CEC News

By Matt George Most roadway improvement projects are judged by what the public can see: wider roads, new intersections, improved traffic flow, safer crossings, and better access. Yet some of the most critical work occurs long before paving begins and often remains invisible after construction is complete. While utility relocations may appear straightforward, they are frequently among the most complex aspects of […]

By Felicia Jackson During budget development, local governments are often forced to make difficult decisions about which projects move forward and which wait. Frequently, there is a common pattern: many of the projects that ultimately require significant capital investment did not begin as major infrastructure failures. Instead, they started as maintenance concerns, isolated complaints, or temporary fixes. Recognizing these warning signs early can […]

By Bartley Estes Most conversations about mobile LiDAR focus on the technology itself. We talk about sensors, accuracy, point density, software platforms, and processing workflows. While those topics are important, I’ve come to believe they’re also distracting us from the bigger opportunity. The conversation about mobile LiDAR shouldn’t begin with how the technology works. It should begin with how better information influences decisions, […]

How early analysis of constraints, infrastructure, and risk leads to smarter, more buildable projects By Chuck Mitchell Getting a site civil engineer involved early in the site selection process is one of the smartest moves a developer, stakeholder, or business can make – but it’s often overlooked. Long before design drawings are created or permits are submitted, engineering insight can help uncover opportunities and risks that aren’t visible at first glance.  […]

By Rusty Steel As civil infrastructure ages and urban corridors become increasingly congested, the importance of accurately identifying and documenting buried utilities has never been greater. Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) has emerged as a structured, data-driven process for reducing conflicts, improving design quality, and preventing costly construction delays. Guided by the ASCE 38-22 Standard, SUE provides a framework for […]

By Felicia Jackson The first time I heard the term on call, I was about six years old. I was walking through a shopping mall with my mom when I noticed a strange black device clipped onto a man’s belt. I asked what it was, and she told me it was a pager and that […]