Fort Wayne's MLK, Jr. Bridge wins third award

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Fort Wayne's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Bridge won its third award on Monday.

The American Council of Engineering Companies awarded city engineers and Fort Wayne design firm, DLZ Indiana, with the Engineering Excellence Merit Award at a ceremony in Indianapolis.

The award recognizes distinguishing engineering design features on the bridge, including:

• The soaring 50-foot arch
• Sculptural etchings and plaques with quotes from Dr. King
• Connection to Headwaters Park and the Rivergreenway
• Safer pedestrian access that separates sidewalks from traffic and adds seating
• Spectacular color-changing lights

PHOTOS: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Bridge

The bridge also won the Achievement Award for an Urban Bridge from the Indiana Partnership for Transportation Quality and the Honor Award for Constructed Works from the Indiana Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge was dedicated on June 4, 2012. More than 2,000 residents attended the dedication ceremony.