WILLMAR — For almost a year the Willmar Rail Connector and Industrial Access Project, better known as the Willmar Wye , has been safely and efficiently moving train traffic around the city. Now that project is award-winning.

It was announced Friday that the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials has selected the Willmar Wye to receive a regional America’s Transportation Award. The project was chosen from a pool of 23 projects from the Mid American Association of State Transportation Officials, one of four regional AASHTO associations.

The Wye specifically was awarded the Quality of Life/Community Development, Medium Category award for the benefits the project has shown for the community, including lessening rail traffic congestion at crossings, enhancing safety and encouraging economic growth.

Read the full story at the West Central Tribune and the full announcement from AASHTO