News & Events

The American Council of Engineering Companies of Massachusetts (ACEC/MA) has awarded Tighe & Bond, Inter-Fluve, the Town of Falmouth (MA), and our project partners with a Bronze Engineering Excellence Award for the Coonamessett River Restoration and John Parker Road Bridge project.

This project team received the award at a gala in Boston, MA in June. The award recognizes the successful transformation of 56 acres of abandoned cranberry bogs which established a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem supporting wildlife, increasing coastal resiliency, and providing educational opportunities. Numerous barriers to fish passage were removed including a dam, water control structures, a series of undersized culverts that were replaced with the new John Parker Road Bridge, and 5,560 feet of the river were reestablished to closely match the historic natural flow of the river. A river overlook is a gateway to miles of trail with interpretive signs about the natural history placed along the river that is protected by town and land trust conservation lands.

“The Coonamessett River restoration achieved its goals to be a nature-based solution to increase resiliency to climate change and community resiliency. This project has increased awareness and stewardship of natural resources in Falmouth and both formal and informal educational programs,” said Elizabeth Gladfelter, Falmouth Conservation Commission Member.

Project partners spanning local, state, and federal organizations collaborated with the technical engineering and construction teams to successfully complete this project. The restoration is serving as a catalyst for other Cape Cod communities to transform former cranberry bogs across the region into thriving wildlife habitats, and educational and recreational opportunities for all.