Transportation projects and programs from five states were recognized on Oct. 28 for best practices in context sensitive solutions at the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials' (AASHTO) annual meeting in Portland, Oregon. Winning projects and programs were recognized from Montana, Ohio, Massachusetts, Texas, and Washington State.

The AASHTO Center for Environmental Excellence's Best Practices in Context Sensitive Solutions Competition showcases outstanding examples of the work being done throughout the country to integrate CSS principles with the planning and delivery of transportation projects, programs and services.

The award winners and notable practices demonstrate how transportation agencies and their partners, working with their communities, can succeed in meeting mobility needs while promoting community values and enhancing the social and environmental context in which transportation facilities co-exist.

2006 Best Practices in CSS Winners:

Best Project - Small Urban or Rural: Montana's Woodward Avenue - Absarokee Small-Town Makeover

Best Project - Large Urban: Ohio Eastern Corridor

Best Program, Co-winner: Massachusetts Highway Department 2006, Project Development and Design Guide

Best Program, Co-winner:  Texas DOT Safety Rest Area Program

Best Organizational Integration: Washington State DOT Policies, Procedures, and Standards to Implement CSS

Notable Practices:

U.S. 285, Foxton Road to Bailey--Colorado DOT

"Balanced Scorecard" Approach to CSS--Illinois DOT

The Bridge at Keosauqua--Iowa DOT

U.S. 119 over Pine Mountain--Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

External Links:

More Information: environment.transportation.org/center/products_programs/annual_competitions.aspx

Further Reading:

2006 Best Practices in Context-Sensitive Solutions Competition