HONOR AWARD - CATEGORYWINNER
Firm: Olsson
Project: Chadron State College Math and ScienceCenter forInnovativeLearning
Client: Chadron State College /Nebraska State College System
Originallybuilt in the 1960s,the Math and ScienceBuilding at Chadron StateCollege(CSC) had adequatelyservedits purpose as alearning facility. However, the time had come formajor upgrades to recreate aspace that would foster a newgeneration of collaboration, learning, and community. With this renovation, CSCwantedtoinstall ultramodern learning and research while supporting accessibilityand affordabilityfor students. Theychose the Olsson/BVH team to renovate and add to the existing building. Olssonprovided comprehensive engineering, design, and construction services to help turn the dreamofCSC studentsand facultyinto areality. CSCbroke ground on this $28 million renovation and addition in September of 2020,and construction was completeinFebruaryof2022. Thisrenovation meetsmodern laboratoryand teaching standards and replaces outdated fixtures and furnishings. It alsoreplaced and updated existing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems with energy efficient technologies.Theseupgrades prompted CSCto rename the building the Math ScienceCenter of Innovative Learning to better correspond with the renovations.Olsson is proud of our involvement in the design of newlab spaces, classrooms,offices, and breakout rooms that facilitateinnovative,student-focused learning.
Firm: Alvine Engineering
Project: Papillion La Vista CommunitySchools
Ashbur yElementar y
Client: BCDM Architects
Addressing acritical need forthe quicklyexpanding community, AshburyElementaryisthe latest addition to Papillion La VistaCommunity Schools.AshburyElementary sitsonwhat wasonceanemptyplot of undeveloped land.
Its construction brought everything from roads to power and water lines to the area, paving the way for future neighborhoods. Ashbury Elementary further improves upon the building design standards setbyPapillion La VistaCommunitySchools,manyofwhich were focused on increasing energy efficiency. Using geothermal energy in combination with insulated concretefor exterior walls is one of the biggest improvements, setting the standardfor futurePapillion La VistaCommunitySchools (PLVCS) facilities.Other mechanical improvementsinclude using the lighting occupancysensorstoautomateoutdoor airflow and temperature changes in certain spaces,adjusting to save energy when no one is using aparticular area.Lighting improvementsinclude all LED lighting throughout the building and certain areaswhere lighting automaticallydims after aset period of inactivity, accommodating energy savingsand egressrequirements. The design team’scollaboration, reinforcedby 37 yearsofworking on PLVCSprojectstogether,has succeeded in achieving ahigh levelofefficiencythroughout the design processand made AshburyElementaryPLVCS’s most advanced facilityyet.
HONOR AWARD - CATEGORYWINNER
Firm: HDR
Project: Kiewit Headquar ters
Client: Kiewit Corporation |Noddle Companies
Headquartered in Omaha since1884,K iewitCorporation is one of the largest contractorsinthe world. When the company decided to build anew headquarters, theydecided on anorth downtownlocation adjacent to their recentlycompleted training center,K iewitUniversity, in part to encourageneighborhood redevelopment and reaffirm the company’s commitment to Omaha and Nebraska.
The seven-story180,000-square-foot building and connected parking structurehouses 650employees in aprogressive workplaceenvironment that fosterscollaboration and interaction to support Kiewit’s global operations.In harmonywith the surrounding citybuildings, the ground floor is clad in brick, enlivening the street. The glass-clad
office towerabove features an enclosed, elevatedwalkway connecting to the training center.The building configuration incorporates coveredpedestrian plazas and elevated exterior patiosfor gathering.
The brick cladding evokes images of the turn-of-thecenturywarehousesthat once filled downtownOmaha. Inside the building, the owner wanted a“ loft”aesthetic to help recruit and retain younger employees.The steel framing remains exposedthroughout most of the building as part of the “loft”look. Becauseofthis,the team made significant effortstoprovide aclean layout and detailing of the structural steel frame.
In the office tower, the owner wanted as open a floor plan as possible. By shifting the core elementstothe building ’s north side, the team provided a60-foot-wide, 250-footlong, uninterrupted bayonthe south side of the building, allowing formaximum flexibilityinlaying out the office space.
HONOR AWARD - CATEGORYWINNER
Firm: HDR
Project: Nor th Wellfield Flood Restoration and HazardMitigation
Client: CityofLincoln
The CityofLincoln has wellfield facilities located in and along the heart of the PlatteRiver near Ashland, Nebraska.The wellfields provide rawwater that is treatedand conveyed to Lincoln forthe City’swater supply. Thewellfields were severely impacted by the March 2019 flooding. Abreach in an upstreamlevee allowed flood waters to rush through the CityofLincoln’swellfields.This project included restoration of the North and South Wellfields.Inthe South Wellfield, the water flowing through the wellfield deposited piles of sand on and around wells and access roads In the North Wellfield, the floodwatersscoured the sandy soil and caused significant erosion, which led to exposedand washed-out pipelines,deposition of mud and debris in the
Chadron StateCollege Math and ScienceCenter for InnovativeLearning Papillion La Vista Community Schools AshburyElementarywellfield facilities, eroded creekbanks, complete destruction of one vertical well, and power outages and communication outages that prevented use of three other vertical wells The damaged facilities and wells reduced the City of Lincoln’s rawwater supplycapacityby8MGD. HDR provided the city with design and construction of facilities to restoretheir North and South Wellfields to their previous capacity. HDR alsodeliveredpermanent mitigation measures to shield the wellfield from futureeventsinorder to continue providing Lincoln customersasafeand reliable drinking watersupply.
