FDOT Projects Recognized for Excellence in 2025 America’s Transportation Awards

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Yesterday, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced two of its transportation projects have been selected as regional winners in the 2025 America’s Transportation Awards competition, presented by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

The I-95 Express Phase 3 project was honored in the Operations Excellence – Large Project category, while the State Road (S.R.) 26 Safety Improvements project received recognition in the Safety – Small Project category. The awards were announced during the closing session of the Southeastern Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (SASHTO) Annual Meeting in Lexington, Kentucky.

“The I-95 Express Phase 3 project is helping reduce congestion in one of the state’s busiest corridors, and the State Road 26 Safety Improvements project shows how targeted enhancements can help save lives in Florida’s rural communities,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “These awards reflect the hard work and innovation of our FDOT team and our partners, and we’re excited to see both projects move on to compete for national honors at the AASHTO Annual Meeting this November.”

The I-95 Express Phase 3 project improved a highly-traveled six-mile stretch of I-95 in Boca Raton by expanding express lanes, enhancing connectivity, and relieving pressure on local roads. Key features included a Diverging Diamond Interchange at Glades Road and a new bridge at Clint Moore Road, both of which improved safety and access for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. As part of a regional express lane system, the project supports future growth, improves emergency evacuation routes, and strengthens the movement of freight and commuters across Palm Beach County. Learn more about the I-95 Express Phase 3 project in this video.

The S.R. 26 Safety Improvements project in Gainesville addressed a high pedestrian traffic corridor near the University of Florida by adding raised crosswalks and reducing the distance between pedestrian crossings. These enhancements improved visibility, calmed traffic, and encouraged safer crossing behavior, especially in an area with heavy foot traffic between campus, housing, and local businesses. Through strong community partnerships with the University of Florida, University of Florida Police Department, and the City of Gainesville and targeted public outreach, the project has already improved safety for students and residents alike. Learn more about the S.R. 26 Safety Improvements project in this video.

Now in its 18th year, the America’s Transportation Awards competition celebrates the work of state departments of transportation across the country, highlighting projects that improve quality of life, increase safety, and drive innovation. This year, 35 states submitted 113 project nominations in four categories: Quality of Life/Community Development, Best Use of Technology & Innovation, Operations Excellence, and Safety.

As regional winners, both FDOT projects now advance as part of the Top 12 national finalists, which will be announced in early September. These finalists will compete for two national prizes: the Grand Prize, selected by an independent panel of judges, and the People’s Choice Award, determined through public online voting. The winning projects will be announced at the AASHTO Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City this November.

To learn more about the competition and view all nominated projects, visit https://americastransportationawards.org