03.04.20
Portland, OR – The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Oregon Chapter announced the 2020 Engineering Excellence award winners, including three projects Parametrix played a role in. The awards are given to projects that demonstrate an exceptional degree of innovation, complexity, achievement, and value.
Kemmer Road Intersection in Washington County (pictured above) received an Honor Award for improving mobility and safety with a new roundabout in an area with a rapidly growing population. Increased traffic associated with a new high school and several residential developments now travels smoothly through the intersection, reducing pollution associated with idling cars that had waited in long lines at a stop-controlled intersection. Additionally, new pedestrian and bike facilities will connect to regional trails.
Steve Boice (DKS Associates), John Willis (Parametrix), Charlie Stearns (Washington County), Brian Bierwagen (Parametrix)
Parametrix was the prime consultant for the project. Partners included Dave Mills Consulting Inc., DKS Associates, GeoDesign Inc., and Kerr Contractors.
Pacific City Wastewater Treatment Plant, located on the Oregon Coast and managed by the Pacific City Joint Water-Sanitary Authority, received an Honor Award for increasing plant capacity and making process improvements all while keeping the plant operational.
John Willis (Parametrix), Kirk Medina (Pacific City Joint Water-Sanitary Authority), Mike Pyszka (Parametrix)
Parametrix, along with teaming partners Applied Archeological Research, Dave Mills Consulting Inc., GeoDesign Inc., and McClure and Sons were able complete the project while keeping the plant running by following a carefully orchestrated construction staging approach. The project meets heightened environmental requirements, improves the capacity and quality of effluent discharged to the Nestucca River, and helps position the community for continued growth and a vibrant tourist economy.
Current Burnside Bridge
Multnomah County’s Earthquake Ready Burnside Bridge Feasibility Study received a Grand Award for its analysis of more than 100 Willamette River crossing options including tunnels, ferries, and other bridge options. The study began in 2016 to ensure that the Burnside Bridge is ready in the event of an 8-plus magnitude earthquake. Burnside Street has been designated as an emergency lifeline route for first responders.
As a part of the project, a video was created simulating how the 100-year-old Burnside Bridge would react in the event of an earthquake. The study recommends four bridge alternatives for further evaluation. A preferred alternative is expected to be selected in 2021, with construction beginning in 2024.
HDR was the lead firm for the study, working with critical project partners that include EnviroIssues, JLA Public Involvement, Parametrix, and Shannon & Wilson.
About Parametrix
Parametrix is a 100-percent employee-owned firm providing inspired solutions in engineering, planning, and environmental sciences. We are comprised of over 500 employee-owners serving our clients from locations in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, New Mexico, and Nevada.
Connect with Parametrix: find us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram @parametrix_inc.
Inspired People, Inspired Solutions, Making a Difference.