David Boyer

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has been awarded a $195 million Infrastructure For Rebuilding America grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) for the I-526/Long Point Road Interchange project. Neel-Schaffer is proud to have provided the Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) and Methodology Narrative to support the grant application. The BCA was a crucial part of the application, and despite a tight deadline, our team delivered, helping SCDOT secure the largest single grant award in the agency’s history! The BCA process involves identifying, quantifying, and comparing a project’s expected benefits and costs. The USDOT then evaluates the application to ensure that funding is allocated to projects offering users and the nation the most significant economic benefits. The I-526/Long Point Road interchange is vital for connecting homes, businesses, schools, and the South Carolina Ports Wando Welch Terminal, the largest container terminal in the state. This project will address traffic congestion and interchange deficiencies, enhancing a key freight route. Neel-Schaffer is proud to have contributed to the grant application process for the project, which promises to improve safety and efficiency for this essential corridor in our nation’s supply chain. You can learn more about this exciting announcement here: https://lnkd.in/gGWTypnj #Infrastructure #Transportation #EconomicGrowth #NeelSchafferExcellence #OneNS #SCDOT #USDOT #Grants

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As a part of maintaining and updating our state's interstate highway system, SCDOT performs cross slope correction during interstate resurfacing projects. Every stretch of interstate highway has a "cross slope," a term for the angle across the width of the road. The main function of a cross slope is to prevent water from standing on the road. This may require crews to work in the same area multiple times, adding or removing asphalt, and making sure the cross slope is just right. Learn more about cross slope correction: https://lnkd.in/eZs_nus8 

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And now I have Joni Mitchell stuck in my head! Love the reference, but even more so, I love the look of these new pavers and the stormwater benefits they provide this site. Check out the case study for more specifics. #permeablepavers #stormwaternerd #stormwaterengineering

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📢 We want to address recent news about the Charlotte-area rail projects — some encouraging, some concerning. 🔴 First, the Red Line: We’re excited to see reports that the city of Charlotte reached an agreement in principle with Norfolk Southern that would allow use of the “O-Line.” This is a vital step forward in establishing a commuter rail line connecting Charlotte’s center city to northern Mecklenburg County and the Lake Norman area. We’ve been advocating for this for many years, including a petition we circulated and sent to Norfolk Southern’s CEO in 2021. Negotiations are ongoing, but this moves us closer to advancing a more sustainable transportation network. ⚪ Second, the Silver Line: We’re concerned by reports that this proposed east-west light rail project could be shortened, leaving out southeast Charlotte and Matthews. While we would be delighted to see any transportation funding that would include more rail projects, including the western half of the Silver Line, come before voters, we hope that a solution can be reached that allows for the *full* Silver Line. This is a crucial project, and we think residents deserve as many transportation choices as possible. 🔗 Do you want to learn more about why issues like this affect our region’s quality of life, longevity, and sustainability? Go to sustaincharlotte.org to read more about our stances on transportation and other pressing issues and, just as importantly, find ways to get involved!

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Great event yesterday at the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA)'s October meeting - Site Selection: Trends and Best Practices with Annie Baxter. Key Takeaways - • The importance of accessibility, including highways, ports, rail, and airports to the site. • Business climate, utilities, and infrastructure are critical factors, especially with the growth in electric power. • Relocation costs, demographics, and incentives are also considered in the site selection process. • Proximity to clients and suppliers, quality of life, and real estate availability are key metrics. • The industrial market in the southeast is strong, with Atlanta and Savannah leading in net absorption. • The construction pipeline is compressing due to monetary policy, leading to a decrease in vacancy rates.

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The human and financial resources of an organization set the stage for any expansion. During Nikolas' #NOMA24 National Conference session, learn how an interdisciplinary team of project managers, designers, and engineers tailored and executed the facility and operations programming for their commuter railroad client Virginia Railway Express. https://lnkd.in/edE_E-np #Localideas #Nationalimpact

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ASPIRE - The Concrete Bridge Magazine recently featured a great article about CONSOR Engineers in their Summer 2024 issue. I’ve been at Consor almost a year. But I’ve found a good place here. Being a company on both coasts, I can add value with my experience in the Carolinas, and the Pacific Northwest. Anyone who has followed my page for a long time knows that I’ve written two articles for ASPIRE. It’s a great engineering magazine, certainly follows my interests. Seeing a company I enjoy working at combined with an engineering magazine I love is a great thing! And the story is interesting. Something I get asked on occasion is, “What does Consor mean?” I was told it comes from the word “consortium,” which is a Latin word meaning "partnership", "association", or "society", and derives from consors ("shared in property"), itself from con- ("together") and sors ("fate") (thanks Wikipedia). I was told it was an expression of brotherhood (or sisterhood). It’s a good name! #civilengineering #bridgeengineering #iworkforconsor

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"The Maryland Transportation Authority says it will issue a progressive design-build request for proposals by the end of May for a new cable-stayed structure, with a goal of having the new crossing open as early as Fall 2028". #constructionnews #constructionindustry #constructionjobs #constructioncareers #constructionrecruitment #bridgeconstruction #highwayconstruction #hiring #generalsuperintendent #superintendents #projectmanagers #projectengineers #estimators #civilengineers #applytoday #beauknows #workingforyourtomorrow

