If you are a civil engineer, you have probably heard the classic joke: “What are the three most important elements of a civil design and construction project?” The answer? “Drainage, drainage, and drainage.” Drainage design is critical to the success of any project and is a major component of civil engineering. Drainage considerations weave into…
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The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) is a federal initiative that provides funding to municipalities for projects aimed at enhancing non-motorized transportation, improving pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and promoting safe routes to schools. As of 2025, there have been several updates and considerations for municipalities seeking TAP funding in Alabama. Application Process Applications must be submitted…
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Alabama’s infrastructure is getting a significant boost with the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation & Improvement Program II (ATRIP-II). As a follow-up to the original ATRIP initiative, ATRIP-II aims to address the continuing need for transportation infrastructure improvements across the state. Launched by Governor Ivey through the Rebuild Alabama Act, the ATRIP-II program is designed to enhance…
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Engineering has long been considered a male-dominated field, but efforts are underway to break down barriers and encourage more women to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Despite progress in recent years, a significant gender gap persists. This blog explores the current state of women in engineering, discusses the challenges they face…
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When you’re looking at designing (or redesigning) a roadway, you need to think first about the impact that project will have on the utilities surrounding the road. If you don’t, you’ll likely find yourself grinding to a halt when you encounter a utilities-related roadblock in your next project. Utilities are the lines, wires, and pipes…
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May 2023 is mental health awareness month, coinciding with a date that seemed so far off, possibly even unobtainable, five years ago. May 17, 2018, changed my life forever. It was the day I was sitting in my office and answered my phone to my doctor saying, “I’m sorry, Ms. Bailey, but the diagnosis is…
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We are excited to announce the Redland Road / Firetower Road Intersection project received an Honor Award in the Transportation Category (3rd Place) for 2023 from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Alabama. Sain was recognized at the state-level ACEC/Alabama Awards Gala this past Thursday at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mountain Brook, Alabama….
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Earlier this year, Sain Associates promoted Nathan Currie to Team Leader for the infrastructure group. Nathan joined Sain as a Project Manager for the infrastructure team after moving to Birmingham from Atlanta in 2016. Five years later, he became a shareholder. With over 16 years of engineering experience, his background includes work with state and…
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What is the most enjoyable part of your job? For me, I would say teamwork. In my more than 20 years at Sain, I have been on many teams, including work teams, external project teams, professional society boards, and charity event boards. As I reflect on my participation with various groups, several questions come to…
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Did you know Sain Associates has many on-call contracts with ALDOT? There are many benefits of on-call contracts. First, they allow Sain Associates to work with ALDOT on a range of projects. Over the years, the projects have ranged from surveying to corridor and traffic studies to a broad array of design projects. Since a…
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