CHICAGO – Six American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois (ACEC Illinois) member firms will receive national recognition at the 2026 American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC National) Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA) to be held May 5 in Washington. The national Engineering Excellence Awards are an annual celebration of engineering excellence, honoring projects worldwide that demonstrate innovation, creative problem-solving, and engineering’s unique ability to improve our world. The competition is juried by a panel of industry, government, and academic experts.
Springfield based Crawford, Murphy & Tilly will receive the coveted Grand Award for its outstanding work constructing new pavements and replacing lighting for DCA runways 1-9 and 15-33 at Washington National Airport for the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority (WMAA) in Arlington, Virginia. The company is recognized for its innovative approach and willingness to try something new and unusual by challenging common assumptions that placed significant limits on asphalt rehabilitation projects during the construction.
“Illinois engineering companies are not only contributing locally to the success of ReBuild Illinois with the outstanding work they do across the state, they are winning awards for the imaginative, innovative and excellent projects they complete across the nation,” said Kevin Artl, President and CEO of ACEC Illinois. “We are proud that many Illinois engineering companies are honored with top awards, making the Land of Lincoln shine on the national stage.”
Five other Illinois engineering firms are to be honored with National Recognition Awards for their outstanding work on transformational infrastructure projects. These companies made the 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards Top 24 winners list, and their projects were adjudged among the most outstanding in the nation.
“Congratulations to all the award winners for this well-deserved recognition,” said Jerald T. Payonk, Chair of the ACEC Illinois Board of Directors. “Illinois engineering firms are doing magnificent work designing, constructing and upgrading many complex parts of the critical infrastructure of our great state. We are happy to see their efforts recognized nationally and rewarded by leaders in the industry.”
The National Recognition Award winners include the following ACEC Illinois engineering firms and projects:
- HDR– Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Bridges over 87th Street and Roberts Road (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.
- Epstein and Sons International Inc.– Flyover in Chicago at Navy Pier (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.
- EXP U.S. Services Inc.– Replacement of Nettle Creek Aqueduct (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.
- Strand Associates, Inc.– Sequoit Creek Park (Village of Antioch)
A community-focused park project delivering integrated design and construction oversight for utilities, stormwater management, hardscaping, and structural improvements.
- GRAEF– Kennedy Expressway (I-90/I-94) Rehabilitation Project (Illinois Department of Transportation)
A major rehabilitation effort improving safety, traffic flow, and reliability on one of Illinois’ busiest transportation corridors.
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/.