Issuu

Projects and People of the Year

Legacy Trail EXPANSION CONNECTS COMMUNITIES

Platinum Level I –4 U L T I M A T E TRANSFORMS ORLANDO

WINTER 2023

Florida's finest. The Florida engineering community is constantly innovating to deliver projects that benefit the communities we live in and serve. Some of these projects— and the people behind them— have earned state and national recognition from our industry. Learn more about these outstanding projects and people as we celebrate the best of the year.

2 | ENGINEERING FLORIDA

Photo: Section 6 of the Wekiva Parkway has been recognized by ACEC Florida, DBIA, FTBA and ASBI. The Wekiva River Crossing, in its final condition, has been hailed as “prodigious” and “an open-air cathedral.” Photo courtesy of WGI. ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 3

Seasons Greetings

F R O M E N G I N E E R I N G F LO R I DA

hat a year 2023 has been for our new publication, as well as engineering in the State of Florida. When we launched this magazine in April, we aimed to create a unified voice to inform the public and our legislative leaders about our efforts and the importance of engineering to the state.

We’ve covered stories of community resiliency in the face of catastrophic storms, detailed how state agencies and the engineering community are tackling record population growth, and relied on industry veterans on how to deal with pressing issues in the workforce like mental health, the use of artificial intelligence, and professional ethics.

We couldn’t have put together such a publication without our partners:

As we turn our attention from the Best Projects and People of 2023 to what is on the horizon in 2024, we’re excited to keep working to ensure Engineering Florida lives up to its purpose. Our success depends on your engagement and investment in this publication.

• Florida Engineering Society (FES) • American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida (ACEC Florida) • American Society of Civil Engineers Florida Section (FLASCE) • American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE) • Florida Structural Engineers Association (FSEA) • Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Florida Chapters Our partners have helped ensure our publication stays fresh and wide-reaching with the latest engineering news and viewpoints from experts in our industry.

04 | ENGINEERING FLORIDA

Be sure to check out our 2024 media kit and editorial calendar at the end of this issue to see how you and your organization can help us further our reach and mission. And thank you to all of you who have reached out with feedback on the magazine and ideas about stories that deserve to be covered. With your support, we’ve had a great inaugural year of Engineering Florida, and year No. 2 is looking even brighter. Thank you for reading and supporting Engineering Florida, and we hope you have a happy holiday season. We’ll see you soon in 2024.

Stacey Butler EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Director of Marketing and Communications, FES & ACEC Florida

Contents Table of

Cover Story:

I-4 Ultimate

BEAUTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN:

WEKIVA PARKWAY SECTION 6

MARKET SPOTLIGHT: PANAMA CITY

REBUILDING AFTER HURRICANE DEVASTATION

FROM LANDFILL TO RNG: NEW RIVER REGIONAL LANDFILL

22 20

26 30 46

PATH FOR ALL: LEGACY TRAIL EXTENSION AND NORTH PORT CONNECTOR JOINS COMMUNITIES

EVERGLADES HOLIDAY PARK $16 MILLION UPGRADE WINS GRAND ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARD

LIFT STATION 87

EARNS DBIA NATIONAL AWARD OF MERIT ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 05

Editorial Board Katie Batill-Bigler, CPSM Patel, Greene & Associates | SMPS Stacey Butler, Director of Marketing and Communications FES | ACEC Florida David Cowan, Jr, PE, ENV SP Chen Moore and Associates | FES Kelly Cranford, PE, ENV SP Culpepper & Terpening | FES Past President Charles W. Davis, Jr, Ph.D. Associate Professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | FES Allen Douglas, Executive Director FES | ACEC Florida Sunserea Gates, PE VHB | ASHE

Editor-in-Chief Stacey Butler Managing Editor Joe VanHoose Creative Direction + Layout Hannah Groseclose Contributors Thomas Ehlers Lindsey Ranayhossaini Johnathan McGinty Ad Director Meghan Shiner

Carmelo Giglio, PE, SI United Professional Engineering | FSEA Andy Lauzier, PE HDR | ACEC Florida Scott Martin, PE, LEED AP, DBIA Walter P. Moore | ACEC Florida Past President Jennifer Nix McGerald, CPSM RS&H | ACEC Florida Edie Ousley, President Yellow Finch Strategies Cherie Pinsky, Chief Operating Officer FES | ACEC Florida Adam Schildmeier, PE WGI | FES Ann Schiola, FSMPS, CPSM, CIP-II RS&H | ACEC Florida Meghan Shiner, Communications Coordinator FES | ACEC Florida Jignesh Vyas, PE Parsons Corporation | ASCE

06 | ENGINEERING FLORIDA

WINTER 2023

Calendar of Events JAN

JAN/FEB

MAR

09 10

21 23

11 16

FES | ACEC Florida

2024 Professional Engineers Legislative Days TALLAHASSEE FES | ACEC Florida

CFX Industry Forum In-Person ORLANDO

FES | ACEC Florida

Advanced Florida Building Code 8th Edition Update Webinar 1 P.M.

20 25 27

ASCE

Florida Section Winter Board Meeting GAINESVILLE ASCE

Multi-Region Leadership Conference MIAMI

26 31 01 21 23 28 29

FES

Palm Beach Chapter Sporting Clay Shoot Tournament PALM CITY FES CALUSA CHAPTER

33rd Annual Southwest Florida Water Resources Conference FORT MYERS ACEC Florida

FDOTConnect Virtual Training Lab: Plan Development Workflows

25 27

FLASCE

FLASCE Southeast Student Symposium ORLANDO

SMPS

Southeast Regional Conference (SERC) 2024 GREENVILLE, SC

FES

FECON Tour of Haskell Steel Shop JACKSONVILLE ACEC Florida

2024 Engineering Excellence Awards Banquet ORLANDO ACEC Florida

FDOTConnect Virtual Training Lab: Drainage & Pond Design

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

2024 SESSION

Off to a Sluggish Start Allen Douglas

Executive Director, FES and ACEC Florida

In a typical year, there are roughly 3,000 bills filed in the Florida legislature, and less than 10% pass. With only six weeks before the start of the 2024 legislative session, just over 700 bills have been filed. We can expect the month of December and the first week of January to be very busy. ACEC Florida and FES have proposed legislation to clarify that Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) professionals working as sub-consultants have sovereign immunity protection on Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) road and bridge projects as agents of the state. The need for the legislation arises from a recent 4th Circuit Court decision that held CEI professionals do not have the protection because they do not have a contract with FDOT. Senator Jennifer Bradley and Representative Kaylee Tuck are sponsoring the legislation. Representative Tuck has filed HB 619, and we are awaiting the Senate bill. Additionally, we are currently tracking about three dozen bills, most of which are not significant at this point but could lead to certain statutes or issues where future amendments could make them consequential. There are a handful of bills filed that have our attention. THESE INCLUDE: • HB 149 — CONTINUING CONTRACTS would raise the threshold for construction projects that must comply with the Consultant’s Competitive Negotiation Act (CCNA) from $4 million to $10 million. Supporters assert the threshold should be raised to account for increased construction costs over the last few years to avoid delays on these smaller projects. A Senate bill has not yet been filed. 08 | ENGINEERING FLORIDA

HB 149 also includes a provision specific to FDOT requiring the selection of three to five geotechnical and material testing firms under a continuing contract, and authorizing work to the selected firms on a “rotational and equitable" basis. • HB 479 — ALTERNATIVE MOBILITY FUNDING SYSTEMS would limit the use of impact fees in areas being developed but would allow undefined alternatives for local governments. FES and ACEC Florida continue to work with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on the proposed stormwater rule requiring a 55% reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus for new development and transportation projects. The rule has been adopted by the DEP, but due to the associated costs must be ratified by the legislature.

process would need to begin again, or the legislature could codify all or parts of the rule into statute. Efforts are also underway to create a funding mechanism for work in the water resources arena. A recent report from Florida TaxWatch emphasizes the need for a funding system similar to FDOT’s work program. ACEC Florida and FES have supported such a proposal for several years and welcome the research done by Florida TaxWatch. Obviously, these are crucial issues for Florida’s engineering community. There will be many more before the session ends in March. Please stay tuned.

Editor’s Note: This article was written on November 30, so expect that much more information will be available at publication. A complete legislative report with updated information can be found by visiting either the FES (fleng.org) or ACEC Florida (acecfl.org) websites.

We expect a ratification bill to be filed, and we expect opposition from many interested parties. Should the legislature choose not to adopt the rule, the rulemaking

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ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 09

LAW & ETHICS

Coming Down the Pike: M A N DAT O R Y C E R E P O R T I N G Edwin Bayó PARTNER, GROSSMAN, FURLOW & BAYÓ, LLC Edwin Bayó is a former Counsel to the Florida Board of Professional Engineers. He is Board Certified in State and Federal Government and Administrative Practice by the Florida Bar.

