From Brownfield to Community Vision in Trimble County, Kentucky

On the edge of Bedford, Kentucky, a historic farm sat largely unused, with a lot of potential still to be realized. Today, that same land is being reimagined as , a new, connected community rooted in the character of Trimble County and designed to support how people want to live, work and gather. 

The site, formerly part of the historic Halloran Farm, was identified as a brownfield property, where past use and environmental uncertainty can present barriers to redevelopment. Through the (KIPDA)’s EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant, �鶹TV��վ partnered with KIPDA and project stakeholders to evaluate site conditions and help move the vision forward with clarity and confidence.

�鶹TV��վ’ role focused on environmental due diligence and site assessment, helping define what was possible on the land. By identifying potential risks early and aligning with state brownfields programs, the team helped transform uncertainty into a clear path forward, supporting a redevelopment plan that balances preservation, community needs and long-term viability.

Today, Coleman’s Landing is envisioned as a walkable village centered on connection, featuring a mix of homes, trails, green space, small businesses and healthcare services. A new healthcare facility is already underway, expanding access to care and reinforcing the project’s role in strengthening quality of life across the region.

For �鶹TV��վ, this work reflects the broader purpose of brownfields redevelopment, helping communities reclaim land in a way that is both responsible and forward-looking.

“Brownfields work is about more than environmental cleanup; it’s about helping communities move from uncertainty to opportunity. At Coleman’s Landing, that meant helping define a clear path forward that supports redevelopment while creating real opportunities for Trimble County to grow,” said Kelly Schmitt, �鶹TV��վ National Brownfields Director.

By combining environmental insight with strong local partnerships, �鶹TV��վ is helping transform underutilized land into a place shaped by community vision, one that will support Trimble County for generations to come.

In our last feature on Sally Riker, we explored her perspective on leadership, connection and the role infrastructure plays in shaping communities. Since that conversation, Sally was recognized with the first-ever , awarded at the .  This honor is one of the Foundation’s highest honors, recognizing exceptional service and leadership in advancing its mission to develop the next generation of engineering leaders and strengthen the profession. More than a single moment, the recognition reflects a long-standing commitment to service, leadership and the broader mission of the (SAME).

For Sally, the recognition carries weight, but not for the reasons you might expect.

“It’s humbling,” she says. “But it doesn’t feel like something you achieve on your own. It reflects years of people working together. It’s shared.”

That sense of shared effort is not new for her. It traces back to the way she first became involved with SAME. Early in her career and fresh out of college, she attended a local Post meeting and found herself stepping into a leadership role before she fully understood what it meant.

“I was ‘voluntold’ to serve on the board,” she recalls. “I didn’t really know what I was getting into, but I said yes.”

What followed wasn’t a traditional path, but an experience that shaped how she approaches leadership to this day. Working alongside a small, committed group, she learned how to lead in real time, contributing where needed, building together and recognizing that everyone had a role to play.

That early experience has stayed with her, particularly the idea that leadership is less about waiting until you’re ready and more about stepping in and figuring it out along the way. It’s also what kept her connected to SAME as her career evolved, moving from local involvement to regional and national leadership, and eventually to her role on the SAME Foundation Board.

Previously, Sally reflected on how organizations like SAME, the Urban Land Institute and the Council for Quality Growth have influenced her approach to leadership. She described them as spaces to grow beyond the day-to-day work, places where leadership is grounded in service and shaped by mission-driven collaboration.

Through SAME, she developed what she describes as a deeper appreciation for partnership and purpose, an understanding that leadership means contributing to something larger than yourself. That perspective continues to guide her work with the Foundation today.

“It gives me a connection to something bigger,” she says. “You’re not just participating — you’re helping create opportunities for someone else.”

Those opportunities take many forms, including supporting scholarships, mentoring emerging professionals, advancing STEM outreach and contributing to leadership development programs that strengthen the profession over time. Much of this work happens behind the scenes, but its impact is long-lasting, shaping the pathway for future leaders across the industry.

One of the most visible examples of that work is the Soaring Eagle Award, a national recognition program Sally helped bring to life alongside a dedicated group of leaders. What began as an idea evolved over several years into something more significant, an effort to recognize a different kind of leadership.

“We wanted to highlight how people lead,” she explains. “Not just what they’ve delivered, but how they bring others along with them.”

