American Structurepoint has earned the Merit Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Indiana for exceptional engineering excellence for the Chicago Street Phase I and II Project in Hammond, Indiana.

The 2024 ACEC Indiana Engineering Excellence Awards recognized American Structurepoint for the project team’s solution to widen Chicago Street from the Illinois state line to Calumet Avenue to improve mobility, reduce congestion, and enhance public safety for drivers and pedestrians.

Safety issues and deteriorating roadways became growing concerns along a one-mile section of Chicago Street. The corridor faced major safety issues, which led to 80 traffic accidents in an average year. Many accidents involved heavy trucks traveling along a designated heavy truck route.

American Structurepoint’s road and traffic engineers redesigned the existing roadway with safety at the forefront. Two 90-degree intersections, which were extremely difficult to navigate by heavy trucks, were replaced with appropriately sized roundabouts. Roundabouts deliver many public safety and environmental benefits. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, roundabouts reduce pollution, save money, and are functional. When compared to other intersections, roundabouts result in a 90 percent reduction in fatalities and eliminate 250,000 pounds of CO2 emissions annually.

“At American Structurepoint we take pride in improving lives in the communities we serve. This is a great example of that because the improvements will reduce the amount of traffic congestion safely and efficiently while still creating a sense of place in the neighborhood,” said American Structurepoint Principal Eric Wolverton, the Chicago Street improvements project manager.

The improved roadway includes variable travel lanes in each direction with designated turn lanes at several intersections. The project also includes stormwater improvements, sanitary sewer improvements, and intersection improvements including roundabouts at the intersections of Gostlin Street-Sheffield Avenue and Chicago Street-Hohman Avenue. New sidewalks, enhanced roadway lighting and a new traffic signal for the Gostlin Street-Dearborn Avenue intersection were also included.

About American Structuepoint
American Structurepoint, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a national architecture and engineering consulting firm. We define the standard of excellence for people across the world who want help building and bettering their community. American Structurepoint professionals work in 17 design centers throughout Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas. Engineering News-Record (ENR) has consistently listed the company as a Top 200 Design Firm. The firm achieved a No. 151 ranking on ENR’s 2023 list. After more than 57 years of steady growth, American Structurepoint offers complete consulting and comprehensive design services to improve the quality of life for our people and our communities.