HONOR AWARDS

The $3.6 million Columbus Recharge project reduces the groundwater declines by providing two recharge locations: the downstream portion of Lost Creek channel and Christopher’s Cove. A 14-inch-diameter pipeline from the Loup Power District Tailrace Canal provides water to Lost Creek and a second, 6-inch-diameter from a well near Lost Creek provides to Christopher’s Cove. The first will operate in dry conditions, bringing water into the creek and can be remotely shut down when rain or flood conditions return. The second moves infiltrated groundwater to Christopher’s Cove, eliminating the risk of invasive or undesirable aquatic species reaching the lake, which could happen if Tailrace water was moved there directly. The project also uses a series of shallow monitoring wells to provide real-time information to the public. Further, it has been showcased as a novel idea to restore intercepted groundwater and recharge it downstream and exemplifies various partnerships and interests coming together for the common goal to preserve a vital resource.

Category H Transportation

HONOR AWARD - CATEGORY WINNER

Firm: HDR

Project: Eppley Airport Terminal Drive

Client: Omaha Airport Authority

Eppley Airfield’s continued growth — from 5 million passengers annually in 2019 to a projected 8 million in 2046 — has heightened the airport’s need to expand. The Eppley Airport Terminal Drive project will transform the airport for a better user experience now and in years to come. The and other benefits include an expanded waiting lot for cell phone users picking up passengers; more surface parking; and new signs to help direct traffic. The scope of work includes roadway geometric design, vertical and horizontal alignment, storm sewer, traffic signals and signage, lighting, utility relocation and landscaping, and stormwater pollution prevention plan requirements. Access to the terminal and South Garage was maintained during all phases of construction. Travelers and visitors occasionally encountered minor detours on the roadway; however, there were no significant delays. The project met the federal funding-driven schedule requirements and was completed under budget.

Honor Award

Firm: Olsson

Project: BNSF Bridge 7100-348.30

Client: BNSF Railway

A fire erupted on a BNSF Railway Company bridge on Aug. 11, 2021, near Waynoka in Woods County, Oklahoma, destroying a 300-foot section of existing timber bridge. BNSF requested survey and construction management support for the bridge reconstruction. Olsson immediately mobilized to the site to support the 24-hour, around-the-clock operation. Olsson provided a survey of the existing bridge, layout of proposed h-piles, staked offsets, pile cut-offs, and additional survey support during construction. Additionally, Olsson provided construction management services, including pile driving logs, confirmation of pile-bearing criteria, project coordination, survey coordination, and quality control.

There were several challenges we had to overcome, including schedule, track alignment and grading, to successfully oversee a replacement structure to BNSF. We provid- project reflects the vision of the Omaha Airport Authority’s Master Plan, which identified several key elements to accommodate future demands. These include widening and realigning Terminal Drive, and relocating and reconstructing the intersection of Abbott Drive and Terminal Drive. The improvements include additional turn lanes on the exterior roadway that leads to Terminal Drive, additional lanes on Terminal Drive for more capacity, and new lanes for vehicles to safely and directly access the garage. A new ramp will provide access to the third level of the existing parking garage, ed exemplary coordination and communication to BNSF, providing recommendations and guidance throughout this emergency response.

The track was successfully restored on Aug. 16, 2021. We completed work two days ahead of the anticipated schedule, satisfying BNSF’s needs and the goals of this project. Our emergency response and quick thinking helped restore this vital piece of infrastructure swiftly, positively impacting commerce and the economy by allowing goods to transport through this route.

Category I Special Projects

HONOR AWARD - CATEGORY WINNER

Firm: Olsson

Project Title: Wandering Creek Mixed-Use Development

Client: Matodol, LLC

The City of Lincoln and developer Matodol LLC collaborated on a mixed-use development site near 88th Street and Van Dorn Street in Lincoln, Nebraska. Wandering Creek is 300 acres and includes 1,000 residential homes and 250,000 square feet of commercial and office space. Wandering Creek offers single-family housing, apartments, townhomes, duplexes, villas, and office spaces, as well as several amenities and open spaces. The city is facing a housing shortage, and the addition of Wandering Creek provides another housing source in the eastern part of Lincoln. Wandering Creek has embraced the natural elements of wetlands and wooded areas, keeping them for residents to enjoy, while providing ad-