HONOR AWARD - CATEGORYWINNER
Firm: HDR
Project: Columbus Recharge Project
Client: LowerLoup Natural ResourcesDistrict
The $3.6 million Columbus Recharge project reduces the groundwaterdeclines by providing tworecharge locations: the downstreamportion of Lost Creek channel and Christopher’sCove. A14-inch-diameter pipeline from the Loup PowerDistrict TailraceCanal provides watertoLostCreek and asecond, 6-inch-diameter from awellnearLostCreek provides to Christopher’sCove. The firstwill operateindry conditions,bringing waterintothe creek and canberemotely shut down when rain or flood conditions return. Thesecond movesinfiltrated groundwatertoChristopher’sCove, eliminating the risk of invasive or undesirable aquatic species reaching the lake, which could happen if Tailracewater wasmoved theredirectly. The project alsousesaseries of shallowmonitoring wells to provide real-time information to the public.Further,ithas been showcased as anovel idea to restoreintercepted groundwaterand recharge it downstreamand exemplifies various partnershipsand interests coming together forthe common goal to preserve avital resource.
HONOR AWARD - CATEGORYWINNER
Firm: HDR
Project: EppleyAirpor tTerminal Drive
Client: Omaha Airpor tAuthority
EppleyAirfield’scontinued growth —from5million passengersannuallyin2019toa projected 8million in 2046 —has heightened the airport’s need to expand. The Eppley Airport Terminal Drive project will transform the airport forabetter user experiencenow and in yearstocome. The
and other benefits include an expanded waiting lot forcell phone userspicking up passengers; moresurfaceparking; and newsigns to help direct traffic. The scope of work includes roadwaygeometric design, vertical and horizontal alignment, storm sewer, trafficsignals and signage, lighting, utilityrelocation and landscaping, and stormwaterpollution prevention plan requirements. Access to the terminal and South Garagewas maintained during all phases of construction. Travelersand visitorsoccasionallyencountered minor detoursonthe roadway; however, therewerenosignificant delays.The project met the federal funding-drivenschedule requirementsand wascompleted under budget.
Firm: Olsson
Project: BNSF Bridge 7100-348.30
Client: BNSF Railway
A fire erupted on aBNSFRailwayCompanybridgeonAug. 11, 2021, near WaynokainWoods County, Oklahoma, destroying a300-foot section of existing timber bridge. BNSF requested surveyand construction management support forthe bridgereconstruction. Olssonimmediatelymobilized to thesitetosupport the24-hour,around-the-clock operation. Olssonprovided asurveyofthe existing bridge, layout of proposedh-piles,stakedoffsets, pile cut-offs, and additional surveysupport during construction. Additionally, Olssonprovided construction management services, including pile driving logs, confirmation of pile-bearing criteria, project coordination, surveycoordination, and quality control.
Therewereseveral challenges we had to overcome, including schedule, track alignment and grading, to successfullyoversee areplacement structuretoBNSF. We provid-
project reflectsthe vision of the Omaha Airport Authority’s Master Plan, which identified severalkey elementstoaccommodatefuturedemands.Theseinclude widening and realigning Terminal Drive,and relocating and reconstructing the intersection of Abbott Drive and Terminal Drive.The improvementsinclude additional turn lanes on the exterior roadwaythat leads to Terminal Drive,additional lanes on Terminal Drive formorecapacity, and newlanes forvehicles to safely and directlyaccess the garage.A newramp will provide access to the thirdlevel of the existing parking garage,
ed exemplarycoordination and communication to BNSF, providing recommendations and guidancethroughout this emergencyresponse.
The track wassuccessfullyrestored on Aug. 16,2021. We completed work twodaysahead of the anticipated schedule, satisfying BNSF’s needs and the goals of this project. Our emergencyresponseand quick thinking helped restorethis vital pieceofinfrastructureswiftly, positively impacting commerce and the economybyallowing goods to transport through this route.
North Wellfield Flood Restoration and HazardMitigation
Columbus Recharge Project
EppleyAirport Terminal Drive
HONOR AWARD - CATEGORYWINNER
Firm: Olsson
ProjectTitle: WanderingCreek Mixed-Use Development
Client: Matodol, LLC
The CityofLincoln and developer Matodol LLCcollaborated on amixed-usedevelopment sitenear88th Street and Van Dorn Street in Lincoln, Nebraska. Wandering Creek is 300 acres and includes 1,000 residential homes and 250,000 squarefeet of commercial and office space. Wandering Creek offerssingle-familyhousing, apartments, townhomes,duplexes, villas,and office spaces,aswellasseveral amenities and open spaces.The cityisfacing ahousing shortage, and the addition of Wandering Creek provides another housing source in the eastern part of Lincoln. Wandering Creek has embraced the natural elementsof wetlands and wooded areas, keeping them forresidentstoenjoy,while providing ad-
jointlyfund the public street improvements. The completed project significantlybenefits the cityand public becauseitgeneratednew markets and multiple options forresidential living; provided increasedsafetyfor roads; increasedtrafficcapacities surrounding the project area;maintained natural and environmental elements; decreased flooding potential; and helped generatetax dollarstoa growing community.
