Six Illinois Engineering Projects Selected for National Recognition Award

CHICAGO – The American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois (ACEC Illinois) has named six Illinois infrastructure projects slated to receive National Recognition Awards at the 2025 American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) national Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA) on May 20^th. The Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA) are an annual celebration of engineering excellence, honoring projects worldwide that demonstrate innovation, creative problem-solving, and engineering’s unique ability to improve our world. The competition is juried by a panel of industry, government, and academic experts. Among those being awarded are projects being delivered by the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Chicago Department of Transportation.

“These six infrastructure projects showcase exceptional innovation and design excellence by Illinois engineering firms and positions Illinois engineers among the best and brightest on a national stage,” said Kevin Artl, President and CEO of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois. “Illinois engineers are exceptional and through collaboration with state agencies and local governments, they deliver projects that improve the daily lives of residents from Chicagoland to Southern Illinois.”

Among projects to be honored with National Recognition Awards is the Bob Michel Bridge crossing the Illinois River in the Peoria metro region. It may be one of six bridges in the area, but it stands alone as the only bridge that can safely accommodate pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Through the Rebuild Illinois capital program, the Illinois Department of Transportation enlisted engineering firm, Ciorbra Group, Inc. for the Bob Michel Bridge Rehabilitation: Connecting Communities project. The award-winning design features a 14-foot-wide multi-use path with a barrier to accommodate and protect pedestrians and cyclists. Completing the necessary bridge maintenance, extending the life of the bridge, and creating a multi-modal transportation system demonstrate this project’s ingenuity and success.

Another Illinois Department of Transportation engineering project to receive the National Recognition Award is the IDOT Pump Station No. 4 Reconstruction. This project was led by HDR and WSP engineering firms to bring the City’s outdated waste and storm water facilities into ADA compliance.

“As we continue to invest and transform transportation in Illinois through Governor Pritzker’s historic Rebuild Illinois capital program, our state’s engineering community has been a reliable partner in delivering timely, innovative solutions,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “We’re proud that two of our projects are getting recognized on a national stage, highlighting the good work happening in Illinois.”

The Jackson Park Mobility Improvement project is also slated for national recognition. When the future home of the Obama Presidential Center needed infrastructural updates to allow Jackson Park to become a safer, more accessible place for pedestrians and motorists, while maintaining the park’s historical significance, both the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Chicago Department of Transportation went into action. The Chicago Department of Transportation tapped engineering firm Ardmore Roderick as the prime consultant for the $123 million initiative, proving that a large-scale, environmentally sustainable infrastructure project can be delivered efficiently without sacrificing quality or community trust.

With a total construction cost of $117 million, Longmeadow Parkway Improvements 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. The Kane County Department of Transportation utilized Crawford, Murphy & Tilly; Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick; Thomas Engineering; BLA, Inc.; Burns & McDonnell; V3; CivilTech; Alfred Benesch; Clark Dietz; Huff & Huff as engineering firms for the extensive project.

The New Rockford Public Library is an outstanding example of successful collaboration between architects, design teams, community stakeholders, and city leaders. The Rockford Public Library enlisted IMEG engineering firm for the project resulting in 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 is a center of connection, growth, and opportunity for all.

The sixth Illinois award-winning project is for the Village of Carpentersville – A Lead-Free Community, which allows the Village to now say they are a lead-free community. The project, led by Engineering Enterprises, Inc., removed all four hundred 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. By securing $4 million in IEPA loan-eligible reimbursement funding, the Village ensured that residents were not burdened with repair costs, demonstrating fiscal responsibility and careful stewardship of public funds.

The projects and engineering companies will be honored for their outstanding achievements at a ceremony to be held on May 20 in Washington, D.C.

About the American Council of Engineering Companies

Representing hundreds of companies, we are 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. Our primary mission is to strengthen the business environment for our member firms through government advocacy, political action, and business education. For more information, please visit www.acecil.org.