LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Kentucky-based sewer collection system improvement project has been recognized by the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) during its 2024 National Design-Build Project/Team Awards competition.
The annual program promotes exceptional diversity in project size, sector, and geography while celebrating the innovative and collaborative teams who produce projects that inspire. Covering industries from aviation to water/wastewater, and everything in between, 2024’s project winners were honored at DBIA’s Design-Build Conference and Expo on Nov. 7 in Dallas.
Receiving the National Award of Excellence and National Award of Merit in the rehabilitation/renovation/restoration category, the Louisville and Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD)’s $72 million Large Diameter Sewer Rehabilitation project resolved the ongoing, disruptive, and costly emergency repairs of aging infrastructure, originally built in the 1860’s.
MSD prioritized addressing frequent sewer and street collapses and infrastructure defects that posed significant risks to the community and environment. By adopting the Progressive Design-Build (PDB) approach, a multidisciplinary team of MSD (owner), Ulliman Schutte Construction (design-builder), Brown and Caldwell (lead design engineer), and specialty contractors facilitated early collaboration among stakeholders, expedited permitting, and accelerated the project schedule, ensuring the successful rehabilitation of the aging sewers.
MSD’s commitment to community engagement was a cornerstone of the project’s success. The team conducted extensive outreach efforts, including townhall meetings and door-to-door discussions, to build trust and gain community support for the necessary rehabilitation work. This proactive approach not only minimized disruption but also fostered a sense of partnership between MSD and the local community.
The project also had a significant economic impact, employing a 76% local workforce and exceeding inclusion goals for minority and women-owned businesses. MSD’s dedication to environmental sustainability was evident in their tailored rehabilitation methods for each sewer segment, ensuring long-term infrastructure resilience and preventing further collapses.
“We are incredibly proud of MSD’s leadership and vision in tackling this critical infrastructure challenge. Their innovative approach and unwavering commitment to the community have set a new standard for tackling aging infrastructure.”
Brown and Caldwell Midwest Area Leader Dave Nitz.
Congratulations to all the 2024 DBIA award recipients.
