The City Public Improvement Awards competition, sponsored by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Kansas (ACEC), recognizes engineering projects, not for their engineering excellence, but for their benefit to the citizens of a community.

This year, BHC and project partners were honored to receive two awards.

Celebrating 60 years, the ACEC of Kansas has presented Public Improvement Awards every year in four population categories for both Kansas cities and counties. These population categories range from small, rural cities and counties, followed by medium and growing communities and finally recognizing the largest Kansas metropolitans.

A panel of judges evaluates entries based on their overall improvements and benefits to the citizens of the community – never by their engineering excellence. Contributions to each community are heavily weighed in the judging.

BHC received honors for the Nieman Road Improvement project. BHC was selected by the City of Shawnee for the reconstruction of Nieman Road from 55th Street to 62nd Street. This project implemented the key recommendations of the Nieman Road Right-Of-Way Reallocation study: narrow Nieman to a 3-lane section, add a 10-foot path on one side of the street with sidewalk on the other, add pedestrian crossings, improve the traffic signal at Johnson Drive, install landscaping and other amenities to enhance the appearance of the corridor and make it more usable for a wider range of residents and visitors. The City had the overhead power lines moved underground. The roadway design was coordinated with three other drainage projects already under design by other consultants.

Project highlights included using a ‘road diet’ design method, allowing for safer traffic flow, expanded pedestrian and bicycle facilities and state-of-the-art mid-block pedestrian crossings.

Accepting the award on behalf of BHC is Katie Bushong, Sr. Project Engineer in our Public Works Segment.

Second, BHC received honors for the 55th Street Storm Improvements project. The City of Merriam determined two segments of existing CMP were failing and needed attention quickly. One segment was located in the side and backyard of a residential home. So minimizing impacts to the property was preferred. BHC wrote the project specifications with a performance based approach. An alternative means, methods and materials was considered. This allowed contractors and vendors to think outside the box.

Project highlights included the avoidance of major disruption to residential yards and property, using cast-in-place lining and completing the project 30% below the estimated budget.

Accepting the award on behalf of BHC is Dave Nolte, Sr. Project Engineer in our Public Works Segment.