Segment B3 Tunnel Project Honored for Excellence by CMAA Houston

The Segment B3 Tunnel Project, an integral part of the West Harris County Regional Water Authority’s (WHCRWA) Surface Water Supply Project, was named Project of the Year for Water/Wastewater greater than $100 million by the Construction Management Association of America’s (CMAA) Houston Chapter at its annual “Best of 2025” Hard Hatters Gala.

This award honors not only construction quality but also the full lifecycle of a project, from concept to delivery. WHCRWA, the project owner, was recognized alongside GFT (program management), Tunnel Tex (inspection), PSI (construction management), Black & Veatch (construction management and design professional of record), and JDBH Joint Venture (contractor) for their collaborative contributions. Together, the team demonstrated connected expertise and commitment to sustainable solutions that uplift communities.

Segment B3 features an approximately 4.4-mile, 128-inch-diameter tunnel that carries a 96-inch waterline, strategically placed and grouted to support long-term performance. Running from west of I-45 to the intersection of Hopper Road and Shady Lane in northeast Houston, the tunnel incorporated ribs and timber lagging for primary liner support and utilized a Lovat TBM for efficient boring. The alignment spans seven shaft sites and multiple major crossings, showcasing ingenuity in navigating complex urban infrastructure.

Segment B3 plays a pivotal role in helping WHCRWA achieve an 80% reduction in groundwater pumping across Harris and Galveston counties by 2035. This transition to surface water addresses regional subsidence challenges and shapes a resilient water future for the Houston area.

The Hard Hatters Gala celebrates top-tier construction management projects that raise the bar in innovation, delivery, and community impact across the Houston area. This recognition reinforces GFT’s reputation for engineering excellence, client dedication, and nimble problem-solving.