Engineers in Florida are primarily regulated by two Florida Statutory Chapters, 455 and 471. Chapter 471, also known as the “Florida Engineering Practice Act,” contains laws that only apply to Professional Engineers (PEs). One of these laws requires engineers to complete 18 hours of Continuing Education (CE) every two years. Of the 18 hours, one hour must relate to the Florida laws and rules for PEs from a Board-approved provider, and one hour must relate to professional ethics. Four hours must relate to an area of practice. The remaining 12 hours may be related to any topic pertinent to the practice of engineering. Engineers licensed in multiple states face the challenge of keeping up with different state rules on the number of required CE hours and what qualifies as acceptable courses. Currently, 42 states and the District of Columbia require CE for renewal of licensure. In addition, some of these states require that engineers report their CE as part of the licensure renewal process. Starting next November, Florida will be one of these states. HOW CE REPORTING BECAME MANDATORY Chapter 455 contains several laws applicable to all practitioners under the umbrella of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), including PEs. One of these laws is section 455.2177, Fla. Stat., “Monitoring of compliance with continuing education requirements.” This somewhat obscure statute requires DBPR to monitor licensee compliance with applicable CE requirements. The DBRP must determine whether each licensee was in 10 | ENGINEERING FLORIDA

full compliance with the applicable CE requirements as of the time of the licensee’s renewal. The statute also allows DBPR to waive the CE monitoring requirements for any profession that has a program in place that measures compliance through statistical sampling techniques or other methods that can indicate at least 95 percent licensee compliance. Pursuant to that statute, the Board of Professional Engineers (BOPE) adopted Rule 61G15-22.006, F.A.C., which established the random CE audit process that has been in place since 2001. Under that rule, as part of the renewal process, PEs had to click the button that served as a declaration that they had completed all the required CEs. The BOPE then randomly audited a minimum of 3 percent of licensees to ensure that the CE requirements were being met. Unfortunately, these random audits demonstrated a compliance rate of 85 to 90 percent. Because the 95 percent requirement in the statute was not being met, actual monitoring for CE compliance will now become a reality. Starting with the renewal cycle of November 2024, PEs will not only have to click the button declaring that they have completed their required CE hours, but they will also have to actually demonstrate that they have done so. There are many professions in Florida that already require licensees to record their CE in a database that can be accessed by their respective licensing board to verify the subjects and hours of CE taken. Something along those lines will now be required for Florida PEs.

WHAT WILL REPORTING LOOK LIKE? The BOPE is currently deciding how to implement this mandatory reporting requirement. There is a CE tracking tool currently available to engineers through the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), the same outfit that provides all those wonderful engineering licensure examinations. NCEES uses the acronym CPC (Continuing Professional Competency) in their tracking tool. This service allows you to select the appropriate licensing state, add the course information and corresponding CE hours, upload supporting documentation to your account, and transmit a transcript electronically to a state licensing board. The best part of this service is the cost, which is free. Rule 61G15-22.006, F.A.C. will be amended to establish what mechanism(s) or process will be required. The BOPE will be reviewing proposed rule language at the Dec. 7 meeting, with the expectation to proceed with rulemaking shortly thereafter. Stay tuned. MORE RULE REVISIONS While I am on the subject of continuing education, there is another rule that is being revised. 61G1522.001(3), F.A.C. required that, beginning with the Fifth Edition of the Florida Building Code (FBC), all PEs

actively participating in the design of engineering works or systems in connection with buildings, structures or facilities covered by the FBC must complete at least one advanced FBC Course within 12 months of the effective date of each new edition of the FBC. A certificate of completion showing the course number, hours, code edition year and course focus must be submitted to the BOPE. The law authorizing this rule requires the BOPE to keep an easily accessible database of PEs that have taken these courses so that the local code enforcement folks can determine compliance when reviewing and processing design documents. Compliance with this rule has been a bit spotty, and a lot of PEs have received non-disciplinary notices of noncompliance from the BOPE for being engaged in this type of work without evidence of having taken the requisite courses. The BOPE is proposing to amend the rule to update the reference to the Eighth Edition, which becomes effective at the end of 2023, and to delete the requirement that the course be taken within 12 months of each new edition. Practitioners must keep in mind that although the requirement to complete the course within 12 months of the effective date is being deleted, excessive delay in keeping up with the latest edition of the FBC may result in problems down the road.

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ASSOCIATION SPOTLIGHT

ASCE

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS

And the Award Goes to… BY TZUFIT BOYLE, PE, PMP, F.ASCE

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Florida Section recognizes our members and the work that they do. Each year we seek nominations for awards through our branches, which are reviewed and selected by our Award Committee comprised of recent past presidents. Several of our award winners have also received recognition through the years within Region 5 of ASCE, which encompasses Florida, Puerto Rico, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and Georgia. Here is a look at this year’s Florida winners:

Project of the Year: New River Renewable Natural Gas Project

all modern comforts, but seldom do we think about how they happen. We recognize outstanding civil engineering achievements for the Project of the Year to highlight this work and recognize the project team. Nominated by the Gainesville Branch, the New River Regional Landfill consists of an active 99-acre lined Class I Landfill and supporting infrastructure. The New River Solid Waste Association collaborates on research projects and pilot programs with the University of Florida's leading solid waste and sustainable materials management expert, Dr. Timothy Townsend. The Renewable Natural Gas project is the first in Florida to convert landfill gas into pipeline-quality natural gas, as well as the first landfill to interconnect to the Florida Gas Transmission's interstate pipeline and inject processed landfill gas, which is treated to meet the strict pipeline-gas specifications.

Sustainable Project of the Year: I-4 Ultimate Project

The work we do every day is often unseen by the public. The lives we improve with each completed project enjoy

This new award recognizes projects that use innovative design or construction methods to improve economic, social and environmental sustainability. These projects have attained Envision rating Read more about the New River Landfill RNG project and/or Society awards, involve the public on Page 26. Photo source: ASCE Florida Section at the planning, design, construction and operations stages in the development of the project, and demonstrate significant participation by other disciplines on the team. I-4 Mobility Partners, the public-private partnership rebuilding I-4 through Central Florida, earned the Envision Platinum rating for its ongoing programs to minimize environmental impacts, including relocating protected wildlife, using efficient machinery, controlling stormwater runoff, planting noninvasive vegetation, and recycling 99% of the concrete and steel removed from roads and bridges. The project also integrates rail projects and improved pedestrian crossings and connections with bike trails.

12 | ENGINEERING FLORIDA

Read more about the I-4 Ultimate project on Page 36. Photo source: ASCE Florida Section

Young Engineer of the Year: Madeline Batey Madeline Batey is actively involved in a vibrant Younger Member Group in Orlando, where she has organized many events and activities. She is involved with her local branch, the Florida Section and the Region, serving as a representative for the Florida Section on the ASCE Region 5 Younger Member Advisory Council. She is also involved with the local chapters of other professional organizations, such as the Florida Engineering Society (FES) and the American Water Works Association. In her free time, she attends events with the Florida Trails Association and is a member of the Tarflower chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society in Central Florida. Batey is an Associate Engineer at Chen Moore and Associates.

Government Engineer of the Year: Nicole Bohaczyk Nicole Bohaczyk has not only been involved in all aspects of her local branch but is also the past ASCE Younger Member Group Chair within the Florida Section. She enjoys working closely with the University of North Florida Student Chapter and local branch. Bohaczyk was instrumental in the planning and hosting of the 2023 ASCE Southeast Student Symposium that was held in Jacksonville in March. She is involved with MATHCOUNTS, the American Society of

Highway Engineers, and the Northeast Florida Construction Career Days. She enjoys volunteering at Feeding Northeast Florida and at HabiJax, the local Habitat for Humanity Chapter, positively and directly impacting her local lives in her community. Bohaczyk is a Geotechnical Engineer at the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

Engineer of the Year: Matt Landschoot The award for Engineer of the Year recognizes an individual who has personal character, integrity and public image above reproach, an established reputation for service to ASCE and the engineering profession, and for civic, community and public activities. Matt Landschoot’s involvement and volunteer activities have been felt throughout the local branches and Florida Section, as well as other organizations such as Geotechnical and Materials Engineers Committee of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida. He also serves on the Northeast Florida Construction Career Days. His continued mentorship and leadership are qualities that we should all aspire for to enrich our local community and to inspire the engineers that come after us. Landschoot is a Vice President, Senior Geotechnical Engineer, and a partner owner of Environmental and Geotechnical Specialists, Inc. (EGS). In addition to these awards, winners have been promoted to Region 5 for award consideration. The Florida Section is proud of all these achievements and hopes that the candidates we have put forward will be selected in the Region as well. ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 13

The Beauty of

Environmental Design HOW WEKIVA PARKWAY SECTION 6 HARMONIZES PROGRESS AND GOOD STEWARDSHIP

BY GARRETT JONES, PE Garrett Jones is an engineer and project manager at Superior Construction. He is currently managing Superior’s I-4 and Daryl Carter Parkway Interchange project for the Florida Department of Transportation. Connect with him at GJones@superiorconstruction.com.

RD S

PRO

CT AW

2023 Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) Florida Region's Transportation Structures Honor Award Florida Transportation Builders Association (FTBA) 2023 Best in Construction Award ACEC Florida Outstanding Project Award CEC Florida Grand A Engineering Excellence Award American Segmental Bridge Institute (ASBI) 2023 Bridge Award of Excellence

eavy civil construction and environmental stewardship have often been at odds. Some view Florida’s economic development — stimulated by its thriving economy and growing population — as a threat to the state’s pristine natural habitats.

