KANSAS CITY, MO — A project that navigated unique weather and global challenges to modernize a critical transportation system has won an Engineering Excellence Award from the Kansas Chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC).

The Lewis & Clark Viaduct is one of several major updates the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is making to critical systems throughout the state. The viaduct is a series of bridges that carry eastbound and westbound Interstate 70 (I-70) traffic over the West Bottoms and Kansas River, providing a vital connection between the communities of Kansas City, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri. Identified in a 2011 study completed by KDOT, the first phase of the Lewis & Clark Viaduct project included the reconstruction of the westbound I-70 bridge from the Missouri state line westward through the West Bottoms area of Kansas City, Kansas, to the west bank of the Kansas River.

“We are proud of this project’s role as a critical connection to surrounding communities,” said Kim Curry, Project Manager at Burns & McDonnell. “In order to pave the way in designing such a successful project, we partnered and collaborated with stakeholders and the community throughout the process.”

The project built upon previous planning by KDOT and provided a design that will accommodate the future realignment of I-70 across the Kansas River, which will improve the safety of motorists and minimize disruptions to traffic during future phases.

“This sets the foundation for future growth in the growing Kansas City region,” Curry said. “Burns & McDonnell is thrilled to deliver this landmark that improves safety and mobility for thousands of Kansas City drivers each day.”

Burns & McDonnell served as the primary design consultant and coordinated project activities ranging from early stakeholder outreach through final plans design, bid documents, and continued public involvement. Additionally, throughout construction, Burns & McDonnell provided construction services for KDOT.