The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission received four Diamond Awards for Engineering Excellence from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Pennsylvania.

The awards are for “projects that demonstrate a high degree of achievement, value and innovation,”were presented at the ACEC/PA’s annual gala on Jan. 22 in Lancaster.

The Diamond Awards recognize projects that exemplified superior safety, innovation and engineering quality.

“The Pennsylvania Turnpike has set the standard for transportation since the day we opened,” said turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “We remain dedicated to not only maintaining but also elevating the quality of our roadway to ensure safety for all who ride and work on it.

“We are honored to be recognized alongside our partners for the innovative ways we’re preserving and enhancing America’s first superhighway.”

The turnpike, along with its external consulting partners that support the projects, were honored in the following categories, which include a snippet of the ACEC PA’s determination for the award:

• Studies, Research and Consulting — Breezewood Interchange Feasibility (partner Michael Baker International): “The project highlights the engineering profession’s role in shaping healthier, more livable communities. The study estimates a reduction in daily CO2 emissions equivalent to the emissions produced by consuming 2,134 gallons of gasoline. Economically, the redesign could unlock acres of developable land, generate millions in long-term impact and support thousands of jobs.”

• Structural Systems — Hawk Falls Bridge Replacement (partner Modjeski and Masters Inc.): “(The bridge structure is designed) with service-life in mind — prioritizing minimal maintenance, future adaptability, and site conditions. The project demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to bridge engineering by combining structural efficiency and environmental sensitivity.”

• Environmental — Stormwater Management Plan (partner Michael Baker International): “The team implemented an inspection training program, a stormwater audit system, and validated DIRT — a digital platform for tracking compliance data. They also launched a webpage to promote transparency and submitted annual updates to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).”

• Workforce Impact Award — TQI Shared Interns Program (partners PennDOT, Associated Pennsylvania Constructors, Michael Baker International and Dering Consulting Group): “This initiative attracts technical and engineering students to transportation careers while building a robust recruitment pipeline for transportation organizations statewide. This initiative attracts technical and engineering students to transportation careers while building a robust recruitment pipeline for transportation organizations statewide.”

Turnpike Chief Engineer Brad Heigel called the awards “a great recognition” that reflects on the turnpike, its engineering department and its partners.

“We’re grateful for the ongoing partnerships that help drive the standard for safety and mobility while supporting our commitment to engaging those whose everyday lives are intertwined with ours,” Heigel said.

Winning projects are now eligible for the National ACEC 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards, which takes place in May in Washington, D.C.