Did You Know

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…
Read More

The RPCGB’s APPLE Program

For this week’s blog, we asked Mike “Kaz” Kaczorowski, the Principal Planner of Transportation for the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham (RPCGB), to dive into their APPLE program and its success story. Under his leadership, the program has made significant strides in supporting local governments and improving infrastructure across the Greater Birmingham region. APPLE,…
Read More

New Regulations Under the MUTCD

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, also known as the MUTCD, is the national standard for traffic control devices on all streets, highways, and other public roads. The MUTCD provides the purpose and application of traffic control devices such as signs, roadway striping, and traffic signals. In December of 2023, the Federal Highway Administration…
Read More

Understanding Driveway Cracking

Driveways are often plagued by a common nemesis: cracks. But fear not, understanding the cause is the first step to keeping them at bay. It’s not a matter of if your driveway will crack, but when. Not all cracks are the same, so understanding what causes cracking to occur can help prevent the deterioration of…
Read More

National Work Zone Awareness Week: 25 Years of Safety

As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), it’s crucial to reflect on the origins and impact of this important safety campaign. Initiated by a group of dedicated Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) staff members in 1997, NWZAW aimed to raise awareness about the critical importance of safety in work…
Read More

Did You Know: Longitudinal Traffic Barriers

Did you know that there are three classifications for traffic barriers? Traffic barriers are roadside safety measures implemented to reduce motorist harm after leaving the roadway. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) categorizes roadside medians into three classifications: flexible, semi-rigid, and rigid. These classifications are defined by the deflection of the barrier when impacted by a…
Read More

Alabama SEEDS Act: Boosting Economic Development with Grants

The Alabama Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) Act is a groundbreaking grant program that aims to expedite the process of developing economic sites throughout the state. The program is a critical component of Governor Ivey’s Game Plan to boost economic development in Alabama. Under the SEEDS program, the State Industrial Development Authority (SIDA)…
Read More

Let’s Get Out and Walk to School!

National Walk to School Day is an annual event encouraging families and students to walk to school to promote physical activity, reduce traffic congestion, and teach safe walking habits. As an engineering firm, we believe this event is not only important for promoting healthy habits and reducing traffic congestion, but it also presents an opportunity…
Read More

Child Passenger Safety Week

My daughter is only two years old, but she sits in her car seat like a queen. She sits semi-reclined with her head cradled by the plushy interior of the car seat, and she has two cup holders because one just won’t do! Life is good in this car seat. What she doesn’t know is…
Read More

Take Advantage of On-Call GIS Services

Municipalities contract with engineering consultants to provide on-call geographic information systems (GIS) services for various reasons. Some of these reasons include the need for specialized expertise that may not be available in-house, the desire to supplement existing staff during peak workloads, and the need for flexibility in staffing levels. Additionally, working with consultants can sometimes…
Read More