ditional flood safety forresidents. The development design has balanced open space, walkabilitythrough the development, and connection to citytrails forbenefitofthe public.Olssonprovidedsurvey; civil engineering; environmental services; floodplain remapping; construction observation; field services; roadwaydesign; wastewater studies; structural engineering and design; site selection; and development representative and consulting services.This project was the inaugural project funded by Lincoln on the Move,aninitiative thatusessales tax funding to improveroadwaysinLincoln. The development came together with the cityto
Firm: Lamp Rynearson
ProjectTitle: Omaha Public Schools
WestviewHigh School
Client: OPS
Omaha Public Schools’ WestviewH igh School began as anew high school project located on vacant ground compiled from multiple residential lots. It’s the firstnew high school in the district in 51 years. With severe grade changes across multiple lots, our team completed lot purchaseevaluations to determine which lotswerefeasible and available forthe school’slocation. Eventually, 70 acres were acquired. The plans,
which housed aYMCAand the high school within the same building, challenged Lamp Rynearson’sdesign team to design asiteplan and alignment that promoted visibilityand safety at entrances and across the campus The sitedesign helped OPSmaximizeboth the site’ssizeand location to be accessible and safe forusers while compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. The Lamp Rynearsonteamacted as an equityadvocate, completing equitycomparisons forboth Westviewand Buena Vistahigh schools. Lamp Rynearsondedicated 7% of the design feetosmall and minority-owned businesscontributorstomeet bond economic inclusion requirements. Coordinating with
Wandering Creek Mixed-Use Development
Omaha Public Schools,the CityofOmaha, Douglas County, adjacent SIDs, utilitycompanies, construction managers, bond managers, and others, Lamp Rynearsonprovided afull suiteofdirect-to-owner services.This long-lasting impact is invaluable to the engineering profession. This school will touch the livesofmanyfor decades to come, and hopefully, create alearning environment that will foster the next wave of changemakers. Simplyput, this project is abig deal -it’s ahugewin fortoday’sstudentsand forgenerations to come.
HONOR AWARD - CATEGORYWINNER
Firm: MorrisseyEngineering
ProjectTitle: LinkedIn Omaha
Headquar ters|Solar-Charged GridInteractiveBatter yEnergy Storage System
Client: Gensler and LinkedIn at Sterling Ridge Development
MorrisseyEngineering developed acompleteand innovative photovoltaic design at the LinkedIn Omaha headquarters. The design includes 1284 bi-facial solar panels mounted to sevenparking canopystructures The systemispairedwith an on-sitebattery energy storagesystemtooffer peak-shaving to reducethe maximum electrical demand forthe building. LinkedIn’snew Omaha headquartersisaninnovative workplaceof the future. Sustainabilitywas atop priority forthe newoffice.The building has 2Star Fitwell and LEED Gold Certifications.Itis LinkedIn’s firstsitetoincorporateon-site energy storage. The on-sitesolar canopies provide 13.1%ofthe building ’s power. The advanced photovoltaic design integrated with batteryenergy storagedesigned by MorrisseyEngineering supportsLinkedIn’s
System
to design an extensive automated system forthe facility. This automation allowedfor facilitycentralization, and lownumbersof operatorsbeing able to managethe large facility. This automation systemalsoworked to reduceloading and unloading times.Due to the constant presenceofgrain dust, elevatedworkingconditions,high vehicle traffic, and high automation, the facilitywould have constant hazardous conditions to users
and equipment. All designs were made with operator safety and facilitysafetyinmind. Thesesafetyprecautions included additional emergencylighting systems,lockable disconnecting means in central locations, and heavy-dutyequipment enclosures.KPE perseveredthrough supplychain complications and changing equipment requirements to successfullycompletethe $22 Million dollar facility.
overall goals of sustainabilityand carbon footprint reduction.
HONOR AWARD - CATEGORYWINNER
Firm: KPE ArchitectureEngineeringForensics
ProjectTitle: Global 4–AGTransload Facility
Client: Union Pacific
KPE wasawarded acontract forengineering services by Union PacificRailroad with the goal of designing aState-of-theArt, highlyautomated grain processing and transporting facility. The facilitywould intake grain, test, clean, and storeituntil it wasready to be shippedtootherplantsor even overseas to be utilized. This facility would include multiple buildings, several large storagebins,and various other user kiosksall spreadacross an 8-acrecampus.
KPE designed an extensive cable tray routing plan to provide powerand control wiring to all designed locations across the facility. KPE workedclosely with multiple manufacturers, controls contractors, and the client
Global 4–AGTransload Facility
LinkedIn Omaha Headquarters |Solar-Charged Grid-InteractiveBatteryEnergyStorage
MERIT AWARD - CATEGORY WINNER
Firm: R.W. Engineering & Sur veying, Inc .
Project: The Players Club ALTA/NSPS Sur vey
Client: Concer t Players Club LLC.
Client: Nebraska Depar tment of Transpor tation
In the early Spring of 2022, RW was approached about surveying the Deer Creek Player’s Club property. The catch was that the purchase date of the property was rapidly approaching, and the survey would need to be completed and delivered in a matter of weeks. With the sheer size of the area in question (over 600 acres), there was only one way to complete the request on time and within the allotted budget. Upon consulting with our client, we came up with a workflow to utilize both our FAA certified drone pilots as well as our licensed land survey team. We threw the book at this one… Our survey team worked to accurately locate the boundaries for hundreds of lots across the entire golf course property. Our drone team worked in tandem with the surveyors to run programmed flights to capture high-resolution aerial photographs of the golf course. By working together, these teams were able to seamlessly combine these two datasets. In the end, we were able to provide our client with super high-resolution PDFs with surveyed boundaries, easements, and every square inch of the site shown in high definition. All on time and in accordance with NSPS/ALTA standards.
