Notice to Media

AHTD, Contractors Recognized for I-540 Work

LITTLE ROCK (6-18) – The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) has been named a recipient of the 1999 Presidential Award for Distinguished Achievement by the American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA), according to Dan Flowers, Director of the AHTD.

The AHTD is being recognized for the construction of I-540 in northwest Arkansas. Four contractors – James Cape and Sons of Racine, Wisconsin; Duit Construction Company of Edmond, Oklahoma; Weaver-Bailey Contractors of El Paso, Arkansas; and W. J. Menefee Construction Company of Sedalia, Missouri – are also being recognized for their work in paving the new highway.

The AHTD is only the third state highway agency to ever receive the honor in the history of the award. The award is the highest honor bestowed by the ACPA and is presented for outstanding achievement in the transportation industry.

"To receive the ACPA Presidential Award is a very high honor," Flowers commented. "This is a reflection of the superior work performed by the Department’s planning, design, and construction personnel. The construction of this highway was, from an engineering standpoint, the most challenging project ever undertaken by the AHTD. It is an honor to be recognized for superior achievement on a job of this magnitude. This was truly a team effort."

In announcing the award, Valentin Riva, President and CEO of ACPA, referred to the "unique features that separated the Highway 71 Relocation Project (I-540) from other transportation improvements." He cited the extensive elevation changes, more than 70 major structures, and the quality of construction. "The overall smoothness of the corridor is exceptional," Riva noted.

The award will be formally presented to the AHTD at the ACPA Annual Convention in Tucson, Arizona, on December 2.

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For Further Information Contact:

Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department
10324 Interstate 30, Little Rock, AR 72209
Tel: 501-569-2000
FAX: 501-569-2400
e-mail: info@arkansashighways.com