The West Main Street Corridor Improvements project in Troy, Ohio, has been awarded an American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Ohio Engineering Excellence Honor Award. This project shows how creative engineering and community collaboration can completely transform a city corridor by improving safety, increasing accessibility, and provide attractive space for everyone. The project team implemented several innovative applications of existing techniques on this 1.6-mile corridor project, ranging from use of a road diet to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety and effective access management to using chip sealing to reduce costs and a duct bank to relocate utilities. The project team also led coordination efforts with all Utilities, discussing the benefits and challenges of relocating overhead utilities to underground. This conversion result improved corridor aesthetics and created a flexible utility system.

Social considerations included enhancing pedestrian facilities and bringing them into compliance with ADA guidelines, resulting in a more equitable roadway. There are several businesses along the corridor that directly benefit from the access, visibility, and on-street parking provided by West Main Street. The project changes are expected to help increase long-term viability of these businesses through improved access.

The finished project not only improved traffic and pedestrian flow but also enhanced the appearance and business environment of the downtown. By balancing technical excellence with community engagement, this project demonstrates how thoughtful engineering can create lasting social and economic benefits.