That focus — on how leadership is practiced, not just what it produces — mirrors the values that have guided her own journey. It also reinforces a broader shift in how the industry defines impact, moving beyond individual accomplishments to the influence leaders have on the people and teams around them.

Receiving the SAME Foundation President’s Medal feels, in many ways, like a reflection of those same values. More than three decades after that first Post meeting, Sally still comes back to the moment she said yes and the opportunity it created.

“You don’t always realize it at the time,” she says. “But someone gave me a seat at the table early. And that changes your path.”

It’s a perspective she continues to carry forward, both in her work with SAME and in her role at �鶹TV��վ. As Vice President of Strategy and Growth for �鶹TV��վ’ Infrastructure South Atlantic Division, her focus remains consistent: building relationships, creating opportunities and thinking long-term about both projects and people.

In our previous Q&A, Sally described leadership as something that requires intentionality, listening, understanding context and leading with purpose. That same mindset is evident in how she views this recognition: not as a defining milestone, but as part of a larger, ongoing commitment.

“If you’ve had that experience,” she says, “you try to do the same for someone else.”

Read the full conversation

To learn more about Sally’s background, leadership philosophy and career at �鶹TV��վ, explore our previous feature: The Industry Connector: Q&A with Sally Riker

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Located within one of Appalachia’s most iconic landscapes, reflects a layered history of natural beauty, industrial use and ecological recovery. Drawing on deep experience in abandoned mine lands reclamation, �鶹TV��վ supports the park’s restoration by designing site-specific solutions that address legacy mining impacts while preserving the area’s scenic character and environmental integrity.

 �鶹TV��վ developed reclamation design plans for five sites within the park system, each shaped by both abandoned surface and underground mining activities with the land altered by these past activities.   Although mining operations ceased several decades ago, lingering impacts continue to affect surface and groundwater quality, landscape stability and visual aesthetics. �鶹TV��վ’ approach focused on understanding the unique conditions at each site and developing thoughtful, low-profile solutions that restore function while blending naturally into the surrounding environment.

A central element of the work involved managing acid mine drainage (AMD) and other waters emanating from abandoned deep‑mine entries. At several locations, discharges were largely dispersed, difficult to control and highly visible within protected park settings. �鶹TV��վ’ designs consolidate, control and convey flows, routing them through engineered systems that subtly follow natural drainage patterns. Treated water is directed to existing swales leading to the New River, reducing visual impacts while protecting water quality.

In areas where low‑volume seeps were identified, �鶹TV��վ developed targeted capture and conveyance strategies to direct flows to designated outfall locations. These designs incorporate a proposed grout curtain to control subsurface pathways, with the resulting discharges routed to natural drainage features. Final outfalls are intentionally designed to appear seamless within the landscape, underscoring �鶹TV��վ’ emphasis on technical performance paired with visual sensitivity.

Beyond mine water management, the project scope included reclamation design for abandoned highwalls, coal refuse and spoil piles, sealing of portals, stream restoration and remediation and demolition of legacy structures. Each component was approached with long‑term land management, safety and ecological recovery in mind — reflecting �鶹TV��վ’ commitment to solutions that not only address existing hazards but also support natural processes and enhance the visitor experience.

Collaboration was integral throughout the design process with �鶹TV��վ working closely with agency partners, including the National Park Service and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, to align technical solutions with regulatory requirements, agency standards and long-term management objectives. This coordination helped navigate the complexities of working within a federally protected landscape while remaining consistent with the park’s mission.  

“Through thoughtful planning, innovative engineering and respect for the natural and cultural significance of the New River Gorge, �鶹TV��վ is helping transform areas affected by historical mining into stable, functional and visually harmonious landscapes. These projects demonstrate how reclamation design plans can successfully bridge the past and the future — addressing legacy impacts while protecting one of the nation’s newest and most treasured national parks for generations to come,” said Clayton Kirk Roderick, �鶹TV��վ Abandoned Mine Lands Program Manager.

Learn more:

• �鶹TV��վ Abandoned Mine Lands Solutions
• Restoring What Was Left Behind—�鶹TV��վ’ Leadership in Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation

�鶹TV��վ Senior Ecologist Kyle Helal explains why protecting bat habitats during abandoned mine land reclamation is essential, as many legacy mine features create the stable microclimates endangered bat species rely on. This elevates thoughtful planning and mitigation from a regulatory requirement to a cornerstone of long-term ecological conservation.

