APWA Public Works Projects of the Year
The American Public Works Association (APWA) Public Works Projects of the Year honor excellence in the management and administration of public works projects. The work behind these projects often go unseen yet the people behind them help make every community run smoothly and better everyday lives.
The projects are broken down into 6 categories: small cities/ rural communities, disaster or emergency construction/repair, environment, historical restoration/preservation, structures and transportation.
Disaster or Emergency Construction/ Repair <$5 Million: Cañada Del Oro Wash Levee Augmentation
In the aftermath of the Bighorn Fire of 2020, the Cañada Del Oro, in the town of Oro Valley, Arizona experienced an increase of sediment deposited downstream. This decreased the capacity of the wash and left the town vulnerable to flooding. The installation of 3,000 linear feet of concrete flood walls as well as 2,580 linear feet of lime-treated aggregate base reformed the critical flood control needs.The project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget while complying with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regulations. The project was completed in October 2024 and increased the safety and quality of life for residents.
Managing Agency: Pima County Regional Flood Control District
Primary Contractor: KE&G Construction, Inc.
Primary Consultant: Solis Engineering Company
Photo Credit: KE&G Construction, Inc.
Transportation $5-25 Million: Chaska Downtown Highway 41 Improvements
The City of Chaska, Minnesota, desired for a revitalization of their downtown, however the transportation network impeded this vision. The project reconfigured the transportation infrastructure and included the reconstruction of Highway 41 and Chaska Boulevard. It also condensed four lanes to three, added a pedestrian tunnel under Highway 41, wider walkways and buffering streetscapes. A comprehensive plan was developed to preserve indigenous burial mounds close to the site. After reopening in October 2023, data provided a 34 percent decrease in crashes and the residents see the improvement as safer and more inviting.
Managing Agency: City of Chaska, Minnesota
Primary Contractor: S.M. Hentges & Sons
Primary Consultant: Bolton & Menk
Photo Credit: Bolton & Menk
Transportation $25-75 Million: Index-Galena Road Flood Repair
Snohomish County faced a record flood from the North Fork Skykomish River in November 2006. This led to Index-Galena Road to be completely washed out in multiple sections, leading all drivers on a 40-mile detour. The repair is within a national forest, it required extensive interagency coordination with external government agencies. Despite delays due to regulations and a landslide, the one mile project was completed during a total of 435 working days. The project successfully built a mile stretch of roadway while removing prior manmade and natural debris. To ensure the road’s safety in the future five geosynthetic retaining walls, 15 pipe culverts and one armored box culvert were installed. 80 guests and one black bear were in attendance at the reopening on November 4, 2023.
Managing Agency: Snohomish County Public Work
Primary Contractor: Goodfellow Bros.
Primary Consultant: WSP USA
Photo Credit: Snohomish County Public Works
Transportation >$75 Million: SR 520 Montlake to Lake Washington Interchange and Bridge Project
In Seattle, Washington, the SR 520 Montlake to Lake Washington Interchange and Bridge provides an integral connection across Lake Washington. The initial hollow column infrastructure of the bridge and interchange in 1964, leaves it vulnerable to earthquakes and cannot withstand modern traffic needs. During construction they prioritized sustainable solutions like precast components and accelerated bridge construction techniques to reduce waste. Completed, it features a 1.1 mile, 40-span, base isolated approach bridge, a three-acre landscaped lid structure for community open space and shared-use path tunnel. Leading design innovation in the Pacific Northwest, it was completed in July 2025.
Managing Agency: Washington State Department of Transportation
Primary Contractor: Graham Contracting, Ltd.
Primary Consultant: TYLin International
Photo Credit: Washington State Department of Transportation
This feature appears in our October issue
