Three projects designed by CHA Consulting, Inc. (CHA) have received National Recognition Awards at the 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA) National Competition, hosted by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC). The awards, presented at the national gala on May 5, 2026, in Washington, D.C., represent one of the highest honors in the engineering profession and recognize projects that deliver exceptional technical innovation and public value.
The EEA program celebrates engineering achievements that demonstrate creativity, complexity, and meaningful impact on communities. Projects advance to the national stage only after earning top recognition at the state level and are evaluated by a jury of industry, government, and academic leaders.
This year’s honored CHA projects reflect a cross-section of how we shape communities nationwide, from water system modernization to transportation resilience and pedestrian connectivity.
In Massachusetts, the Maffa Way and Mystic Avenue Bridge Replacement earned national recognition for addressing one of the most constrained transportation environments in Greater Boston. The project navigated a complex setting spanning active rail lines and an interstate viaduct, requiring precise engineering and construction sequencing to maintain uninterrupted mobility throughout delivery. Innovative ultra-shallow girder design, advanced modeling, and phased construction strategies enabled continuous rail, roadway, and pedestrian operations while significantly improving safety, structural resilience, and long-term performance.
The New River Valley Regional Water Authority Water Treatment Plant Modernization in Virginia represents a comprehensive upgrade of a critical regional facility serving multiple communities, including Virginia Tech. The project expanded treatment capacity, rehabilitated aging infrastructure, and introduced system improvements designed to support evolving water quality standards and regulatory requirements. By integrating long-term planning with engineered flexibility, the modernization strengthens regional water resilience and positions the facility to respond to future demand and environmental uncertainty.
In Virginia, the Rocky Gap Greenway Phoenix Bridge transformed a historic pedestrian crossing into a renewed community asset along Wolf Creek. Developed in close coordination with local stakeholders and grassroots partners, the project restored a vital connection between neighborhoods while enhancing access to recreation and outdoor spaces. The design restored and reopened the historical character of the Phoenix Bridge for pedestrians while improving safety, accessibility, and durability, reinforcing the bridge’s role as a community landmark.
These nationally recognized projects demonstrate the breadth of challenges CHA teams are resolving through digitally enabled design, constructability-focused engineering, and early collaboration with clients and stakeholders. Across water, transportation, and community infrastructure, these projects highlight how integrated planning and innovation can reduce risk, unlock long-term value, and deliver infrastructure that continues to serve communities well beyond project completion.
The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) represents nearly 5,500 firms employing more than 640,000 engineers, architects, land surveyors, highly trained specialists, and licensed professionals who design and improve our world. ACEC is a federation of 51 state and metropolitan Member Organizations that advocate for America’s engineering companies and promote their essential value to society. Learn more at ACEC’s official website.