Route 61 water line relocation project receives national recognition
BLYTHE TOWNSHIP – A local engineering firm is receiving national recognition for a water line relocation project related to the ongoing Route 61 project.
Alfred Benesch and Co., Pottsville, received a national recognition award for exemplary engineering achievement in the 59th Engineering Excellence Awards.
The engineering firm was recognized for designing a project to relocate 20,000 feet of water mains as part of the Route 61 reconstruction project.
Benesch designed a dedicated utility corridor on county-owned land, strategically positioned outside the PennDOT right-of-way. The forward-thinking approach minimized the need for acquiring additional right-of-way, reduced permitting complexity, and set a new precedent for collaboration between public agencies.
Along with relocating the water line, the project team also integrated upgrades to the Schuylkill River Trail adjacent to the highway.
Judging for the awards program took place in February and was conducted by a national 32-member panel of built environment leaders, along with experts from government, the media, and academia.
Award criteria focused on uniqueness and originality, technical innovation, social and economic value, and excitement generated toward the engineering profession.
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