Engineers Week 2026: ACEC/MD Awards Alpha Corporation EEA Grand Award for I‑270 Project

During Engineers Week 2026, ACEC/MD hosted its Engineering Excellence Awards on Thursday, February 26, at Maryland LIVE!, uniting industry leaders to showcase innovation, strengthen professional connections, and honor exceptional engineering achievements across Maryland.

The ACEC/MD EEA Grand Award was presented to Alpha Corporation for the I-270 INNOVATIVE CONGESTION MANAGEMENT PROJECT in Frederick and Montgomery Counties, Maryland. The client was the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration, and the consultant was Alpha Corporation.

The I‑270 Innovative Congestion Management Project improved one of Maryland’s busiest corridors by addressing heavy recurring congestion and safety issues. The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration used its first progressive design-build approach, allowing construction and design to advance together. Alpha Corporation provided construction management oversight throughout the corridor.

The project covered approximately 60 separate sites, requiring new systems for tracking permits, documents, and pay items. Alpha Corporation developed tools for real time monitoring and coordinated with multiple State Highway Administration offices to foster efficiency and consistency. Data driven scheduling helped reduce delays and improve daily mobility.

The improvements reduced travel times, strengthened drainage and stormwater controls, and supported local economic activity. Sustainable practices protected water quality, and the project was delivered below its original budget. The result is a safer, more reliable corridor for Maryland commuters.