Halff Receives ACEC Florida FDOT Outstanding Project Award

CRESTVIEW, Fla. — The SR 30 Pedestrian Underpass at the Inlet Beach project was presented with the Outstanding Project Award in the Special Projects category by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida (ACEC Florida).

ACEC Florida annually recognizes outstanding achievements by its member firms in accomplishing the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) studies and projects. Firms are nominated for awards in eight project award categories. The ACEC Florida Outstanding Projects Awards Committee, comprised of FDOT and ACEC Florida representatives, selects the winner in each of the eight project categories.

The SR 30 Pedestrian Underpass at the Inlet Beach project stood out among 47 nominees across eight categories in Florida ACEC’s award considerations for its innovative approaches and significant improvements for bicycle and pedestrian safety, an important strategy in FDOT’s “Target Zero” initiative.

The project involved the construction of a $5.5 million pedestrian and bicycle tunnel under US 98 in Inlet Beach. The tunnel, a three-sided box culvert, is 12 feet wide and 8 feet high and integrates existing pathways, enhancing connectivity within the area. The construction required multiple phases, including temporary lane diversions and extensive pedestrian pathway setups to ensure ADA compliance.

In addition to improving safety by allowing pedestrians and bicyclists to cross under US 98 unimpeded by vehicular traffic, the project stands to serve as an iconic landmark in the Inlet Beach area.

Halff Project Administrator Doug Pritchard was on site to receive the award at the June 6 Conference in Orlando, Florida, on behalf of Halff’s Crestview CEI team, which includes Trae Hurst, Robbin Moody, Michael Graham and Christian Ashton.

About the Firm

Halff is an award-winning, employee-owned and full-service infrastructure consulting firm celebrating a legacy of 75 years of improving lives and communities. Founded in 1950 by Dr. Albert H. Halff, the firm has built a legacy of delivering innovative solutions with a people-focused approach.

Operating from more than 30 offices across Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas, Halff is a leader in design excellence and community impact, earning more than 80 project awards since 2021. For four consecutive years, Halff has ranked as an Engineering News-Record Top 100 Design Firm and as a USA TODAY National Top Workplace.