The city of Bainbridge Island received state recognition Wednesday in honor of the Winslow Way reconstruction project.

The Washington State Department of Transportation and the Washington division of the Federal Highway Administration bestowed the city with the 2013 Award of Excellence of Best City Project at this week’s council meeting.

“One of the things that really stood out to us, was the innovative design and the sustainability,” said Kathleen Davis of the WSDOT Highways and Local Programs Division.

The WSDOT Highways and Local Programs Division recognizes county-wide projects in its annual award of excellence program. In addition to Best City Project are Best County Project, Best Special Project and Best Director’s Award.

The Winslow Way reconstruction was completed in the fall of 2011. Prior to the project, the road and sidewalks were typical of an aged infrastructure with cracks, uneven surfaces and an unappealing appearance.

Today, Bainbridge’s “main street” is the heart of the community by not only providing a bulk of the local retail but by fostering communal space. The Winslow Way project was built with pedestrians in mind and provides ample space for walkers, dog walkers and strollers.

In addition, the sidewalks and the recently constructed Waypoint park display public, local art for visitors and residents to enjoy.

“You really worked with the community and businesses,” Davis said. “And the result is, I think, a charm for the city.”