After taking home the ACEC-Florida Engineering Excellence Award for our transformative work on the SR-821 Widening Project in South Florida earlier this year, WGI was invited to the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Engineering Excellence Award Gala in Washington, D.C. where we took home another monumental distinction with the 2025 American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) National Recognition Award!

This honor celebrates engineering projects that demonstrate outstanding ingenuity, technical sophistication, and positive societal impact.

Receiving national recognition from ACEC, a leading voice for the engineering industry across the country, underscores WGI’s dedication to delivering innovative infrastructure solutions that shape the future of our communities.

This achievement also marks the second consecutive year that WGI has earned a National Recognition Award from ACEC.

In 2024, WGI was honored for our geospatial contributions to the Brightline High-Speed Rail Project, highlighting our continued excellence across multiple disciplines and high-impact projects.

The Award-Winning Project

In partnership with the Florida Turnpike Enterprise (FTE), WGI led a comprehensive transformation of the Turnpike Mainline (SR-821) corridor – This major infrastructure upgrade expanded the corridor from six to ten lanes, integrating managed “Thru” lanes to significantly enhance regional traffic flow.

The project also included the complete reconstruction of collector-distributor (C-D) roadways serving multiple interchanges and the construction of direct connection flyover ramps at the SR-821/SR-836 system-to-system interchange, improving efficiency, safety, and capacity for one of South Florida’s most vital travel routes.

Key Highlights of the Project:

• Innovative Engineering: WGI employed advanced 3D modeling and digital delivery tools to tackle design complexities, enhance constructability reviews, and produce impactful visualizations for stakeholder engagement.
• Comprehensive Improvements: The design and construction included 16 bridge sites, many complex Category II structures, major roadway expansions, extensive utility relocations, stormwater system upgrades, and modern highway lighting installations throughout the corridor.
• Sustainability and Community Impact: The project has significantly improved travelers’ quality of life by redirecting heavy truck traffic and easing local congestion. Upgrades to local routes, like NW 117th Avenue, have bolstered traffic flow and supported economic activity in surrounding communities.
• Accelerated Deliver:– Completed 296 days ahead of schedule, the early delivery was achieved through proactive problem-solving, stakeholder coordination, and value engineering practices.

National Recognition for a Regionally Transformative Project

Receiving the ACEC National Recognition Award places WGI and the SR-821 Widening Project among the nation’s most exemplary engineering achievements.

The award celebrates not only technical excellence but also the project’s transformative impact on Miami-Dade County’s transportation network.

This vital corridor supports key economic hubs, including Miami International Airport, the Port of Miami, and the Greater Miami Expressway (GMX), serving millions of drivers annually and strengthening the region’s economic engine.

Additionally, improvements such as the conversion of NW 117th Avenue into a northbound-only route with direct Turnpike access are helping streamline local mobility and support future growth with resilient infrastructure.

WGI’s Ongoing Commitment to Excellence

This national honor reaffirms WGI’s dedication to delivering infrastructure solutions that exceed expectations and leave lasting impacts.

Through collaboration, cutting-edge tools, and a people-first approach, WGI continues to set the bar for innovation in engineering – The success of the SR-821 Widening Project is a testament to what’s possible when visionary planning, stakeholder engagement, and technical expertise align.

Let’s Build the Future, Together

Inspired by this achievement, WGI is more motivated than ever to continue creating sustainable, efficient, and award-winning solutions.

So, if you’re ready to make your next project a success story, contact WGI’s expert team today and discover how our firm’s experience and expertise can tranform your project into an award-winner!