President Barack Obama will nominate Lewiston native Gregory G. Nadeau to head the Federal Highway Administration, according to a White House press release issued Friday.

Nadeau, 58, currently serves as acting administrator for the agency that oversees the nation’s Interstate system. He was named deputy administrator for the agency in July 2009 by Obama.

He would replace Victor Mendez, who in July was named deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Both of Maine’s U.S. senators praised the nomination in press releases issued Friday.

“I have known Greg for many years and have worked closely with him on several projects benefiting Maine’s transportation priorities,” Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican, said. “I am delighted the president has nominated him. This is well-earned recognition of Greg’s expertise in transportation policy.”

‎Nadeau served ‎as senior policy advisor to then-Gov. Angus King from 1995 to 2002, and was responsible for a number of policy areas that included transportation, economic development, energy and utilities, environmental protection and labor.

Before joining the King administration, Nadeau served in the Maine Legislature.

“Greg is an experienced and thoughtful leader who will ‎be a champion for improving and strengthening America’s highway system,” King, an independant now serving in the U.S. Senate, said. “As a trusted advisor during my time in the governor’s office, he provided me with invaluable advice and sound counsel, and I am confident that he will do the same for the president. I commend the president on his wise choice, and look forward to working closely with Greg ‎to modernize America’s highway system.”

Nadeau joined Gov. Paul LePage and other officials in December for the opening of the new Maine Kennebec Bridge. The span replaces an 83-year-old swing bridge that had become unsafe, according to a previously published report.