PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (WHTM) -- The rapid response to reopen a major artery connecting much of the northeast in Philadelphia County is up for a national award.
PennDOT announced Friday that the response to reopen Interstate 95 after the Cottman Avenue overpass collapsed is a finalist in the 2024 America's Transportation Awards.
The awards are put on by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).
“Reopening I-95 in record time was the direct result of incredible collaboration and is a testament to what is possible when everyone is committed to taking action and finding solutions,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “I’m incredibly proud that PennDOT and the project team have been recognized with this award, and we hope that Pennsylvanians will vote for this worthy project.”
The bridge collapsed on June 11 after a tanker caught fire underneath. Interstate 95 was reopened just 12 days later via a temporary roadway and a permanent replacement was finished in May.
The 12 finalists where whittled down from 106 nominees across 39 states and they are up for the Grant Prize and the People's Choice Award, meaning you can vote as well. Voting runs now through Oct. 29.