MERIT AWARD - CATEGORY WINNER
Firm: Benesch
Project: Niobrara West Bridges Emergency Repair Mitigation Site
In March 2019, Nebraska was hit with blizzard conditions and a “bomb cyclone” dumping rain on the frozen land, resulting in record flooding. These conditions led to significant disruptions to the state’s transportation system. At the peak, over 3,300 miles of Nebraska roads were closed due to blizzard conditions, flooding or damage. Communities were cut off from resources and months later, detour routes still were impacting thousands daily. In floodwaters west of Niobrara, Nebraska, the Highway 12 bridge over the Mormon Canal was completely swept away and the Highway 12 bridge over the Niobrara River was heavily damaged. Benesch, already working on a highway project in Niobrara for the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT), was called upon for emergency response and then to assess and design solutions to offset environmental impacts for the repaired bridges and roadway. The result was the creation of a wetland mitigation site to compensate for multiple types of wetlands impacted and a recreational area providing public river access, education, a multi-use road, and an observation area to view the scenic Niobrara River corridor, which is part of the Missouri National Recreational River. The environmental strategy was developed in cooperation with the National Park Service, Nebraska Game and Parks, US Fish & Wildlife Service, and the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Firm: Lamp Rynearson
Project: 2019 Flood Recovery Project and Planning Study at Offutt AFB, NE
Client: Kenneth Hahn Architects
In March 2019, Offutt Air Force Base experienced a once-in-a-lifetime flood. A large portion of the base was impacted, and
numerous buildings were severely damaged. Ice storms and heavy rains caused the levee located south of the base, at the intersection of the Platte and Missouri rivers, to overflow. As a result, the southeast portion of Offutt was flooded, inundating the runway and all the buildings and structures in this area. Many flood-damaged structures in this portion of the Base will be demolished, and new consolidated structures will be built in their place. As part of a master planning effort for this portion of Offutt, the Sitework/Utility/Transportation Evaluation and Planning Study, 2019 Flood Recovery Project was completed to plan the redevelopment of this area of the Base. The goal of the study was to determine anticipated utility loads and vehicle counts for the newly planned buildings, as well as evaluate the existing site utility and roadway infrastructure for newly planned improvements. Based on this study, work is underway at Offutt, and soon full functionality will be restored to the base, meeting the needs of not only Offutt, but the entire country.
MERIT AWARD
Firm: HDR
Project: Wastewater Treatment Plant Laborator y, Operations Control Center (OCC), and Administration Building Improvements
Client: City of Grand Island
The City of Grand Island’s Wastewater Treatment Plant Laboratory, Operations Control Center (OCC), and Administration Building was nearly four decades old. Due to the age of the facility and the implementation of new and changing regulations, and advances in equipment and technology, the staff was challenged each day to maintain their high professional standards. The building needed improvements to accommodate additional staff, support current and future laboratory needs, improve the functionality of the existing space, provide a safe working environment, add training space, and upgrade the electrical, mechanical and instrumentation and controls at the facility. The project included renovation of the existing Laboratory, OCC, and Administration Building as well as an addition attached to the south side of the existing building to provide space for a state-of-the-art Laboratory and Operations Center The addition allowed for the phased renovation of the existing building bringing it up to current construction codes and giving it a much-needed facelift. The new addition added approximately 6,900 square feet bringing the building to over 10,000 square feet.
MERIT AWARD
Firm: Benesch
Project: Kearney Regional Airpor t, Taxiway ‘A’ & Connecting Taxiways Rehabilitation
Client: City of Kearney
Kearney Regional Airport’s parallel Taxiway A was identified for rehabilitation in the airports 2015 FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP). At more than 20 years old, the existing asphalt pavement (concrete pavement with an asphalt overlay) had reached the end of its service life. The original pavement was constructed in 1942, for
Wastewater Treatment Plant Laboratory, Operations Control Center (OCC), and Administration Building Improvements
Kearney Regional Airport, Taxiway ‘A’ & Connecting Taxiways Rehabilitation
The Players Club ALTA/NSPS Survey
Niobrara West Bridges Emergency Repair Mitigation Site
usebythe United States ArmyAir Forceand it has sincebeen overlaid with asphalt in the 1960s and 1990s.Although typical pavement maintenancehas been completed over the last 30 years, including crack sealing and asphalt patching, the asphalt wascontinuing to causeforeign object debris (FOD)and aircraft operation safety concerns
Early in 2020 Benesch completed apreliminarystudytoevaluatethe existing airfield pavementsfor parallel TaxiwayAand TaxiwayconnectorsB,C,D andEtodefine the rehabilitation/reconstruction scope and the estimated costs. Upon completion of the preliminarygeotechnical investigations,it wasdiscoveredthat pavement sections varied drasticallythroughout the length of parallel TaxiwayAand each of the connecting taxiways.Tospeed up the reconstruction processthe pavement design alternative of an unbonded whitetop wasselected.
The four-phaseproject consisted of new subdrains (edgedrains), low flow linersand storm sewerupgrades,nearly 250 newLED MITL’s,29new LED signs, newpavement markings, shoulder grading, erosion control measures and seeding. Benesch wasresponsiblefor preliminarydesign and bidding in
spring 2020.Benesch wasalsoresponsible forconstruction observation, material testing and closeout in 2021.
