PASADENA, CA (March 17, 2016) – Parsons, along with its subconsultant Floura Teeter Landscape Architects, is pleased to announce that the team recently received an Honor Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects’ (ASLA’s) Maryland Chapter for its work on the state’s Intercounty Connector (ICC) project, a multimodal east-west toll highway that links I‑270 at I‑370 in eastern Montgomery County to US 1 in northwestern Prince George’s County.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award from ASLA’s Maryland Chapter,” said Michael Johnson, Parsons Group President. “Parsons has a rich history of providing proven, sustainable solutions across the markets we serve, and this is a prime example of how we deliver end-to-end environmentally friendly projects that enhance communities.”
Parsons served as the design-builder on the 14‑mile ICC project (Contracts A and B) that involved a broad scope of deliverables, including bridges, ramps, retaining walls, noise barriers, tolling infrastructure, intelligent transportation systems, utility relocations, signage, signals, lighting, and landscaping. Working with a multidisciplinary team of biologists, environmental scientists, ecologists, engineers, and other specialists, Parsons designed the project’s extensive landscaping, taking rigorous measures to protect wildlife and natural resources—far exceeding industry guidelines. The project used larger, older, native vegetation and densely planted specimens to establish mature vegetation as rapidly as possible, including a sustainable tree canopy. Wildlife disturbances were mitigated by incorporating wildlife crossings and fences, as well as earthen escape ramps for deer. Additional measures included relocating box turtles and aquatic life before construction and restoring wetlands at project close.
The ASLA award jury commented that the project “provides a template, case study, and example of an ecologically sensitive road corridor that all should follow. Just Brilliant!”
The ASLA advances landscape architecture through advocacy, communication, continuing education, and fellowship. It bestows its annual awards to honor the best in landscape architecture.
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