Congratulations to the 2024 Project of the Year recipients honored by the Minnesota County Engineers Association (MCEA), American Public Works Association–Minnesota Chapter (APWA–MN), and City Engineers Association of Minnesota (CEAM). Summaries below are drawn from agencies’ project submissions. Find the full list of awards and detailed information at the association websites.
MCEA Project of the Year: Pope County CSAH 17
This improvement project to CSAH 17 in Pope County involved construction planning that utilized a performance-based design methodology. The project’s goals addressed public safety, pedestrians, environmental concerns, deteriorating pavement conditions, and roadway drainage. A construction schedule was developed to minimize disruptions and maintain property access for property owners adjacent to Lake Minnewaska.
APWA–MN Project of the Year–Outstate: Fergus Falls Downtown Riverfront Improvements Project
The City of Fergus Falls adopted a Downtown and Riverfront Master Plan in 2018, identifying economic, recreation, and community gathering space opportunities throughout the Otter Tail River corridor and the city. Since then, the project results include a river market structure, regional bike trail, pedestrian improvements (including upgraded sidewalks, multiuse paths, and ADA-compliant pedestrian facilities), decorative concrete, and public gathering spaces incorporating interactive water/art features and a splash pad. The Market Pavilion, operational for two seasons, averaged more than 100 events each year, ranging from farmer’s markets to wedding rehearsal dinners.
APWA–MN Project of the Year–Structures: City of Wayzata Panoway on Wayzata Bay
The City of Wayzata had a vision to recapture the connection between downtown and its most valuable asset, Lake Minnetonka, which have been separated by a railway since 1867. The Panoway on Wayzata Bay project created new community gathering spaces, expanded the regional trail system, provided expanded dock facilities for visitors, and, most importantly, created a safe and accessible lakefront to users of all ages and backgrounds through the construction of a new lake walk and enhanced pedestrian railroad crossings.
CEAM Project of the Year–Transportation and APWA–MN Project of the Year–Transportation: City of Chaska Highway 41 Reconstruction Project
Two major four-lane highways traverse downtown Chaska—State Highway 41 and County Highway 61. Although the downtown area thrives on direct access to these important roadways, it is also hampered by the challenging environment for local residents, business patrons, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Collaborating with MnDOT and Carver County, the City of Chaska sought a shared vision to balance local and regional transportation needs. The Highway 41 project introduced a holistic solution anchored by three lanes with local access, pedestrian enhancements, more streetscape, and beautification.
APWA–MN Project of the Year–Transportation Honorable Mention: City of Edina Blake Road Reconstruction Project
Used by roughly 8,000 vehicles per day, Blake Road serves as a popular route between two major freeways and an alternate for two major highways in Edina. The community envisioned a multimodal roadway that would address operational and safety concerns of two existing T-intersections and substandard curves in the narrow existing corridor while managing the close proximity to residences and water bodies. Following stakeholder outreach—including 3D modeling of alternatives—the team constructed a mini roundabout, which now also includes bicycle lanes, trails, and sidewalks. Driving permanent sheet piling along the edge of Mirror Lake allowed the project team to efficiently complete construction in a dry work area while protecting the natural environment and minimizing delays.
CEAM Project of the Year–Transportation Honorable Mention: City of Saint Paul, Capital City Bikeway–Kellogg Boulevard Phase I
The Capital City Bikeway–Kellogg Blvd. Phase I project strived to create a safe, connected, and accessible bicycle network throughout the City of Saint Paul. By integrating dedicated bikeways, pedestrian-friendly features, and urban design enhancements, the project improved mobility while supporting sustainability and economic development.