Subsurface utility engineering (SUE) helps project teams avoid major risks — such as delays, safety hazards, unexpected costs and public disruption — by accurately locating underground utilities before construction begins. We caught up with Atlas’ East Region Utility Manager and SUE lead to get insight into why SUE should be seen as an investment and not an added expense to project costs. He highlights a recent project for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) which showcases the value of 3D SUE technology by mapping extensive underground and overhead utility data into a detailed 3D model. The information provided to GDOT improved design decisions early in the project and minimized potential construction issues.

In the world of infrastructure, transportation and site development, one of the most overlooked risks comes from what lies beneath the surface: underground utilities. Systems like water, gas, electric, telecom and sewer lines create a complicated network that isn’t always accurately documented. When these utilities are struck or incorrectly located, the consequences can be significant — causing delays, safety risks and costly emergency repairs.

This is why subsurface utility engineering (SUE) is so important. SUE combines historical records research, advanced geophysical technologies and precise surveying to detect, identify and map underground utilities long before construction begins. By doing this early, project teams gain clear visibility into potential conflicts and can make better decisions throughout design and construction.

SUE has consistently proven to deliver one of the highest returns on investment in civil and construction projects. It’s a strategic tool that reduces risk, saves time and protects budgets.

Q: What is the cost of not knowing where underground utilities are? Or what happens if underground utilities are inaccurately located or undocumented?

The cost of not knowing the location of underground utilities can be severe, impacting every aspect of a project. When utilities are inaccurately mapped or completely unknown, project teams can face a series of escalating problems that jeopardize both safety and budgets, such as:

• Construction delays – When crews encounter unexpected utilities, work often stops immediately. Redesigns, relocations and change orders must be made on the fly, slowing progress and pushing schedules far beyond what was planned. These interruptions can ripple through the entire project timeline.
• Safety hazards – Striking a utility line isn’t just inconvenient, it can be dangerous. Hitting gas, electric or high-pressure lines puts workers, nearby residents and the public at risk.
• Unexpected costs – Emergency repairs, damage to utility infrastructure, specialized response teams and service restoration all come with significant price tags. These unplanned expenses can quickly overwhelm a project’s contingency budget and lead to substantial overruns.
• Public disruption – Utility strikes often affect far more than the construction site. They can cause service outages, traffic closures and public frustration.

This is why the financial value of SUE is so important to consider. According to a , every $1 invested in SUE delivers an average of $4.62 in measurable cost savings, with total returns commonly cited by FHWA in the $4–$20 range when broader risk‑reduction benefits are considered. Even under conservative estimates, SUE routinely delivers returns exceeding 400%. These numbers are not hypothetical; they’re backed by years of documented research from Departments of Transportation and proven results across the private sector.

Q: If we look beyond just the dollar cost of not using SUE, what other values do you see in terms of risk reduction and reputation?

Beyond the financial savings, SUE provides significant value in both risk reduction and protecting a project’s reputation. By identifying underground utilities early, teams greatly reduce the likelihood of utility strikes, safety incidents and unexpected disruptions. Fewer surprises mean smoother schedules, more predictable outcomes and a safer work environment for crews and the public.

There’s also a strong reputational benefit. Projects that avoid utility issues tend to stay on schedule, maintain public trust and demonstrate strong stewardship of taxpayer and stakeholder resources. When agencies and contractors deliver projects without delays, damage or service interruptions, it reinforces confidence in their processes, professionalism and commitment to safety. Ultimately, SUE helps safeguard not only the budget, but also the credibility of the team delivering the project.

Q: What advice can you offer clients when it comes to knowing when or whether to engage SUE?

The earlier SUE is integrated into a project, the more value it brings throughout the entire lifecycle of design and construction. When SUE is engaged during the concept and preliminary design stages, project teams gain a much clearer understanding of existing underground conditions before making major decisions. This early insight reduces the likelihood of costly redesigns, helps establish realistic budgets and provides designers with accurate information rather than assumptions.

As the project moves into final design, SUE continues to deliver significant benefits. With accurate data on utility locations, engineers can identify potential conflicts in advance and incorporate solutions directly into design plans. This proactive approach prevents issues that would otherwise surface during construction, where changes are not only more disruptive but also substantially more expensive.

