Projects earn top accolades, including a Diamond Award for the central substation at JFK International Airport
NEW YORK (April 20, 2026) – HNTB has been recognized with five Engineering Excellence Awards from the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York (ACEC New York), reaffirming the firm’s technical excellence and deep knowledge in delivering high-impact infrastructure projects that shape the future of mobility and resilience across the state.
Green roof on top of the JFK Central Substation 2 building
Among the honors, HNTB received the Diamond Award for the Accelerated and Innovative Delivery of Central Substation 2 as part of the $19 billion JFK International Airport Redevelopment Program. The project delivered JFK’s first 15-kilovolt distribution substation using a design-build approach that enabled early procurement of long-lead equipment and introduced a pioneering two-in-one energization technique. This innovative strategy ensured timely power delivery to new terminals and set a precedent for future substation designs. The substation’s sustainable design features, including a green roof and LEED Silver certification, complement JFK’s modernized infrastructure and aesthetics. As an ACEC New York Diamond Award recipient, this project also has been selected as a finalist for the national ACEC competition.
Other HNTB project received awards, including two projects that earned Platinum Awards:
The QR and RM ramps create a centralized park access while improving island circulation and eliminating substandard merging and a left-hand exit.
RK-93 Design Build Services for the Reconstruction of Randall’s Island Ramps. This $108-million initiative at the RFK Bridge delivered five new ramps—including ADA-compliant shared-use paths—to improve access to Randall’s Island Park. The project enhanced traffic flow, pedestrian safety and connectivity while pioneering the use of reduced-carbon concrete and sustainable drainage systems. Completed ahead of schedule, RK-93 sets a benchmark for integrating accessibility, sustainability and aesthetics in urban infrastructure.
Rendering of VN-84B rehabilitation and new Brooklyn ramps
VN-84B Rehabilitation and New Construction of Brooklyn Verrazzano’s Bridge Ramps – Scoping and Preliminary Design. As the final phase of the VNB Capital Master Plan, this project replaces outdated left-hand exit ramps to the Belt Parkway with safer right-hand exits and replaces all remaining original deck on the Brooklyn ramps. Innovative design requirements developed for the project include eliminating 50% of deck joints, improving seismic performance with isolation bearings, and minimizing community impact through noise mitigation and park restoration plans. The project enhances regional traffic flow, safety and long-term maintenance efficiency while preparing the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge for future upgrades.
HNTB also received Gold Awards for:
MTA’s Court Square Station Platform Elevator
MTA’s ADA Accessibility Upgrades and Station Improvements at Eight Stations across Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx. This $352.5-million project delivered critical accessibility upgrades across eight subway stations, including 11 new elevators, five replacements, and extensive state-of-good-repair improvements. Innovative solutions, such as redesigned elevator placements to avoid utility relocations and a two-week bypass strategy for platform reconstruction, minimized community disruption and improved safety. The project exceeded DBE participation goals and achieved substantial cost savings, while enhancing mobility and equity for all riders.
HNTB assessed over 13,000 MTA assets for their vulnerability to climate hazards.
Integrating Climate Actions into MTA Capital Programs. This project developed a comprehensive climate vulnerability assessment and sustainability strategy for MTA Construction & Development. Innovations included a custom geoprocessing model, Transit Avoided Carbon methodology and alignment with environmental policies. The findings directly informed MTA’s 20-Year Capital Needs Assessment and the 2024 Climate Resilience Roadmap.
“These awards reflect the dedication and ingenuity of our teams in solving complex challenges and delivering impactful infrastructure for New Yorkers,” said Michael Mangione, HNTB’s New York office leader and senior vice president. “We’re proud to partner with agencies like the MTA and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to advance mobility, accessibility and sustainability across the region.”
The ACEC New York Engineering Excellence Awards recognize outstanding engineering achievements that demonstrate innovation, value and social impact. HNTB’s award-winning projects were celebrated at the annual ACEC New York EEA Gala on April 18.