Firm: Olsson
Project: Old Potash Highway Webb Road to Nor th Road, and Claude Road Extension from Old Potash Highway to FaidleyAvenue
Client: CityofGrand Island
Old Potash Highwayentersonthe western edgeofGrand Island and primarily serves industrial and retail businesses. In recent years, traffichas increasedasmore businessesopened, and the post office relocated to the area from downtown. In addition, HornadayManufacturing, one of the city’slargest employers,islocated along Old Potash Highwayjust west of U.S. Highway 281. Major changes were needed to efficiently keep people –and vehicles –moving. To makethis happen, the project team agreed to convert Old Potash Highwaytoahalf-milelong, three-lane section from North Road to Claude Road and ahalf-mile-long, fourlane, divided section from Claude Road to
QUALITY DRIVEN
Webb Road. Olssonproposedconstructing single-lane roundaboutsatNorth and Claude roads and amultilane roundabout between U.S. Highway281 and Webb Road at Wilmar Avenue.
Our team provided multiple services including: extensive trafficstudyand analysis, public involvement, urbanroadway design, drainagedesign, utilitycoordination, and construction management.
The completed roadwayexpanded growth in southwest Grand Island; improved safety;enhanced the area forpedestrians; and connected the regional north-south route to residential and school areasonthe west side of the city. The $14.3million project wascompleted in fall 2021, ayearahead of schedule, and came in under budget estimates from 2018.
MERIT AWARD
Firm: The Schemmer Associates, Inc .
ProjectTitle: The Murray Viaduct
Client: Nebraska Depar tment of Transpor tation (NDOT)
The Murray Viaduct project wasatransportation project that enhanced public accessibilityand improved roadwayassetson NebraskaH ighway 1nearMurray,Nebraska.The overall project included replacing the highwayfromthe intersection of US 34, proceeding west, crossing multiple Union PacificRailroad(UPRR) lines,and terminating inside the villageofMurray.This entryis focused on the replacement of the viaduct over the UPRR.
Ralston Granary is estimated to be valued at $30 million oncecompleted. Exciting things areahead forRalston and E&A is honored to be part of this enhancement to theCityof Ralston.
Firm: FelsburgHolt &Ullevig
ProjectTitle: LakeMcConaughy
Motorized Water Trail Project
Client: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
The existing viaduct wasamulti-span steel girder bridgethat had fallen intovarious degrees of disrepair.The bridgeisavital link to the welfareofthe VillageofMurray as it connects fire and emergencyservices east of the railroadtothe villageonthe west side of the tracks. The bridgealsoprovides safe crossing to manyyoung drivers attending the local high school.
This project wasspecificallydesigned to provide continuous access to emergency services and to residentsand students throughout construction. The newviaduct is atwo-span steel girder bridgeallowing forlonger clear zones forthe rail lines underneath the bridge. In addition, the bridge includes awidened pedestrian sidewalk on the north side, providing even moreaccessibilityand improved safety forthe users.
MERIT AWARD
Firm: Ehrhar tGriffin&Associates (EGA)
ProjectTitle: Western Douglas County Trail
Client: Papio-Missouri River Natural ResourcesDistrict
The newrecreational pedestrian bicycle trail begins near the northeast corner of D.C.
West ElementarySchool propertyand is approximately1.7 miles long in total. The trail consistsofconnections to the Twin Rivers YMCAcampus at the northeast terminus, via along span pedestrian bridge, and the MallardLanding residential development to the south.
MERIT AWARD
Firm: E&AConsulting Group, Inc.
ProjectTitle: Ralston Granar y
Client: ISee Adventures
After spending hourstraveling to your vacation destination and the lakeiscalling your name, the last thing youwanttodois sit in long lines of trafficwaiting to park and unload your boat. The boating access improvementstoLakeMcConaughyState Recreation Area,specificallyMartin BayLakeside BoatRamp and Cedar View Bayside BoatRamp,are engineered to alleviatethose frustrations and keep this Western Nebraska reservoir aprime travel destination. Felsburg Holt &Ullevig (FHU) workedclosely with the NebraskaGame and ParksCommission to design improvementsthat met their longterm goals of expanding recreational opportunities,protecting natural resources, ensuring public safety,and increasing revenue. FHU led the project’s engineering, environmental permitting, and public outreach. Key elementsincluded enhancing circulation on entranceroadways, reducing dangerous trafficback-ups, and improving boat ramp conditions and accessibility. In addition, expanded parking lotsare nowADA accessible and featurewayfinding, striping and signage that makenavigation simple and efficient.
The Ralston Granaryredevelopment is an adaptable venue that will bring newvisitorsand economic growth to the Cityof Ralston. Having the capacitytohold 2,100 people with additional buildings, if needed, this 3-acrespace is located along Ralston’s Main Street and is anew leading attraction drawing in the public with itsevents. Planning forthe project began in 2017. E&A performed the following services: entitlements, platting, ALTA survey, sitedue diligence, civil sitedesign, PCSMP,landscaping, construction staking, construction observation, grading plan, and grading inspections.Kyle Vohl, PE, served asE&A’s project manager forthis which happens to be located in his hometownofRalston, NE. ISee It Ventures is the Owner of the project and had a goal of offering outdoor concertsand space forsocial and businesseventsinside. The
Siteamenities such as updated restrooms and a fish cleaning station have transformed the entrances and made them morewelcoming. The project alsocreates Nebraska’s first motorized watertrail systems with marked routes on the lakefor recreational users.
Throughout the project, FHU navigated challenges like fluctuating reservoir water levels,stringent USACE permitting requirements, Threatened and Endangered species habitats, and construction phasing tied to peak park seasons.Today, visitorsspend less time stressedout at the boat ramp and more time relaxing on beautiful LakeMac!
