The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) presented SEH with a Merit Award for the design of the 1.5-mile Mill Avenue Project in Brainerd, Minnesota.

MnDOT recognized the project as being the "best of its class" in 2008 and presented the award during the Minnesota Association of Asphalt Technologists' Annual Conference.

"The project was unique in that a former state highway was 'turned back' to the jurisdiction of the Crow Wing County Highway Department. Over 10,000 vehicles a day use the urban section highway that connects to a Mississippi River bridge and on to the Lakes areas of Crosslake and Breezy Point," said Project Manager Jeff Ledin.

The project required a comprehensive public involvement process including several neighborhood open-house style meetings, City Council hearings, and coordination with various public agencies. A storm drainage detention pond was recommended and incorporated into the design as an alternative to costly reconstruction of storm sewer outfall. The project also provided the opportunity to upgrade municipal utilities in the project area.

The SEH project team provided complete design, bidding, and right-of-way acquisition services, and facilitated the extensive public involvement process. Team members included Project Manager Jeff Ledin, Project Engineer Scott Hedlund, Engineers April Bielejeski and Greg Kimman, Lead Technician Mary Woodward, and Survey Crew Brad Wisted and Greg Yeats.