ACEC-Montana is pleased to announce the results of it's 2008 Engineering Excellence Awards Competition.

The ACEC-Montana Grand Project Award will be presented to WGM Group Inc. for their work on the Brooks/South/Russell Intersection Improvements in Missoula.  This project transformed the once dreaded “Malfunction Junction” into a vibrant part of Missoula with improved sidewalks, landscaping, and bike lanes.  Since reconstruction, the area has seen a rise in redevelopment, new businesses, and private investment.   Through innovative design, WGM Group successfully reconfigured the intersection, meeting the expectations and financial goals of the City and its residents.

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In addition, the following projects will receive Honor Awards in each of their respective categories:

Structural Systems Category:
Gallatin Valley Maxillofacial and Aesthetic Surgery Center:  Nishkian Monks, PLLC.....This unique facility was designed to blur the line between the very technical aspects of a medical facility with the softness and comfort of a residential poject. This is accomplished through strategic use of materials, open spaces, large windows, balconies, and exposed structural elements.

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Studies, Research, and Consulting Engineering Services Category:
MT 78 Corridor Study:  HKM Engineering, Inc.......As the first Corridor Study completed in the State of Montana, this new process demonstrates how better coordination of planning and environmental compliance can translate into time and money savings during project development.  

Views of the MT 78 Corridor

   

Transportation Category:
Brooks/South/Russell Intersection Improvements:  WGM Group Inc......... This project transformed the once dreaded “Malfunction Junction” into a vibrant part of Missoula with improved sidewalks, landscaping, and bike lanes.  Since reconstruction, the area has seen a rise in redevelopment, new businesses, and private investment.   Through innovative design, WGM Group successfully reconfigured the intersection, meeting the expectations and financial goals of the City.

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Water and Wastewater Category:
Cut Bank Creek Intake and Off-stream Reservoir:  Morrison-Maierle, Inc.....The completed projects provide the City with a higher level of confidence in their ability to deliver water to their customers during periods of drought. They also provide Cut Bank greater flexibility and control in operating its water system with which to provide consistent high quality water and more efficient distribution throughout the city.

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Small Projects Category (under $1,000,000): 
Valley West Pedestrian Bridges: Nishkian Monks, PLLC.......... These bridges are pushed to their structural limits in order to express the architect's design vision. Moreover, the uniquely complex design needed to be achieved with a relatively limited construction budget.    This was achieved through a  structural solution that assured ease of construction by modulating the fabrication of a structure which achieves its final strength only as a cohesive three dimensional unit.

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As winners of an Honor Award, each of these projects may be entered in the ACEC-National Engineering Excellence Awards Competition(http://www.acec.org/awards/eea.cfm).   ACEC-Montana will honor these winners at an upcoming membership meeting.

We would also like to thank our panel of judges who contributed substantial time and effort in the judging of this year's entries.

EEA Judges:
Dr. Dan VanLuchene, Engineering Professor - MSU
Dr. Leroy Friel, Engineering Professor - Montana Tech
Jim Reardon, City of Great Falls Public Works Director