The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) received four Diamond Awards for Engineering Excellence from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Pennsylvania (ACEC/PA) for "projects that demonstrate a high degree of achievement, value and innovation" across Pennsylvania.

The awards were presented at the ACEC/PA's annual gala on Jan. 22, 2026, in Lancaster, Pa. The Diamond Awards recognize projects across the commonwealth that exemplified superior safety, innovation and engineering quality.

"The Pennsylvania Turnpike has set the standard for transportation since the day we opened. We remain dedicated to not only maintaining but also elevating the quality of our roadway to ensure safety for all who ride and work on it," said Mark Compton, PA Turnpike chief executive officer. "We are honored to be recognized alongside our partners for the innovative ways we're preserving and enhancing America's first superhighway."

The PA Turnpike, along with its external consulting partners that support these projects, were honored in the following categories, which includes a snippet of the ACEC PA's determination for the award:

• Studies, Research and Consulting — Breezewood interchange feasibility — supporting consulting partner: Michael Baker International: "The project highlights the engineering profession's role in shaping healthier, more livable communities. The study estimates a reduction in daily CO₂ emissions equivalent to the emissions produced by consuming 2,134 gallons of gasoline. Economically, the redesign could unlock acres of developable land, generate millions in long-term impact and support thousands of jobs."

• Structural Systems — Hawk Falls bridge replacement — supporting consulting partner: Modjeski and Masters, Inc.: "(The bridge structure is designed) with service-life in mind — prioritizing minimal maintenance, future adaptability and site conditions. The project demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to bridge engineering by combining structural efficiency and environmental sensitivity."

• Environmental — Stormwater management plan — supporting consulting partner: Michael Baker International: "The team implemented an inspection training program, a stormwater audit system and validated DIRT — a digital platform for tracking compliance data. They also launched a public facing webpage to promote transparency and submitted annual updates to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)."

• Workforce Impact Award — TQI shared interns program — partners: PennDOT; Associated Pennsylvania Constructors (APC); Michael Baker International; and Dering Consulting Group: "This initiative attracts technical and engineering students to transportation careers while building a robust recruitment pipeline for transportation organizations statewide. "This initiative attracts technical and engineering students to transportation careers while building a robust recruitment pipeline for transportation organizations statewide."

"This is a great recognition that reflects on our engineering department, the PA Turnpike and our partners whom we work with every day to bring these projects and ideas forward," said Brad Heigel, PA Turnpike chief engineer. "We're grateful for the ongoing partnerships that help drive the standard for safety and mobility while supporting our commitment to engaging those whose everyday lives are intertwined with ours."

All winning projects are now eligible for the National ACEC 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards, which takes place in May in Washington, D.C.

For more information, visit paturnpike.com/.