MERIT AWARD
Firm: HDR
ProjectTitle: Movingthe Metro 2021 Campaign
Client: Nebraska Depar tment of Transpor tation
Old Potash HighwayWebb Road to North Road, and Claude Road Extension from Old Potash HighwaytoFaidley Avenue The Murray Viaduct Ralston Granarythe metroarea.
The goals of the campaign highlighted the need foranintegrated media strategy to achieve widespreadawarenessamong residentsofOmaha, adiverse citythat is home to approximately1.1 million individuals (US Census,2019). Large,complexcommunications campaigns aremosteffective when executed through an integrated approach –a phased, structured, strategic,and deliberate processfor sharing the same thematic project content across various platforms
Between March 2021 and November 2021, the NebraskaDepartment of Transportation (NDOT) conducted atraditional, digital andsocial media campaign to improve public awarenessofroadway construction
projectsinthe Omaha metroarea. Ahead of and through the peak construction season, the Moving the Metroprogram let motorists knowwhat to expect while out and about –increasing safety,awarenessand mobilityin
The Moving the Metrocampaign wassuccessful in distributing information to Omaha area motorists. More than 174,000 individuals were reached through social media during the nine-month campaign, and more than 6,000 unique visitorsaccessedthe campaign’swebsite, which featured an interactive map with regularly updated project information.
Following the successful campaign, key
performanceindicatorsrelated to sponsored content, and weband social media analytics were used to further refine strategy and tools forfuturecampaigns.
The American Council of Engineering Companies/Nebraska(ACEC NE) announced that Doug Alvine, PE, LEED AP, President of Alvine and Associates,isthe recipient of the 2023 Charles Durham Achievement Award.
TheACECNEhonorsone recipient ayear who, through leadership and advisoryroles, has made major contributions to theconsulting engineering practice. The awardis atributetothe pioneering spirit of Charles Durham, whose vision pavedthe wayfor holistic building design that keepsthe communityand environment at the foremost of importance. Additionally, theaward recognizes leaderswho foster collaboration and
innovation that leavealasting impact on the futureofthe built environment.
Doug Alvine’s36-year career as an electrical engineer has been monumental in shaping the landscape of America. He is aformer National Director of ACEC and served as President of ACEC’s Nebraska Chapter.Dougisamember of the Illuminating Engineering Societyand the Architectural Engineering Institute’sAdvisoryCommittee. In addition to serving the industry with multiple advisorypositions,Doug has been influential in shaping engineering education. Doug has held alengthytenure with the UniversityofNebraska—Lincoln’s (UNL’s)Architectural Engineering Adviso-
ry Council and is currentlyachairman of the Durham School AdvisoryBoard.Heisa former adjunct professorwith UNL’s CollegeofEngineering and developed the Raymond G. Alvine Memorial Scholarship fund that bringsunderserved studentsopportunities in the engineering field. The fund has awarded morethan 30 scholarshipswith grantstotaling over $300,000.
Doug is the sonofthe firm’sfounder,Raymond G. Alvine, whowas recentlyinducted posthumouslyintothe ASHRAE (American SocietyofHeating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers) Hall of Fame.
LakeMcConaughyMotorized Water Trail Project Moving the Metro2021Campaign Doug Alvine Honored with ACEC NE’sCharles Durham AchievementAward.
helping the state maintain and increase our engineering workforce, andit’sa greatrecognition to celebrateour department’s role in assisting with this initiative.”
As part of their effort to support Nebraska’sengineering workforce, ACEC NE launched the Let’s MEET–Mentoring Emerging EngineersTogether Programincollaboration with the UniversityofNebraskaCollegeofEngineering ’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in 2022. MEET’smission is to support engineering studentsthrough their undergraduateyears with mentoring and educational opportunities.
edges that the association’spartnership with the College of Engineering is pivotalfor solving the current workforce challenge.
“The MEETprogram is apartnership that will help foster the development of studentsintoprofessionals,and the engagement of the college’sleadership is invaluable. Our hope is that this programwill soon be implemented in all areasof the CollegeofEngineering,”McClure says.“We’reexcited to continue growing our partnership and forthe opportunityto recognize three faculty members who have helped us establish the program.”
University of Nebraska Professors of Civil Engineering Shannon Bartelt-Hunt, George Hunt and MatthewWilliamson were awarded the 2023 NebraskaChampion for Engineering Awardbythe American Council of Engineering Companies Nebraska(ACEC NE) fortheir collaboration with the association and dedication to the profession.
“It wasanincredible honor to receivethis award,”says Bartelt-Hunt. “Aschair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ihaveworkedclosely with ACEC Nebraskaonworkforce development. ACEC is critical in
Professors Bartelt-Hunt, Hunt and Williamson were integral in liaising with UNL freshmen and sophomoreengineering studentsand facultyand ACEC NE memberstoget the MEETprogram up and running.
“This programshows howmuch support thereisfor Nebraska’sfutureengineersfromthe professional community –it’sjustunparalleled,”Bart forour studentsisinvaluable, us to retain morediverse engineer futureengineering challeng ACEC NE Executive Dir
ACEC Nebraskaestablished the NebraskaChampion for Engineering Awardtorecognizeoutstanding individuals and teams whohavecollaborated with the association to support the state’sengineering profession. The organization represents48consulting engineering firms in Nebraska, and
If you ask an engineering student and a current professional in the field what makes a great engineer, you’ll likely hear two different answers
A student might respond with, “Someone who’s great at math and science.”
