Engineering Excellence: Two Projects Receive ACEC/MN Awards
Two Bolton & Menk projects received Engineering Excellence awards from the Minnesota Chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC/MN). The City of Chaska’s TH 41 Downtown Improvements project received an Engineering Excellence Grand Award and Worthington Public Utilities’ Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements project received an Engineering Excellence Honor Award. These awards recognize engineering projects that demonstrate an exceptional degree of innovation, complexity, achievement, and value. The project teams were presented with their awards on Friday, February 21 at the ACEC/MN Engineering Excellence Awards Gala.
TH 41 Downtown Improvements, City of Chaska, Minnesota
The City of Chaska aimed to revitalize its downtown area to become a central hub for community activities, reflecting its historic charm and small-town values. However, the transportation network, featuring State Highway 41 and County Highway 61, posed significant challenges. These major highways, essential for regional traffic, created a difficult environment for residents, businesses, and pedestrians, hindering the city’s vision.
To address these challenges, a collaborative effort involving the City of Chaska, MnDOT, Carver County, and Bolton & Menk was initiated. The project involved a comprehensive review of various engineering and planning measures to balance local and regional transportation needs. Through partnerships and compromises, the team evaluated multiple alternatives, including different lane configurations, to find a solution that met the needs of all stakeholders. Bolton & Menk facilitated the agencies in identifying a vision supported by all.
The project, completed in October 2023, resulted in a transportation system rooted in strong partnerships and flexible design. The $32 million investment significantly reduces traffic crashes, improves local connectivity, and enhances pedestrian accommodations. The innovative 2-lane section with local access and beautification efforts transformed Highway 41, serving as a model for future projects. This holistic approach successfully integrated local and regional goals, revitalizing downtown Chaska as envisioned.
Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements, Worthington Public Utilities
Worthington Public Utilities (WPU) faced significant challenges with their aging wastewater treatment facility, which required extensive improvements to meet current and future regulatory standards. The existing multi-stage trickling filter system was outdated and insufficient for achieving stringent nutrient removal limits.
Bolton & Menk partnered with WPU to provide comprehensive engineering services for the Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements project. This included planning, design, bidding, construction management, and start-up training. The project involved transitioning to an activated sludge process, upgrading existing infrastructure, and incorporating innovative technologies to enhance efficiency and adaptability. Bolton & Menk coordinated with multiple stakeholders and secured funding through the Clean Water Revolving Fund. The project spanned nearly eight years, from initial planning in 2016 to completion in 2024.
The project resulted in a modernized wastewater treatment facility that meets current permit limits and is adaptable for future requirements. The new system provides greater control over nutrient removal, improved operational efficiency, and significant cost savings. The community now benefits from enhanced public health, safety, and environmental protection, with a foundation for sustainable growth and development for the next 50+ years.
Engineering excellence at its finest! Discover the innovation behind our award-winning projects and learn how these exceptional efforts are making a difference.
