HOUSTON, TX — The Northeast Transmission Line has been honored with a National Recognition Award in the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) 2025 Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA) competition. This is the largest water line project in Houston, Texas' history.

Spanning 16.5 miles, the Northeast Transmission Line is designed to convey treated surface water from the Northeast Water Purification Plant westward to various take points. This project is pivotal in meeting the region's projected water demand and ensuring compliance with the Harris Galveston Subsidence District mandate to reduce overall groundwater consumption. The line, constructed in 13 segments, was a partnership between City of Houston, North Harris County Regional Water Authority, Central Harris County Regional Water Authority, and North Fort Bend Water Authority. It featured innovative engineering solutions such as "hot tap" interconnections and extensive tunneling to navigate urban challenges.

“This award highlights the dedication and expertise of our team in delivering a solution that meets the community’s immediate needs and sets a standard for future infrastructure projects," said Christine Kirby, PE, ENV SP, the Project Manager for the Northeast Transmission Line. "The Northeast Transmission Line reflects our commitment to engineering excellence and sustainable development."

Planning, engineering, and program management firm Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. served as technical advisor and was involved in complex coordination with multiple stakeholders. The project pipeline ranges in diameter from 54 to 120 inches and traverses developed urban areas with major roadways, rail lines, and bayous, delivering water to more than 4 million people across the Houston region.