Orion Project Earns National Recognition in ACEC Engineering Excellence Awards
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Orion Engineers & Associates is proud to announce that the HNL Runway 8L Widening, Phase 2 project has received a National Recognition Award in the 2026 American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Engineering Excellence Awards.
The project was completed for the Hawaii Department of Transportation-Airports at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Hawaii’s primary aviation gateway serving more than 21 million passengers and transporting approximately 600,000 tons of cargo annually.
The project represents the largest airfield civil improvement at HNL since 1977 and expanded 8,500 feet of the airport’s 12,000-foot Runway 8L from 150 feet to 200 feet in width, including wider shoulders to support Aircraft Design Group (ADG) VI operations and next-generation wide-body aircraft.
Additional improvements included reconstruction of runway sections using PCC and asphalt concrete pavement, pavement rehabilitation, and upgrades to multiple airfield lighting and electrical systems.
Delivering the project required careful coordination within an active airport environment. Construction was sequenced in multiple stages to minimize operational disruption, including a critical 45-day continuous runway closure during Stage 2. The project team used innovative tools such as Civil 3D heat mapping to monitor paving productivity and optimize construction sequencing to meet the airport’s fixed Memorial Day reopening deadline.
Sustainability was also a key element of the project. Approximately 50,000 tons of demolished asphalt and concrete were repurposed on site, conserving natural resources, reducing waste, and lowering project costs.
The ACEC Engineering Excellence Awards recognize projects that demonstrate exceptional engineering innovation, complexity, and value to the communities they serve. Orion’s work on Runway 8L reflects the planning, collaboration, and technical expertise required to modernize critical aviation infrastructure while maintaining safe and efficient airport operations.
The project previously received the Engineering Excellence Award from the ACEC Hawaii Chapter. National recognition further highlights the impact of the work and the strength of the project team.