SUE’s value doesn’t stop once construction begins. During field activities, SUE professionals verify utility locations to support real-time conflict resolution and guide necessary adjustments. This reduces the chances of unexpected discoveries, keeps crews safe and helps maintain project momentum by avoiding delays caused by unforeseen underground conditions.

In today’s project environment, SUE is not just a “nice to have” — it is an essential investment in responsible, risk-aware project delivery. Teams that integrate SUE into their standard workflow experience fewer surprises, reduced risk and stronger financial outcomes, ultimately protecting both the project budget and schedule.

From my perspective, it all comes down to one simple truth: if we know what’s underground, we can work around it. Planning around utilities will always be far cheaper and far safer than hitting an unmarked line during construction and learning the hard way. ��

Q: Is there an example of how Atlas has leveraged its SUE capabilities on a complex infrastructure project?

We recently leveraged Atlas’ 3D SUE capabilities to help GDOT gain valuable insight into a 3.5-mile section of its roadway. The goal was to build a 3D map of all utilities and attach important details so designers could easily see and understand what was underground.

To do this, Atlas’ SUE team collected information using several methods, including:

• Quality Level B — utility designating to identify and mark the location of buried utilities.
• 14 test holes.
• Data collection on overhead utility poles.
• Sanitary sewer inspections.
• Utility impact analysis with clash detection.

In total, our team mapped more than 130,000 feet of underground utilities, 261 poles, 22 manholes and the 14 test holes. Information about depths came from the test holes, utility owner records and electronic measuring tools.

Once we collected all the horizontal and vertical data, we used it to build the 3D utility files. GIS technology helped by attaching useful details to each utility feature — like size, type and ownership. This enabled designers to simply click on a utility to see all its information.

The final deliverables included a 3D SUE database, a 3D report, the utility impact analysis and all the electronic 3D files.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not reflect the views or opinions of the Georgia Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration or any other DOT which may be mentioned herein.

Elevating Construction Quality with Technology and Process Innovation

With experience leading quality acceptance programs on billion-dollar infrastructure projects like the TxDOT and FlatironDragados New Harbor Bridge, Barry Burks, P.E., is shaping how advanced technology integrates into quality workflows — helping clients reduce risk and accelerate inspection and testing while maintaining rigorous quality standards.

Tell us about your role at Atlas and how it connects to shaping solutions for transportation infrastructure.����

As the Independent Quality Manager, my role begins with developing project-specific Quality Acceptance procedures within the Construction Quality Management Plan. These procedures establish how acceptance inspection and testing will be performed across a project’s construction lifecycle.

By embedding technology — such as digital inspection forms and automated error checking — directly into those processes, we create efficiencies that save time and money while maintaining the quality standards clients expect. That integration becomes especially important on large, complex transportation projects where schedule pressure is high and consistency across various types of work is critical.

Looking back, what pivotal experience most shaped your career in quality management?��

Working with Dr. Garold Oberlender during my master’s program at Oklahoma State University was transformative. He taught me how reducing the duration of repetitive critical path activities can dramatically impact an entire project’s construction timeline.

That insight has driven my focus for the past thirty years: finding the smartest applications of technology to reduce the duration and cost of hold point activities by speeding up inspection and materials testing. It’s about identifying bottlenecks that slow everything down and systematically eliminate them through better tools and processes.

You’ll be speaking at the ��on Independent Quality Management (IQM). Why is IQM especially critical on P3 and progressive design-build projects?

On P3 and other alternative delivery projects, the risk profile is fundamentally different. Design and construction are happening in parallel, commercial implications are significant and decisions often need to be made quickly with imperfect information.

IQM provides a stabilizing influence in that environment. By operating independently from production pressure, IQM helps make sure speed does not come at the expense of long-term performance or durability. It builds confidence that acceptance decisions are grounded in objective, standardized evaluation — which is critical for owners, lenders and private partners.

On large P3 and progressive design-build projects, how does IQM help reduce risk for owners and private partners?

IQM plays a central role in risk mitigation by providing objective, third-party oversight for inspection, testing and acceptance. On alternative delivery projects, technical decisions often carry immediate schedule and financial consequences.

IQM makes sure those decisions are transparent, defensible and aligned with the owner’s standards and not just the ever-present short-term production goals. That independence helps make sure the investment is protected, not just during construction, but for decades after the project is delivered.