Did you know Abandoned Mine Land (AML) reclamation is entering a new phase — one that recognizes that old mine openings, highwalls, portals and underground tunnels are not just safety hazards, but rather, important habitats for cave-dwelling bats? These underground spaces often provide stable temperatures and a protected environment bats need to roost and hibernate. As AML programs evolve, more practitioners are pairing traditional remediation work with strategies that protect these unexpected ecological resources and support recovering bat populations.

Underground Microclimates: Small Spaces with Big Ecological Value

Across former mining landscapes, rock outcrops, mine entrances and underground tunnel networks create unique microclimates — stable pockets of cool, consistent air. Bats rely on these areas because temperatures between 38°F and 42°F help them conserve energy through winter hibernation. The design of many abandoned mines naturally supports these conditions.  

Inside mine passages, airflow patterns — driven by pressure differences and chimney-like effects — often produce “cold-sink” zones where temperatures stay low all year. These conditions closely mimic natural caves. As White‑Nose Syndrome, caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, continues to harm bat populations, these colder, deeper zones (below 39.2°F) are becoming even more important. While the fungus thrives in cool environments, it struggles to persist in these colder extremes.  

Going Beyond Basic Compliance

When AML work overlaps with potential bat habitats, projects may be subject to federal laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Endangered Species Act. The requirements under those laws typically include habitat assessments, species surveys, mine portal evaluations and coordination with regulatory agencies. But many organizations are pushing further, bringing ecological considerations into project planning phases much earlier.

This proactive approach helps teams to potentially avoid costly project redesigns, support long-term conservation and treat abandoned mines not just as hazards to remediate but as ecological assets that require thoughtful stewardship.  

Bat‑Friendly Gates: Protecting Bats While Protecting People

One of the most effective tools for balancing public safety and bat conservation is the installation of bat-friendly gates. Modern gate designs allow air and temperature conditions to remain stable inside the mine while giving bats clear flight paths in and out. These gates also prevent unauthorized human entry and allow researchers to have controlled access through removable bars.

Multiple gate styles, such as basic, flyover, window, chute and cupola systems, provide flexibility for different mine shapes and bat colony sizes, making them a reliable solution at a wide range of sites.

Strengthening Conservation Outcomes Through Thoughtful Planning

Today’s AML projects increasingly prioritize protecting the microclimates and roosting conditions that bats rely on. When ecological knowledge is integrated directly into engineering and compliance processes, it helps safeguard sensitive species, promote stable underground ecosystems, reduce human-driven climate disruptions inside mines and support long-term population continuity. This approach helps to create reclaimed landscapes that are more resilient and ecologically connected.

The future of AML reclamation lies in blending engineering, regulatory strategy and ecological science. By designing closure and mitigation practices that help protect underground microclimates, sustain bat populations and limit disturbance, reclamation practitioners can promote outcomes that protect both people and the ecosystems intertwined with legacy mine features.

�鶹TV��վ continues to align its practices with this integrated model as part of a growing industry-wide shift toward ecological stewardship. Explore how �鶹TV��վ’ strategic reclamation practices protect bat habitats and encourage long-term environmental resilience through innovative, ecologically informed AML solutions.

What long‑term national security signals mean for infrastructure

By: �鶹TV��վ Chief Growth Officer Harshal Desai

As we mark Infrastructure Week (May 18–22), it is worth stepping back and asking what the country’s own strategic documents are telling us about where infrastructure is headed.

The White House’s , released last November, names priorities that read less like a traditional defense strategy and more like an infrastructure and industrial policy mandate: “Energy Dominance,” “Reindustrialization,” “Reviving our Defense Industrial Base” and “Securing Access to Critical Supply Chains and Materials.” For those of us in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, that language is a signal worth paying attention to.

This blog explores how the latest National Security Strategy reinforces that reality, why it matters now and how �鶹TV��վ is positioned to help clients plan, deliver and operate advanced facilities, data centers and other complex, mission‑critical infrastructure.

