Texas Department of Transportation officials and area leaders on Dec. 12 celebrated the 8.4-mile DFW Connector project's more than 60 percent completion. TxDOT officials said the project is more than six months ahead of schedule as a result of technology innovations. That has caught the attention of leaders in the nation's capital.

White House officials on Wednesday recognized Sam Swan, project manager of the DFW Connector project, as one of 11 "Champion of Change" leaders for work on innovation in transportation and infrastructure projects.

The $1.1 billion project revamps Hwy. 121, Hwy 114 and roadways north of the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. TxDOT partnered on the project with NorthGate Constructors, a joint partnership between San Antonio-based Zachry Construction Corporation and Fort Worth-based Kiewit Texas Construction.

"I am honored to receive this recognition," Swan said in a news release. "But it's not just my TxDOT team that deserves the credit. NorthGate deserves much of the praise for creating an environment where new ideas can be tested and then allowing those ideas to ultimately succeed."

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood congratulated Swan and 10 other leaders who were recognized at the ceremony.

"These American heroes are creating jobs today by investing in tomorrow—putting men and women back to work rebuilding America's infrastructure," LaHood said in a news release. "We appreciate their extraordinary efforts to connect people who need their jobs back with the jobs that our communities and economy need done."

Each week, the Champions of Change program recognizes leaders from different sectors who bring about change in their communities.