Five Benesch Projects Recognized by ACEC-NE
STATEWIDE, NE—The American Council of Engineering Companies of Nebraska (ACEC-NE) recognized five Benesch projects as part of the 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards. Spanning environmental restoration, infrastructure resilience, urban improvements and mobility planning, the projects were honored for restoring natural systems, strengthening critical infrastructure and improving connections for communities across Nebraska.
Learn more about the projects below or read about them in a special edition of the Omaha World-Herald.
Ashland Wetland Mitigation Bank
Honor Award & Category Winner
Category E: Environmental
The 110-acre Ashland Wetland Mitigation Bank is a key component of the Nebraska Department of Transportation’s long-term wetland mitigation banking program. Benesch led the planning, permitting and design of the multi-phase restoration, converting former farmland into functional wetland through strategic grading, hydrologic modifications and a high diversity seed mix. The project now provides a reliable, sustainable source of mitigation credits for future infrastructure improvements across the region.
Copper Creek Interceptor Relocation
Honor Award
Category F: Water & Wastewater
The Copper Creek Interceptor Relocation project strengthened critical wastewater infrastructure for the City of Omaha by removing an aerial sewer crossing and relocating the interceptor outside the levee system and away from the confluence of two creeks. Benesch’s design replaced aging infrastructure with a multi-pipe siphon system that reduces risk to levees and the interceptor located in the floodway. The result is a more resilient, long-term solution that protects essential services and the surrounding community.
Saddle Creek & Leavenworth Intersection
Honor Award
Category H: Transportation
The Saddle Creek & Leavenworth Intersection project transformed one of Omaha’s busiest corridors into a safer, more accessible gateway serving the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and surrounding community. Benesch partnered with the City of Omaha and UNMC to provide design and construction engineering services to deliver coordinated roadway, utility and pedestrian improvements on an accelerated schedule, enhancing mobility and safety while supporting long-term campus growth.
WRRF Consolidation Plans
Honor Award
Category I: Special Projects
The WRRF Consolidation Plans project helped the City of Lincoln modernize and organize nearly a century of records for its Theresa Street and Northeast Water Resource Recovery Facilities. Benesch partnered with City staff to consolidate thousands of plan sheets into a structured, searchable system that supports maintenance, emergency response and long-term asset management. The project improves access to critical infrastructure information and strengthens operational efficiency across the facilities.
La Vista Active Mobility Plan
Merit Award
Category A: Studies, Research & Consulting Engineering Services
The La Vista Active Mobility Plan outlines a practical strategy to improve mobility and connectivity throughout the rapidly growing Nebraska community. Developed with the City of La Vista and MAPA, the plan identifies priority corridors and phased investments in sidewalks, trails and on-street bicycle facilities. Backed by strong public engagement and data analysis, the plan provides a clear path toward safer and more accessible mobility options.
The projects will be formally recognized at the ACEC-NE Engineering Excellence Awards Gala on April 23.
