FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 5, 2026
Contact: Darrel Berry, Marketing and Communications Manager
Hanson Professional Services Inc.
(217) 747-9291
dberry@hanson-inc.com
Hanson wins three project awards from APWA Illinois
The American Public Works Association’s (APWA) Illinois Chapter recognized Hanson Professional Services Inc. with three awards during the chapter’s annual conference Nov. 4 in Peoria, Illinois.
Hanson received a Public Works Project of the Year Award in the disaster or emergency construction/repair category for projects that cost $5 million but less than $25 million for the tornado recovery and reconstruction of Crawford County Airport near Robinson, Illinois. An EF3 tornado March 31, 2023, caused three deaths and significant property damage in the area, including the destruction of the airport. Immediately after the storm, the airport authority and Hanson revised the airport layout plan on a fast track to submit it and an environmental document for approval prior to competing for Federal Aviation Administration Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grant funding. In 2024, the airport received a $3.8 million grant from the federal program to rebuild the terminal building. By the end of 2024, the newly reconstructed, 7,331-square-foot airport resumed full operations. Hanson’s assistance also included damage assessments, repair and replacement recommendations, construction documentation and the observation of improvements and repairs.
Hanson received a Public Works Project of the Year Award in the transportation category for projects that cost $25 million but less than $75 million for the Court Street revitalization in Pekin, Illinois. Hanson prepared project development studies and final design for improvements along this former state highway corridor from Eighth Street to Veterans Drive. Between Eighth and 10th streets, Court Street was fully reconstructed with new pavement, curb and gutter, sidewalks, curb ramps, drainage improvements and signal upgrades. From 10th Street to Valle Vista Boulevard, improvements included pavement milling and resurfacing, new curb and gutter, sidewalks, drainage enhancements and curb ramps that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines. From Valle Vista to Veterans, pavement resurfacing and shoulder improvements increased safety and pavement life. Additional improvements included a new traffic signal at Court Street and Stadium Drive serving Pekin Community High School and a new emergency signal at Entrance Drive, improving fire department response times and public safety.
Hanson received a Public Works Project of the Year Award in the transportation category for projects that cost $5 million but less than $25 million for the conversion of Adams Street and Jefferson Avenue in Peoria, Illinois. These two major corridors were changed from one-way to two-way traffic. The transformation of the 70-year-old system into a modern, multimodal transportation corridor prioritizes safety, accessibility, economic growth and community connectivity. The project upgraded 12 intersections, replaced outdated pedestal traffic signs with modern mast arm systems and introduced two-way signal operations. The redesigned corridors feature one travel lane in each direction, a center turn lane, bicycle lanes, on-street parking, pedestrian bump-outs, enhanced crosswalks and upgraded pedestrian signals. By incorporating Complete Streets concepts, traffic-calming measures and multimodal accommodations, the project modernized infrastructure originally designed to maximize automobile throughput in the 1950s. Hanson, as the prime engineering consultant, was responsible for Phase I and Phase II engineering.
The American Public Works Association (www.apwa.net) is a not-for-profit, international organization of more than 30,000 members involved in the field of public works. APWA supports those who operate, improve and maintain public works and infrastructure through advocacy, education and member engagement.
Hanson is a national, employee-owned consulting firm providing engineering, planning and allied services. The firm’s corporate headquarters is located at 1525 S. Sixth St., Springfield, IL 62703. The office may be reached by phone at (217) 788-2450.
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