Reading the Strategy as a Market Signal

Every administration publishes a National Security Strategy. Most are read through a policy lens and filed away. This one deserves a second look — because it functions less as a defense document and more as a signal of where long-term infrastructure demand, capital and execution expectations are converging.

The strategy directly ties national security to America’s ability to build and operate physical infrastructure — energy systems, manufacturing capacity, supply chains and technology facilities. These are not abstract policy goals. They are a practical description of what the country needs to build, and they map almost directly to the work the AEC industry does every day.

What makes this moment different is that the rhetoric is being backed by action.

Since the strategy’s release, the administration has moved beyond rhetoric. In April 2026, the White House invoked the Defense Production Act across five energy sectors — designating the full fossil fuel and grid supply chain as defense-critical and unlocking DOE loans, guarantees and purchase commitments for domestic energy infrastructure. Executive orders have targeted accelerated data center permitting on federal lands, streamlined nuclear reactor licensing with 18-month approval timelines and critical minerals trade actions. Meanwhile, private capital is moving at an unprecedented pace: the top five U.S. hyperscalers are projected to spend a collective $720 billion in capex in 2026, with roughly 75% directed at AI infrastructure. Data center construction starts alone are tracking $88 billion in the next six months. The signal is not just strategic — it is backed by capital and policy mechanisms already in motion.

Why This Matters to the AEC Industry

For the AEC industry, this is not a policy abstraction. It is a description of the projects already moving through our pipelines — grid hardening, domestic manufacturing buildouts, data center campuses, energy generation and supply-chain facilities.

Over the past several years, there has been sustained emphasis on reshoring manufacturing, modernizing power systems, expanding data and digital infrastructure and strengthening supply chains. These priorities reflect long-term changes in how energy, manufacturing, data and supply-chain systems are planned, funded and delivered — reinforced by private capital, public investment and an increased focus on reliability and resilience.

The bar is rising. Speed, reliability, scale and the ability to deliver consistently across complex, mission-critical programs are what clients are selecting for — often ahead of lowest cost.

�鶹TV��վ’ Position in This Environment

From �鶹TV��վ’ perspective, these signals reflect a direction the firm has been intentionally building toward for years. Strategic diversification into power, advanced manufacturing and data center facilities has positioned �鶹TV��վ ahead of the curve — not simply following market trends but anticipating the convergence of economic capability and national security priorities.

That positioning is translating into tangible results today. Recent work in power and nuclear environments, a growing role in AI‑driven data center development and experience delivering infrastructure in complex, high‑reliability settings align directly with the needs this environment is generating. Nuclear energy — particularly advanced reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs) — is a growing part of this picture, with federal policy now pushing to streamline licensing and accelerate deployment. One example is �鶹TV��վ’ involvement as part of a nuclear project’s early development, where �鶹TV��վ supported critical geotechnical investigation, on-site testing and advanced surveying services — informing site design, infrastructure placement and regulatory approvals for a facility designed to deliver reliable, long-term power capacity. 

�鶹TV��վ has also recently secured work supporting a large, nationally scaled data center platform — programs that demand rapid mobilization, consistent execution across regions and reliable delivery in mission-critical environments.

Beyond these core platforms, �鶹TV��վ is also active in defense modernization — areas where security spending and infrastructure delivery are converging in real time.

Looking Ahead

The signal from Washington and the capital markets is the same: the country needs to build, and it needs to build fast, at scale and with a level of reliability that many programs have not historically required.

At �鶹TV��վ, the focus is on helping clients translate long-term trends into executable solutions — supporting infrastructure across power, advanced manufacturing, data and mission-critical systems that are resilient, adaptable and aligned with where capital and policy are converging.

When this infrastructure gets built well, the benefits extend beyond the project itself — economic opportunity, jobs, reliability and long-term stability for the communities that depend on it. That’s the work �鶹TV��վ is focused on.

Q&A: Senior Rail Engineer Dave Bearse provides updates on the Georgia Department of Transportation’s (GDOT) Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety (Section 130) Program.

This week, Dave Bearse, along with LN Manchi and Fahreen Muhammad, will be in Atlanta, Georgia, participating in the , alongside transportation leaders committed to advancing safer rail systems nationwide. As a longtime rail safety partner to GDOT, �鶹TV��վ brings nearly two decades of experience supporting GDOT’s Section 130 Program — providing technical leadership, strategic planning and collaborative coordination to identify risks and implement proven safety improvements at highway-rail grade crossings across the state. Through this work, �鶹TV��վ continues to help strengthen Georgia’s rail network while protecting the communities it serves.