The Harbor Bridge Project involved fabrication of steel and precast concrete across numerous facilities. How does IQM help maintain consistency and aid in the management of complexity at that scale? ��

The complexity of the fabrication processes on projects like Harbor Bridge can magnify small disconnects. With fabrication occurring at more than a dozen locations across the country, loss of consistency is one of the biggest risks.

IQM provides a single, standardized framework for inspection, testing and acceptance — regardless of where the work is performed. Acting independently from the production teams, our quality staff serves as the connective tissue between fabrication, field construction and the project stakeholders.

A structured and consistent set of documents and reporting allowed us to identify trends early, resolve issues proactively and keep the acceptance process moving without surprises. On megaprojects, IQM isn’t about slowing production — it’s about helping the Design-Builder identify quality issues before they impact schedule and then working with them to identify the cause and support them in their development of corrective solutions.

How does technology improve transparency and decision-making for owners on large transportation projects?

Technology provides owners with near-real-time visibility into inspection results, test data and acceptance status of all types of work across the project. Digital inspection platforms eliminate information silos and reduce the risk of missed inspection hold points or undocumented decisions.

For projects with multiple sub-contractors and numerous fabrication locations, that transparency supports faster, more confident decision-making while preserving data integrity. All the stakeholders benefit from knowing the status of the acceptance of the work, where schedules may be at risk and what actions are being implemented to mitigate the problems.

What is the biggest challenge and opportunity you see in automation and technology adoption?

The biggest hurdles are economic justification and early implementation. Adopting new technologies often requires upfront investments in equipment, software and training that may take time to show returns.

The key is to present stakeholders with a clear, early picture of both the costs and the long-term benefits. When people understand the full value proposition, the likelihood of acceptance and successful implementation is improved. You need to build the business case alongside the technical case.

When clients roll out new technologies in QA/QC, how do you help make sure the processes deliver results?

Technology is only as good as the people using it and the processes supporting it. We focus on comprehensive training of staff at rollout and reinforce the importance of consistent processes with Pre-Activity meetings before each new work type begins.

Embedding the use of technology into daily workflows — and making certain teams understand why consistency matters — is what turns new tools into time savers.

Can you share a project that highlights how Atlas delivers quality through both process and innovation?

The Harbor Bridge project is a great example. At more than 3,200 feet long and 538 feet tall, it’s the longest concrete segmental cable-stayed bridge in North America. Coordinating quality testing and inspection plans across more than 15 fabrication facilities presented unique challenges.

We equipped our inspectors with tablets and digital inspection forms, allowing real-time reporting and automated error checking in the field. These efficiencies reduced documentation time, improved consistency and helped expedite the acceptance process.

What motivates you in your work every day?��

For me, it’s seeing a well-thought-through procedure put into action in the field or lab and knowing it will lead to more timely acceptance of the work. That’s when preparation pays off and I know that we are doing our part to keep the project moving forward without unnecessary delays.

Every day, we’re contributing to infrastructure projects that our families and communities will rely on for decades. Knowing that our quality processes contribute to safer, more durable bridges, roads and facilities drives me.

Outside of work, where do you find inspiration?��

I enjoy reading journal articles and watching videos and documentaries about emerging technologies across various fields of science and engineering. Seeing how others achieve success through innovation in their work motivates me to explore new approaches in mine.

Innovation comes from connecting ideas across disciplines and applying them in new contexts. Whether its materials science, automation or data analytics, there’s always something that can be adapted to improve construction quality processes.

Connecting in the Field: Meet Barry at the TDOT–ACEC Partnering Conference

This May, Barry Burks will share insights on the critical role of Independent Quality Management (IQM) in delivering large, complex transportation programs at the .

Drawing on his experience supporting the $1.2 billion TxDOT US 81 New Harbor Bridge project, Barry will highlight how independent quality acceptance contributes to more transparent decision-making, stronger collaboration and long-term project performance on P3 and alternative delivery projects. In this role, Atlas served as the Independent Quality Firm, providing construction inspection, materials testing and day-to-day oversight of quality acceptance in alignment with TxDOT’s Quality Acceptance Program.

His session will explore how disciplined quality processes, supported by experienced teams and modern tools, help navigate the complexity of megaprojects — reinforcing consistency, reducing risk and supporting safe, durable infrastructure.

