Milwaukee-based firm GRAEF was recently honored as the winner of the 2012 Wisconsin Department of Transportation Excellence in Highway Design Awards in the best urban design-consultant category for its work on the reconstruction of state highway 190.
“We are honored to be recognized by the Department of Transportation for this project,” said John Kissinger, chief executive officer of GRAEF. “The redevelopment has given a much needed upgrade to Shorewood’s east-west corridor and I expect that the reconstructed corridor will be a great tool for the Village as they recruit new businesses and customers to the community.”
GRAEF was approached by the Village of Shorewood to enhance the Capitol Drive corridor in 2007. The four-year, $12.5 million reconstruction project was complete in August 2011.
WisDOT selected GRAEF as the winner based on the project’s plan and contract quality, bid ability and constructability, alignment and location, cost effectiveness, design complexity and community sensitivity.
“We have always prided ourselves on being problem solvers,” said Mary Beth Pettit, P.E. project manager for the reconstruction project. “We were in a unique situation, needing to meet the Village’s need for a modern, efficient and enhanced roadway, while staying true to the character of the area and the properties of residents and business owners that are located along the corridor.”
The new design incorporates bicycle and pedestrian features and environmentally friendly design elements.