An engineering professional might say, “A great problem solver, collaborator and communicator.”
The American Council of Engineering Companies Nebraska (ACEC NE) has set out to resolve that disconnect with its new Let’s MEET – Mentoring Emerging Engineers Together Program in collaboration with the University of Nebraska College of Engineering ’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. MEET’s mission is to support engineering students through their undergraduate years with mentoring and educational opportunities.
Students are often steered toward the engineering profession by school counselors and educators who notice a propensity toward math and science. While those subjects are important and integral to the profession, the full picture is much more dynamic.
Today’s engineers are team problem solvers, savvy communicators and pioneers for safety and sustainability. They liaise with the public, listen to key stakeholders and implement solutions that improve lives for generations. They’re also strategic thinkers with an eye for detail.
“I believe we need to change the engineering mentality and perception,” explains Mike McIntosh, Design Group Leader with Lamp Rynearson and ACEC NE Board Member. “Engineers provide improvements to communities and safe areas to live; they can
positively impact the environment and make lasting, sustainable changes to the world. We need to encourage our next generation of students to consider these as the top reasons for going into engineering, and that can only happen through exposure, education and support from all of us.”
The MEET program will match freshmen and sophomore students with a professional mentor, create a sense of community by connecting students with one another, and offer students opportunities to learn from and ask questions of engineering professionals.
Through this multi-pronged approach, Jeanne McClure, ACEC NE’s Executive Director, hopes students will graduate at higher rates and feel more prepared for their engineering careers.
“I think we need to flip the idea from a gate-keeping effect to a nurturing effect,” McClure says. “What we’re trying to do is give students tools they can use to get past the struggles of their coursework. And, we’re trying to convey to them that we need them, we want them and we’re excited for them to join our workforce.”
HDR Engineering Vice President and ACEC NE Board Member Lisa Richardson helped launch the MEET program. She, too, hopes the program can help students understand that struggling during their undergraduate years can still lead to a successful engineering career
“We want students to understand they can get through the difficulties and become engineers. This generation wants to make a difference and be a part of their community, and civil engineering is a way to do that. Our goal is to encourage students to stick with it
and join our workforce,” Richardson says.
With the establishment of the new program, ACEC NE also awarded three UNL professors with the Nebraska Engineering Champion Award. Professors Shannon Bartelt-Hunt, George Hunt and Matthew Williamson were recognized for their collaboration with ACEC NE and efforts to help young engineers move their careers forward in Nebraska.
Award winner and Chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineer-
ing at UNL Shannon Bartelt-Hunt liaised with ACEC NE and faculty members to help establish the program.
“This program shows how much support there is for Nebraska’s future engineers from the professional community – it’s just unparalleled,” Bartelt-Hunt says “The mentorship for our students is invaluable, and I hope this program helps us to retain more diverse engineers to help us solve the state’s future engineering challenges.”
DanKutilek, Douglas CountyEngineering and Planning Manager,was awarded the 2023 NebraskaEngineering Pillar Awardby the American Council of Engineering Companies Nebraska(ACEC NE) forhis leadership and servicetothe profession.
“I wastotallysurprised and swept off my feet,”saysKutilek, whohas served as Douglas County’sengineering and planning manager since1971.
Kutilek waslooking forwardtohis career in engineering when he graduated with his bachelor’sdegree in Civil Engineering from the UniversityofNebraska-Omaha in 1969,
but his plans were put on hold when he was drafted to serveinthe Vietnam War. After serving foreight months,hewas injuredand returned to the US to finish his tour of duty at Fort Riley, Kansas.
“M ilitaryexperiencechanges you, and it’s something that made me appreciatelife,” Kutilek explains.“It wasalifechanger for the better.Ithas helped me be abetter personoverall.”
When he returned to Omaha in 1971, a friend of Kutilek’srecruited him forajob at what wasthen called the countysurveyor’s office.Kutilek waswilling to give it atry
Roger Figard, Executive Director of the RailroadTransportation Safety District (RTSD),was awarded the 2023 Nebraska Engineering Pillar Awardbythe American Council of Engineering Companies Nebraska (ACECNE) forhis leadership and service to the profession.
“I am humbled and appreciative forthis
award,”Figardsays. “Thereare so many outstanding engineersinour community, and to be recognized in this light is extremely rewarding.”
Figard graduated from the Universityof Nebraska-Lincoln in 1972 with abachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Hiscareer began with the NebraskaDepartment of Transpor-
Now, 51 yearslater,he’sgrateful he accepted the position.
“What’s interesting to me is at the county levelyou canmakelifechanging experiences and projectsand effortsthat affect alot of peoples’ livesquickly. What we do enhances livesfor alot of reasons,and that is rewarding.”Kutilek says.
Over the years, Kutilek has been involved in manytransformational projectsfor the cityofOmaha, including the 84th Street tunnel in the 1970s, Sorenson Parkwayin the 1980s and the recent completion of the 180th Street bridge.
“Hundreds of other projectsinbetween, some big and some small, all have astory, too,”headds
Douglas CountyEngineer Todd Pfitzer firstmet Kutilek in 1990 and describes him as aquiet, modest leader.
