, with weather radar, digital variable speed limit signs, closed-circuit cameras and short-range detectors, along a 10-mile stretch of I-10 near Picacho Peak. The system is designed to warn drivers, encourage them to slow down in poor conditions and reduce the risk of serious crashes that can occur in a region known for severe dust storms.

State Route 347 Overpass at Union Pacific Railroad, First Place in “Quality of Life/Community Development:” ADOT opened the new six-lane divided highway overpass to improve SR 347 traffic flow above the Union Pacific tracks in July 2019. ADOT partnered with the city of Maricopa, Ak-Chin Indian Community and Federal Highway Administration on the $24 million project to eliminate the multiple times each day when SR 347 traffic in Maricopa would be forced to wait for moving or even stopped trains. The overpass has sparked nearby commercial development and job creation while creating a safer way for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers to get over the tracks.

A total of 79 projects across the country were nominated for America’s Transportation Awards, according to a release.

As regional winners, the three ADOT projects will now be considered for selection as one of the “Top 12” in the national competition sponsored by AASHTO, AAA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.