Pair of Transportation Projects Receive Three GLITE Awards
Two Bolton & Menk transportation projects earned three Transportation Achievement Awards from the Great Lakes District of the Institute of Transportation Engineers. North Dakota Department of Transportation’s Transportation Management Center and I-29 SMART Corridor received honors in both the Planning and Safety categories and the City of Chaska’s Downtown Highway 41 Improvements project was recognized in the Traffic Engineering category. These awards recognize engineering projects that provide outstanding achievement in transportation and distinguished service to ITE and the District. The awards were announced on Tuesday, June 10, at the GLITE Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Transportation Management Center and I-29 SMART Corridor, NDDOT
The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) faced significant challenges on the I-29 corridor, including crash rates 30 percent higher than the statewide average, severe congestion in Fargo, and the fifth-busiest US-Canada border crossing. Nearly two-thirds of delays were caused by weather, flooding, or construction.
To address these issues, NDDOT proposed the I-29 SMART Corridor project, incorporating cutting-edge technologies like automatic warning systems, variable speed limits, automated incident detection, and remote road closure gates. Bolton & Menk provided comprehensive engineering services, including planning, systems engineering, preliminary design, and the preparation of grant applications. The project also included the development of a Traffic Management Center (TMC) to centralize and automate traffic information, enhancing response times and operational efficiency.
The I-29 SMART corridor aims to significantly improve safety and efficiency, reducing crash rates and congestion. The new systems, supported by the TMC, will allow for better traffic management and quicker incident response. The study achieved a high benefit-cost ratio, enhancing public safety and supporting economic growth in North Dakota. The successful implementation of these technologies will set a new standard for transportation infrastructure in the state.
Downtown Highway 41 Improvements, City of Chaska, Minnesota
The City of Chaska aimed to revitalize its downtown area to become a central hub for community activities, reflecting its historic charm and small-town values. However, the transportation network, featuring State Highway 41 and County Highway 61, posed significant challenges. These major highways, essential for regional traffic, created a difficult environment for local residents, businesses, and pedestrians, hindering the city’s vision.
To address these challenges, a collaborative effort involving the City of Chaska, MnDOT, Carver County, and Bolton & Menk was initiated. The project involved a comprehensive review of various engineering and planning measures to balance local and regional transportation needs. Through partnerships and compromises, the team evaluated multiple alternatives, including different lane configurations, to find a solution that met the needs of all stakeholders. Bolton & Menk facilitated the agencies in identifying a vision supported by all.
The project, completed in October 2023, resulted in a transportation system rooted in strong partnerships and flexible design. The $23 million investment significantly reduces traffic crashes, improves local connectivity, and enhances pedestrian accommodations. The innovative, two-lane section with local access and beautification efforts transformed Highway 41, serving as a model for future projects. This holistic approach successfully integrated local and regional goals, revitalizing downtown Chaska as envisioned.
Bolton & Menk is committed to transportation excellence – it shows with our additional GLITE recognition! Learn more about our award-winning projects!
