Jacobs-Supported Milwaukee Transportation Project Wins Award for Best Urban Design

We’re helping Wisconsin keep boldly moving forward, having delivered more than $10 billion in critical infrastructure improvements across the state. 

One of those projects, the IH-43 County Line Road Interchange Project, recently earned the Best Urban Design by a Consultant award at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT)’s 2025 Design Awards.
Completed in summer 2023, the project enhances functionality and safety for the W County Line Road interchange, a key connector for more than a million residents in Milwaukee and Ozaukee counties.

A more efficient, accessible and sustainable interchange

Jacobs, together with HNTB, designed the project to improve traffic flow, safety and environmental sustainability while addressing local community needs. The redesigned interchange reduces congestion, enhances pedestrian access and supports a more efficient roadway system. The project incorporated:

• Expanded interchange capacity to alleviate traffic congestion
• Enhanced pedestrian pathways for improved accessibility
• Roadway reconfigurations to optimize traffic movement

Industry recognition for excellence

Jacobs’ Lead Designer Gary Ferguson, along with colleagues from our Milwaukee office, accepted the Best Urban Design by a Consultant award alongside HNTB and WisDOT at the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)/WisDOT Improvement Conference on March 4.

"The IH-43 County Line Road Interchange Project is revolutionizing travel and safety along one of Milwaukee's busiest corridors," says Jacobs Lead Designer Gary Ferguson. "Receiving the Best Urban Design by a Consultant award highlights the importance of innovation and collaboration in creating projects that provide long-term benefits for the communities."

Leadership and legacy in Milwaukee

In addition to his role as lead designer for the IH-43 County Line Road Interchange Project, Gary was recently named Jacobs’ Milwaukee Office Lead. With more than 17 years of experience in transport design, he continues to shape Milwaukee’s infrastructure, including his roles as Lead Designer on WisDOT’s Stadium Interchange, part of the I-94 E-W reconstruction project. 

"Innovation and collaboration extend beyond our project work," adds Gary. "As our Milwaukee office nears its 50th anniversary, my focus as our new Milwaukee Office Lead is fostering an environment where our brightest minds can thrive and continue delivering impactful solutions for our clients and communities." 

Advancing Wisconsin’s infrastructure

The WisDOT Design Awards recognize outstanding projects that deliver innovative solutions, cost-effective designs and sustainable enhancement while engaging local stakeholders. 

The IH-43 County Line Road Interchange Project is one of many successful transportation projects we’ve delivered alongside WisDOT. Other major projects include the Marquette Interchange, Mitchell Interchange, I-94 N-S Corridor and Zoo Interchange.

With a long history of transformative infrastructure solutions, Jacobs remains committed to shaping the future of transportation in Wisconsin and beyond.