Iowa County has been recognized as a 2026 Engineering Excellence State Finalist by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Wisconsin (ACEC Wisconsin), the state’s leading organization representing consulting engineering firms and celebrating projects that demonstrate outstanding innovation, technical excellence, and community benefit. The honored project, the CTH T Roadway and Shared-Use Trail, designed by Jewell Associates Engineers, Inc. reconstructed approximately seven miles of County Trunk Highway T from CTHH (in the Town of Ridgeway) near Dodgeville to the Village of Barneveld, marking the county’s largest roadway improvement in more than two decades.
This transformative effort rebuilt deteriorated pavement, improved grades and curves for safer travel, upgraded drainage systems, and incorporated (drain tile and) geogrid stabilization to address challenging soil conditions. It also introduced a new multi-use trail, complete with curb, gutter, stormwater infrastructure, and erosion controls, providing a safer and more accessible route for cyclists, pedestrians, and other nonmotorized users. The project required extensive coordination with state and federal agencies, including the Wisconsin DNR, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, FEMA, (Wis- DOT,) and local regulatory partners, ensuring an environmentally responsible and community-focused design. Being named an ACEC Wisconsin State Finalist is an honor for Iowa County, underscoring the project’s contribution to regional safety, mobility, and quality of life, as well as the partnership between the County and Jewell Associates in delivering forward-looking infrastructure for the residents and visitors of our region. Iowa County Public Works Committee Chair, Kevin Butteris commented, “We’re grateful for Iowa County Highway Commissioner, Craig Hardy’s leadership throughout this project. His commitment to quality and community played a major role in achieving this award.”