Lexington Town Center Project Wins Engineering Excellence Award

BETA Group, Inc. (BETA) is thrilled to announce that the Lexington Town Center Revitalization and Preservation project in Lexington, Massachusetts received a Silver Engineering Excellence award from ACEC-MA. This achievement is the culmination of over a decade of collaboration between Lexington and BETA, encompassing technical design, project management, extensive public outreach, and construction engineering services.

The project aimed to improve public safety, accessibility, economic vitality, and sustainability in Lexington’s historic Town Center. With 60,000 residents living within three miles of the Town Center, and its role as a crucial transportation hub, including for the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority and the Minuteman Bikeway, preserving historical features while revitalizing infrastructure was a key challenge.

Through a Complete Streets approach, ADA compliance was ensured, pavement width reduced, and pedestrian crosswalks shortened, while new traffic-calming measures were incorporated, maintaining traffic capacity. Sustainable development methods were also integrated, such as the reuse of historic granite, efficient lighting and irrigation, and green infrastructure to manage stormwater and support tree growth.

Community support was instrumental, with partnerships forged with local businesses to minimize disruption during construction. Innovative engagement techniques included a design contest and a scavenger hunt, complemented by digital tools like social media and interactive GIS maps for communication.

The project has been previously recognized with the Community Impact Award from the Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association. This latest accolade from ACEC-MA underscores the Town’s commitment to enhancing its infrastructure. BETA is proud to have partnered with Lexington on this effort and remains dedicated to supporting its ongoing growth and development.