(WASHINGTON, DC) – The results are in: the leading magazine covering the transportation construction and maintenance industry has named the 11th Street Bridge in southeast Washington its top bridge project for 2012.

In its November issue, the editorial staff of Roads & Bridges magazine cited the design-build-to-budget procurement model as an innovative approach that saves time and money and applauded the project as “a triple-crown winner in traffic congestion relief, innovative delivery and environmental stewardship.”

The project is replacing two bridges built in the 1960s with three new bridges which will separate local and freeway traffic. The new freeway bridges also provide much needed new direct connections between I-695 (SE/SW Freeway)) and both directions of the Anacostia Freeway (I-295/DC 295).

“Through projects like the 11th Street Bridge, the District Department of Transportation is recreating our city’s transportation infrastructure network to promote safe, efficient, multi-modal travel throughout the Anacostia Waterfront area,” said Mayor Vincent Gray. “Our city is proud of the 11th Street Bridge Project and excited about how this and future transportation projects will help improve the environment, spur economic growth and provide better access and more connections for our citizens on both sides of the river.”

The design-to build-to budget procurement model the department adopted established a fixed price and delivery deadline, allowing the contractor to propose the most dynamic, innovative and cost effective plan, resulting in a cost savings of $100 million. While the design saves money and time—it also incorporates drainage, storm water treatment and other environmental and recreational investments that preserve the beauty and delicate ecology of the Anacostia River.

When Phase I is completed next year, the project will feature three new bridges, a new 16-foot pedestrian and bicycle path that connects to the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, and space for future streetcar tracks. Phase 2, which began this summer, is located within the Capitol Hill/Navy Yard area and includes replacing the 2-lane outbound I-695 (SE/SW Freeway) flyover bridge over M Street with a new 3-lane bridge structure. It will also lay the groundwork for replacement of the SE/SW Freeway with a level boulevard between 11th Street, SE and Barney Circle.

Roads & Bridges' Top 10 Bridge awards, created in 2000, recognize the top projects in North America. Each year, nominations are submitted to the R&B editorial staff, which determines the Top 10 list based on project challenges, impact to region and scope of work.

For more information about the 11th Street bridge project, please visit: www.anacostiawaterfront.org/11thStreetBridge .