2026 Engineering Excellence Awards
Recognizing Exceptional Ideas & Innovations in Engineering
Through exceptional engineering design, these award-winning projects, highlighted below, significantly contribute to the quality of life of the state’s citizens. These award-winning projects strengthened our infrastructure, enhanced public safety, and bolstered the economy.
Select a project to explore the engineering impact and community benefits.
Best of State Award Winners
Best of State Awards are presented to entries representing the highest degree of technical innovation, client satisfaction and contributions to the engineering industry.
80-100 E. Grand Avenue Riverwalk Extension
Entering Firms: R.H. Batterman & Co., Jewell Associates Engineers & Brownfield Environmental Engineering Resources | Client: City of Beloit
Engineering protected the Rock River while restoring trail access and strengthening connectivity.
Buckley Park Critical Storm Sewer Repair
Entering Firm: Clark Dietz Inc.
Client: Village of Whitefish Bay
Rapid engineering response stabilized a storm sewer collapse and delivered a new, safer replacement.
CTH D Buffalo Lake Causeway Reconstruction Project
Entering Firm: KL Engineering Inc.
Client: Marquette County Highway Department
Engineers innovated to build on weak soils and restore reliable access across Buffalo Lake.
E. Wells Street, City of Milwaukee
Entering Firm: raSmith
Client: City of Milwaukee
Engineers redeveloped an overcrowded streetscape to provide a calmer, more comfortable environment for users.
GAC Water Treatment Facility
Entering Firm: Strand Associates Inc.
Client: City of West Bend
Engineers designed a solution that addresses drinking water contaminants, protects public health and creates a model for other communities.
Harnessing Algae to Meet Ultra-Low Phosphorus Limits at Waupun’s Wastewater Treatment Plant
Entering Firm: Applied Technologies Inc.
Client: Waupun Utilities
Engineers used algae to treat water contaminants, one of the first facilities worldwide to use this method.
I-43 North South Freeway – South Segment
Entering Firms: HNTB Corporation & Kapur & Associates Inc.
Client: Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Engineers designed a massive new interstate upgrade while keeping open one of Wisconsin’s busiest corridors.
Madison East-West Bus Rapid Transit
Entering Firms: AECOM & Strand Associates Inc.
Client: City of Madison
Engineers weaved fast, reliable public transit into a bustling city environment, delivering accessible transportation for all.
Mayo Clinic Health System - La Crosse
Entering Firm: IMEG
Client: Kahler Slater
Engineers focused on sustainable elements for a new hospital expansion, keeping costs down while maximizing patient comfort.
The Kohl Center
Entering Firm: raSmith
Client: Berners Schober Architects
Owner: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Structural engineers ensured that college athletes could train to be their best by negating vibrations and disruptions from the loading dock underneath.
State Finalist Award Winners
State Finalist Awards are presented to entries demonstrating a high degree of client satisfaction through quality, cost-effective solutions.
22nd Avenue Uptown Reconstruction
Entering Firm: Strand Associates Inc.
Client: City of Kenosha
Engineers provided a community with infrastructure that connects and supports recovery after tragedy.
Beach Drive Coastal Resiliency
Entering Firm: MSA Professional Services
Client: Village of Fox Point
Engineers transformed an environmental emergency into a resilient, long-term coastal solution.
Bradley Road Reconstruction
Entering Firm: Baxter & Woodman Inc.
Client: Village of Fox Point
Engineers solved flooding issues while redesigning the roadway for safer travel.
City of Green Bay: City-Wide Green Stormwater Infrastructure Plan
Entering Firm: AQUALIS
Client: City of Green Bay
Engineers created a new plan that will streamline stormwater infrastructure development for all Green Bay.
City of Kenosha Pike Creek Multi-Plate Replacement
Entering Firm: Ruekert & Mielke Inc.
Client: City of Kenosha
Engineers installed a vital underground culvert, safeguarding urban infrastructure.
CTH H Reconstruction - Waupaca County
Entering Firm: Robert E. Lee & Associates Inc.
Client: Waupaca County Highway Department
Engineers protected the Wolf River while delivering a county highway with substantially improved safety.
CTH T Roadway & Shared-Use Trail
Entering Firm: Jewell Associates Engineers Inc.
Client: Iowa County Highway Department
Engineers strengthened regional connections through a safer roadway and shared-use trail.
Dash Center
Entering Firm: ISG
Client: City of Onalaska
Engineers delivered a new facility by listening to the community and exceeding their needs.
H.J. DeBaker Eagles Nest Park & Boat Launch
Entering Firm: JSD Professional Services Inc.
Client: Brown County
Engineers restored lake access and created accessible recreational opportunities.
Main Street Reconstruction
Entering Firm: SEH
Client: City of Rice Lake
Engineers preserved Rice Lake’s charm while delivering a safer and more inviting downtown.
Mayfair Substation
Entering Firm: HDR
Client: Xcel Energy
Engineers created a robust electrical system to serve growing needs and keep power flowing in an emergency.
Oaks of Jackson Housing Development
Entering Firm: SEH
Client: Village of Jackson
Engineers minimized costs while designing a brand-new neighborhood for affordable, high-quality homes.
Safe Routes to Transit
Entering Firm: Civiltech Engineering Inc.
Client: City of Milwaukee
Engineers improved transit access, making it safer, easier, and more inviting for users.
Sheboygan Marsh Dam Replacement
Entering Firm: Ayres
Client: Ducks Unlimited
Engineers designed a modern dam that enhances natural resources in Sheboygan Marsh.
STH 32 Lake Drive Reconstruction
Entering Firm: Benesch
Client: Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Engineers redesigned a streetscape to give residents and users strong multimodal transportation options.
Ten Club Park
Entering Firm: Mead & Hunt
Client: Village of Waterford
Engineers designed a resilient, four-season park that serves the entire community.
The Lapham Lodge at Lapham Peak
Entering Firm: GRAEF
Client: Friends of Lapham Peak Unit - Kettle Moraine State Forest
Engineers created a new central gathering point for Lapham Peak visitors, increasing usage at a beautiful natural area.
USH 14, City of Westby, N Main St, Vernon County
Entering Firm: CORRE Inc.
Client: Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Engineers managed the construction with individualized solutions to keep access to local businesses.
Village of Germantown Department of Public Works Facility
Entering Firm: GRAEF
Client: Village of Germantown
Engineers coordinated all aspects of the projects under one roof to deliver a facility that covers all needs for the client under one roof.
Washington Park Bridge Replacement
Entering Firm: EXP
Client: Milwaukee County Parks
Engineers honored the historic character while meeting modern safety and accessibility needs.
Wisconsin Regional Orthoimagery Consortium 2025
Entering Firm: Ayres
Client: North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission
Engineers led a statewide effort that brings high-resolution geospatial data to the public for improved results across a huge array of uses.