Built across a federally designated Wild and Scenic River, Wekiva Parkway Section 6 is a vital stretch of the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT’s) $1.6 billion Wekiva Parkway (SR 429). The Wekiva Parkway connects to SR 417, completing a beltway around Central Florida — home to unique springs, wetlands and diverse wildlife.

Balancing Florida's rapid development with the preservation of its unique landscapes is a delicate challenge, but it’s not impossible.

Segment 6 comprises nearly six miles of limited access toll road, primarily along the existing SR 46 corridor from SR 429 to just west of Longwood-Markham Road. Its centerpiece is the Wekiva River Crossing, a set of three side-by-side cast-in-place segmental bridges. The scope also included a non-tolled service road for local travel and nine wildlife bridges — allowing animals to pass safely between the Seminole State Forest and Rock Springs Run State Reserve — for a total of 18 bridges with over 1.268 million square feet of new bridge deck.

The WGI-Superior Construction design-build team’s $247 million Wekiva Parkway Section 6 project in Lake and Seminole Counties demonstrates how innovative engineering can harmonize progress while minimizing the environmental impact of construction.

ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 15

Top-down balanced construction meant no work occurred in the protected Wild and Scenic Wekiva River. Two wireless turbidity sensors constantly monitored turbidity in the river. Photo source: Superior Construction

PROTECTING A WILD AND SCENIC RIVER The Wekiva River’s Federal Wild and Scenic River designation necessitated environmentally conscious construction methods. Throughout the preliminary design process, the WGI-Superior Construction team coordinated extensively with local agencies and stakeholders, including the National Park Service, to achieve approval in accordance with the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

The project protected the environment through design and construction means and methods. The tree canopy of the Wekiva River remained as intact as possible while the bridges were being built. Photo courtesy: Superior Construction

Each of the Wekiva River Crossing’s three complex 2,068-foot-long bridges included cast-in-place (CIP) concrete segmental spans totaling 880 feet with a 360-foot main span. They were constructed from the top down to eliminate work in the water, protect the surrounding environment during construction, and provide undisturbed and safe habitats for wildlife after completion. The design team and builder collaborated extensively during the design phase to ensure the custom form traveler would function as designed with the complex details associated with CIP segmental construction technologies. “The bridge’s segmental superstructure is exceptionally durable thanks to being longitudinally post-tensioned and having a transversely post-tensioned top deck,” said Jerry Pfuntner, PE, SE of COWI (formerly Finley Engineering), the project's engineering firm responsible for the concrete segmental bridge design. “The superstructure and top deck surface remain in compression under permanent loads. 16 | ENGINEERING FLORIDA

“Furthermore, cast-in-place segmental box girders have continuous bonded mild reinforcement along their interior and exterior surfaces. This reinforcement significantly increases capacity and durability, reducing the need for future maintenance.” Access and staging were challenging due to the top-down approach. The design-build team’s solution utilized a carefully designed trestle to support large equipment access for pier

substructures, minimizing the construction footprint and environmental impacts. The trestle allowed for the selective cutting of trees, preserving the natural environment to the greatest extent possible. Leaving a portion of the tree and the root systems intact facilitated erosion control and allowed for vegetation re-growth post-construction. “To avoid environmental impacts when building the pier footings, we used a steel sheet pile cofferdam to contain materials during excavation,” said Superior Project Manager John Beltran. Crews hauled away excavated soils and pumped discharge from dewatering activities into a sediment filter box. The team then used a concrete seal slab to minimize groundwater intrusion into the excavation. To cut the piling two feet below the mud line, the team custom-fabricated a containment cell (see figure below) with an embedment plate at its bottom to ensure it was fully seated in the mud line. While carefully monitoring the water’s turbidity, floating barriers around the containment cell provided environmental protection by confining sediments that could adversely affect aquatic ecosystems. After crews removed all the piles within the cell, they pumped turbid water to the filter box on top of the bridge deck. Because segmental construction requires posttensioning systems that must be protected, Superior

used a flexible filler of microcrystalline wax instead of grout to provide strand protection for continuity tendons, enabling tendon strand replacement over time if necessary. For the conventional bridges, the design-build team used an overhang system that was delivered in 20-foot pre-constructed sections, enabling faster deck pours. Shelby Erectors — the team’s reinforcing steel and stay-in-place form installer — utilized a TyBot system, which uses lasers and cameras to make reinforcing steel tie connections, further speeding up production. RS&H performed construction, engineering and inspection services. DEVISING GEOTECHNICAL SOLUTIONS Several unforeseen conditions affected the project, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the discovery of several sinkholes throughout the project limits, which affected foundation installations at a couple of the bridge locations. Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions (Now WSP USA), an expert in Central Florida’s very challenging subsurface conditions, provided outstanding geotechnical solutions. Engineers redesigned the roadway with innovative traffic control plans to overcome five sinkholes and keep the project on schedule. Each sinkhole had a unique approach, as the geotechnical conditions represented different challenges.

The design team’s choice of a segmental bridge eliminated work in water and protected the environment using top-down balanced cantilever construction. Twin-column, fixed piers eliminated the need for additional cantilever stability props, minimizing environmental impacts. Photo source: WGI

ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 17

The five relic sinkholes, filled with soft organic soils, were mitigated using rigid inclusions to increase the stability of the roadway embankments and to reduce future roadway settlements to tolerable levels. BLENDING INTO NATURE The Wekiva River Crossing’s main spans showcase the team’s commitment to structural efficiency and aesthetics. “The community sought a railing that would have minimal visual obstruction of the Wekiva River," Pfuntner said. "To protect the viewshed, the team used a pedestrian rail that is minimally obtrusive but structurally sound.” Engineers invoked the bridge's proportions to achieve the minimization target, ensuring it seamlessly integrated with the scenic environment. The Superior-WGI team used a long box girder cantilever wing to decrease the bridge’s signature, increase shadows, add depth to the box girder webs, and reduce mass. The long wings also reduced the bottom soffit width and pier width. This aesthetically pleasing geometry enhanced the user experience for pedestrians and boaters by reducing the bridge surface visible from the water and maximizing open space beneath the bridge. Relief patterns inspired

by the main span piers grace the approach piers, reducing visual clutter and creating more open space beneath the superstructures. The signature Wekiva River Crossing even features pier shapes inspired by trees and a concrete stain to match its surroundings. Its harmonious integration with the natural environment has garnered praise from its owner, residents and visitors, enriching the region's cultural landscape. TRANSFORMING THE TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRY Florida is renowned for its diverse wildlife and countless opportunities for outdoor recreational activities. The Wekiva Parkway Section 6 project respects this natural heritage while providing an exemplary transportation artery critical to the region's sustained growth. "Section 6 of the Wekiva Parkway proves responsible engineering can integrate with sustainable development, and it sets a precedent for other regions facing similar challenges,” said Walter Kloss, PE, Vice President of Transportation Alternative Delivery for WGI, Inc. As population growth continues, environmental design and engineering ingenuity can lead the way toward a more sustainable and prosperous future for the Sunshine State.

The Wekiva River Crossing is designated as a Federal Wild and Scenic River, which necessitated environmentally conscious construction methods. Throughout the preliminary design process, the Superior Construction-WGI team coordinated extensively with local agencies, stakeholders, and the National Park Service to achieve approval in accordance with the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Photo source: WGI

18 | ENGINEERING FLORIDA

Section 6 of the Wekiva Parkway comprises nearly six miles of limited access toll road primarily along the existing SR 46 corridor from SR 429 to just west of Longwood-Markham Road. Photo source: WGI

ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 19

ASSOCIATION SPOTLIGHT

FES

FLORIDA ENGINEERING SOCIETY

FES Honors Outstanding Leaders in Florida's Engineering Community Florida is fortunate to have highly talented engineers who have been designing and shaping Florida’s future, and we’re pleased to honor their excellence and achievement in this industry. FES recognized nine of Florida’s finest professional engineers during a ceremony held this summer in conjunction with the FES | ACEC Florida Annual Conference in Marco Island.

2023 Engineer of the Year: Eric M. Jimenez PE, PMP, CCM, of Orlando Jimenez is a 28-year engineering professional and a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico. In 2017, he founded his own practice, Construction Professional Services (CPS) in Orlando, and soon after joined forces with Ardmore Roderick to expand their design and construction services in Florida. Jimenez has been responsible for more than $1 billion in design and construction services for a variety of clients, including Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Osceola County, Dart Interest, and Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA). Eric is the incoming Chair of Florida Engineers in Construction (FECON) practice section of FES, and a 2020 FECON Individual Excellence Award winner. He also chairs the Industry Advisory Board for the School of Construction Design, Engineering and Information Technologies at Seminole State College.

Young Engineer of the Year: Corey Chascin, PE, of Jacksonville Chascin is a Civil Engineering graduate from the University of North Florida and is a CEI Project Administrator at VIA Consulting Services, Inc. with a background in Geotechnical Engineering and Materials. She works with the City of Jacksonville and the Downtown Investment Authority on 20 | ENGINEERING FLORIDA

revitalization projects, such as the McCoys Creek Restoration and RiversEdge: Life on the St. Johns. Chascin is the Past President of FES’s Northeast Florida Chapter and a State Director. She is a proud Florida Engineering Leadership Institute (FELI) Class of 2022 alumna, where she served as the Fundraising Chair and built beds for children in need.

