CHICAGO – Time is running out to weigh in on the most outstanding engineering project through the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois’ (ACEC Illinois) fourth annual Engineering Works competition.
The contest, part of ACEC Illinois’ Engineering Excellence Awards program, invites the public to vote from a wide list of nominees. 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. Public voting closes Wednesday, Feb. 18, when the winner will be announced at the 2026 Engineering Works Award at the ACEC Illinois Engineering Excellence Awards gala at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago in Rosemont.
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,” Kevin Artl, ACEC Illinois president and CEO, said in a recent news release. “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 representing categories including transportation, structural systems, innovative materials, special projects, and small projects. Voters should consider design excellence, construction quality, aesthetics, and community impact.
Previous winners
Last year’s winner was Ardmore Roderick, recognized for mobility improvements at Jackson Park for the Chicago Department of Transportation. Among the 2025 honorees were two with Quad Cities ties: the critical structural safety upgrades to the Centennial Bridge by WHKS and White Construction, LLC; and the Rock Island-based IMEG for its work on the new Rockford Public Library.
“Thanks to Rebuild Illinois and the expertise of our engineering community, the modernization of Illinois’ infrastructure will benefit residents for generations,” Jerald T. Payonk, ACEC Illinois board chair, said. “This year’s nominees represent the highest standards of innovation, design, and excellence.”
The public can view project photos and vote once at www.acecileea.com/engineering-works. Online voting will conclude Wednesday, Feb. 18, when the winner will be announced at the 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards gala.
2026 nominees
The projects and engineering teams nominated for the 2026 awards are:
- Botany Pond Restoration – TERRA Engineering Ltd. (University of Chicago).
- Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Bridges over 87th Street and Roberts Road – HDR (Illinois Tollway), at the intersection of Hickory Hills, Justice, and Bridgeview
- Flyover in Chicago at Navy Pier – A. Epstein and Sons International Inc. (Flyover Attractions by Pursuit).
- Replacement of Nettle Creek Aqueduct – EXP U.S. Services Inc. (Capital Development Board) in Morris.
- Runways 1-19 & 15-33 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport – Crawford, Murphy & Tilly (Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority), an Illinois-led pavement and lighting replacement project at the airport in Arlington, Virginia.
- Sequoit Creek Park – Strand Associates, Inc. (Village of Antioch).
- Kennedy Expressway (I-90/I-94) Rehabilitation Project – GRAEF (Illinois Department of Transportation).
- Washington Street Bridge and Downtown Streetscape Improvements – CivilTech Engineering, Inc. (City of Naperville).
With a history dating back more than 100 years, ACEC Illinois represents more than 11,000 engineers, architects, land surveyors and other specialists. Its mission is to strengthen the business environment for member firms through government advocacy, political action, and business education. For more information, visit www.acecil.org.
