Latest Updates

What is Subdivision Platting?

Subdivision platting is an essential land surveying function that allows a larger piece of land to be divided into smaller tracts or parcels. This process is crucial for the efficient use of property and aids in the strategic planning and development of land for various purposes, including residential, commercial, industrial, or recreational use. Subdivision platting…
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Safe Drivers Save Lives

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month. To celebrate this safety awareness month, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging drivers to slow down and be alert for pedestrians. Walking should always be an easy and safe option for getting around any community. Everyone shares in the responsibility for road…
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Roundabouts: Why They’re Not at Every Intersection (Yet)

Roundabouts are popping up everywhere. As transportation professionals, we love them! The reduction in conflict points and severity of incidents make roundabouts one of the most beneficial tools we have in our toolbox. But why aren’t roundabouts at every intersection if they provide such a benefit over a traditional signalized intersection? The answer to that…
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Revolutionizing Projects with CAD Design

When I first started working as a designer, I quickly realized that Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is more than just a tool—it’s the backbone of everything we do, especially when it comes to designing large roadways or site plans. Over the years, CAD has become an essential part of how we turn complex civil engineering projects…
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GIS for Severe Weather: More Than Just a Pretty Map

Severe weather conditions are common throughout the Southeast. Whether it is tornado and hurricane season or a snow and ice storm, there are many benefits of utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) during these conditions that people may not normally consider. During severe weather, GIS capabilities are more than likely used in some capacity to assess…
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Navigating the Difference Between Macroscopic and Microscopic Traffic Modeling

Within the past year, the State of Alabama has been transitioning from CUBE Voyager to TransCAD. These Travel Demand Model (TDM) software packages are typically used for statewide models and large urban areas with Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs).  MPOs and states typically develop Long Range Transportation Plans (LRTP) with these software packages; Sain has experience…
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Understanding Transportation Safety Initiatives and Programs

At Sain Associates, we continually work with municipalities and local agencies to implement transportation safety initiatives, programs, and strategies. While prioritizing safety is not a challenge, navigating the appropriate regulations and terminology can be. Today’s blog dives into some of the most common acronyms and newer initiatives you might hear related to the new Bipartisan…
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Revamping Alabama’s Roads: The Impact of the ATRIP Initiative

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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Sain’s Funtime Committee

Sometime in the mid-90s, Sain’s former president, Randy Sain, looked around a quiet room at the Sain Associates office. After seeing the group bent over engineering plans, their brows furrowed as they focused entirely on their work, Randy uttered a phrase that would change the company’s culture forever: “We need to start having more fun…
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