The American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO), AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce named 10 states that are in the running to be called “best of the best” in transportation.

(For the original press release from AASHTO on the Top 10 finalists for the 2010 America’s Transportation Awards competition, click here.)

The Top 10 finalists in the 2010 America’s Transportation Awards competition by region follow:

Top 10 Finalists by Region:

Mid America Association of State Transportation Officials Winners

1) Under Budget/Large Project
Missouri Department of Transportation
The I-64 St. Louis Project involved limited funds, an expedited construction schedule, and a coordinated public outreach campaign to allay public concern and minimize the potential impact on motorists. In December 2009, I-64 reopened to traffic nearly one month early and $11 million under budget.

2) On Time/Small Project
Iowa Department of Transportation
The 24th Street Council Bluffs Project employed innovative design, creative contracting, and accelerated construction techniques which allowed the bridge to be replaced while keeping the busy interchange open. Well-planned construction staging and intelligent transportation systems ensured that traffic capacity was maintained throughout the process, minimizing the effects on the surrounding community and businesses.

3) On Time/Medium Project
Kansas Department of Transportation
The Wichita Central Corridor Project was a $105 million project which involved the raising of two miles of railroad track and providing five new bridges to carry trains over the arterial streets below. Vehicles can now pass freely below the tracks, improving safety and reducing vehicle emissions, traffic congestion, and crashes.

Northeast Association of State Transportation Officials Winners

1) Best Recovery Act Project/Small Project
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
The Spring Road Bridge Replacement Project in Central Pennsylvania replaced a deteriorating 188-foot steel plate bridge, originally constructed in 1930.

2) Innovative Management/Small Project
New York State Department of Transportation
The US Route 62 Hamburg Project addressed severe safety, capacity, and infrastructure deficiencies. After just six months of operation, accidents have dramatically reduced in the project corridor and congestion has been minimized.

Southeastern Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Winners

1) Best Recovery Act Project/Medium Project
Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department
The Arkansas DOT’s Recovery Act Rehabilitation Project improved 170 miles of roadways at 52 locations statewide.