Atlas’ Francis Mouafong, P.E., MBA is a Senior Project Manager at Atlas and currently works as a Construction Quality Assurance Manager on Georgia’s I-285/I-20 East Interchange project. He shares why he loves working as an engineer — and how transportation systems play a vital role in connecting people and strengthening communities.

Engineers play a critical role in helping communities flourish by creating systems that connect people. Nowhere is that impact more visible than in transportation. Thoughtfully designed and well-executed roads, bridges, transit systems, trails and corridors form the backbone of thriving communities — shaping daily lives, economic opportunity and long-term resilience.

For Francis Mouafong, engineering has always been about more than just building roads or verifying specifications on paper. He views his work as a form of stewardship — a commitment to advancing infrastructure that serves people well and stands the test of time. For more than three decades, Francis has contributed to high-impact transportation projects — spending the past 20 years working throughout Georgia on efforts such as:

• I‑285/I‑20 East Interchange project, a major mobility improvement project being done for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) that involves reconstructing the I-285/I-20 East Interchange ramps with more direct alignments, constructing new lanes, adding auxiliary lanes, replacing bridges and constructing new noise barriers.
• Harbins Road Interchange project, an interchange project that involved bridges, box culvert extensions, retaining walls, ramps, storm drainage, grading, graded aggregate base (GAB) placement, asphalt paving, concrete flatwork, traffic signal installation and more.
• I-75/I-575 Northwest Corridor project, a transformative design-build regional mobility initiative that consisted of building 30 miles of reversible toll lanes and the construction of bridges and walls.
• Gwinnett County SPLOST Road Program, a program that is designed to support the county’s growing population and address its infrastructure needs.

Together, these projects not only improve travel efficiency but they are also enhancing safety, reducing congestion and supporting economic vitality for millions of commuters across the region.

Safeguarding Quality on One of Georgia’s Busiest Interchanges

In his current role on the I-285/I-20 East Interchange project — one of the most complex transportation upgrades in the state — Francis helps guide construction quality across a highly coordinated, fast-paced environment. Once complete, the project will significantly improve traffic flow and safety at what has long been considered one of metro Atlanta’s most congested bottlenecks.

Construction Quality Assurance on a project of this scale requires constant field engagement and disciplined oversight. Francis supports alignment between design intent and field execution, adherence to safety and performance standards and early identification of issues that could affect long-term durability or public access. His role focuses on translating plans and specifications into built infrastructure that performs as intended for the traveling public.

A Commitment to Growth, Learning and Leadership

With more than 33 years of roadway and bridge construction experience, Francis brings a leadership philosophy shaped by experience and adaptability. One lesson guides every project: similar challenges rarely have identical solutions. Effective engineering requires context-driven judgment and responsiveness to site-specific conditions.

That mindset also defines how Francis leads and mentors others. Grateful for the guidance he received early in his career, he places high value on supporting the next generation of engineers. To him, leadership is not about titles — it is about integrity, ownership and a commitment to the communities served.

Through his technical expertise and principled approach to leadership, Francis’ work helps bridge critical gaps:

• Between design and construction.
• Between immediate needs and long-term resilience.
• Between infrastructure systems and the people who rely on them.

By aligning design intent with real-world execution, he helps close the distance between vision and impact — reinforcing the idea that infrastructure is not only about concrete and steel, but about lived experience. ��

Connecting in the Field: Meet Francis at the TDOT-ACEC Partnering Conference

This May, Francis Mouafong will share real-world insights from one of Georgia’s most complex transportation projects at the , taking place May 11-13.

Francis will discuss his work on the $685 million GDOT I-285/I-20 East Interchange Project, focusing on the practical realities of supporting Independent Quality Firm (IQF) services on large-scale, multi-partner transportation programs. Attendees will gain perspective on maintaining independent construction quality assurance, coordinating across stakeholder teams and aligning plans, specifications and field conditions as construction progresses.

His session will highlight how strong collaboration and disciplined quality management contribute to safe, durable infrastructure — lessons that continue to shape transportation projects across the region.

The Foresthill Bridge T‑1 Steel Inspection and Repair Project has earned a National Recognition Award in the , one of the engineering profession’s most prestigious national honors.

Led by Atlas in partnership with Placer County, the project was selected for national recognition following its Honor Award win at the , advancing it to competition at the national level.