Q: What’s your role in the Section 130 Program?

I serve as the technical lead for the �鶹TV��վ work within the Section 130 Program. My focus is on coordinating and overseeing the technical aspects of railroad safety improvements, working closely with GDOT, CSX Transportation (CSXT), cities, counties and other stakeholders.

Q: Could you provide some background on the Section 130 Program and its origins from your perspective?

The program originated in response to growing highway safety concerns in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when a high number of fatalities at highway-rail grade crossings promoted the federal government to invest highway safety funds in proven countermeasures such as flashing lights and gates. These improvements significantly reduced crashes and laid the foundation for today’s program, which now encompasses a broader range of safety and hazard elimination strategies — including passive warning devices, crossing eliminations, signing and pavement markings, crossing geometric improvements and incentives and construction support to facilitate crossing closures.

Q: Could you elaborate on how your team determines what crossings need improvement?

We work closely with GDOT and railroad consultants to identify crossings that need improvement. Our goal is to maximize safety benefits within the allocated funds. This involves recommending various improvements, such as flashing lights and gates, geometric improvements or suggesting the closure of certain crossings to reduce crash risks.

Q: Can you share some notable achievements or successes of the railroad safety program?

Over the years, the program has significantly reduced fatalities and crashes at railroad grade crossings. Notable achievements include the successful installation of safety features, as well as signing and marking projects to enhance awareness and visibility. �鶹TV��վ prepared the Georgia Safety Action Plan and an update that were well-received by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

Q: Can you explain the technology behind railroad crossings and how it has evolved over the years, particularly in terms of safety and monitoring?

The technology at railroad crossings has evolved significantly from electromechanical relays in the early days. By the 1980s, these were replaced with computer systems. Nowadays, new installations come with a recording system, essentially a black box, that logs every event at the crossing. Railroads can remotely monitor and analyze this data to support more efficient and safer operations.

Q: How do you determine which railroad crossings need improvements or upgrades? Are there specific criteria or factors that play a role in prioritizing these enhancements?

Prioritizing improvements involves a comprehensive evaluation. Factors include the number of trains and vehicles, the type of warning devices in place, school bus and passenger train usage and crash history. This data feeds into a prioritization system, but it’s not solely based on numerical values. There are subjective elements, like sight distance, proximity to intersections and the crest at the crossing, that contribute to the decision-making process.

Q: Could you share insights into the collaboration with CSX Transportation and how they contribute to the Section 130 Program?

CSX Transportation (CSXT) is a key partner, sharing data that aids in maintaining and updating records for GDOT. The collaboration extends to implementing safety improvements, with CSXT agreeing to maintain the signals installed by GDOT in perpetuity. This partnership highlights the shared commitment to enhancing safety at railroad crossings.

Q: How has the landscape of railroad safety changed over the years? What trends or challenges do you foresee in the future?

Railroad safety has seen significant improvements, particularly with the widespread adoption of flashing lights and gate signals. However, challenges persist, such as the need for ongoing maintenance and replacement of aging infrastructure. Looking ahead, the focus will likely shift from installing new devices to maintaining and improving existing ones so they remain effective and safe.

Q: What role does data play in your decision-making process? How has it evolved in the last decade?

Data is integral to our decision-making process. With advancements in technology, there’s now an abundance of data available, including crash records, train and vehicle counts and warning device types. This data helps us identify high-priority crossings and allocate resources effectively. The transition in recent years involves recognizing the importance of maintaining and improving existing infrastructure rather than solely focusing on installing new safety devices.

Q: Are there any specific initiatives or innovations in the railroad safety sector that you find particularly promising or impactful?

The continuous improvement in technology, such as remote monitoring and recording systems, holds promise for enhancing railroad safety. Additionally, the industry’s recognition of the need to transition from installing new devices to maintaining and improving existing ones is a positive shift. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect further innovations that contribute to the overall safety and efficiency of railroad crossings.