Outstanding Service to the Engineering Profession: William E. Wilson, Jr., PE, F.ACEC of Jacksonville A professional with over 46 years of experience, Wilson is currently a Principal Engineer at Chen Moore and Associates where he has successfully designed approximately 1,000 electrical power, control, and lighting projects. He is a Class of 2007 graduate of the Florida Engineering Leadership Institute (FELI), is a 2011 FES Fellow, and a 2022 ACEC Florida Fellow. Additionally, William was the 2019 President of the ACEC Florida, and was named Florida Engineer of the Year in 2019.

Award for Outstanding Technical Achievement: Kamal S. Tawfiq, PhD, PE, F.ASCE of Tallahassee Dr. Tawfiq is a highly accomplished professor and former chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. Tawfiq has developed award-winning online Master of Engineering courses and served as an advisor and trustee to international universities. He has made significant contributions in areas such as soil-structure interaction and novel pavement material systems, resulting in patents and numerous published papers. His commitment to bridging theory and practice is demonstrated through his work as a consultant, expert witness and technical advisor on diverse projects.

E N G I N E E R S D E S I G N AT E D A S

2023 Fellow Members of FES John M. Carroll, Jr. PE, CGC, of Vero Beach

David C. Carter PE of Winter Haven

Fernando V. Gomez

PE, PSM of Miami

Lin Li PE of Miami

Carroll is an engineering professional with over 40 years of expertise in designing large-scale subdivisions, analyzing historic structures and leading diverse engineering projects. As a licensed General Contractor, he has successfully designed and built a range of projects spanning across the United States, the Caribbean and Arab countries, with a focus on governmental, commercial, industrial and transportation engineering.

As the leader of Carter Engineering for 28 years, Carter has overseen site development and construction projects, collaborating with professionals. Currently, he provides project management for local municipal capital improvements. His contributions extend to serving on State of Florida technical committees and receiving multiple Engineer of the Year awards. Additionally, he has dedicated over 15 years as the local MATHCOUNTS® moderator.

Gomez has established a successful career in engineering, focusing on structural engineering, civil site development, and land surveying. He co-founded Snubbs Consulting (now known as AllBright Engineering) and has contributed significantly to its growth. With over 13 years of dedicated service to the FES Miami Chapter, Gomez has made contributions to MATHCOUNTS® and Future City competitions. Li has been an asset to the Miami engineering community for two decades. His work as a consulting engineer and public service professional in Miami-Dade County has contributed to infrastructure improvement, including water and sewer systems, parks, transportation and public works. Li is a past FES Miami Chapter president and has played a role in coordinating MATHCOUNTS® competitions for Miami middle school students for 16 years.

Engineering Faculty Member of the Year Matthew Trussoni ENGINEERING FACULTY MEMBER OF THE YEAR PhD, University of Miami

Dr. Trussoni is currently an Assistant Professor in Practice at the University of Miami. His professional registrations include Professional Engineer, Registered Architect, and Certified General Contractor in the State of Florida. He has been published in the ACI Materials Journal, the ASCE Journal of Architectural Engineering, amongst other refereed journals, conference proceedings and periodicals. ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 21

#RebuildPC

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Debris piles line Harrison Avenue and Baldwin Road in Panama City after Hurricane Michael in 2018. All photos courtesy of the City of Panama City.

Market Spotlight

Panama City

BY THOMAS EHLERS Staff Writer

REBUILDING AFTER HURRICANE DEVASTATION

Hurricane Michael devastated Panama City on Oct. 10, 2018, as a Category 5 hurricane, bringing sustained winds of 160 mph to Bay County. Nearly 90% of structures in Panama City were damaged or destroyed, and the city had lost 75-80% of its tree canopy by the end of the storm. While other parts of the Southeast felt Michael’s wrath, Panama City and Bay County were ground zero, sustaining 1.3 million more cubic feet of debris than all other 50 counties with damage combined. Less than two years later, Hurricane Sally stirred area waters. The storm brought weaker winds, but the city received over 14 inches of rain, plus additional storm surge, which caused Panama City’s sewer system to fail. Raw sewage entered waterways, leading to a swim advisory to keep individuals out of affected bodies of water. The combination of outdated utilities and historic hurricanes created a problem, but Panama City officials found a solution: the #RebuildPC initiative. In between the cyclones, the city started the initiative to guide recovery planning while promoting economic development and completing elements of Panama City’s master plan. #RebuildPC began as a single vision and framework for the city, but it has grown to encompass a spirit of growth and potential as new projects across the city continue to improve Panama City’s infrastructure and way of life. PUTTING THE COMMUNITY FIRST The City went straight to its citizens for their input on how the rebuilt Panama City should be shaped. City officials hosted more than 30 stakeholder meetings with help from consultant partners where citizens could engage in planning. This planning ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 23

Photos courtesy of the City of Panama City.

included a few unique aspects, including a bus tour where citizens traveled the town and stopped at certain areas to discuss the future.

can’t rebuild a city with its underground infrastructure overnight. It takes time, it takes a lot of planning, it takes a lot of money, and it takes partners from both the state and federal governments in order to move us in the direction you want to go.”

“The big thing we wanted to know is, we have this opportunity to rebuild, so what do we want our city to look like,” said Caitlyn Lawrence, Panama City’s public Panama City landed on four focus areas to guide information officer. “That unique bus rebuilding efforts – Safety and Security, tour being one of those meetings, Infrastructure, Economy and Quality of Life. These The big thing we were able to get together with focus areas translated into certain goals, strategies we wanted citizens, go around and get their and actions for recovery. to know is, feedback. Consultants were able to take everything they received in Panama City’s infrastructure plans centered around we have this stakeholder meetings and compile it enhancing roadways, modernizing water, wastewater opportunity into reports.” and stormwater systems, restoring sidewalks and to rebuild, parks, and bolstering resilience in existing power and The city partnered with Mott so what do we communication infrastructure. For safety, the city MacDonald to develop a heat map to create street lighting and comprehensive want our city planned of the city’s existing infrastructure, signage programs, hurricane-proof facilities and to look like... which plotted aging problem points. stabilize soils for future weather events. City officials took the heat map — CAITLYN LAWRENCE and developed a way to distribute Plans also included the development of assistance PANAMA CITY PUBLIC funds that were allocated based programs and ways to increase property values and INFORMATION OFFICER on the needs of all county wards. A revenue generation in a rebuild while attracting number of agencies and grants helped fund projects, new business and visitors to the city. Quality of life including FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and improvements centered around investing in the housing the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s Community market, providing accessible community services and Development Block Grant Programs, in addition to local restoring its artistic identity. surtaxes and State Revenue Funds. FINISHED PRODUCTS There are Panama City faced a number of limited challenges during the design and The initial plans of 2019 and 2020 have led to results funding processes, including a across Bay County, but none is more visible than the resources... highly engaged public with different of Panama City’s downtown corridor. The Unfortunately rebuilding opinions and the COVID-19 pandemic. streetscape project spanned from the downtown you can’t Initially, officials drafted plans for marina to U.S. Business Route 98 and saw the the city’s downtown and waterfront removal of the existing sidewalk. Roadway lanes rebuild a area, but a later effort led to an were narrowed, angled street parking changed to city with its additional plan for some of the city’s parallel parking and newer, wider sidewalks were underground repaved to expand foot traffic, allow businesses and neighborhoods, including Glenwood, Millville and St. Andrews. infrastructure restaurants to service patrons on the streets and introduce trees, benches and other amenities. overnight. “There are limited resources,” said Panama City Public Works Director While many of the other projects aren’t as flashy, — JONATHAN HAYES Jonathan Hayes. “Unfortunately you they are vital to improving the city’s infrastructure PANAMA CITY PUBLIC 24 | ENGINEERING FLORIDA

WORKS DIRECTOR

Market Spotlight: Panama City long-term. Recent projects on Harrison Avenue and Cherry Street are wrapping up, both focusing on underground utilities and roadways. AN EYE ON TOMORROW With six infrastructure projects ongoing or about to begin across Panama City totaling nearly $450 million, rebuilding efforts aren’t ending anytime soon. Future plans include dredging local lakes and marinas, improving parking lots, and revitalizing parks and other lower-priority areas. Lawrence noted an effort by the city to bring projects in house for the future, allowing city employees to apply for grants and more actively participate in the design process. During the summer months, the city commission identified five major projects it wishes to prioritize in the coming years. Two marina projects – a rebuild of the Panama City marina and a rebuild of the A 1926 clock was found amongst storm debris and restored. The clock was dedicated on Oct. 10, 2023, the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Michael's landfall. Photo source: City of Panama City

St. Andrews marina – are important to the commission, while a rebuild of the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, the heart of Panama City’s Glenwood community, is currently out for bid. A rebuild for the Martin Theatre, a historic venue serving the community for over 30 years, and a rebuild of the Marina Civic Center, a 2,500-seat performing arts center, are moving forward. Outside of upgrading the infrastructure itself, the city looks for ways to beautify the community. The city created stronger partnerships with organizations like Destination PC after the hurricanes to add artwork to every block, utilizing local artists to add character to the area’s traffic boxes and crosswalks as well as the creation of several murals around town. STANDING THE TEST OF TIME First installed in 1926, a historic clock stood on the corner of Harrison Avenue and Beech Street before it moved to Harrison Avenue and 7th Street in 1957. The clock, like most of the city’s structures, took a beating during the hurricanes – so much so that many of the individuals involved in clean-up efforts from outside the Panama City area didn’t know its significance We were able and nearly tossed it away.

to dedicate it on Oct. 10, 2023, the five-year anniversary of Hurricane Michael, back where it originally started nearly 100 years ago.

