ATLANTA - The Georgia Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) recently recognized Georgia DOT for best achievements in the public works profession last year.
“I am proud to announce Georgia DOT won every APWA project award for which we applied. These awards highlight the fantastic work the people of Georgia DOT do every day ensuring the mobility, safety and preservation of our transportation network,” exclaimed Russell McMurry, Commissioner of Georgia DOT.
The Highway 51 at Lake Hartwell earned Project of the Year for Emergency Repairs costing less than $5million. A sinkhole ten feet square and 20 feet deep opened May 6, 2014 overtaking the northbound lane. Georgia DOT discovered a pipe was rusted 35-40 feet under the highway creating the sinkhole. Almost A 1/3 mile long section of Highway 51 and well over 10,000 tons of dirt were excavated to install a new drainage pipe. The new pipe was 150 feet long and 13 feet in diameter. The roadway reopened October 23, 2014. Tony Voyles, Area Engineer serving Hart County served as Designer and Project Manager of the repair. He accepted the award representing Georgia DOT.
The Highway 10/US 78 Bridge over the Apalachee River Construction Project is the Project of the Year for Historic Preservation for stabilizing and preserving the 1938 Works Progress Administration built open spandrel concrete arch bridge at the Oconee Walton County Line. The project built a parallel structure for westbound traffic and built vertical barriers at each end of the historic bridge leaving it open for recreational and pedestrian use. This project opened to traffic six weeks ahead of schedule. Ed Heath, the Construction Project Manager accepted the award for Georgia DOT.
The Highway 11/Broad Street Pavement Rehabilitation Project in Winder won two awards. It is the Small Cities/Rural Communities Transportation Project of the year and the Technical Innovation Project of the Year. The Highway 11 pavement developed ruts almost 2 inches deep in places. The roadway was failing but the road is a major connector with a Commercial District, US Post Office, County Courthouse and railroad tracks within a six block section of the corridor. To allow construction to occur while traffic still flowed, a system of precast concrete panels was used. The system allowed for 2 lanes of traffic to flow through the area during the day and one lane overnights. The work occurred in one block sections up and down the roadway. This complex method minimized delays and fast tracked construction. Erik Rohde accepted the Technical Innovation Award for Georgia DOT as he led the Design of the project. Marc Phillips accepted the Small Cities Transportation Project of the Year award as Construction Project Engineer.
“We are excited to bring light to the accomplishments of Public Works’ individuals, projects and awareness efforts that ultimately keep our Cities, Counties and State running smoothly and effectively on a daily basis,” said Stan Brown, Awards Chairman. He presented the awards from the Georgia Chapter of APWA with Lenardo Owens – President and Terrence Simpkins – Vice President.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2015/7/323670/ne-ga-dot-projects-honored-by-american-public-works-association