Chaska Downtown 41 Project Brings Home ACEC National Award

The Chaska Downtown Highway 41 Improvements project has been honored with a 2025 ACEC National Recognition Award, a prestigious recognition that celebrates outstanding engineering achievements across the country.

This award highlights the impact of the Downtown 41 project on the Chaska community. Through intentional design, thoughtful collaboration, and a strong commitment to sustainability and accessibility, the project has revitalized a key corridor, enhancing safety, mobility, and the overall downtown experience for residents and visitors alike.

To increase safety and calm traffic, the project reduced Highway 41 from four lanes to a two-lane divided highway, added a raised median, and introduced dynamic speed signs and vertical streetscape elements. Parking was removed along the highway to allow for wider sidewalks and turn lanes, with new public lots added nearby to maintain accessibility and reduce roadside hazards. Extensive pedestrian upgrades, including ADA-compliant walkways, safer crossings, and a new trail underpass—now connect key downtown destinations and regional trails.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to this achievement. Your creativity, dedication, and teamwork made this recognition possible.

Explore how this award-winning initiative reimagined downtown Chaska.