Citizens recognized the waterlogged and damaged clock, and the city and its citizens partnered to refurbish the timepiece. The city found a company in Missouri that picked up the artifact and restored the clock to its original working order. Earlier this year, Panama City hosted a ceremony to christen the clock, which serves as a beacon of the city’s ongoing efforts to rebuild.

— JONATHAN HAYES

“We were able to dedicate it It is really on Oct. 10, 2023, the five-year something that anniversary of Hurricane Michael, back where it originally started has become nearly 100 years ago,” Hayes said. the iconic “It’s pretty exciting. Sometime focal point of in the new year we will have it chiming again and lit up at right. downtown It is really something that has Panama City. become the iconic focal point of — JONATHAN HAYES downtown Panama City.” ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 25

From Landfill to RNG: NEW RIVER REGIONAL LANDFILL TURNS TRASH INTO NATURAL GAS BY THOMAS EHLERS Staff Writer

The New River Regional Landfill consists of an active 99-acre lined Class I Landfill and supporting infrastructure. Photo source: NRSWA

We’re taking something that would normally just be of no use to anyone or a problem and we’re converting it into RNG, which can be used for any number of things...

If you scour Florida’s nearly 66,000 square miles, you won’t find anything like the New River Regional Landfill facility. That’s because it's the first and only landfill gas to renewable natural gas (RNG) facility in the Sunshine State. The facility opened on Jan. 5 in Raiford, and it converts methane from the New River Solid Waste Association’s (NRSWA) municipal solid waste landfill into RNG, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 35,000 tons per year. The facility will be able to extract 2,500 standard cubic feet per minute of landfill gas and produce 5.1 million gas gallon equivalents per year at full capacity. This groundbreaking facility hopes to lessen the effect of fossil fuels by reducing the impact of local emissions while providing an alternative fuel source for the automobile and trucking industries, both contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. It serves as the first facility to interconnect to the Florida Gas Transmission’s pipeline with landfill gas, which speaks to the facility’s highquality output as the pipeline requires strict pipeline-gas specifications.

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“We’re taking something that would normally just be of no use to anyone or a problem and we’re converting it into RNG, which can be used for any number of things,” said NRSWA Assistant Director Joel Woolsey. “Anything natural gas can be used for, RNG can be used for, and in particular our project, that RNG is being directed to fuel heavy, Class A vehicles.” A DIFFERENT WAY TO BURN RNG, also known as biomethane, is a pipeline-quality biogas that has been processed to remove impurities like water, carbon dioxide and other elements. The New River Regional Landfill facility takes methane gas from landfills, but methane can be refined from other means, including wastewater treatment, livestock operations, lignocellulosic material and other industrial or commercial sources to produce RNG. Across the country, 82 different landfill projects produced RNG in 2022, according to statistics from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), while 109 agricultural projects produced biofuel. The first of its kind in Florida, the New River facility uses activated carbon to remove hydrogen sulfide, harnessing membrane technology in vessels to separate the

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Project of the Year by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

The Renewable Natural Gas project is the first in Florida to convert landfill gas into pipelinequality natural gas, as well as the first landfill to interconnect to the Florida Gas Transmission's interstate pipeline and inject processed landfill gas, which is treated to meet the strict pipelinegas specifications. Photo source: NRSWA

methane from carbon dioxide as pressurized gas passes through. Other scrubbers and vessels remove other unwanted organic compounds. The raw methane gas comes from the 100 acres of active landfill on the NRSWA site. NRSWA performs bioreactor operations, where it treats the waste similar to a large compost pile on top of innovative bottom lines. By wetting the waste, bioreactor operations allow garbage to break down faster, producing larger quantities and higher qualities of methane in the process. Generally, methane can be taken six to eight months after placing waste, which the landfill receives at a rate of 1,200 tons per day. After refining, RNG typically holds a methane concentration over 90%, much higher than its raw concentration of 45% to 65%. Recognized as an advanced biofuel, RNG has applications in transportation fuel as a compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG). Additionally, RNG can be used in bioplastics, electrical generation, heating and cooling and other ways. A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION The facility’s impact can be measured in its effect on two major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. First, the New River facility harnesses methane gas that would otherwise be sent into the atmosphere. The resulting

RNG is used to power a fleet of large vehicles, creating a cycle of sustainable energy that will avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions from 380 vehicles. Not only does refining harness methane, but it also removes other contaminants during the process. Compounds such as arsenic and mercury that would normally return to the atmosphere when burned can be sequestered. Many lucrative projects aren’t the best for the environment, and in many cases, the reverse is also true. The New River Facility is different in that regard, as this environmentally-friendly facility provides a service that makes money. OPAL Fuels, NRSWA’s partner in the project, operates the facility on leased NRSWA land. The organizations shared recognition as Project of the Year by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Florida Section in 2023. “We are honored that New River RNG was recognized as Project of the Year.” said David Unger, Executive Vice President, OPAL Fuels. “Developing, constructing, and bringing this facility online was a tremendous cooperative effort and we thank the New River Solid Waste Association, Peoples Gas, and the entire team that made Florida’s first landfill gas to RNG project a reality.”

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LEGACY TRAIL EXTENSION AND NORTH PORT CONNECTOR JOINS COMMUNITIES

A Path For All

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Photo source: Kimley-Horn

Grand Conceptor Award ACEC Florida

or years, a stretch of Sarasota County railroad served as a path where train cars carried acts, supplies, sets and tents for “The Greatest Show on Earth.” Today, that same corridor is allowing its citizens to walk, bike and move across the county.

The survey portion began in May 2019, and contractors received information in August, allowing design to begin earlier. While the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it paused much of everyday life, but for the Legacy Trail Extension, it instead hit the fast-forward button.

The Legacy Trail Extension and North Port Connector project revitalized that 8.5 mile stretch of rail, bringing the Legacy Trail to 30 miles in length. Fully completed in late 2022, the project received an ACEC Florida Engineering Excellence Award for its success.

The pandemic struck in the middle of the initial design and construction phase, but KimleyHorn, Jon F. Swift Construction and Haskell Construction concurrently juggled each phase and submitted timely deliverables in spite of the threats to the project’s schedule, ultimately finishing two years ahead. Teams remained flexible and had to adapt to fewer in-person meetings with all parties in the same room, while COVID-19 itself caused construction crews to distance or quarantine.

Sarasota County designer Kimley-Horn and contractors Jon F. Swift Construction and Haskell Construction didn’t clown around either – the project finished 831 days ahead of schedule, overcoming a worldwide pandemic and keeping citizen interest and use in the forefront. PAVING A PATH In 2018, 71% of voters approved a referendum to purchase the corridor for $66 million, paving the way for the trail’s extension. Additional support came from organizations including the Friends of the Legacy Trail, who raised money to study the feasibility of project aspects.

DESIGN WITH A PURPOSE The city envisioned much of the trail as a 14foot wide path that could be expanded in the future. The wide trail allows the separation of user groups, such as walkers, runners and bicycle traffic, and its ability to expand will allow more individuals to enjoy the amenities, particularly in portions that are more congested.

Contractors had to overcome several With a lot of capital and community support, environmental challenges that come with the project moved quickly. The county and an aging railway. Diesel trains left petroleum Kimley-Horn split the extension portion contaminants, while vegetation-prohibiting into three separate sections, allowing each chemicals left arsenic contamination. phase to be designed and constructed at different times. This splitting allowed easier permitting for portions New bridge structures were of the trail, while the constructed next to historic train Northport Extension trestles, which were preserved represented a fourth for the project. Photo credit: section. Kimley-Horn. “We had three regional surveyors moving forward with this project in order to expedite the amount of survey,” said Gary Nadeau, project manager for KimleyHorn. “Twelve miles worth of 100-foot wide corridor to survey is a pretty time-intensive endeavor, and we had to do it as quickly as possible.”

The project was able to bypass some USACE regulations by using prefabricated structures over wetlands and waterways. Photo credit: Kimley-Horn

“We knew there were areas that were contaminated, so we had to come up with engineering controls to mitigate the contamination,” Nadeau said. “We’re taking a facility that used to be a rail line that didn’t have any community access and basically put in engineering controls like in a park.”

GROWING AN OUTDOOR COMMUNITY

Officials were able to bypass some of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permitting regulations by using prefabricated structures over waterways and wetlands. Historic bridge trestles sat in several of these waterways, and designers kept these trestles in view of new structures to provide place and history for trail users.

