Balfour Beatty Receives Prestigious CAGC Pinnacle Award for Innovative Harkers Island Bridge Project
Balfour Beatty has been recognized for its outstanding contributions to infrastructure development with the prestigious 2024 Pinnacle Award from Carolinas AGC (CAGC). This accolade was awarded for the company’s exemplary execution of the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) $60 million Harkers Island Bridge Replacement project. The award ceremony took place during CAGC’s 104th Annual Convention, held in Charleston, South Carolina.
The Pinnacle Awards, presented in collaboration with CPA firm GreerWalker LLP and the law firm of Johnston, Allison & Hord, celebrate construction projects that bring significant benefits to their respective communities while demonstrating superior performance in the industry. These projects are judged on several key criteria, including their unique aspects and challenges, overall value, project management efficiency, adherence to budget and schedule, and commitment to safety.
The Harkers Island Bridge Replacement project revolved around the construction of a 3,200-foot fixed-span bridge connecting Harkers Island to mainland North Carolina. This structure replaced the aging Earl C. Davis Memorial Bridge and Bridge No. 96, which had long been a source of accessibility issues for the island’s residents. The previous swing-span bridge was prone to mechanical failures, which often left the community temporarily isolated. Furthermore, the bridge’s operational design necessitated frequent openings to accommodate marine traffic, causing delays and inconvenience for both motorists and boaters.
Mark Johnnie, Balfour Beatty US Civils’ senior vice president and chief operating officer, expressed immense pride in the successful completion of this transformative infrastructure project. “This project exemplifies innovation in highway and bridge construction, particularly through its pioneering use of non-ferrous reinforcing materials—a first for North Carolina,” said Johnnie. “This advancement effectively doubles the bridge’s design life to 100 years while significantly reducing future maintenance requirements. I’m incredibly proud of our project team for delivering this critical infrastructure nearly a year ahead of schedule. Their unwavering commitment to operational excellence has provided a transformative transportation solution that will benefit countless travelers and the Harkers Island community for generations to come.”
Executing this project was not without its challenges. The construction team had to navigate a series of obstacles, including a strict annual in-water work moratorium, which limited the time available for specific construction activities. Additionally, the project’s remote location, situated 25 miles from the nearest concrete plant, introduced logistical difficulties in material transportation and coordination. Despite these hurdles, Balfour Beatty’s team demonstrated exceptional efficiency and problem-solving capabilities, managing to complete the bridge an impressive 308 days ahead of schedule.
The successful delivery of the Harkers Island Bridge Replacement project also exemplified Balfour Beatty’s steadfast commitment to safety. The project site achieved the North Carolina Department of Labor’s esteemed “Building Star Site” status, reflecting the highest standards of workplace safety. Notably, the project was completed without a single lost-time incident or environmental infraction—an extraordinary feat given the project’s scale and complexity.
Beyond the technical achievements, the new bridge stands as a symbol of resilience and connectivity for the Harkers Island community. Residents now have reliable, year-round access to the mainland, free from the disruptions and maintenance concerns associated with the previous bridge. The new fixed-span design ensures seamless travel while also supporting economic development and tourism in the region.
Balfour Beatty’s success on this project was made possible through strong collaboration with key partners. Coastal Precast Systems played a crucial role in providing prefabricated structural components, while S&W Ready Mix Concrete supplied high-quality concrete materials to ensure the bridge’s durability. Additionally, New South Construction Supply contributed essential construction resources that facilitated the seamless execution of the project.
The recognition of Balfour Beatty with the 2024 Pinnacle Award underscores the company’s unwavering dedication to excellence in infrastructure development. This award serves as a testament to the firm’s ability to not only meet but exceed industry standards in project execution, safety, and community impact. As Balfour Beatty continues to drive innovation in construction, its success on the Harkers Island Bridge Replacement project stands as a shining example of how cutting-edge engineering, strategic planning, and teamwork can overcome challenges to deliver lasting benefits to communities.
Looking ahead, this project sets a precedent for future bridge and transportation infrastructure projects, particularly in the utilization of non-ferrous reinforcing materials. By implementing forward-thinking construction techniques and embracing technological advancements, Balfour Beatty is at the forefront of shaping a more resilient and sustainable future for infrastructure development in North Carolina and beyond.
As the transportation needs of communities continue to evolve, Balfour Beatty remains committed to delivering state-of-the-art solutions that prioritize safety, efficiency, and long-term durability. The successful completion of the Harkers Island Bridge Replacement project not only strengthens the region’s infrastructure but also serves as an inspiration for future endeavors in the field of civil engineering and construction.