This program is conducted biennially by the Federal Highway Administration to encourage excellence in the design of highway- related facilities and to recognize projects that contribute effectively to a more pleasing highway experience.

The Excellence in Highway Design Biennial Awards is a national program conducted by the Federal Highway Administration to recognize exemplary design processes and practices. The objective of this program is to feature sound decision making employed to overcome challenges and maximize opportunities in the planning, development, and implementation of highway improvement projects. In honoring these projects, those processes and practices that elicit such high quality results are highlighted, and the application of them may be cultivated on future efforts.

As the demands on the surface transportation system become increasingly complex, the industry is faced with the challenges of finding context sensitive solutions that meet the public's mobility needs and enhance safety in a manner consistent with the values of the stakeholders and community. These challenges oblige teams to employ collaboration, creativity, and innovation throughout all stages of the process to fully integrate all the project elements into a cohesive transportation facility.

The nomination period for the 2012 Excellence in Highway Design Biennial Awards will begin in the spring of 2012. FHWA field offices have the opportunity to provide comments on nominations for projects within their State or region.

The nominations are reviewed by an expert panel of judges. The awards are announced at the annual fall meeting of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Presentation of the awards is coordinated locally by the appropriate FHWA field office.

Current awards program:

• 2012 - Information on how to submit a nomination is pending. The schedule for submitting nominations will be adjusted accordingly once information is available. Please check this Web site for updates.

Previous awards program results:

• Excellence in Highway Design Biennial Awards
  • 1996
  • 1998
  • 2002
  • 2004
  • 2006
  • 2008
  • 2010

The Excellence in Highway Design Biennial Awards were suspended in 2000 in deference to the Design for Transportation National Awards

Contact:

• For additional information contact: Ms. Brooke Struve, Office of Program Administration (HIPA). She may be reached by telephone at (202) 366-1317; by fax at (202) 366-3988; or by e-mail at brooke.struve@dot.gov.