Off South Pompano Avenue, the trailhead features 12 lighted outdoor pickleball courts, a playground and pavilions. In addition, the site held an old Florida Department of Motor Vehicles building, but it was refurbished into a community meeting space with offices for members of the county's Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources departments.

It took some heavy lifting to complete both the path and surrounding areas. Construction crews moved over 100,000 yards of dirt embankment and poured over 14,000 tons of asphalt. To define the property limits of the trail, crews collected 23 miles of sediment barrier, while 175,000 square yards of stabilization material were used under paths. On top of moving some serious earth, contractors provided other services. Utilities were added, including reclaimed and potable water main extensions, and crews ensured the path provided proper drainage and stormwater management. At several crossings, contractors installed HAWK (high-intensity activated crosswalk) beacons and RRFBs (rectangular rapid flashing beacons) to control traffic, providing safe passage of area roads. Crews installed wayfinding signage and upgraded Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) communication.

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While the project extended miles of trail, it also grew available recreation spaces. The projects saw the addition of numerous trailheads and trailhead playgrounds, but none is more grand than the Pompano Trailhead.

In its full span, the Legacy Trail and Northport Connector intersects 14 public parks and 27 schools, creating safe passageways for children, families and other individuals to navigate the county. The county’s Amish and Mennonite communities, who rely heavily on foot traffic or bicycles, are now able to use the path due to its close proximity to the Pinecraft neighborhood. Overall, pedestrian, bicycle, skating and other recreational traffic has a safe and secluded space to move. SPLITTING THE RAIL In 2022, the Legacy Trail and Northport Extension attracted nearly 675,000 users, more than double the amount of traffic from the path’s 225,000 users in 2017. This jump can be attributed to the hard work and dedication of county officials and citizens, along with the designers and contractors who supported them.

“It definitely was a complicated project made more complicated by COVID and other circumstances,” said Carolyn Eastwood, P.E., Director of Capital Projects for Sarasota County. “We can’t be any more proud of our staff and the collaborative effort. Everybody in the county came together to make this happen and the time frame that was asked of us to do for the betterment of the community. “These projects come around maybe once in a person’s career, and this one was very special.” In the future, the county plans to connect the Legacy Trail to the Florida Gulf Trail, a 336mile system that connects Naples to Tampa. There is also local interest in hosting Ironman events, as a 30-mile Sarasota to Venice route would be favorable to competitors. Two pedestrian bridges are on the docket for FDOT installation in 2024, allowing users to travel over congested roadways in the county. A rail corridor for over 100 years, the Legacy Trail Extension is already impacting citizens of Sarasota County, much like the circus that used its rails to transport its acts across the state.

“In history, rail corridors often divided a community,” said Nadeau. “You take a project like this, where you build this incredible amenity, and we have effectively stitched the community back together. We’ve provided them with this conduit by which they can get to all of the community parks and all these aspects along the corridor by undertaking this improvement.”

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ASSOCIATION SPOTLIGHT

ACEC

Florida

AMERICAN COUNCIL OF ENGINEERING COMPANIES of Florida

Recognizing ACEC Florida's Honor Award Winners

Each year, the American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida recognizes exceptional achievements in engineering through the Outstanding Project Awards and the Engineering Excellence Awards. They range from groundbreaking roadway infrastructure to innovative water resources to civil projects that make Florida a better place to live and visit. This year’s Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA) recognized three grand winners – the I-4 Ultimate Improvement Project, Everglades Holiday Park and Wekiva Parkway Section 6 – and a Grand Conceptor Award for the Legacy Trail Extension, all projects that you can read more about in this issue of Engineering Florida. We also recognized seven honor award winners, which really showcase the diversity of the projects our member firms design and deliver. Here’s a little about each: BCWWS – RECLAIMED WATER TRANSMISSION MAIN Engineer: Thompson & Associates, Inc. Construction: Ric-Man International Client: Broward County Water and Wastewater Services This project included an 11-mile reclaimed water transmission main that serves as the backbone of future reclaimed water systems in northern Broward and southern Palm Beach Counties. The design included a subaqueous crossing of a canal and a 1500-foot, 42inch diameter horizontal directional drilling pipe. To avoid crossing below a large culvert, Thompson & Associates designed the 42-inch main to be split into two 30-inch pipes. Special approval was obtained from the South Florida Water Management District to place the reclaimed water transmission main in its green space instead of the roadway, which saved millions of dollars. 1-295 EXPRESS – SR 9B TO SR 202 (JTB) Engineer: RS&H | HNTB Construction: Archer Western Contractors Client: Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) This managed lanes project included the construction of two additional 12-foot travel lanes (tolled express lanes) in each direction, improving interchanges at J. Turner Butler Boulevard (SR 202), Gate Parkway, Baymeadows Road, and SR 9B. Other elements included constructing noise walls along I-295 in various locations, building drainage ponds and installing electronic tolling systems. FDOT has reported so far that travel times have been cut down by 22% on the northbound lanes and 12% on the southbound lanes since the project’s completion. 34 | ENGINEERING FLORIDA

LAKE SHORE DRIVE DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS Engineer: Baxter & Woodman, Inc. Client: Town of Lake Park Lake Shore Drive in Lake Park has been prone to flooding from storms and king tides and is threatened by sea level rise. An innovative design was implemented to improve flood protection and provide water quality of runoff discharging into the Lake Worth Lagoon. The new drainage system replaced water and sanitary utilities, and a new pump station can discharge up to 22,500 gallons per minute, with a new bioswale and detention area between it and the lake. The reconstructed roadway now features new sidewalks and streetlights, new parallel parking, a multi-use shared path, landscaping and motion-sensor-activated crosswalk lighting for pedestrians at night. SR 528/SR 436 INTERCHANGE RECONFIGURATION Engineer: DRMP | RK&K Client: Central Florida Expressway Authority This project improves safety and traffic flow around the north entrance to the Orlando International Airport, which is accessed by more than 50,000 vehicles each day. The project adds an additional travel lane in each direction of SR 528 (Beachline Expressway) between Conway Road and Goldenrod Road to ease congestion at this busy interchange. The construction of seven new fly-over bridges at the SR 528/ SR 436 interchange provides smoother, uninterrupted access between SR 528 and SR 436 (Semoran Boulevard). This includes transforming the existing loop ramps (from southbound SR 436 to eastbound SR 528 and from northbound SR 436 to SR 528) into semi-directional flyovers. Other improvements include enhanced aesthetics such as tiered planter walls, native landscaping, updated signage and lighting. TAMPA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BLUE EXPRESS CURBSIDE Engineer: HNTB Corporation Client: Hillsborough County Aviation Authority – Tampa International Airport (TPA) Designed for faster curb-to-gate transitions, TPA now has the first express curbside at a U.S. airport. The project reduces traffic congestion, increases pedestrian safety, and doubles the airport’s curbside capacity, positioning the airport for future expansion and operations.

Once curbside, passengers enter a new vertical circulation building, ascend to a third story pedestrian bridge, bypassing ticketing and baggage claim, and proceed directly to the transfer level of the main terminal. With the added capacity, TPA will be able to accommodate 40 million annual passengers and operate until 2042 without additional curbside infrastructure. Additionally, a striking new 10,000-square-foot central utility plant was built to serve the main terminal and vertical circulation building. The plant reduces water and energy consumption by 30%. US 17-92 RIVERWALK, PHASE III Engineer: CPH, LLC Client: City of Sanford Along the edge of Lake Monroe, within an area historically prone to hurricane damage with a 60-plus-year-old seawall unable to hold back rising lake levels, CPH designed a complete streets corridor. CPH facilitated construction of a new seawall adjacent to the existing wall, eliminating sovereign submerged land impacts. The overall height of the seawall was raised to accommodate fully ADA-compliant areas from the edge of the roadway to the top of the seawall – a five-foot height increase in some areas. The increased wall heights, in combination with the unified seawall cap and beam, allowed for the existing seawall to remain in place.

On land, the goal was to create a pedestrian- and multimodalfocus corridor utilizing complete street principles. Travel speeds have been reduced with the introduction of mini-roundabouts and raised speed tables, as well as the elimination of several turn lanes. WEST HARNS MARSH PRESERVE Engineer: AIM Engineering & Surveying, Inc. Client: Lehigh Acres Municipal Services The West Harns Marsh Preserve project aligned multiple desired outcomes into a single, multifunctional flood risk management facility. AIM’s design converted 206 acres into a flood risk management reservoir. Water quality is enhanced by stormwater flowing through multiple BMP treatment elements to improve nutrient levels. Meanwhile, ecosystem biodiversity and habitat restoration were achieved through creation of deep lakes, shallow marshes and treatment wetlands by planting 10,000 trees and 135,000 ground cover plants. In addition to serving as a multifunctioning preserve, the area also provides recreation amenities for residents and tourists alike. Looking ahead to 2024, the future promises a dynamic landscape of innovative engineering projects that will not only benefit Florida but also serve as models for addressing global challenges. Florida's future is bright, and its commitment to engineering excellence will undoubtedly shape a more resilient and sustainable world for generations to come.

