Michael Svoboda, Project Manager at Kiewit Infrastructure South Co., won the inaugural Bowen Prize for Great Builders from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) in recognition of his field leadership during construction of the Broadway Bridge Replacement Project in Nashville, Tennessee.
“This new prize is designed to recognize the most outstanding field leaders working in our industry,” said Todd Roberts, AGC’s President and President of ERS Inc. in Jackson, Mississippi. “It doesn’t hurt to be recognized when you have put the work in to make sure everything goes as close to right as possible.”
According to AGC, the new award is intended to recognize some of the hardest working but least heralded members of the construction industry. A panel of judges reviewed applications nominating construction field leaders who demonstrated unusual skill and leadership in overseeing complex, successful projects. The award was announced during AGC’s 2025 Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio.
Under Svoboda’s leadership, the Broadway Bridge Replacement Project — a $71.8 million urban infrastructure initiative — finished two weeks ahead of its already accelerated schedule, with zero safety incidents over 110,000 work hours. Innovative construction methods helped minimize disruptions across a complex, high-traffic environment that included downtown streets and five active CSX rail lines.
The aging Broadway Bridge, also known as the State Route 1 (U.S. 431) Broadway Viaduct, serves as a main thoroughfare for vehicles and pedestrians headed to downtown Nashville.
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The original bridge remained open to traffic while crews built the replacement bridge substructure within 1 foot of the underside of the existing structure, with only an eight-week bridge closure allowed. During the closure, Kiewit demolished the existing bridge and built the new superstructure.
“The Broadway Bridge Project’s success can be attributed to several critical factors, beginning with the contract model,” Svoboda said. “Utilizing the construction manager/general contractor project delivery method allowed for early contractor involvement during planning and design. This collaboration ensured development of a design aligned with the project timeline.”
During the preconstruction phase, Kiewit worked in collaboration with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), CSX, and designer Gresham Smith to develop solutions to the complex technical challenges given the project’s location.
Svoboda noted the importance of the project’s one-team approach. “From the outset, the client, contractor, designer, and stakeholders aligned around shared goals, creating a culture of trust, accountability, and unified purpose. Everyone was motivated and pulling in the same direction, which fostered strong communication and streamlined decision-making.”
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In addition, “Early involvement opened the door to innovative solutions that enhanced both schedule and constructability,” Svoboda said. “For example, precast deck panels were used in place of conventional bridge deck pours, significantly accelerating installation. Additionally, lightweight cellular concrete replaced traditional embankment material, reducing construction time without compromising performance.”
Kiewit also prepared detailed 3D drawings illustrating each phase of work, from bridge demolition to crane access, moving in large girders, installing rebar, and placing concrete. Crews kept those drawings in hand as they performed the work to help avoid surprises or delays.
“Field execution was another cornerstone of success,” Svoboda said. “Despite the pressures inherent in a high-profile, fast-paced infrastructure project, the team maintained discipline in following construction fundamentals. They worked the plan methodically and addressed challenges head-on as they emerged. This disciplined execution not only enabled the team to meet the schedule but, more importantly, ensured high standards of safety and quality — two non-negotiables on any project.”
Since joining Kiewit in 2013, Svoboda has played a key role in multiple complex projects, including emergency bridge repairs over the Nolichucky River in eastern Tennessee after Hurricane Helene. That project involved TDOT’s first progressive design-build contract.
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“Hopefully, young contractors everywhere will be inspired to achieve what people like Mr. Svoboda have done leading projects in the field,” said Bob Bowen, Founder of Indianapolis, Indiana-based Bowen Engineering who endowed the Great Builders Prize.
To support the development of future leaders, AGC’s Education and Research Foundation provides winners of the Bowen Prize with $50,000 to direct to the construction education program of their choice. Svoboda chose his alma mater, the University of Wyoming’s Construction Management Program, where he now serves on the Industry Advisory Board.
When asked what he would share with those starting out in the industry, Svoboda said, “The best advice I can offer is simple: excel in the role you have today. Focus on doing the best job possible where you are, say yes to taking on new responsibilities, and actively learn from the people around you. Those three things — performance, initiative, and curiosity — are the foundation for long-term career growth.
“Projects will always come with challenges that demand time and attention. The key is to stay focused on what matters most: safety and quality. When those are treated as top priorities, everything else tends to fall into place.”
