Latest Updates

Essential Traffic Safety Tips

Every time we get behind the wheel or step onto a roadway, we become part of a complex system where safety is a shared responsibility. Whether you’re a driver, cyclist, or pedestrian, understanding and practicing fundamental traffic safety habits is key to reducing crashes and protecting lives. Below are three tips to help everyone stay…
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The Value of Early Due Diligence

When it comes to development projects, front-end due diligence can make all the difference. While some developers may be tempted to cut costs early on, investing a small amount of money in upfront research is almost always money well spent. This proactive approach helps uncover potential issues before they escalate, which could save time and…
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Success through On-Call Traffic Engineering

At Sain Associates, we understand that every state DOT and municipality faces unique traffic challenges. Their leaders often require flexible and efficient solutions, and that’s where on-call traffic engineering contracts come into play. An on-call contract is a partnership between a state DOT or municipality and our engineering firm. Instead of procuring services for each…
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A Visit to Birmingham’s Masonic Temple

I had passed by the granite building at the corner of 4th Avenue North and 17th Street North countless times, never giving it more than a glance. Like many older buildings in downtown Birmingham, it appeared worn and forgotten, blending into the streetscape. I had never noticed the fluorescent metal signage or the Masonic symbols…
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Biking Dreams Take Shape in Anniston

When the City of Anniston set out to build a new pump track near the Chief Ladiga Trail, their goal was more than just creating a recreational amenity — they envisioned a space that would bring families and young riders together while enhancing the city’s identity as a cycling-friendly destination. Sain Associates was honored to…
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Designing the Interchanges You Drive Every Day

When you drive on the interstate, you may not think twice about the entrance and exit ramps, overpasses, or flyovers that guide your route. However, behind every one of these features is a carefully engineered interchange – a vital structure that connects roadways, keeps traffic flowing, and promotes safety. Interchange design is a critical part…
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Advancing GIS Across Alabama

When I first joined what is now the Geographic Information Systems Association of Alabama (GISAA) in the mid-2000s, the organization was known as the Alabama Chapter of the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA). I started as a passive participant, but my involvement deepened in 2014 when I served as the Central Region representative….
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Drainage, Drainage, and More Drainage

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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Veronica Ramirez Named 2025 ITE Young Leader to Follow

We are proud to announce that Veronica Ramirez, P.E., RSP1, Project Manager and Auburn-Opelika Office Lead, has been selected as one of the 2025 Young Leaders to Follow by the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)! The 2025 Young Leaders to Follow class is comprised of 20 transportation professionals under 35-years-old who have demonstrated leadership and…
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June is National Safety Month

June is National Safety Month hosted by the National Safety Council. This month spotlights the importance of protecting workers, especially those in high-risk environments like construction zones and active civil engineering sites. At Sain Associates, safety is both a corporate policy and an important part of our culture. Whether we’re conducting a roadway design survey,…
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