David Letterman may have popularized the Top 10 list on late night television, but for the construction industry the Top 10 list that matters will be released at next spring’s CONEXPO-CON/AGG ’99 trade show. And, the Pennsylvania Turnpike is among the 100 nominees under consideration for inclusion on the Top 10 list of 20th Century construction achievements.

The Top 10 program was established to bring about a greater understanding of "how construction has played a critical role in advancing our society," said Bruno Benna, co-chairman of the exposition. "These contributions will be defined by 10 landmark projects that have positively influenced the quality of life we enjoy today."

Categories under which projects will be judged as part of the "Top 10 Construction Achievements of the 20th Century" include, but are not limited to, roads and highways, bridges, tunnels, buildings and structures, dams and waterways, stadiums, commercial centers, and transportation facilities.

The list of projects nominated for consideration were submitted by a Blue Ribbon panel of more than three dozen publication editors and association executives representing the construction and construction materials industries worldwide. That same panel is now working to rank the nominees in terms of their global historic and socio-economic significance.

Criteria for the judging will include a project’s benefits to humanity, quality of work, economic impact, recognized value to the community or region, professional recognition, application of new technologies, environmental friendliness, and influence on future development.

Other highways in the United States to make the list of 100 nominees include the Lincoln Highway (U.S. Route #30), the U.S. Interstate highway system, Interstate 70, the Los Angeles Freeway, the Alcan Highway, the Boston Artery Project, the Kennedy Expressway, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Boston Central Highway, and the Pan American Highway.

In the nominating process, buildings such as the Empire State Building, Petronas Towers and CN Tower were placed into consideration for Top 10 honors, as were a selection of dams and waterways such as the Panama Canal and the Aswan High Dam.

"Construction represents some of the most significant and noticeable achievements of the 20th Century," said Robert J. Fien of the exposition. "We look forward to showcasing these projects at CONEXPO-CONAGG ’99."

CONEXPO-CON/AGG is held every three years and is the largest exposition in the Western Hemisphere. The exposition is owned and organized by the Construction Industry Manufacturers Association (CIMA), the National Aggregates Association (NAA), and the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA). The National Stone Association and the Associated General Contractors of America also serve as co-sponsors of CONEXPO-CON/AGG ’99.

The final Top 10 Construction Achievements of the 20th Century list will be released during CONEXPO-CON/AGG ’99 which will be held from March 23, 1999 through March 27, 1999 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Exposition Director Dennis J. Slater said the Top 10 program "will provide visitors with a worldwide assessment of the advancements and contributions made by the construction and construction materials industries as defined by 10 landmark projects that have positively influenced the quality of life we enjoy today."

For additional information on CONEXPO-CON/AGG ’99, call 1-800-867-6060 or visit the expo’s web site at www.conexpoconagg.com.