The National Recognition Award distinguishes projects that demonstrate exceptional engineering merit, innovation and public value on a national stage.

“This national recognition from ACEC affirms the caliber of work Atlas delivers every day,” said Tom Price, Atlas Infrastructure President. “The Foresthill Bridge project demanded technical excellence and an unwavering commitment to public safety — and our team rose to that challenge. The bridge itself has long held personal meaning for me; I remember walking across it with my great grandfather when it first opened. We’re proud of the dedication our engineers and inspectors brought to this work and honored to partner with Placer County on a project that improves local safety while helping shape national guidance for managing critical infrastructure.”

Engineering excellence at California’s tallest bridge

The Foresthill Bridge, California’s tallest bridge, rises more than 730 feet above the American River canyon and spans 2,428 feet, carrying more than 50,000 vehicles daily between Auburn and Foresthill. Built in 1973 using T‑1 steel, the bridge became part of a federally funded initiative to examine fracture‑critical welds in legacy steel structures nationwide.

Atlas was selected to perform comprehensive non‑destructive ultrasonic testing of 288 fracture‑critical steel welds, a complex undertaking that required inspectors to work at heights exceeding 700 feet while maintaining continuous traffic flow.

Safety-driven results with national impact

Testing revealed a significantly higher‑than‑anticipated defect rate, prompting Atlas to adapt inspection protocols in real time. The team completed 44 targeted weld repairs to American Welding Society (AWS) standards, accelerating safety improvements while maintaining zero safety incidents despite challenging weather and site conditions.

Beyond improving safety for Placer County residents, findings from the Foresthill Bridge project are informing Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidance for evaluating T‑1 steel bridges across the country, contributing to a broader shift toward proactive infrastructure maintenance.

National recognition in Washington, D.C.

Atlas and Placer County were honored at the ACEC 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards Gala on May 5, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Washington, D.C., where National Recognition Award winners were celebrated alongside the nation’s top engineering achievements.

By: Ann Boeholt and Camille Felkins, Atlas Senior Environmental Managers

Adaptive management is often described as a best practice, but its value is most evident when projects face conditions no plan can fully anticipate. This case study — shared at the — illustrates how flexibility, collaboration and observation helped guide a project in a complex wetland system on Tribal lands.

Salmon, Sovereignty and Fish Passage

Pacific salmon have long been central to the cultures, economies and lifeways of Pacific Northwest Tribes. Over time, however, state highway infrastructure contributed to fragmented aquatic systems, limiting access to historic spawning and rearing habitats.

Since the 1990s, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has worked with Tribes and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to identify and address fish passage barriers across the state highway system. This work accelerated significantly following a 2013 permanent injunction that established a 2030 deadline for replacing approximately 400 barriers — those expected to reconnect roughly 90 percent of the targeted habitat. Today, this ongoing, collaborative effort focuses on restoring connectivity within waterways that often intersect sensitive environmental and regulatory settings.

A Culvert, a Wetland and Changing Conditions

One such project along U.S. Highway 101 involved installing a fish‑passable culvert in 2025 to restore natural stream function. Adjacent to the site was a mosaic wetland system within the Quinault Indian Reservation.

Shortly after construction, a high‑flow event caused nearby Harlow Creek to overtop its banks. Water moved across the newly graded wetland, forming overflow channels and flow paths not anticipated in the original restoration design. While the culvert performed as intended, the surrounding wetland — newly planted and not fully stabilized — responded rapidly to these conditions.

These changes introduced challenges. Permit requirements included specific restoration and stabilization goals designed to meet water quality standards, while the wetland’s natural response made a rigid, prescriptive approach difficult to apply. In addition, the stream’s new flow path through the wetland meant that no in-stream work could occur until the following summer construction window. Any potential retrofit work within the wetland or stream would also require careful coordination, as these conditions coincided with the federal government shutdown in fall 2025.

Managing Complexity Through Collaboration

Responding effectively required close coordination among WSDOT, Tribal partners and multiple regulatory agencies. Additional constraints, including narrow in‑stream work windows and limited agency availability, reinforced the need for an approach that was both practical and adaptive.

Rather than attempting to force the system back to its original design assumptions, the project team proposed a flexible, adaptive path forward.