“He’sethical, honest, hard-working, and he’sthe type of guywho does whatever needs to be done, even if that is driving snowplows
tation whereheservedinafew roles.In1979 he became an engineer forthe Public Works and Utilities Department beforebecoming the superintendent of waterproduction and treatment forthe Lincoln WaterSystemin 1985.In1991, he washired as the cityengineer,a role he held until retiring in 2016. As the cityengineer Figard alsobecame executive director of the RTSD,a position he still maintains
“I’ve always felt blessedthat Inever questioned doing something different,”Figard says of his engineering career.“What Ilove about engineering is that it’s about caring forpeople, communities and assets. Engineering is about life, health and safety issues,and building thingsthat makequality of lifebetter and easier forpeople.”
Over his yearsserving the CityofLincoln, Figard witnessedgrowth and manychanges to the city, but he has alsoexperienced the evolution of the engineering field.
“The single biggest thing Ihaveseen changeinengineering is recognizing it takes public processtobesuccessful in getting projectsdone,”heexplains.“Engineering has evolvedintopublic involvement and listening and evaluating different options by engaging with the public.”
He adds that some thingshaven’t changed, though.
“A commitment to ethics and building sustainable solutions has stayed the same,” Figard says.
Figard has been involved in manycritical
or doing maintenancework,”Pfitzer says of Kutilek. “Dan is an unsung hero, and Idon’t think thereisanyoneelseinour engineering communitywho would saydifferently.”
Kutilek alsoearned amaster’sdegree in Civil Engineering from UNOin1980 and has been involved in manyprofessional and civic organizations throughout his career,including the American SocietyofCivil Engineers, InstituteofTrafficEngineersand the NebraskaSocietyofProfessional Engineers.
ACEC Nebraskaestablished the Nebraska Engineering Pillar Awardtorecognize outstanding engineerswho have supported the organization and itsmission, as well as contributed to the engineering community in the state. The organization represents-48 consulting engineering firms in Nebraska, and itsmission is to improvethe qualityof lifeinthe statebystrengthening the businessenvironment forthe consulting engineering profession.
and life-changing projectsduring his tenure, the biggest of which wasthe Antelope Valleyrevitalization project, which spanned 20 yearsand involved strategic planning between the CityofLincoln, UNL and the LowerPlatteSouth Natural ResourcesDistrict.
Tony Dirks,Division Manager forBenesch in Lincoln and Incoming ACEC Nebraska President, has knownFigardasapillar in the engineering communityfor nearly 20 years.
“Roger has always been very passionate about serving the CityofLincoln with great infrastructure,”saysDirks.“He has been instrumental in building consensus within the communityand navigating all the competing interestsassociated with private,public and regulatorygroups. He’s trulya greatengineer.”
Figard creditshis success to his personal faith, wifeof50years and their four children and sevengrandchildren, and the greatrelationshipshehas built over the years.
ACEC Nebraskaestablished the Nebraska Engineering Pillar Awardtorecognize outstanding engineerswho have supported the organization and itsmission, as well as contributed to the engineering community in the state. The organization represents-48 consulting engineering firms in Nebraska, and itsmission is to improvethe qualityof lifeinthe statebystrengthening the businessenvironment forthe consulting engineering profession.
ACEC names Kutilek Nebraska Engineering Pillar AwardWinnerThe award recognizes accomplishments of Nebraska engineers under age 35 who have contributed to the engineering profession in the state and made a positive community impact.
JonMarkt, P.E., RSP, atrafficengineer/ transportation planner from HDR, has been honored as the 2023 Young Professional of the Year by the American Council of Engineering Companies Nebraska(ACEC NE).
ACEC/Nebraskahas awarded
DougAlvine, PE, LEED AP, PresidentofAlvine and Associates, withthe 2023 Charles Durham AchievementAward.
The awardisatributetothe pioneering spirit of Charles Durham, whose visionpaved the wayfor holisticbuildingdesign that keepsthe community and environmentaforemostpriority within building design.
Doug ’s 36-year career as an electrical engineer has been monumentalinshapingthe landscape of America. From mentoring the next generation of engineerstoforging anew vision forthe industry, Doug has had an astounding impact on the built world.
Since joining HDR nine years ago, Jon has become a leader in assignments related to transportation planning and analysis, including developing and refining transportation operations, safety and planning models. A graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Texas at Austin, he is a regional and national expert in dynamic trafficassignment models,predictive safety analysis models,planning for autonomous and connected vehicles and Transportation Systems Management and Operations
“Jon helpsour clientsunderstand the latest and greatest ways to improvetheir systems,lookscriticallyattheir needs and assiststhem in finding the right solutions,” said Mike Forsberg, Traffic/Transportation Planning Section Manager.
He tackles and advances some of HDR’s most innovative and impactful transportation projects. Jonservedasdeputyproject
manager forthe Interstate80Automated Corridor Study, which earned aNational ACEC Honor Awardfor practical engineering in challenging circumstances.Heled the development of twoinnovative analysis methods that have sincebeen adopted by four additional DOTs.
Serving in severalindustryorganizations, Jonisamember of the Nebraskasection InstituteofTransportation Engineerswith
leadership in their Drive Smart teen driver safety program; Missouri ValleySection InstituteofTransportation Engineers; the InstituteofTransportation Engineers; and multiple Transportation Research Board committees
Outside of work,Jon is an active leader/ teacher forhis church and numerous community organizations.
Celebrating our in-house engineering team!
Th eCol lege of En gi neerin g is co mmitted to meetin gt he engine ering ,computi ng and co nstruct ion wo rkforce need s of the st atea nd to sol ving problems of glo bal importa nce.
We elevatecommunitiesthrough designand bringoveracentury of experiencetothe table .Par tner withusfor smar tinfrastructureand high performancebuildings that make adifference . hdrinc.com
