ORLANDO, Fla. – DRMP’s design of the Wekiva Parkway Section 8 Interchange Design-Build project has earned a National Recognition Award in the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA), marking the project’s seventh award.

The National Recognition Award represents exceptional merit and national-level excellence. The honor was celebrated May 5 at the 2026 EEA Gala Dinner & Award Program in Washington, D.C.

“This recognition from ACEC reflects the dedication and collaboration of our entire team and partners,” said DRMP Senior Vice President of Alternative Delivery TJ Lallathin, PE, DBIA. “Delivering the final connection of the Wekiva Parkway required innovative design solutions and a strong commitment to safety, mobility, and long-term performance for Central Florida’s transportation network. We’re honored to see the project recognized at the national level.”

The ACEC 2026 National Recognition Award adds to a list of accolades for the project, including:

• ACEC Florida Grand Winner in the Transportation Category (2026)
• National Award of Merit from the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) in Transportation (Other than Aviation) Category (2025)
• Project of the Year from the DBIA Florida Region in the Transportation - Structures Category (2025)
• Engineering News-Record (ENR) Southeast Highway/Bridge Award of Merit in the Best Projects Competition (2025)
• Florida Transportation Builders’ Association (FTBA) Best in Construction Award for Design-Build (2025)
• Outstanding Design-Build or Construction Manager at Risk Project Award from ACEC Florida and FDOT (2025)

About the Project

The Wekiva Parkway Section 8 Interchange Design-Build project delivered the final, critical connection needed to complete Central Florida’s beltway, linking I-4, SR 417, and SR 429 into a fully integrated regional transportation system. This complex infrastructure effort closed the missing link in the network and significantly improved mobility, safety, and operational efficiency for the Orlando region.

Now complete, the 25-mile, $274.5 million Wekiva Parkway Section 8 Interchange serves tens of thousands of daily motorists by eliminating bottlenecks, improving travel reliability, and enhancing regional connectivity across Central Florida.

DRMP served as the lead designer and partnered with The Lane Construction Corporation (prime contractor) and subconsultants Ardaman & Associates, Inc.; Ardurra Group, Inc.; BCC Engineering, Inc.; Bentley Group, Inc.; Brindley Pieters & Associates, Inc. (BPA); Florida Bridge & Transportation (FBT); Osiris 9 Consultant, LLC; and Terracon Consultants, Inc.

Located within one of Florida’s most constrained transportation corridors, the project required construction of 2.63 miles of new limited-access toll road and 20 new bridges while maintaining traffic on I-4, one of the state’s busiest interstates. Additional challenges included limited right-of-way, high groundwater, weak soils, extensive utility infrastructure, and a major Duke Energy transmission line.

The Wekiva Parkway Section 8 Interchange also included reconstruction of 2 miles of I-4 to accommodate future I-4 Beyond the Ultimate express lanes, as well as two bridge widenings, 25 stormwater management facilities, advanced intelligent transportation systems, all-electronic tolling, lighting, signage, and complex traffic control plans. A strategic realignment of I-4 shifted the corridor west, eliminating the need to relocate the Duke Energy transmission line. This single decision avoided years of delay and saved millions of dollars, while allowing all lanes to be built offline to reduce congestion and improve work-zone safety.

Through innovative design and construction practices, the project achieved approximately $75 million in cost savings, reduced bridge deck area by 200,000 square feet, preserved four existing bridges, and reused 70,000 square

yards of pavement and existing drainage infrastructure in good condition. These measures lowered long-term maintenance needs and minimized environmental impacts. Sustainability was further advanced by reducing impervious surface area, protecting wetlands, and maintaining conservation easements wherever possible.

Delivered on time through close coordination with multiple agencies and proactive engagement with local stakeholders, the project stands as a model of cost-effective, community-focused transportation infrastructure that delivers measurable benefits to the region it serves.
 

About DRMP
Since 1977, DRMP has earned a reputation as a trusted multidisciplinary engineering firm that approaches challenges differently. What began as a small Florida-based firm has grown into a Southeastern powerhouse with over 700 employees across 23 offices. We partner with clients to deliver smart, sustainable infrastructure that helps communities thrive.

Ranked among Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms in the United States, DRMP is known for solving complex challenges through technical expertise, innovative thinking, and collaboration.

We value connection, creativity, and a welcoming, engaging culture that empowers employees to grow their careers. As we continue to expand, we remain committed to the principles that have guided us from the start.