The beauty and utility of the new Tolt Bridge over the Snoqualmie River was recently recognized by the Federal Highway Administration and Washington State Department of Transportation.

Each year, the agencies select four public transportation projects statewide for recognition. The projects represent the best in transportation construction, safety, innovative design, environmental compatibility, and public involvement and satisfaction.

This year, the “Director’s Award” – which is the equivalent of a best overall category – went to the King County Road Services Division’s Tolt Bridge project. The new bridge opened to traffic in May 2008, after an 18-month construction period. The county worked closely with the local community to preserve the historic look of the 86-year-old bridge it replaced.