
Public to select winner of “Engineering Works” award
The American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois (ACEC Illinois) has launched the third edition of its Engineering Excellence Awards competition titled “Engineering Works.”
The competition allows the public to recognize and honor the most outstanding engineering project in the state and celebrate the engineering teams behind the design and construction. Finalists in various categories have been nominated, and the public is now encouraged to cast votes to pick the project to be honored with the award at the ACEC Illinois Engineering Excellence Awards gala in February.
According to the most recent analysis by the ACEC Research Institute, the engineering industry has added $17billion to the gross domestic product in Illinois while supporting over 182,000 Illinois jobs. Most importantly, Illinois engineers are getting the job done–since the start of Rebuild Illinois, ACEC Illinois engineers along with the Illinois Department of Transportation have delivered over 6,000 miles of road improvements, 629 bridges repaired and 895 overall safety improvements. With many road, rail, freight and transportation projects completed or undergoing construction in the state, ACEC Illinois’ Engineering Excellence Awards highlights these innovative and ground-breaking projects.
“Engineering firms across Illinois are designing and developing significant infrastructure projects that make a difference in our daily lives,” said Kevin Artl, president and CEO of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois. “Working with state and local agencies, ACEC Illinois engineering firms have made possible crucial repairs to roadways and bridge projects, developed innovative solutions to waterway issues and created structures which will benefit communities for generations to come.”
Nine projects will be open to public voting for the “2025 Engineering Works” award. The projects represent the broad categories of transportation, waste and stormwater projects, building and technology, structural systems and special projects.
The public is asked to vote for their favorite for the top award after considering the aesthetics, design, construction excellence and the social and economic impact of the projects in their communities.
The voting period will end on Feb. 27 when a winner will be selected after counting votes cast by the public. To see photographs of the projects and vote for your favorite or those that have the greatest impact on your community, visit the dedicated voting website at https://www.acecileea.com/engineering-works/.
After thousands of public votes were cast last year, the 2024 Engineering Works award went to Bowman Consulting Group Ltd., H.W. Lochner Inc., HDR Engineering Inc., and Quigg Engineering Inc. for their work on the Illinois Tollway’s Mile Long Bridge Project.
“Illinois engineering firms are modernizing the state’s transportation network and our communities,” said Lou Gallucci, chair of the board of directors of ACEC Illinois. “The projects nominated for the 2025 Engineering Excellence Honor Awards make an impact not only for those using roads and bridges; they include public infrastructure projects and buildings designed with sustainability, safety and cultural elements that have a positive impact on our communities. We celebrate and honor these firms for their ingenuity and dedication.”
Description of the nominated honor projects:
Academy for Global Citizenship – V3 Companies for Academy for Global Citizenship
The Academy for Global Citizenship (AGC) is a preeminent example of innovative thinking, sustainable engineering, and thoughtful community investment. This project aimed for the highest level of sustainability and met every check point, transforming a brownfield into a shining beacon of environmental responsibility. AGC saves one million gallons of water a year with its net-zero conditions, creates a net-positive water condition, and awaits recognition as the first Living Building in Illinois. It is the largest of its kind in the world.
Addison Creek Reservoir – Christopher B. Burke Engineering Ltd. for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
For communities along Addison Creek in suburban Chicago, flooding was an all too often occurrence. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) sought to alleviate this issue and put less strain on the region’s floodwater infrastructure by constructing a massive reservoir that would fill with flood water during heavy rain events, keeping it out of basements and off streets.
Bob Michel Bridge Rehabilitation: Connecting Community – Ciorba Group Inc. for Illinois Department of Transportation
The Bob Michel Bridge is one of six bridges that crosses the Illinois River in the Peoria metro region, connecting Peoria and Tazewell counties. It is currently the only bridge over the Illinois River that can accommodate pedestrian and bicyclist traffic between Peoria and East Peoria, making this a significant crossing for the community. The project goal was to extend the life of the bridge and provide a safer crossing for pedestrians and bicyclists. The final design was completed for the reconfiguration of the bridge to add a barrier separated 14-foot-wide multi-use path to one side of the bridge. The project is a great asset to the multi-modal transportation system in the greater Peoria Area.
