The MDOT-ACEC/Michigan Partnership Charter Award is one of the most meaningful recognitions presented each year at the MDOT-ACEC/Michigan Partnering Workshop. Now in its 13th year, the award celebrates projects and teams that exemplify the very best of collaboration between the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the engineering consulting community.

Grounded in the MDOT and ACEC Partnership Charter Agreement, the award was created to recognize more than just successful project delivery. Instead, it focuses on how the work was accomplished — highlighting partnerships built on mutual trust, effective communication, continuous improvement, innovation, and timely resolution of issues.

Projects submitted for consideration are evaluated jointly by MDOT leadership and the MDOT-ACEC Executive Committee and are judged equally across five core principles:

• Providing cost-effective, high-quality services
• Partnering in streamlining business practices
• Engaging in effective communication
• Commitment to transparency and accountability
• Promoting innovation and sustainability

Each principle carries equal weight, reinforcing the idea that strong partnerships require balance — technical excellence paired with trust, accountability, and a willingness to evolve how work gets done.

2026 Partnership Charter Award Recipient

At the 2026 MDOT-ACEC/Michigan Partnering Workshop, the Partnership Charter Award was presented to the MDOT Ancillary Structures Program, in partnership with HNTB.

Established in 2020, the Ancillary Structures Program was created to address a critical gap in asset management. While bridges and pavements were well documented, many other essential structures — including culverts, noise walls, retaining walls, lighting, and signal structures — were not managed within a single, consistent framework. These assets are often directly over or under traffic and play a vital role in roadway safety and operations.

Through a strong partnership between MDOT and HNTB, the program developed a comprehensive, statewide approach to managing these assets. Key accomplishments include the creation of standardized inspection practices, a centralized GIS-based inventory system, and risk-based prioritization tools that allow MDOT to move from reactive maintenance to proactive, data-driven decision-making.

The results have been significant. Hundreds of safety-related issues have been identified and addressed, long-term capital needs are now visible, and MDOT has greater confidence that limited resources are being directed where they can have the greatest impact for the traveling public.

Beyond the technical achievements, the program stands out for the way the partnership itself was structured. HNTB served not only as a consultant, but as a trusted advisor and extension of MDOT staff — helping modernize standards, streamline internal processes, and introduce innovative tools that strengthen infrastructure management statewide.

Today, the MDOT Ancillary Structures Program is recognized as a national model for asset management, demonstrating how strong collaboration between public agencies and consulting partners can deliver lasting value.

ACEC/Michigan congratulates the entire MDOT and HNTB team on this well-deserved recognition and thanks all who continue to advance the spirit of the Partnership Charter through their daily work.