Built in 1928, the Liberty Bridge connects downtown Pittsburgh to the Liberty Tunnels and South Hills neighborhoods. When it came time to give this 91-year-old bridge a much-needed update, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation deployed a range of new technologies. For starters, this $81.8 million project used a new traffic system that kept three travel lanes open through the entire construction season, while allowing sections of the bridge deck to be replaced during weekend closures. In narrow areas, where traffic could not be restricted, the system allowed for the construction schedule to be accelerated. Colored signs and lane control devices helped travelers avoid confusion by providing clear direction. In addition, new sidewalk connections to and from the bridge helped increase access for bicyclists and pedestrians, allowing travelers using a wide variety of transportation modes to use this bridge for years to come.
America's Transportation Awards 