The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has been named “Transportation Owner of the Year” in the southwest U.S. by Engineering News-Record/Southwest magazine for innovative construction of state road projects.

The honor recognizes innovative use of the design-build construction method in the state’s current I-15 South Design-Build, West Mesquite Interchange Design-Build, and I-80 Design-Build projects. It also recognizes the I-15 North Design-Build Project, successfully completed in 2009 nearly eight months ahead of schedule. The project improved part of the I-15 Las Vegas corridor for the nearly 250,000 vehicles that travel the route daily.

In design-build projects, final phases of construction are often designed at the same time as earlier phases are built, reducing both project length and cost. In addition, both design and construction are contracted with a single contractor, minimizing project risk and offering greater project innovation and collaboration.

“These projects not only improve our transportation infrastructure, they also help improve our economy,” NDOT Director Susan Martinovich explained. “Independent studies in Nevada show an economic gain of approximately $1.50 for every $1 invested in transportation. That helps create jobs and economic stimulus here in Nevada.”

“With limited funding, NDOT and our local government partners work together to build and maintain transportation as quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively as possible,

and we thank ENR for this recognition,” Martinovich said. “As importantly, we know that roadwork can sometimes cause traffic delays, and these road improvements could not be done without the understanding of motorists. We greatly appreciate their support and understanding.”

The recognition also noted NDOT’s partnering and electronic bidding innovations, as well as major bridge projects, leadership in the multi-state I-15 Mobility Alliance study and the Department’s use of the construction manager at risk construction method in which a project designer and contractor closely collaborate to develop the most effectively-constructed and innovative road project to save time and money.

Drivers can log on to www.nevadadot.com for NDOT road project information and updates.

Engineering News-Record Article: http://southwest.construction.com/southwest_construction_firms/2012/0319-Collaborative-NDOT-Paves-Nevadas-Future.asp

NDOT PROJECTS and PROGRAMS RECOGNIZED- A Sampling

West Mesquite Interchange Design-Build Project: Innovative Accelerated Bridge Construction technique reduced bridge construction time by six months compared to typical construction schedules and decreased total project cost by roughly 19 percent. www.nevadadot.com – “Projects and Programs”

I-80 Design-Build Project (Reno) – www.keeprenosparksmoving.com

I-15 South Design-Build Project (Las Vegas)– www.15southproject.com

I-15 Mobility Alliance Study- NDOT leads this multi-state initiative to improve mobility, safety, connectivity and more on the I-15 corridor through Nevada, California, Arizona and Utah. The corridor transports $120 billion in commerce and $52 billion in tourism revenue annually. www.i15alliance.org