, recognized March 15–21, celebrates the essential role surveyors play in measuring, mapping and understanding our world. This year’s theme, “Celebrating 250 Years of Mapping America,” honors the profession’s long history — while also recognizing how surveying continues to evolve alongside new technologies.

Advancements such as LiDAR and drone‑based data collection are shaping the next chapter of that evolution. These tools enhance accuracy, improve safety and accelerate project delivery, giving surveyors new ways to gather meaningful spatial data while reducing risk in the field. 

A New Era of Surveying

Historically, surveying required crews to physically access project sites and manually collect data points — often over extended periods of time. Today, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) enables surveyors to capture millions of data points in a single scan, producing highly detailed 3D models of real‑world environments with remarkable efficiency. 

While the tools have changed, the mission remains the same: delivering reliable, precise and actionable spatial information. Modern survey technologies simply make that mission easier to achieve — and often in ways that are safer and more efficient for field teams.

• Safer: Reduces the need for personnel to enter hazardous or hard‑to‑reach areas such as levees, bridge structures, unstable terrain or industrial sites.
• Faster: Enables data collection in days instead of weeks or months.
• Smarter: Produces richer datasets that support better planning, engineering and environmental decision‑making.

Cagatay “Ty” Atmaca

�鶹TV��վ is recognized for partnering with Placer County and Caltrans to deliver solutions for complex infrastructure projects across California.

DENVER, Colo., Feb. 19, 2026 — �鶹TV��վ Technical Consultants (�鶹TV��վ), a leading infrastructure and environmental solutions provider, received the Honor Award at the from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of California for its work on Placer County’s Foresthill Bridge.

In addition, �鶹TV��վ’ work on California Department of Transportation’s (Caltrans) Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) Reporting Improvements Project and its Skid Testing Modernization Project also received recognition, with the first earning a Merit Award and the second earning a Commendation Award.

The three projects were among 62 engineering and land surveying efforts in California recognized for excellence, and the Foresthill Bridge project will now compete at a national level.

“The Engineering Excellence Awards recognize projects that stand out for quality and the complexity of the finished project. Our clients, Placer County and Caltrans, are taking on some of the most complex and innovative infrastructure challenges, like inspecting and repairing California’s tallest bridge or using the latest technology to improve roadway safety, to help their communities flourish and thrive,” said Jacque Hinman, �鶹TV��վ CEO. “Quality is at the core of everything we do at �鶹TV��վ, and we are honored to accept these awards alongside our clients, which are truly a testament to and celebration of engineering excellence in California and beyond.”

A panel of judges with a broad range of environmental and technical expertise selected this year’s top engineering achievements using criteria such as uniqueness, originality and complexity, as well as technical, economic and social value. The projects �鶹TV��վ led or supported receiving awards are:

Foresthill Bridge – Placer County

�鶹TV��վ was contracted by Placer County to conduct safety testing of 288 fracture-critical steel welds on the Foresthill Bridge, California’s tallest bridge, as part of a federally funded initiative examining T-1 steel structures nationwide. The testing uncovered defects at nearly four times the expected rate.  

The 2,428-foot structure carries more than 50,000 vehicles daily across the American River. �鶹TV��վ performed inspections at heights exceeding 700 feet using custom scaffolding and specialized equipment while maintaining continuous traffic flow.  

Results showed 37 percent of welds contained defects, compared with the anticipated 10 percent rate. �鶹TV��վ adapted testing procedures in real time and completed 44 repairs to American Welding Society standards. The project was finished without safety incidents despite challenging weather and working conditions.  

The findings are informing Federal Highway Administration guidance for evaluating T-1 steel structures across the country. For Placer County residents, the work provides continued safe passage on a critical transportation link connecting Sierra Nevada communities. The inspection protocols developed contribute to a national shift toward proactive infrastructure maintenance, preventing costly emergency repairs or disruptions.  

EPD Reporting Improvements Project — Caltrans

�鶹TV��վ was contracted by Caltrans to deliver a new, mission-critical application to collect, validate and report contractor-submitted environmental data in support of the Buy Clean California Act. The system establishes a modern, centralized platform to support consistent EPD data intake, verification and compliance tracking, replacing previously fragmented and manual processes.   

The EPD tool gives Caltrans a more efficient and user-friendly portal for data submission and equips Caltrans Materials Engineering and Testing personnel with improved tools for data validation, verification and compliance report generation. By streamlining workflows and introducing dynamic reporting and export capabilities, the system transforms complex environmental impact data into accessible, accurate and actionable intelligence.

