Bessemer US-2 Project Wins Engineering Merit Award

The American Council of Engineers (ACEC) Michigan Chapter recognized an important infrastructure project in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula at an awards gala on Saturday, March 9.

The project, which received an Engineering Merit Award, was an overhaul of 40 percent of the City of Bessemer’s infrastructure. This years-long effort included a $20 million upgrade to the city’s sanitary, stormwater, and drinking water systems, funded primarily by a USDA-RD grant. At the same time, the Michigan Department of Transportation invested $10.1 million to improve the safety and reliability of US-2, a key thoroughfare in Bessemer.

Because of Michigan’s Lead and Copper Rule, lead services uncovered during construction also needed to be replaced. To fund the additional cost of lead mitigation, C2AE helped Bessemer secure DWAM and DWSRF grants. C2AE streamlined funding applications by using existing data from the city’s asset management plans, which C2AE had previously developed under the SAW program and a PASER study.

The primary challenge was coordinating between various funding sources and agencies during design and construction. C2AE worked closely with the community and each stakeholder, even opening an office in Bessemer for on-site staff, to bring this expansive project to a successful close.

Congratulations to the City of Bessemer and the project team for this award!

Learn more about how Bessemer replaced 40 percent of its infrastructure.