I-95 EXPRESS LANES PROJECT NAMED FINALIST IN NATIONAL ENGINEERING COMPETITION

JACKSONVILLE, FLA. – April 14, 2009 – An innovative micro-simulation analysis project performed by RS&H to evaluate traffic operations and refine design of the new 95 Express lanes for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), has been named a national finalist in the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)’s 43rd annual Engineering Excellence competition. RS&H will accept the honor on behalf of the project team at a special awards gala on April 28, 2009, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Washington, D.C.

According to project manager David Stroud of RS&H, the micro-simulation analysis was unique in that it was the first time the planning, traffic operations and design phases of a major highway project were integrated to improve the design as part of a design-build process.

“This innovative integration using micro-simulation ultimately allowed the Federal Highway Administration and FDOT to expedite approval and implementation of the 95 Express project,” says Stroud.

The 95 Express lanes are located within I-95 in Miami-Dade County between I-395 near downtown Miami and the Golden Glades interchange approximately two miles south of the county line. Funded in part through a U.S. Department of Transportation Urban Partnership Agreement, they are the first high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes in Florida.

The lanes employ travel demand management strategies, including variably priced tolls, and have greatly improved mobility on I-95 in the region.

“We appreciate the value offered by the innovative micro-simulation in the way it was able to bridge between planning, design and traffic operations,” says Gus Pego, FDOT District Six Secretary. “I believe we will see more transportation systems management and operations projects implemented in the future, and being able to predict their operation and safety is critical to our ability to provide cost-effective transportation improvements,” he says.

The micro-simulation analysis project also received the Grand Award in its category from the Florida Institute of Consulting Engineers (FICE), the state affiliate of ACEC, announced last fall. The project and eight other Grand Award winners are competing for FICE’s Grand Conceptor Award, which will be announced at the annual FICE Banquet on August 7, 2009, at The Breakers in Palm Beach.

Judging for the national ACEC awards was conducted by a distinguished panel of 36 engineers and architects, along with representatives from government, media and academia. Criteria included uniqueness and originality, social and economic value, complexity, and success of the project in meeting its goals.

About RS&H:
With nearly 830 employees, RS&H is one of the nation’s leading facilities and infrastructure consulting firms whose client-centered program structure provides value-added solutions to clients around the world. With a tradition that began in 1941, RS&H has 30 offices and market sector programs, which include Aerospace and Defense, Aviation, Commercial, Institutional, Public Infrastructure and Transportation. Construction Engineering Inspection (CEI) services are provided through its wholly owned subsidiary, Reynolds, Smith and Hills, CS Incorporated. RS&H can be reached at 1.800.741.2014 or www.rsandh.com.