KLJ Receives Minnesota ACEC Award

KLJ received a Grand Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Minnesota (ACEC/MN) on January 23, 2020, for the work we performed on Minnesota Trunk Highway (TH) 149. The award, which was presented during the ACEC/MN 53rd annual awards banquet in Minneapolis, recognizes projects that exhibit excellence and ingenuity. A total of 27 projects were entered for consideration with 10 winning Grand Awards and the others receiving an Honor Award.

KLJ completed the TH 149 project in 2018. Our project team transformed a 6.5-mile stretch of the corridor by implementing a Complete Streets approach, along with an upgraded pre-cast concrete drainage system with ADA-compliant grates and gutters, to enhance safety and mobility for all users. TH 149 spans through urban, suburban, and rural sections of three cities and connects to St. Paul’s High Bridge. KLJ supported Minnesota Department of Transportation’s public engagement and stakeholder coordination efforts and facilitated utility relocation for 11 of 16 impacted utilities. The downtown portion of the corridor was designed to accommodate larger vehicles to accommodate public transit. KLJ employed a variable mill design and replaced a total of 130 ramps, 21,000 feet of curb and gutter, and 10,000 square yards of sidewalk to achieve a Complete Streets approach.

TH 149 received the ACEC/MN award for Category H: Transportation. All entries were judged based on originality and innovation; future value to the engineering profession; social, economic, and sustainable design considerations; complexity; and meeting the client’s needs.