The Texas Public Works Association gave the North Texas Tollway Authority four awards of high distinction recognizing the authority’s contributions in public works transportation solutions, leadership and community involvement.

The TPWA Public Works Project of the Year Award recognized innovation and excellence for two distinct NTTA projects—the Lewisville Lake Toll Bridge and the emergency repair of the retaining wall project on the President George Bush Turnpike at Kelly Boulevard.

The Lewisville Lake Toll Bridge received the 2010 TPWA Public Works Project of the Year Award in the transportation category with a project cost greater than $100 million. The bridge opened to traffic on Aug. 1, 2009, and offers an east-west connection over Lewisville Lake in Denton County.

Another transportation solution honored involved the emergency repair of the retaining wall on the PGBT at Kelly Boulevard. The project was awarded the 2010 TPWA Public Works Project of the Year Award for Emergency Repair with a project cost less than $2 million.

The NTTA’s leadership and community involvement was also recognized on an individual level. Eric Hemphill, NTTA assistant director of maintenance operations, was named the Public Works Professional Manager of the Year in Transportation. The award is given to public transportation professionals who possess outstanding dedication and exceptional leadership in transportation-related projects.

Hemphill was also recognized with the Richard Ridings Community Involvement Award, which honors public works employees who are leaders in their community and participate in community service projects with charitable organizations.