Clark Nexsen Wins Two APWA Mid-Atlantic Awards

Clark Nexsen received two American Public Works Association (APWA) Mid-Atlantic Awards for the City of Virginia Beach’s 18th Street Corridor Improvements and the City of Suffolk’s Nansemond Parkway and Wilroy Road Overpass. APWA’s Mid-Atlantic Chapter Awards Program was established to recognize outstanding individuals and public works projects within the chapter. Numerous project criteria are considered, such as construction management techniques, practices that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, positive community relations, and steps taken to protect and preserve the environment. 

Project Award, Transportation $5 – $25M 
18th Street Corridor Improvements   

Located in the heart of Virginia Beach’s Oceanfront and ViBe District, the project provided roadway and streetscape improvements along a four-block corridor of 18th Street. Due to its location, the area is a hub for events such as the Old Beach Farmer’s Market. As a result, the project team designed a walkable environment complete with custom artistic benches, art areas for transitioning exhibits, and electric/water services that can be utilized by various vendors and artists during events. All existing public utility infrastructure within the corridor was replaced to provide a new storm drainage system, with emphasis on green infrastructure, roadway and pedestrian lighting, water and sewer replacements, and sidewalk replacement/creation. In addition, our landscape architects designed functional urban streetscape and hardscape elements such as verges, street trees, shrubs, seating, trash bins, wayfinding signage, gateway markers, and artist canvases. 

Project Honorable Mention, Transportation $25 – $75M 
City of Suffolk Nansemond Parkway and Wilroy Road Overpass 

Realigning the intersection of Nansemond Parkway and Wilroy Road in the City of Suffolk, this overpass project eliminated the conflict between rail and vehicular traffic, reducing accident risks, preventing traffic delays from passing trains, and improving emergency vehicle response times. Pedestrian safety was a project priority, with 10-foot and 5-foot-wide sidewalks accommodating multiple modes of transportation to promote a healthy community. The significance of the pedestrian safety elements is heightened by the overpass’s incorporation into the 41-mile South Hampton Roads trail, which links the Cities of Suffolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Protecting and preserving natural and historic resources, the completed project also included drainage improvements, stormwater management facilities, and traffic signalization.

About the American Public Works Association
The American Public Works Association (APWA) serves professionals in all aspects of public works — a fact that sets it apart from other organizations and makes it an effective voice of public works throughout North America. With a worldwide membership of more than 30,000, APWA includes personnel from local, county, state/province, and federal agencies and private sector personnel who supply products and services to those professionals.