11/09/2026
MDOT's recent project to rebuild and widen the Fruit Ridge Avenue bridge over I-96 in the city of Walker, Kent County, has advanced to the finals of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) 2026 America’s Transportation Awards.
The project is now in contention for the competition’s two highest honors: The Grand Prize and The People’s Choice Award. An independent panel of transportation experts will vote for the Grand Prize, while the People's Choice Award will be decided by the public through online voting now through 9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15. Winners will be announced by AASHTO on Tuesday, Nov. 17, in Louisville, Kentucky. Both awards come with a $10,000 cash prize for charity or a scholarship fund.
Cast your vote for Michigan on the awards website: https://transportationawards.secure-platform.com/a/gallery?roundId=49.
News release: https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/news-outreach/pressreleases/2026/09/11/mdots-i-96-fruit-ridge-avenue-rebuilding-project-in-walker-among-elite-for-national-top-honors
