CHICAGO – The American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois (ACEC Illinois) has launched the fourth annual Engineering Works competition as part of its Engineering Excellence Awards program, inviting the public to vote for the most outstanding engineering project in Illinois.
The contest highlights innovative infrastructure projects across the state and celebrates the engineering teams responsible for their design and construction. Finalists across multiple categories have been selected, and the public is now encouraged to vote for the project that will receive the 2026 Engineering Works Award at the ACEC Illinois Engineering Excellence Awards gala in February.
Illinois’ engineering community continues to play a vital role in the state’s economy and infrastructure. According to the ACEC Research Institute, the engineering industry contributes $20.7 billion annually to Illinois’ gross domestic product and supports more than 182,000 jobs statewide. Since the launch of Rebuild Illinois, the largest infrastructure program in state history, ACEC Illinois engineers—working with the Illinois Department of Transportation—have delivered more than 21,300 lane miles of highway, 815 bridges, and 1,100+ safety improvements across the state.
“Working with state, regional, and local partners, Illinois engineers are designing and delivering infrastructure projects that keep our communities connected and our economy moving,” said Kevin Artl, President and CEO of ACEC Illinois. “The Engineering Works competition showcases the best of these efforts and honors the firms and agencies that bring complex visions to life.”
Eight projects have been nominated for the 2026 Engineering Works Award, representing a wide range of categories including transportation, structural systems, innovative materials, special projects, and small projects. Voters are encouraged to consider design excellence, construction quality, aesthetics, and community impact when casting their ballots. Last year’s winner was Ardmore Roderick, recognized for mobility improvements at Jackson Park for the Chicago Department of Transportation.
“Thanks to Rebuild Illinois and the expertise of our engineering community, the modernization of Illinois’ infrastructure will benefit residents for generations,” said Jerald T. Payonk, Chair of the ACEC Illinois Board of Directors. “This year’s nominees represent the highest standards of innovation, design, and excellence.”
The public can view project photos and vote once for their favorite project at www.acecileea.com/engineering-works. Online voting will conclude on February 18, when the winner will be announced at the 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards gala.
2026 Engineering Works Award Nominees
- Botany Pond Restoration– TERRA Engineering Ltd. (University of Chicago)
A multi-phase restoration of the historic Botany Pond, addressing long-standing water quality and structural issues while creating a revitalized campus landmark featuring new plantings, a limestone pedestrian bridge, and enhanced wildlife habitat.
- Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Bridges over 87th Street and Roberts Road– HDR (Illinois Tollway)
A major transportation project rebuilding and widening key bridges along the Central Tri-State Tollway, improving safety and connectivity at the intersection of Hickory Hills, Justice, and Bridgeview.
- Flyover in Chicago at Navy Pier– Epstein and Sons International Inc. (Flyover Attractions by Pursuit)
A structural systems project transforming an outdated IMAX theater into an immersive flight ride experience, overcoming complex structural and spatial constraints through advanced digital modeling and engineering coordination.
- Replacement of Nettle Creek Aqueduct– EXP U.S. Services Inc. (Capital Development Board)
A comprehensive infrastructure replacement project in Morris, Illinois, including full design, environmental coordination, and construction oversight, completed in collaboration with multiple state and federal agencies.
- Runways 1-19 & 15-33 Pavement and Lighting Replacement at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport– Crawford, Murphy & Tilly (Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority)
An Illinois-led project at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport that challenged long-standing assumptions about asphalt rehabilitation through innovative design and execution.
- Sequoit Creek Park– Strand Associates, Inc. (Village of Antioch)
A community-focused park project delivering integrated design and construction oversight for utilities, stormwater management, hardscaping, and structural improvements.
- Kennedy Expressway (I-90/I-94) Rehabilitation Project– GRAEF (Illinois Department of Transportation)
A major rehabilitation effort improving safety, traffic flow, and reliability on one of Illinois’ busiest transportation corridors.
- Washington Street Bridge and Downtown Streetscape Improvements– CivilTech Engineering, Inc. (City of Naperville)
A downtown Naperville project enhancing a critical river crossing while integrating streetscape branding and pedestrian-friendly design elements.
About the American Council of Engineering Companies
Representing hundreds of companies, we are the voice of the engineering industry in Illinois. With roots dating back more than 100 years, ACEC Illinois represents more than 11,000 engineers, architects, land surveyors and other specialists. Our primary mission is to strengthen the business environment for our member firms through government advocacy, political action, and business education. For more information, please visit www.acecil.org.