| People’s Choice Award WINNER! | |
| St. Louis Bay Bridge Henderson Point and Bay St. Louis, MS “We salute our many partners in the reconstruction process, and most importantly the resilient people of Bay St. Louis, Henderson Point, and the surrounding Gulf Coast communities. This beautiful bridge is just one step in rebuilding their lives better than before.” |
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After Hurricane Katrina destroyed the St. Louis Bay Bridge in Mississippi, which carries U.S. 90 between Henderson Point and Bay St. Louis, in August 2005, Mississippi DOT had to move expeditiously to replace the structure. While the 2.1-mile-long bridge was out, motorists had to use a 45-minute detour to travel between the two communities. MDOT proceeded with the state’s first ever “design/build” contract, accelerating project completion by hiring the same contractor to oversee project design and construction. The new bridge was built higher, eliminating the need for a draw. The contract was awarded in January 2006; a $5 million bonus was earned for opening one lane in each direction in May 2007, earlier than scheduled; and all work was completed on time by November 2007.
America's Transportation Awards 