Letting the System Inform Solutions

In the near term, the team implemented minimal erosion‑control best management practices to protect the site while limiting additional disturbance. At the same time, they committed to ongoing monitoring to better understand how the wetland functions under post‑construction conditions.

Monitoring showed that the new overflow channels aligned with the wetland’s mosaic character. While the final design solution is still evolving, the longer‑term approach shifted toward stabilizing those channels within the floodplain — supporting ecological function and permit objectives while working with natural processes.

Together, these decisions reflect how adaptive management can support effective outcomes in dynamic environments by allowing real‑world conditions to inform design, permitting and long‑term performance.

Join Us at NAWM

We will share additional lessons learned from this case study during our presentation, “Implementing effective adaptive management to meet project goals in the face of unforeseen and changing conditions,” at the on Thursday, April 30, at 11 a.m.

If you are attending NAWM, we invite you to join the session and connect with us or continue the conversation on LinkedIn.

Theodora Onwunyiri
Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Lab Manager��

Q: Theodora, you play a critical role in the day-to-day activities at one of Atlas’ laboratories. How did you become interested in materials testing or what inspired you to pursue a career in this field?

What sparked my interest in materials testing was the realization that every test I conduct has a profound impact on the safety and durability of the structures all around us. I’m inspired to know that my meticulous attention to detail plays an important role in making sure buildings, bridges and vital infrastructure are built to last and that they protect the communities they serve. There’s a deep sense of pride and responsibility that comes from knowing the work I do contributes directly to the foundation of our everyday lives.

Q: Atlas’ New Jersey lab handles significant cylinder break volume, as well as aggregate/concrete��and soils��testing. What does a typical day in the lab look like for you?

For me, a typical day involves making sure all laboratory activities are performed according to strict standards and safety protocols. I focus heavily on accuracy and timeliness —making certain that test reports are correct, equipment is well maintained and the lab environment is functioning at peak performance. This work is essential because the quality and reliability of these tests directly impact the safety and longevity of the structures built with the materials we examine. By upholding rigorous testing practices and upholding compliance standards, I help prevent costly construction errors, support the integrity of critical infrastructure and ultimately protect the communities who depend on these projects every day. ��

Q: What kind of material testing do you perform, and what aspect of your job do you enjoy best? How does your role directly support major infrastructure projects?

I work frequently with concrete, masonry materials (mortar and grout) and soil samples collected from construction sites. I enjoy testing these materials because each sample tells a story about the project’s requirements. Comparing the test results to specifications helps confirm whether a structure is built to last.

Good quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) practices help make sure the materials used in construction meet design expectations. My work supports the safety, reliability and long‑term performance of finished structures. It’s a critical component of delivering value for our clients, while also protecting the communities who benefit from the built infrastructure.

For example, my lab worked on a renewable energy project that supports an offshore wind energy generation hub. Serving as the Special Inspection agency, Atlas provided QA/QC services to evaluate the construction processes and activities and make sure they are performed in accordance with the approved construction documents and/or design. I take significant pride knowing my work supports quality assurance and is making an impact on the world.

Q: Is there anything about your job that might surprise people?

Many people may not realize how essential materials testing is to overall construction quality. It’s not just a behind-the-scenes function; it’s a cornerstone of safe and successful construction. In fact, every test conducted plays a direct role in determining whether the structures we depend on — such as buildings, bridges and roads — are built to withstand the demands of everyday use and environmental challenges. Materials testing ensures that components like concrete, masonry and soils meet stringent quality and safety standards before they become part of a finished project. By identifying potential weaknesses, verifying compliance with design specifications and catching issues early, this process helps prevent costly errors, structural failures and safety hazards. Ultimately, materials testing supports the reliability, durability and longevity of infrastructure, providing confidence not only to clients but also to the communities that rely on these structures for their safety and well-being.

Q: What does WIC Week mean to you? How has being a woman in this field shaped your experience?

WIC Week was established to help break the misconception that construction is strictly a man’s field. By highlighting the achievements of women in the industry, WIC Week inspires young women to pursue their dreams and explore construction‑related careers.

Working in a construction materials testing lab has reinforced what my parents always taught me — that gender should not limit our goals or our ability to achieve anything we set our minds to. My work experience has strengthened my confidence and resilience.

Q: What advice would you offer young women interested in construction or materials testing?

See construction as a viable career option without limitations. It’s your interest, dedication and expertise that matter.

