Reaching depths up to 40 feet, the new gravity sewer line will transport stormwater about a mile from the revamped corridor where four signalized intersections have been transformed into a series of interchanges. Because each interchange has a 15- to 20-foot depressed mainline road section with no adjacent gravity sewer outlets, the stormwater trunk lines provide a positive outlet for stormwater and eliminate the need for additional lift stations to pump water away.

The project team’s simplified solution reduced traffic congestion and maintained access to businesses during construction. Along with providing an environmentally friendly, sustainable solution to keep the interchanges free of ponding hazards during heavy rain events, the trunk lines provide a much more aesthetically pleasing drainage solution in a high-traffic, urbanized area.

The project is eligible for additional honors as part of 173 entries this year representing engineering excellence from throughout the nation and the world. Judging for the awards program – known industry-wide as the “Academy Awards of the engineering industry” – took place in February and was conducted by a national 20-member panel of built-environment leaders, along with experts from government, media, and academia. Award criteria focused on uniqueness and originality, technical innovation, social and economic value, and generating excitement for the engineering profession.

Recognition of all award winners including top winners – 20 Honor Awards, 16 Grand Awards, and the prestigious “Grand Conceptor Award” for the year’s most outstanding overall engineering achievement – will take place during the 2021 Virtual EEA Gala, to be held on Thursday, June 17.