The Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association hosted the 2010 Contractor of the Year Awards on December 9, the state's largest gathering of transportation design and construction professionals. The ceremony is an opportunity for those who have achieved particular success to be recognized by their colleagues. This year's group of winners shows adaptability, creativity, cooperation, consideration and economy.
"These awards demonstrate how our members strive every day to fulfill IRTBA's purpose to protect, improve and promote the transportation design and construction industry in Illinois," said Woodie Griffin, of James D. Fiala Paving Co., and Chairman of IRTBA.
Public agencies throughout Illinois, including the collar county departments of transportation and Metra honored contractors that have exceeded expectations.
Three major transportation agencies, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the Illinois Tollway and the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), recognized companies that have given taxpayers an exceptional return on their investment.
IDOT named Plote Construction of Hoffman Estates winner of the Cement Concrete Pavement Award for Illinois Route 21 from Willow Road to Sanders Road; R.W. Dunteman Co., of Addison, winner of the Hot Mix Asphalt Award for I-290 resurfacing from 1-88 to 9th Avenue in Hillside; D Construction Inc., of Coal City and T.J. Lambrecht Construction, of Joliet, winners of the New Bridge Construction Award for the removal and replacement of the bridge at the I-55/IL 59 interchange.
The Illinois Tollway gave its nod to Lorig Construction Co., of Des Plaines, for completing its work on the Tri-State Tollway Edens Spur and an I-294 Overpass on time and under budget. The project included roadway pavement, bridge rehabilitation and noise abatement walls.
F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielsen & Associates, LLC, was recognized by the City of Chicago Department of Transportation for the West Jackson Boulevard viaduct project, spanning 16 Amtrak tracks and eight pedestrian platforms at Union Station.
IRTBA recognized former DuPage County board chairman Bob Schillerstrom with the Friend of the Industry Award, a special award and the highest honor bestowed by the Board of Directors of IRTBA.
"We owe a debt of gratitude for the years Bob Schillerstrom brought an understanding of the industry and the issues to the table," Griffin said.
Bigane Paving Co., of Chicago, has the distinction of receiving both IRTBA's Diversity Award and Green Achievement Award for 2010. The Green Achievement Award is given by IRTBA's Green Council, a group of its members dedicated to employing green, sustainable practices in the industry.
"Bigane Paving continues to set new standards for others to follow, particularly in reaching for a more diverse workforce and commitment to environmentally sensitive practices," said IRTBA CEO Michael Sturino.
The industry continues to make progress in reaching a greater degree of workforce diversity. Three DBE firms were given exceptional DBE awards from the Tollway and CDOT.
Additional awards were given to contractors in a number of categories. More information on all of these award recipients can be found at irtba.org.