I would also remind young women that you can have a career and fulfill traditional female roles, including being a mother. I am a mother to a lovely son, and he is an important part of my life that brings me great joy.

Q: What do you hope to see for the future of women in construction, especially in technical or lab roles?

I hope to see more women managing CMT laboratories. Increasing female leadership in technical areas will continue to open doors for the next generation.

Atlas is recognized for partnering with Placer County and Caltrans to deliver solutions for complex infrastructure projects across California.

DENVER, Colo., Feb. 19, 2026 — Atlas Technical Consultants (Atlas), 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, Atlas’ 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, Atlas CEO. “Quality is at the core of everything we do at Atlas, 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 Atlas led or supported receiving awards are:

Foresthill Bridge – Placer County

Atlas 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. Atlas 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. Atlas 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

Atlas 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, Atlas 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

Atlas, 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, Atlas 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 Atlas Technical Consultants:

Atlas 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 Atlas, visit ��and follow us on��,����and��.

Media Contacts:

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

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

Project wins Engineering Excellence Award.

Faced with aging equipment and outdated technology, Caltrans needed a new way to measure friction on its roadways and bridges to keep California drivers safe. The agency identified Continuous Friction Measurement Equipment (CFME), a new technology that continuously collects friction data under walking speeds, as an alternative to measuring skid resistance.

Caltrans turned to Atlas and GritForce Inc. to conduct a thorough investigation—comparing the device historically used to collect this data—the California Portable Skid Tester (CA PST)—to the new CFME device. ��Atlas worked collaboratively with Caltrans and industry partners to assess equipment performance by implementing specialized friction surveys, examining the unique capabilities of CFMEs across a range of road surfaces, including asphalt and concrete pavements along bridge decks.

Findings from these efforts informed updates to CT 342, Caltrans’ specification for skid resistance monitoring. Pavement friction plays a critical role in keeping California’s roads safer because friction affects how vehicles interact with the road. By testing pavement friction, especially on bridges or locations where vehicles are turning, slowing and stopping, Caltrans is protecting its community and helping to prevent roadway collisions by modernizing its friction measurement technology that has been in place since the 1950s.

Atlas received a Commendation Award in the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) California in its 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards competition, for its partnership with Caltrans on this public safety project. The award recognizes Atlas’ role in helping Caltrans modernize its measurement tools for monitoring roadway friction.

“Atlas has been recognized locally and nationally for our strong collaboration with Caltrans to advance roadway safety through innovative technology,” said Jacque Hinman, Atlas CEO. “We are honored to see this new technology receive industry recognition advancing public safety standards.”

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, Atlas 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, Atlas 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 Atlas for a better way to gather information from contractors and streamline data collection, validation and reporting for statewide compliance.

Answering Caltrans call, Atlas 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, Atlas is helping our clients build modern tools required to make data-driven decisions,” said Baron Colbert, Atlas Senior Engineer. “This technology reinforces Atlas 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. ��

Atlas has partnered with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to improve mobility and manage traffic congestion in Austin. Our latest endeavor will help ease congestion along .

On October 28, TxDOT crews on the $58.5 million project, and Atlas was there to help turn the dirt. The project includes a new overpass bridge on SH 71 over the existing signalized intersection at Tucker Hill Lane, new one-way frontage roads, and improved and expanded pedestrian and bicycle lanes. This work is among several projects to enhance travel from Bastrop to Austin as part of TxDOT’s more extensive Hwy. 71 East Corridor plan—a plan that will eliminate all traffic signals on SH 71 between Austin and Houston.

Providing construction engineering and inspection (CEI) services for the Tucker Hill Lane intersection project, Atlas is helping improve the intersection, which serves as a major corridor for motorists traveling to and from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the city of Bastrop and other central Texas communities. With more than 50,000 vehicles traversing these roads daily, this project will enhance safety and better manage congestion on one of the city’s busiest roadways.

“With growing communities comes a need to improve mobility and make communities more accessible to pedestrians and motorists,” said Joe Fiello, Atlas Central Texas Sector Lead, Infrastructure. “Atlas’ work with TxDOT is helping enhance safety not only for kids walking to school and people biking to work but is also improving mobility and reducing congestion on highly traveled roads.”

The project is expected to wrap up in the fall of 2028.