2025 Awards Season

Celebrating a Great Awards Season

We’re excited to share that our amazing clients at HEI have racked up some impressive project awards. These honors really show off their vision and dedication to excellence, and we’re thrilled to have been part of their journey. It’s all about teamwork and innovation, and these awards prove just how powerful our partnerships can be. Congrats to our clients for their hard work and well-deserved recognition! Here’s a recap of awards:

City of Pelican Rapids Dam Removal, River Restoration, and Pedestrian Bridge

In 2025, HEI submitted the Pelican Rapids Dam Removal, River Restoration, and Pedestrian Bridge to the Water Resources category of the Minnesota ACEC EEA and were selected for a Grand Award! This project included the removal and replacement of a high hazard dam built in the 1880s for a sawmill. HEI and a geotechnical consultant previously worked together to provide alternative solutions for the aging structure. The preferred alternative replaced the dam with rock rapids, which improved safety, aquatic habitat, allowed fish and other stream species to freely navigate and repopulate the upstream side of the dam.

The project also included relocation and restoration of the historic Pelican Pete monument and preserved the connectivity of downtown Pelican Rapids and nearby parks by constructing a pedestrian bridge over the rapids. The removal of the dam and installation of rock arch rapids restored the river’s connectivity and recreated the historic river in the reservoir bed upstream the dam. Learn more about the project here.

I-29 Bridge, Road Design and Grade Raise

The I-29 Bridge, Road Design and Grade Raise project was the winner of the ACEC North Dakota award in the Structural Systems category. The F-M Area Diversion Project is a significant initiative aimed at protecting the Fargo-Moorhead metro area from catastrophic flooding. The project includes constructing a 30-mile diversion channel, a 20-mile earthen embankment, three gated control structures, and two aqueducts. Upon completion in 2027, it will provide flood protection for over 235,000 people and their properties, ensuring the safety and resilience of the community.

The staging pool south of the Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Southern Embankment will impact I-29 during operation of the Diversion. To raise the edge of the roadway above the 500-year pool elevation and maintain mobility throughout the region during large flood events, approximately 4.5 miles of interstate are being raised from south of Cass County Road 18 to south of the existing Wild Rice River crossing south of Fargo. The project includes the replacement of one structure and construction of two additional new structures. Two 389-foot, three-span prestressed concrete I-beam bridges provide sufficient waterway area to maintain operation of the Diversion during large flood events. The two new structures are at the I-29 crossing over the Diversion Borrow Ditch. The structure replacement is the Cass County Road 18 overpass structure. The Cass County Road 18 overpass is a 293-foot, three-span prestressed concrete I-beam and will maintain a minimum vertical clearance of 16 feet and 6 inches over the interstate. HEI performed design services for the structures, coordinating closely with the US Army Corps of Engineers, Metro Flood Diversion Authority, and the North Dakota Department of Transportation to ensure their standards and expectations were met.
Learn more about the project here.

Bismarck State Street Safety Improvements and Preventative Maintenance

The Bismarck State Street project was the winner of the ACEC North Dakota award in the Transportation category. The State Street Safety Improvements and Preventative Maintenance project, led by HEI, aimed to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability along State Street in Bismarck, North Dakota. Addressing increased traffic volumes and high accident rates, the project included upgrades to outdated traffic signal systems with modern technology, addition and extension of turn lanes, and modifications to median access to improve traffic flow and safety. Extensive utility coordination and public engagement secured a smooth project execution. The project also upgraded curb ramps to meet ADA standards, improved roadway lighting, and conducted concrete pavement rehabilitation to extend the road’s lifespan. These efforts collectively improved traffic management, reduced congestion, and promoted long-term sustainability, serving as a model for future infrastructure projects in North Dakota. The successful implementation of these improvements has significantly enhanced the quality of life for the community, making daily commutes safer and more efficient. The project’s success underscores the importance of integrating modern engineering solutions with proactive public engagement to achieve sustainable and impactful results. Overall, the State Street Safety Improvements and Preventative Maintenance project successfully addressed the critical safety and operational issues along one of Bismarck’s busiest corridors.
Learn more about the project here.

Northwest Area Water Supply (NAWS) South Prairie Water Storage and Control Enhancement

The Northwest Area Water Supply (NAWS) South Prairie Reservoir and Control Structure project was the winner of the NDRM&CPA Gold Star Award in the Site Cast/Tilt Up Category! The NAWS project is a key part of the NAWS system in northwest North Dakota and the South Prairie Reservoir represents a significant part of the NAWS system. It aimed to enhance water storage and control infrastructure to meet the region’s water demands.

The project involved constructing a large water storage tank and control systems, including managing the construction process, integrating control systems, and ensuring everything was properly documented and inspected. The tank was built using advanced concrete techniques to ensure it remains watertight and durable. The construction process included creating a strong foundation, casting concrete panels on-site, and using specialized methods to protect the tank from damage. The tank design is highly efficient and requires minimal maintenance. It includes features to help with water disinfection and is built to last for 60-80 years. The project also focused on sustainability by using materials and methods that reduce environmental impact. Using concrete for the tank helps keep the water safe from contaminants and maintains a cooler temperature throughout the year. Concrete is also durable and requires less maintenance compared to other materials.
Learn more about the project here.

52nd Ave. South Roadway – West of 63rd Street to Sheyenne Street
52nd Ave. Bridge and Hydraulic Control Structure

The 52nd Ave. Bridge and Roadway projects were winners of both the NDRM&CPA Gold Star Award in the Bridge and Street Paving Categories, as well as the Outstanding Design Award from the NDSPE at both the chapter and state level. Commercial and residential development around the 52nd Avenue South corridor in Fargo continues to grow quickly along with the needs for infrastructure to meet these new demands. The growing Deer Creek community had an especially difficult time accessing 52nd Avenue South due to a lack of traffic control features. Pedestrian safety along the roadway was an issue since there was no protected crossing in the area. HEI and our partner worked with the Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Council of Governments (Metro COG), the City of Fargo, and the North Dakota Department of Transportation to study this corridor to determine the infrastructure needed to better serve the growing population.
Learn more about the project here.

Hogue Island Bank Stabilization Project

The Hogue Island Stabilization project was the recipient of the NDSPE Project of the Year Award! The project, located in Bismarck, ND, was designed and construction managed by HEI, aiming to address severe erosion along the Missouri River. This erosion damaged four USACE federally constructed hardpoints, one structure, and eight residential properties, with the erosion extending 20-40 feet into their lots.
Learn more about the project here.