The Orange County Chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC-OC) has named the Oso Parkway Bridge its Transportation Project of the Year (in the “less than $200 million” category).

The nearly $40 million project opened on Jan. 13, 2021, and was the product of a partnership between the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA), County of Orange (OC Public Works) and Caltrans.

TCA funded the project using cash on hand and established a partnership with OC Public Works to oversee construction. The bridge provides a direct connection between the 241 Toll Road and Los Patrones Parkway and is an essential infrastructure component for rapidly growing South Orange County. Completion of the project has resulted in improved mobility and connectivity for South Orange County and provides improved access to businesses and restaurants in areas such as Rancho Mission Viejo, Ladera Ranch, Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita.

The project consists of six lanes of travel (three in each direction) and dedicated bike lanes and sidewalks – enhancing safety for students and families accessing nearby Tesoro High School.

“We are extremely proud to see the Oso Parkway Bridge Project continue to receive recognition, just as proud as we are of the successful partnerships that led to the project’s completion,” said TCA CEO Samuel Johnson. “This award is a testament to our guiding principles of increasing mobility, delivering innovative solutions and fostering meaningful partnerships to support Orange County’s quality of life.”

Founded in 1905, the American Council of Engineering Companies is the oldest and largest business association of engineering companies in the United States. It is organized as a federation of 52 state and regional councils with national headquarters in Washington, D.C., comprising thousands of engineering firms throughout the country.

In March 2021, the project received the 2021 Bridge Project of the Year award from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Orange County Branch and, in October 2021, ASCE Los Angeles recognized the project as the regional Project of the Year.

In December, the project was honored by the Orange County Chapter of Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS-OC) with the 2021 Innovative Transportation Solutions Award. The award honors an outstanding and innovative transportation project or service that improves the quality of life for its users and the community.

The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) are two joint powers authorities formed by the California Legislature in 1986 to plan, finance, construct and operate Orange County’s public toll road system comprised of the 73, 133, 241 and 261 Toll Roads.