Vote for PennDOT in America's Transportation Awards National Competition

​Great news! PennDOT is a finalist in the America's Transportation Awards national competition, sponsored by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, for the I-579 Cap Urban Connector project! Pennsylvania is one of 12 finalists, whittled down from 80 nominees from 37 state DOTs via those four regional contests – now compete for the Grand Prize and the People's Choice Award.

You can help us win the People's Choice Award by voting for the project online! Cast your vote for the I-579 Cap project here. Individuals can cast no more than one vote per device per day. Bookmark the page, and feel free to set a reminder on your calendar so you remember to vote each day! Voting is open now and lasts until October 25 at 11:59 PM.

In the 1950s, homes and businesses in Pittsburgh's Lower Hill District neighborhood were demolished to construct the Civic Arena and other developments. During that time, Interstate 579 was built, creating a "concrete canyon" of tall retaining walls and noisy interstate traffic, separating the Hill District from Downtown. In 2012, the Civic Arena was demolished. As part of the vision for this area, reconnecting this neighborhood to the downtown core became a priority. The I-579 Urban Open Space Cap bridges the interstate with a new, three-acre green space and restores the long-lost direct link to the economic opportunities and amenities of downtown Pittsburgh. The I-579 Cap was sponsored by the Pittsburgh Sports and Exhibition Authority (SEA). PennDOT oversaw the construction of the project, and the City of Pittsburgh now owns and maintains the park and recreation area. The park is called Frankie Mae Pace Park, named in honor of a longtime advocate for the Hill District and its residents.

 We are incredibly proud of this project and the team who made it happen. Help us show our support by casting your vote every day between now and October 21! Go PennDOT!