Edmonton “Rathole” project wins prestigious U.S. Award

For the first time in history, a Canadian firm of consulting engineers has won the American Public Works Association Project of the Year Award. Morrison Hershfield’s U.S. office formerly known as Maxim Morrison Hershfield won the award for the demolition of the “Rathole” underpass at 109 Street and 104 Avenue.
The old two-lane Rathole was replaced by a six-lane divided highway and intersection at grade level. Morrison Hershfield, which has its head office in Toronto, were the prime consultant and steered the project through to finish three weeks ahead of schedule despite heavy traffic and many public concerns.
The award was handed out in September at the 2001 APWA International Public Works Congress and Exposition in Philadelphia. The award is for transportation projects valued between $2 and $10 million.