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CHANGES, CHALLENGES, AND OUTCOMES

The I–4 Ultimate Improvement Project BY LINDSEY RANAYHOSSAINI Staff Writer

All Photos Courtesy of HDR.

When Florida’s Interstate 4 was built through Orlando in the 1960s, it was designed to handle 70,000 cars per day. The interstate, covering 8.2 miles, converted a 40-minute trip to just 10 minutes. But when Walt Disney World opened its doors in 1971, Orlando became Florida’s fastestgrowing city. Sea World followed in 1973, and by the time Universal Studios Florida opened in 1990, Orlando had already become known as the “Theme Park Capital of the World.” With the explosion in tourism, I-4 was not capable of handling the volume of traffic moving through the city. “Through the years, traffic kept growing,” said Steven Waterston, I-4 design manager for HDR. “Orlando kept growing. Disney came and then I-4 just got over capacity. The number of lanes and the way the interstate operated with the ramps couldn’t handle that increase in traffic.” According to U.S. Census data, the Orlando metropolitan area’s population grew from 700,055 in 1980 to 2,673,376 in 2020. And though I-4 had been modified and expanded through a variety of transportation projects over the years, a much more significant solution was needed to adequately manage traffic flow. In April 2014, the State of Florida awarded its largest-ever transportation project, the I-4 Ultimate Improvement Project, to provide a long-term solution to I-4’s traffic woes. The $2.87 billion project involved the reconstruction of 21 miles of interstate through the heart of Orlando, and engineering firms HDR and Jacobs were selected for the design joint venture.

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CHANGES To improve I-4’s traffic flow, the design joint venture project team reconstructed 15 major interchanges, widened 13 bridges, replaced 74 bridges and added 53 bridges. The new I-4 Ultimate boasts innovative design features, including intelligent service transportation systems that provide real-time traffic data and utilize signs along the corridor to inform drivers about what to expect moving ahead. The highway median includes two toll-based express lanes separated from general-use lanes by a concrete barrier, the first of their kind in Florida. “A lot of projects have express lanes, but they've just got little tubular delineators that separate the general lanes from the express lanes, and those are a maintenance issue,”

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Waterston said. “People run over them all the time. So here we've got a physical barrier that separates that out, and I really think it gives you a nice feel for the express lane.” Emergency access gates on the express lanes act as a release valve to allow drivers to exit the express lanes and re-enter the general-use lanes in the event of a breakdown or accident. In Winter Park, where a tight series of vertical and horizontal curves led to a high number of crashes, the team was able to flatten the curves to increase sight distance for drivers. Additional notable design features that assist with traffic flow include an auxiliary lane from John Young Parkway to Conroy Road and a pedestrian bridge at Kirkman Road that connects Universal Studios Resort to nearby hotels.

“That was not in the [original] plans,” Waterston said. “And that really helps make Kirkman, a major intersection, operate better. Now people staying at the hotels who want to walk to Universal can use the pedestrian bridge to get over and not have to go through the signal, which is like a minute cycle to walk across that roadway.”

CHALLENGES The I-4 Ultimate was built in a condensed, seven-year time frame beginning in 2015 and ending in 2022. Throughout the construction process, I-4 remained open.

To manage the design and construction process, I-4 was divided into four segments with a designated team for each segment. More than 600 designers produced more than 500 packages for construction. The size of the project, coupled with the compressed schedule, created a constant grind for designers drafting the plans for each segment. “We'd have a submittal, and then you'd have to immediately jump on another submittal of a package,” Waterston said. “[There was] kind of that constant – work on a set of plans, get it done, work on another set of plans. Sometimes they would overlap because something would slip a little bit.”

“Trying to maintain traffic is always kind of complicated,” Waterston said.

The I-4 Ultimate was built in a condensed, seven-year time frame beginning in 2015 and ending in 2022. Throughout the construction process, I-4 remained open. Photo source: HDR

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Waterston said that staffing issues created additional complications, as it was difficult to maintain enough designers and construction team members for such a large project. The primary construction joint venture, consisting of civic construction contractors Skansa, Granite and Lane, logged a total of 21 million person hours. The sheer size of the team made project management difficult.

All projects require internal and external coordination, but the size and scope of this project increased the coordination effort by tenfold... BRYAN CHEVALIER I-4 ULTIMATE PROJECT MANAGER FOR JACOBS

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To improve I-4’s traffic flow, the design joint venture project team reconstructed 15 major interchanges, widened 13 bridges, replaced 74 bridges and added 53 bridges. Photo source: HDR

“All projects require internal and external coordination, but the size and scope of this project increased the coordination effort by tenfold,” said Bryan Chevalier, I-4 project manager for Jacobs. “Multiple offices from different states and hundreds of staff members were involved in the design." Working with this amount of staff spread throughout different states also required increased quality control procedures to maintain consistency on final deliverables within the tight schedule.

When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in 2020, staffing issues continued as construction teams adjusted to accommodate social distancing requirements. “[The construction team] had to rethink how they do the work and how to keep people separated on the construction site,” Waterston said. But Waterston added that because of the lower volumes on the highway during this period, FDOT allowed construction teams to close portions of I-4 to accelerate some of the workflow and complete unique maintenance of traffic situations. ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 41

The I-4 Ultimate project was awarded an Envision Platinum rating for its use of sustainable design principles. It is Florida’s first Envision Platinum-rated project and the first major interstate program to receive this rating. Photo source: HDR

Knowing the commitment and dedication the design team made to deliver a quality product, and to now see it completed and the benefits it provides to the downtown Orlando area is very satisfying... OUTCOMES The I-4 Ultimate project was awarded an Envision Platinum rating for its use of sustainable design principles. It is Florida’s first Envision Platinum-rated project and the first major interstate program to receive this rating. The Envision rating system, based out of the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, rates projects based on factors including quality of life, leadership, resource allocation, the natural world, and climate and resilience. “The team was really dedicated to developing a product that had sustainable elements,” Waterston said. “I really like the idea that it was sustainable, and that we got an Envision Platinum Certification for the project.” To earn this rating, the I-4 project team recycled 99-percent of the concrete and steel from the deconstruction effort. They operated with efficient machinery and controlled stormwater runoff during construction. Protected wildlife was relocated, 42 | ENGINEERING FLORIDA

and the team used a non-invasive, native plantings palette for landscaping. LED lighting was installed throughout the corridor for improved energy efficiency. The design integrates alternative transportation such as pedestrian bridges, rail projects and bike trails, as well as aesthetic elements such as art installations, custom stone medallions, water features, enhanced pylons and other elements that honor historic places. “Knowing the commitment and dedication the design team made to deliver a quality product, and to now see it completed and the benefits it provides to the downtown Orlando area is very satisfying,” Chevalier said. “I can look back now and see what we were able to accomplish,” Waterston said. “A huge amount of people were involved in this project and really trying to make Orlando better. [The I-4 Ultimate] has really been a great addition to the town, and I think it's really helped to make the city and the local area so much better.”

ASSOCIATION SPOTLIGHT

SMPS

SOCIETY FOR MARKETING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

FLORIDA CHAPTERS

THE FIRST STEP IN BUILDING MAJOR PROJECTS: WINNING THE JOB

Have a CPSM on Your Marketing Team Amanda Hamende PATEL, GREENE AND ASSOCIATES, LLC As we near the end of 2023, SMPS is wrapping up the year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary. With over 58 chapters and 7,300-plus members nationwide, SMPS has transformed the AEC realm through marketing and business development leadership. As we reflect on the successes and challenges of this year, remember to acknowledge the contributions and dedication that AEC marketing and business development professionals bring to our firms. Marketing professionals play a key role in leading firms to win the wide variety of infrastructure projects featured in this magazine, and beyond. The Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) designation means not only that you have years of pertinent industry experience, but also that you have mastered the six domains of practice for professional services marketing. Someone who has obtained the CPSM designation is dedicated to their craft, determined to become an influential leader and committed to the pursuit of professional knowledge and excellence. The CPSM designation is associated with an expectation of trust and professionalism. It’s a common thread between key change-makers in the industry, and it connects individuals from across the nation, providing firms with valuable contacts and client leads. This is vital to business operations, as marketers have a wealth of applicable knowledge and experience regarding the inner workings of their own firm, strategic opportunities with partner firms, and cultivating vital relationships with key clients. All of this leads to winning more work and driving profit. “Obtaining my CPSM certification early in my tenure in the AEC industry gave me a deep understanding of the industry's business aspects,” said Jennifer Nix-McGerald, CPSM of RS&H. “By focusing on the six domains, I was able to integrate industry best practices with my expertise in sales, marketing and communication. 44 | ENGINEERING FLORIDA

“The CPSM certification is widely recognized as a symbol of expertise. From my perspective, it is a testament to my dedication to mastering my chosen field.” ELIGIBILITY To be eligible to sit for the CPSM exam, you must have either a bachelor’s degree or an advanced degree plus four years of AEC work experience, or an associate degree plus six years of AEC work experience. Those without a degree must have at least eight years of AEC work experience. APPLICATION The first step is completing the online application. Once accepted, you’ll schedule your test and begin studying. Specifics on each step and any testing fees can be found on the CPSM informational page. The testing periods for 2024 are in March and September, with applications due Feb. 1 and Aug. 1, respectively. PREPARATION The CPSM examination tests candidates on the six SMPS Domains of Practice: Research, Planning, Client and Business Development, Proposals, Promotional Activity, and Management. These six domains are the pillars of the everyday jobs of professional marketers and are vital in business operations. Key resources to a successful testing experience include SMPS’ body of knowledge, MARKENDIUM, which is a book series that further defines these domains and provides additional study materials for the test. The refreshed version was released this spring and can be purchased on Amazon. More CPSM exam preparation resources include the CPSM Handbook that will also give a more in-depth explanation on testing procedures and topics covered on the exam.

