Six WSP Projects Earn Prestigious ACEC Honors for Engineering Excellence

WASHINGTON, D.C. — WSP has been recognized with multiple honors in the 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA) competition presented by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), led by an Honor Award for the Mitchell Point Tunnel project in Oregon. 

ACEC Honor Award: Mitchell Point Tunnel

WSP designed the reconstructed Mitchell Point Tunnel. (Photo courtesy of ODOT)

WSP received an ACEC Honor Award in the Transportation category for its work on the historic Mitchell Point Tunnel, a reconstructed pedestrian and bicycle passageway along the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail in Hood River County, Oregon. 

The project transformed a long-lost mountainside vehicular tunnel — originally opened in 1915 and destroyed in the 1960s — into a 655-foot-long scenic trail passageway carved into the basalt cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge. Designed in coordination with the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, the tunnel re-establishes a critical recreational link while preserving the area’s historic and natural character. 

WSP led all design-related aspects of the project, including feasibility studies, alternatives analysis, detailed engineering and construction support. The design incorporates five scenic openings that provide natural light and sweeping views of the Columbia River, eliminating the need for artificial lighting and minimizing environmental impacts in a federally protected scenic area. 

“The Mitchell Point Tunnel stands out not only for its engineering complexity, but for the care taken to honor history, landscape and public experience,” said John Horne, senior vice president, WSP in the U.S., and project manager. “Being recognized by ACEC with an Honor Award is a tremendous acknowledgment of the team’s dedication and craftsmanship.” 

Additional Recognitions

WSP contributed to several other projects recognized in ACEC’s EEA program at the national and regional levels: 

• National Recognition Award – Studies, Research and Consulting Engineering Services: The Stitch Master Plan (Atlanta, Georgia). WSP served as the prime consultant, providing project management, technical delivery and coordination for this transformational cap-park master plan reconnecting Atlanta neighborhoods divided by Interstate 75/85. 
• National Recognition Award – Structural Systems: U.S. Route 30 over Beach Thorofare Bridge Rehabilitation (Atlantic City, New Jersey). WSP provided structural, mechanical, electrical, geotechnical and environmental services for the rehabilitation of this historic movable bridge, extending its service life while maintaining uninterrupted access for roadway and marine users. 
• Regional ACEC Bronze Award – Transportation: Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) West Route Mainline over South Elm Street (Haverhill, Massachusetts). WSP provided structural engineering services for this MBTA rail infrastructure project supporting commuter rail reliability and safety. 
• National Recognition Award – Structural Systems: Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center, GW Health (Washington, D.C.), a 136-bed, 406,696-square-foot facility, received a Merit Award recognizing the project team’s innovative engineering solutions. WSP in the U.S. served as the mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineer, and provided acoustic design, fire protection and technology services. 
• Grand Award – Special Projects: The Waterfront Seattle Program was also recognized for reinvigorating the city’s waterfront as an inviting, lively and family-friendly public space. WSP in the U.S. served as a contributing consultant on the project team, which was delivered by Jacobs as program manager and lead engineer. 

The ACEC EEA program is one of the industry’s most prestigious competitions, honoring projects that demonstrate exceptional engineering achievement, innovation and benefits to society. Projects are evaluated on complexity, uniqueness, social and economic impact and fulfillment of client needs. The awards were presented by ACEC at a gala ceremony in Washington, D.C. on May 5. 

About WSP in the U.S.  
WSP is one of the world’s leading professional services firms, uniting its engineering, advisory and science-based expertise to shape communities to advance humanity. From local beginnings to a globe-spanning presence today, WSP operates in more than 50 countries and employs approximately 83,000 professionals, known as Visioneers. WSP in the U.S.’s team of approximately 27,000 professionals pioneer solutions and deliver innovative projects across the transportation, infrastructure, environment, building, energy, water, and mining and metals sectors. 

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