To achieve these outcomes, �鶹TV��վ designed and implemented an intuitive submission workflow, prioritized usability and developed advanced reporting and export functionality. The EPD tool allows Caltrans to generate comprehensive, professionally formatted compliance reports, significantly improving transparency, efficiency and regulatory oversight.

Skid Testing Modernization Project — Caltrans

�鶹TV��վ, in partnership with GritForce Inc. (GritForce), was contracted by Caltrans to evaluate and implement Continuous Friction Measurement Equipment (CFME) technology as a replacement for the California Portable Skid Tester (CA-PST), which has been in use since the 1950s. 

As the technical experts of record, �鶹TV��վ and GritForce led a four-phase evaluation of CFME across laboratory and field conditions. Testing demonstrated a correlation coefficient greater than 0.8 with CA-PST results, outperforming the historical 0.69 benchmark achieved by earlier locked-wheel trailer methods. These findings provided the basis for updating California Test Method 342 to formally authorize the use of CFME statewide.  

The CFME implementation represents the first validated alternative to CA-PST technology in California, using advanced sensor technology that enables continuous friction measurement at walking speeds on concrete and bridge deck surfaces.

The technology allows both Caltrans staff and contractors to perform independent friction testing for the first time, reducing coordination requirements and accelerating project delivery. Independent testing capabilities enhance roadway maintenance practices and support safer travel across California’s transportation system for nearly 39 million residents.  

Award recipients will be honored at the annual Engineering Excellence Awards Gala being held during ACEC California’s Annual Conference, Feb. 18–19, 2026.

About �鶹TV��վ Technical Consultants:

�鶹TV��վ provides professional testing, inspection, engineering,��consulting and quality management services from more than 100 locations nationwide. With a talent base of 3,300 and $650 million in revenue, we deliver infrastructure and environmental solutions to public- and private-sector clients. To learn more about �鶹TV��վ, visit  and follow us on ,�������Ի���.

Media Contacts:

Lori Irvine
Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications
lori.irvine@oneatlas.com

Carolyn King
Director of Communications
carolyn.king@oneatlas.com

How does construction impact the environment?

From the air we breathe to the water we drink, the construction industry’s impact on the natural world is far-reaching. While new technologies and better ways to build smarter and more sustainably are transforming the industry, it is important for organizations to understand how our building materials and choices impact our world.  

Working in unison with Caltrans, �鶹TV��վ designed an environmental reporting tool that bridges engineering data and public policy. The newly designed tool monitors the environmental impact of construction materials, specifically for their Global Warming Potential (GWP), as mandated by the Buy Clean California Act.  

Initially, �鶹TV��վ assisted Caltrans’ Materials Engineering and Testing Services (METS) division in implementing a method for contractors to submit Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) information as required under the law. While this enabled compliance, Caltrans turned to �鶹TV��վ for a better way to gather information from contractors and streamline data collection, validation and reporting for statewide compliance.

Answering Caltrans call, �鶹TV��վ designed an award-winning EPD web application with modern data visualization tools that converts complex datasets into interactive dashboards, making information easier to understand and translate into actionable decisions. This complex project was delivered on time and on budget and provides Caltrans with better automation, dynamic dashboards and user experience enhancements that position our client as a national leader in automated environmental compliance reporting. With real-time data validation and trend analysis, Caltrans was able to eliminate manual processes—saving both valuable time and resources.

“In today’s fast paced world, �鶹TV��վ is helping our clients build modern tools required to make data-driven decisions,” said Baron Colbert, �鶹TV��վ Senior Engineer. “This technology reinforces �鶹TV��վ and Caltrans’ dedication to sustainable infrastructure by transparently tracking carbon footprint data and analyzing the environmental impact of construction materials on our environment.”

Recognized for demonstrating California’s leadership in sustainable infrastructure, this project earned an Engineering Excellence Merit Award in the 2026 Engineering Excellence Award competition.  

