Michigan motorists continue to reap the benefits of the 2014 I-96 reconstruction project in Wayne County known as the "96Fix." The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) says the 96Fix project received an America's Transportation Award for the Best Use of Innovation category for medium-size projects at the 2015 Mid America Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (MAASTO) conference in Overland Park, KS.
Completed in 2014, the 96Fix project involved reconstructing seven miles of I-96 between Newburgh Road and US-24 (Telegraph Road) in the communities of Redford Township and Livonia. Work also included repairing 37 overpasses, upgrading utilities, and replacing lighting. The $153 million project began in April 2014 and opened to traffic that September.
Innovative practices to improve efficiencies and produce better outcomes for customers launched the 96Fix into the winner's category. Using paperless technology, web-based software for managing certified payrolls, "stringless" paving operations, and GPS grade checks were just a few of the innovations employed on the project.
"The 96Fix is a perfect example of MDOT employees using innovation to deliver high-quality projects that save taxpayers’ money and time," says State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "This award recognizes MDOT's commitment to finding new ways to maximize resources and ensure safe and efficient travel on our roads."
America's Transportation Awards, co-sponsored by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), AAA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, recognizes the best of America's transportation projects. Ten regional winners will compete for the National Grand Prize to be announced in September at the AASHTO Annual Meeting in Chicago.