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Looking back- Car Wash in Pooler, GA Straight forward project (famous last words) . . . Actually this one did end up straight forward, and did go rather smoothly. You could say streamlined! One thing to pay attention to with car washes is do the utilities in the wash bay. Be sure this is coordinated. But overall this job went pretty well. Sometimes the smaller jobs can get you into trouble, though. The key is to have early collaboration, and communication. And of course have a good team on both the design and construction side. Our team 29E6: Jonathan Cox, P.E. (now off the 29e6 bus, and happily working on his own company) did his own calcs and drew in revit for this one, and I did the final sign off. Developer: HD Companies Contractor: Dewitt Tilton Architect: SM7 Materials: - Wood roof trusses - CMU wall (concrete masonry units) - Shallow foundation Design approach 29e6 Keysheet approach In house excel for lateral design Enercalc for the masonry and other items — What jobs have you worked in lately that went smoothly? — Need an engineer for car washes or other buildings? DM me and we can set up a coffee chat

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In our latest blog, "The Importance of Reliable Public Transportation" our Fellow Ana explores the challenges and potential of Charlotte's public transit system. It's a given, or sometimes not given, that investing in reliable transit systems and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure can transform communities and improve the quality of life. But what does that really mean from a first hand experience? 🔗 Read the full blog: https://bit.ly/3XDYrMF #PublicTransportation #Charlotte #UrbanPlanning #SustainableInfrastructure #CommunityImpact #NextStage #PublicTransit

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FRANCIS SCOTT KEY BRIDGE REBUILD MOVES AHEAD WITH FEDERAL ENVIRONMENTAL APPROVAL, NEW RFP FOR ENGINEERING CONSULTANT (Key Bridge Rebuild NEPA process concludes with approval of a Categorical Exclusion): The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) and the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (SHA) today received key federal environmental approvals for the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has issued a Categorical Exclusion (CE) classification and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) approval for the I-695 Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild Project. The federal agency determined that because the replacement Key Bridge will be within the former bridge’s right-of-way and have the same capacity of four travel lanes, it is not anticipated to significantly impact community, natural or cultural resources. The approval document can be viewed here. “Securing this approval marks a major milestone in rebuilding the Key Bridge and reconnecting communities following the March 26 catastrophic collapse,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary and MDTA Chairman Paul J. Wiedefeld. “This approval from the federal government formally gives MDTA the go ahead to move forward with plans to rebuild the Key Bridge. Through Governor Wes Moore’s leadership and with close, continual coordination, the MDTA, SHA and FHWA secured input from other state and federal partners to reach this critical step.” Release in full here https://lnkd.in/eS-gH-p8

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The Helene flooding impact to the communities and infrastructure has been catastrophic. Below is one of the first articles I have read discussing the impacts to the railroad throughout Western NC. Due to the proximity of railroad corridors along streams and rivers the impacts must be significant throughout this region. It will be surprising to see how much of this older railroad infrastructure held up compared to the newer adjacent roadway infrastructure. The last major flood in the area was from 1916, likely many of these railroads were established before then and have experienced a similar flood over 100 years ago. https://lnkd.in/eUGc6Epp

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The Atlanta Beltline is the epitome of #TrailOrientedDevelopment Once an active railroad line in the late 1800s then abandoned in the 1960s, this 22-mile linear corridor circling Atlanta has been reimagined as a thriving urban greenspace and multi-use trail oriented with revitalized old railroad building infrastructure and innovative new development as residential, commercial, office and institutional uses. The first section was built and opened in 2008, and the entire 22 mile loop is scheduled to be finished by 2030. I took this ride last week on a short visit along the Eastside Trail section, where most of the development and investment is happening along the corridor. "The Beltline" is one of the largest urban revitalization projects in the country and, to date, has attracted around $9 Billion in private oriented development with no signs of this slowing down any time soon. Even though it got a little congested with cyclists, pedestrians and other rolling modes sharing the same space, this experience exemplified many traits of what I think of #BicycleUrbanism -- the diversity of the users and modes :: fantastic trail oriented wall graffiti and sculptures :: the trail oriented development, signage and wayfinding :: the various trail side musicians, etc. The video ends in a very alluring section of the current Beltline route- the Krog Street Tunnel filled with graffiti on all sides City of Atlanta City of Atlanta Department of City Planning Atlanta Beltline #Atlanta #AtlantaBeltline #bicycleinfrastructure #velohagen #murals #peopleonbikes #railtotrail #greenway #urbantrail #placemaking #urbanism #healthycity