Chicago Transit Authority Red and Purple Line Modernization Project

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is investing in a more resilient and efficient transportation system with its $2.1 billion (RPM)—one of the largest transit investments in the agency’s history. The project includes replacing four century-old stations along Chicago’s busiest transit corridor with larger facilities that are ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant. The new stations feature wider platforms, better lighting, improved security, real-time information boards, more reliable train service, less crowded trains and platforms and a more aesthetically pleasing environment for pedestrians.

As part of the Walsh-Fluor Design-Build team, �鶹TV��վ provided civil engineering services, including roadway design, traffic maintenance, signal design, utility coordination, drainage design, site layouts, and grading, as well as electrical and lighting design.

“Every day, millions of Chicagoans rely on the city’s transit system to get where they need to go. Supporting our long-time client, �鶹TV��վ was proud to collaborate with CTA on delivering a safer, more reliable transit system,” said Tom Price, �鶹TV��վ Infrastructure President. “Sustainability, preservation, and innovation were woven into every decision made, resulting in a project that truly honors Chicago’s past, while building a resilient, efficient transit future.”

Building a modern transit system

Construction on Phase One began in 2019 and included updates on two major areas—the and the (LBMM) section. With millions of passengers relying on the Red Line every year, updating these lines was critical to making CTA’s transit system more reliable and efficient.

In 2021, CTA celebrated the completion of the Red Purple Bypass. This milestone allowed northbound Brown Line trains to pass over Red and Purple Line tracks—eliminating a critical bottleneck and allowing for more frequent service.

CTA hit another major milestone in 2025 with the completion of the LBMM portion of the project, which involved reconstructing four stations and replacing all elevated track and support structures along 1.3 miles of the Red Line.

Working within one of the nation’s most spatially constrained urban corridors presents unique challenges. �鶹TV��վ helped CTA employ highly adaptive planning strategies to overcome numerous complexities throughout this project. To keep trains running on time, our team utilized creative solutions to sequence construction and implement temporary systems, including two fully functional temporary stations that served the public for years before the final stations were finished. �鶹TV��վ’ team even helped relocate a century-old building to allow critical track realignment—a decision that demonstrated thoughtful engineering and respect for the city’s architectural heritage.

“Together with CTA and our industry partners, �鶹TV��վ designed every element of construction planning to reduce inconvenience and minimize disruption to people’s daily routines,” added Price. “�鶹TV��վ is proud to have contributed to this landmark project that will be utilized by millions of passengers in the years to come.”

Working collaboratively with CTA, our team contributed to this massive transit line upgrade through:

• Roadway and alley rehabilitation: �鶹TV��վ designed plans for all impacted streets and alleys within the project limits and reconstructed all impacted sidewalks to meet Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) standards with ADA compliant ramps at all temporary and permanent locations.
• Collaborative planning and permitting: �鶹TV��վ was responsible for all utility coordination on the project, including identifying potential conflicts early in the design-build process. By maintaining regular contact with utilities throughout the project, �鶹TV��վ made proactive communication and coordination a top priority. Our team worked extensively with Walsh-Flour to facilitate communication with the Department of Buildings, CDOT, and the Office of Underground Coordination to keep the project running smoothly.
• Digital and technical knowledge: �鶹TV��վ’ modeling experts created and maintained a dynamic digital terrain model for all surface drainage, roadway vertical geometry and ADA design grades. Our design included extensive OpenRoads work—driving efficiencies and schedule. �鶹TV��վ was an early adopter of OpenRoads software to create dynamic 3-D models.
• Enhanced safety and lighting: With a deep understanding of CTA’s and CDOT’s requirements, �鶹TV��վ designed all exterior lighting for the RPB and LBMM sections, as well as power feeds for relay houses, aesthetic lighting, and temporary and permanent lighting for station facades.
• Creative drainage solutions: �鶹TV��վ designed the Stormwater Management Plan, incorporating CTA’s requirements for collecting and storing runoff. Infiltration trenches and storage tanks were utilized, which eliminated surface runoff contributing to the city sewer system.
• Collaborative construction delivery: �鶹TV��վ coordinated with Walsh-Fluor, Stantec, and associated subconsultants to coordinate timing on the overall sequence of design packages.

At a glance

CTA’s Phase One investment, one of the largest design-build projects undertaken by CTA

When this corridor was first built, making it one of the oldest in the CTA system

Built with modern architecture and ADA accessibility features

Historically significant Vautravers building moved for track realignment