Centennial Bridge Repair – WHKS for Illinois Department of Transportation
WHKS completed a major bearing replacement project on the historic Centennial Bridge, ensuring the continued safe operation of this important community link. Constructed in the 1940s, the Centennial Bridge serves as a vital crossing over the Mississippi River between Illinois and Iowa. However, age and wear had compromised the expansion bearings of the bridge’s tied arch spans, affecting the structure’s ability to expand and contract with temperature changes.
Jackson Park Mobility Improvements Bid Package 1 – Ardmore Roderick for the Chicago Department of Transportation
Ardmore Roderick’s leadership in the Jackson Park Mobility Improvements Bid Package 1 Project exemplifies exceptional construction management, addressing the infrastructural needs surrounding the future Obama Presidential Center. As the prime consultant for the $123 million initiative, Ardmore Roderick guided the transformation of this high-profile area into a safer, more accessible space for pedestrians and motorists alike, while maintaining the park’s historical significance. Ardmore Roderick proved that a large-scale, environmentally sustainable infrastructure project can be delivered efficiently without sacrificing quality or community trust.
Longmeadow Parkway Improvements – Crawford, Murphy & Tilly; Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick; Thomas Engineering; BLA Inc.; Burns & McDonnell; V3; CivilTech; Alfred Benesch; Clark Dietz; Huff & Huff for the Kane County Department of Transportation
With a total construction cost of $117 million, the Longmeadow Parkway Corridor is one of the largest infrastructure projects ever undertaken by Kane County. This four-lane, 5.6-mile suburban highway features a four-span, 788-foot-long bridge that provides a crucial connection across the Fox River, serving a rapidly growing part of the county. Protecting endangered species, mitigating the impact to trees at a 2 to 1 replacement rate, and safely removing toxic soils are among the environmental highlights.
Marion Downtown Square – Horner & Shifrin Inc. for the City of Marion
Overall, the Marion Downtown Square Streetscape Project delivers substantial enhancements to the built environment of Tower Square Plaza, benefiting both residents and visitors. Traffic flow has improved through the adoption of a traditional roundabout design, while safety has been bolstered by traffic calming measures that reduce vehicular speeds. The safety and functionality of parking areas have been enhanced with designated spaces for parking maneuvers, and pedestrian safety has been prioritized through new sidewalks, ADA ramps, high-visibility crosswalks, and RRFBs with integrated in-pavement warning lights.
New Rockford Public Library – IMEG for the Rockford Public Library
The Rockford Public Library is a shining example of successful collaboration between architects, design teams, community stakeholders, and city leaders. More than just a library, this thoughtfully designed space serves as a true haven for patrons—a welcoming gathering place that reflects the diverse needs of the Rockford community. The building itself stands as a testament to innovative engineering and design, overcoming challenges like contaminated soil and a high-water table while incorporating cutting-edge technologies to serve modern needs. The Rockford Public Library is a vital civic hub that goes far beyond books—it’s a center of connection, growth, and opportunity for all.
Village of Carpentersville- A Lead-Free Community – Engineering Enterprises Inc. for the Village of Carpentersville
The Village of Carpentersville can now proudly say they are a lead-free community, removing all 400 remaining lead services at no cost to residents. The accomplishment highlights the Village’s commitment to protecting both the physical and financial well-being of its residents.
About the American Council of Engineering Companies
Representing hundreds of companies, the American Council of Engineering Companies is the voice of the engineering industry in Illinois. With roots dating back more than 100 years, ACEC Illinois represents more than 11,000 engineers, architects, land surveyors and other specialists. Its primary mission is to strengthen the business environment for its member firms through government advocacy, political action, and business education. For more information, visit www.acecil.org.
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