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🌟 We're thrilled to introduce you to our newest team member, Ian Newman, AICP 🌟 Ian joins Citian as a Safety & Accessibility Transportation Researcher, bringing a wealth of experience from his role as a Regional Transportation Planner at the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority and in prior positions. Let’s hear from Ian to get to know him a bit better: 🔹 Q: What motivated you to work for a company like Citian? A: "I was quite motivated to join Citian due to the fact that it is principally involved in both transportation safety and active transportation accessibility (two significant passions and interests of mine as a transportation planner) and is actively making considerable steps forward in the transportation industry via ADAPT and CRASH." 🔹 Q: We often hear government agencies have limited staff and limited data. Based on your public sector work experience, how did that impact your quality of work? A: "It impacted my work because of the fact that I had to utilize data that was oftentimes outdated and I didn’t have the highest level of confidence in the data quality. It also restricted my abilities to vet projects in short to mid-term funding programs, as well as long-range transportation planning, concerning the magnitude of crash frequency and crash severity at intersection- and roadway-focused project applications. I’m eager to build tools that improve the depth and quality of data available to agencies." 🔹 Q: What’s a fun fact that you’d like our LinkedIn community to know about you? A: "I’m a self-proclaimed, Professional Pedestrian! Catch me making urban hikes, and signing up for walking tours throughout Washington DC to explore new neighborhoods, parks, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, historic sites, and more! " Please join us in welcoming Ian to the Citian team! 🎉 #NewHire #VisionZero #CompanyCulture #EmployeeSpotlight

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Earlier this year, Foursquare ITP helped develop a comprehensive zero-emission bus (ZEB) guide for the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT). Modernizing Transit Fleets, developed in partnership with Kimley-Horn, is a five-part guide focused on creating FTA-compliant #ZEB transition plans and offers practical information and tools to help transit agencies and their workers seamlessly adopt ZEB technology. Foursquare ITP developed the Workforce Development Guidance chapter, providing specific resources to help transit agencies proactively address workforce challenges associated with their zero-emission fleet transitions. Read more about the guide and Virginia DRPT's efforts here: https://lnkd.in/gpqwaXjW.

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Earlier this week, WSP President & CEO Paul C. Allen, alongside VP of Operations, Julia Hoskins, attended a special ceremony for the Nashville Business Journal's C-Suite Awards, celebrating our very own Heather Beckwith, Chief Operating Officer! Per the NBJ, "The new C-Suite Awards will shine a spotlight on those executives who support the region's CEOs. These influential senior managers are key decisionmakers in our business community and essential players in the health of our local economy. They each bring a wealth of experience and leadership skills to the table." The 2024 Nashville Business Journal C-Suite Award reviewed local businesses that were nominated through public nominations. Nominees were asked to submit completed questionnaires, which were reviewed and scored by an independent panel of judges. To be considered the company must be headquartered or have major operations in the 10-county Nashville area that includes Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Maury, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson and Wilson counties. Judges selected honorees based on outstanding performance for their companies as shown in the information submitted. Of all the companies considered, 25 were recognized and the honorees were announced on September 10, 2024. This ranking is not based in anyway on the individual's abilities in regard to providing investment advice or management. This ranking is not indicative of advisor's future performance, is not an endorsement, and may not be representative of individual clients' experience. Raymond James is not affiliated with Nashville Business Journal.

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Breaking News:     Governor Roy Cooper just announced that the North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) has received a Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program (CRISI) grant award administered by the Federal Railroad Administration for rail infrastructure projects in North Carolina.    The CRISI grant includes an award of $105.6 million for the Carolinian and Piedmont Passenger and Freight Improvements Project. This funding will be combined with $17.8 million from NCRR, $34.05 million from the North Carolina Department Of Transportation (NCDOT), and $13 million from Norfolk Southern (NS) for a combined project total of $170 million.     The project will:  - Accommodate future freight growth  - Bring key upgrades across seven locations including Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Morrisville, Hillsborough, Burlington, and Greensboro  - Add passenger rail capacity and significantly reduce freight and passenger delays    “This is an extraordinary moment for North Carolina’s rail network,” said NCRR President and CEO Carl Warren. “Improved freight and passenger rail services will accommodate one of the fastest-growing regions in the country and will enable a new era of rail capacity in North Carolina. Thanks to the support of Governor Roy Cooper, Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, our bipartisan congressional delegation, and rail partners, we are positioned to modernize our rail system, improving the safe and efficient movement of both passengers and freight. This is a significant win for the entire state.”    We’re proud to collaborate with NCDOT and NS to pave the way for a more efficient, reliable, safe, and sustainable rail system to keep North Carolina Forever in Motion.    Read more about the project here: https://lnkd.in/eazXQiAs.     #ForeverinMotion #EconomicDevelopment

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Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) is proud to announce the completion of the Stege Signal System project. 🚦 This joint venture, funded by CCJPA and Union Pacific Railroad, replaced the existing railroad signal system and crossovers at Stege, between Richmond and Berkeley train stations. The old signal system had become outdated and prone to periodic failures, causing train delays during repairs. The new signal system is expected to improve reliability and support sustained operation over time. This should lead to fewer slow orders—temporary speed restrictions imposed for safety reasons—better on-time performance, improved customer satisfaction, and increased ridership benefits. The updated crossovers will increase speed limits for trains while switching tracks from 10MPH to 40MPH.

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