Eight Public Works Projects in Contra Costa County and BART Receive Awards

Iron Horse Trail Overcrossing in San Ramon named 2026 APWA Project of the Year, County Public Works receives three awards

Mar. 19, 2026 at 3:25am

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Eight public works projects in Contra Costa County and BART received awards from the American Public Works Association (APWA) Northern California Chapter and American Council of Engineering Companies of California (ACEC). The Iron Horse Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing at Bollinger Canyon Road was named the 2026 Project of the Year Winner by the APWA Northern California Chapter. Other winners include BART, Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, the cities of Antioch, Pleasant Hill, and Richmond, and Contra Costa County Public Works.

Why it matters

These awards recognize excellence in public infrastructure projects that improve safety, accessibility, and connectivity for local communities in Contra Costa County. The honored projects showcase innovative design, engineering, and construction strategies that generate long-term benefits for residents.

The details

The Bollinger Canyon Road Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing Project received three awards, including the 2026 Outstanding Local Streets and Roads Project Award from the California League of Cities. The $21.6 million project, led by COWI North America, Inc., features a 340-foot, six-span cable-stayed bridge with 570 feet of retaining wall approaches. The City of Antioch's Brackish Water Desalination Plant and the City of Martinez's Alhambra Avenue Downtown Improvements also received awards from ACEC California.

  • The Iron Horse Trail Overcrossing at Bollinger Canyon Road officially opened to the public on Saturday, July 19, 2025.
  • The APWA Northern California Chapter awards were presented at the 2026 Project Awards Luncheon in Vallejo on March 5th.
  • The ACEC California awards were announced at the Engineering Excellence Awards Banquet at the Disneyland Hotel on February 19, 2026.

The players

APWA Northern California Chapter

A dynamic and engaged community of professionals dedicated to advancing the goals and mission of the American Public Works Association at the local level in Northern California.

ACEC California

The American Council of Engineering Companies of California, which hosts an annual Engineering Excellence Awards competition to recognize outstanding achievements in engineering and land surveying projects completed by California firms.

COWI North America, Inc.

The Oakland office of COWI North America, Inc., which served as the Prime Consultant and Engineer of Record for the Iron Horse Trail Overcrossing at Bollinger Canyon Road project.

Contra Costa Transportation Authority

The agency that contracted COWI North America, Inc. for the Iron Horse Trail Overcrossing at Bollinger Canyon Road project.

City of San Ramon

The owner of the Iron Horse Trail Overcrossing at Bollinger Canyon Road project.

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What’s next

The award-winning projects will be considered for national recognition at the APWA Public Works Expo 2026 in Houston, TX in August.

The takeaway

The diverse array of recognized public works projects in Contra Costa County demonstrates the region's commitment to investing in critical infrastructure that enhances community connectivity, sustainability, and quality of life for residents. These awards highlight the innovative engineering and collaborative efforts that are shaping the future of the county's public spaces.