EXECUTIVE SUPPORT A professional marketer’s success on the CPSM exam is largely dependent on the degree of support they receive from firm leadership. Preparation is a substantial commitment that requires open communication between all parties outlining expectations and target goals. Making the investment in the professional development of marketing staff can be hugely beneficial to firms and is further strengthened when staff are empowered to commit and properly prepare. “When I reached the point in my career where I felt both my firm and I would benefit from CPSM certification, I decided to invest the time to pursue, and fortunately my firm was very supportive, covering exam and prep material costs,” said Katie Batill-Bigler, CPSM of Patel, Greene and Associates. “The process was daunting, but I gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for my profession and the technical expertise that is required to excel within it.”

Transportation Energy Buildings

The dedication to your marketing staff’s success can have significant impacts to your firm’s bottom line driven by an elevated strategic marketing approach, improved win rates and stronger client relationship management. The CPSM designation is one avenue to promote the tangential growth of both marketing and the firm.

and more...

Consider making 2024 the year you or your marketing staff take their careers and expertise to the next level to best equip your firm to tackle the upcoming project, which could impact the people and communities you serve.

GMGM33177.2023

INNOVATIVE TRANSPORTATION DESIGN EXPERTISE IMPROVING THE SAFETY AND MOBILITY OF ROADWAYS NATIONWIDE

Design Expertise

Innovation

Safety

Mobility

www.structurepoint.com ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 45

RD S

PRO

CT AW

ACEC Florida 2023 Grand Engineering Excellence Award

Everglades Holiday Park’s $16 Million Upgrade Wins Grand Engineering Excellence Award BY LINDSEY RANAYHOSSAINI Staff Writer The new layout of Everglades Holiday Park reroutes boat and trailer traffic to provide better access to the new boat ramps, solving previous issues of crowd congestion and allowing all visitors to more easily navigate the grounds. Photo source: Broward County

Known as the “Gateway to the Everglades,” Broward County’s Everglades Holiday Park is a 43-acre property that serves millions of visitors annually. The park caters to a wide audience, encompassing fishermen, air boaters, cyclists, hikers, school field trips, cruise ship excursions and environmentalists. “Broward County Parks is pleased to offer residents of this county a great place to come to the sawgrass,” said Dan West, director of parks and recreation for Broward County, in a renovation video produced by Broward County Parks. “It’s something that you can’t imagine until you get here.” The park and its airboat rides, alligator shows and animal encounters have been frequented by Floridians and tourists since it opened nearly 60 years ago. While remaining a popular South Florida destination throughout its lifespan, the park was in need of upgrades, including new boat ramps, flood prevention solutions, increased parking space and a variety of infrastructure updates. In 2012, Broward County embarked on a mission to revamp the park’s facilities and incorporated public feedback to address the needs of its visitors. KEITH, a transdisciplinary engineering firm based in Pompano Beach, provided 46 | ENGINEERING FLORIDA

comprehensive design, permitting, bid and construction phase services to execute the desired improvements for the park, which totaled $16 million. The phased capital improvement project began in 2016 and was completed in March 2022. DESIGN CHALLENGES KEITH engineers faced numerous challenges in the redesign and construction of Everglades Holiday Park, including negotiating the park’s location over a flood levee system managed by the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the South Florida Water Management District. The project team collaborated with both entities to develop a plan to cross a flood protection levee using a ramp to connect to the park’s boat launch ramps. The park’s original main building was also constructed on a flood levee and did not meet current USACE levee criteria. The KEITH team designed and constructed a flood wall to take the place of the levee and maintain the existing structure. Throughout the project, the park remained open to visitors, necessitating a construction approach that would allow normal operations to continue. The project team’s

solution to this challenge was to complete the project in phases, with the first phase including the updated parking lot and new boat ramp. Dock locations were shifted throughout the project to maintain boating access. A N AWA R D - W I N N I N G O U T C O M E The revamp of Everglades Holiday Park earned the 2023 Grand Engineering Excellence Award from ACEC Florida. The finished product incorporates sustainability through the preservation of the park’s existing trees and the creation of green space that serves as additional grass parking during peak crowds. The new parking lot was designed with swales at low points to minimize drainage system failures and underground stormwater storage to address parking lot drainage concerns. The original primary parking lot, home to large trees, was reimagined as a pedestrian experience area with a steel sculpture of an Everglades crane. The new layout of the park reroutes boat and trailer traffic to provide better access to the new boat ramps, solving previous issues of crowd congestion and allowing all visitors to more easily navigate the grounds. "This is a milestone for the park in its 58-year history and underscores our commitment to providing advanced facilities and recreation opportunities to enhance the wellbeing of our community and for future generations of parkgoers," West said.

The new parking lot was designed with swales at low points to minimize drainage system failures and underground stormwater storage to address parking lot drainage concerns. Photo source: Broward County

Dock locations were shifted throughout the project to maintain boating access. Photo source: Broward County

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Earns DBIA National Award of Merit

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Lift Station 87 in St. Petersburg

DBIA National Award of Merit

The lift station is housed in a 12-foot-tall acoustical enclosure that features a mural reflective of the community, created by local artist Jabari Reed-Diop in partnership with the city, the St. Pete Arts Alliance and the Childs Park Neighborhood Association. Photo source: Wade Trim

BY JOE VANHOOSE

Managing Editor

As the City of St. Petersburg faces resiliency and sustainability challenges like many Florida coastal communities, the City continues to invest in new infrastructure to move wastewater more efficiently through the system, minimize the potential for wet weather overflows and protect the environment. Such is the case with the Lift Station 87 Wet Weather Flow Transfer project, which consisted of the design and construction of a new 3.5 millions of gallons per day (MGD) lift station, 3 miles of 16-inch force main, modifications to an existing pump station to connect the new force main and replacement of aging utility access holes and 460 feet of degrading sanitary sewer pipe. This project addressed a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) provision to construct a system allowing city personnel to transfer sanitary sewer flows during heavy rain events between regional sanitary collection basins, balancing wet weather flows between the Southwest and Northwest Sanitary Service areas. The lift station is housed in a 12-foot-tall acoustical enclosure that features a mural reflective of the community, created by local artist Jabari Reed-Diop in partnership with the city, the St. Pete Arts Alliance and the Childs Park Neighborhood Association. Residents also assisted the project team with the design and assembly of the surrounding landscaping, further inspiring the partnership between the project team, the city and the local community. EMBRACING PROGRESSIVE DESIGN-BUILD EFFICIENCIES The City of St. Petersburg chose progressive design-build (PDB) as the project delivery method to meet a demanding 13-month schedule to ensure the project was completed prior to the 2022 wet weather flow season. PDB allowed the project team to procure long lead materials and 48 | ENGINEERING FLORIDA

equipment at 30-percent design, accelerate the design phase to establish a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) at 60-percent design, and utilize multiple crews and shifts to accelerate construction. The Wade-Trim/Archer Western team was able to expand the sanitary sewer replacements beyond the original scope while remaining within the budget. During the early design phase, the owner identified several sections of existing sanitary sewer, previously slip-lined and failed, to be replaced. The project team evaluated, budgeted and scheduled this work to be completed concurrently with the wet weather flow transfer facility while staying within the original budget. Hydraulic modeling was used to optimize the location of the lift station and to size the pumps and pipeline. Additionally, the force main route allowed for horizontal directional drilling (HDD) installation, which saved time, minimized safety issues, and mitigated impacts to public roads, bike lanes, and bus routes. Use of the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI) Envision framework also led to the project’s heightened community involvement and sustainable design. The PDB team worked closely with the City’s Building Department, FDEP, Pinellas County, and the Florida Department of Transportation, and hosted workshops for residents and community groups. Input was gathered from

Left: The Lift Station 87 Wet Weather Flow Transfer project consisted of the design and construction of a new 3.5 millions of gallons per day (MGD) lift station, 3 miles of 16-inch force main, modifications to an existing pump station to connect the new force main and replacement of aging utility access holes and 460 feet of degrading sanitary sewer pipe. Photo source: Wade Trim.

representatives of local businesses, churches, and schools along the project limits. Wade-Trim’s final design and Archer Western’s construction addressed flexibility and capacity challenges, as well as odor and noise concerns. They reduced impacts to the traveling public and supported the community’s desire to improve the neighborhood appearance with a custom-designed mural and landscaping. In a first for the city and honoring its commitment to the community, the project anticipates achieving the sustainability and resiliency goal of Envision certification. DESIGN-BUILD TEAM Client/Owner: City of St. Petersburg Design-Build Firm: Archer Western Construction, LLC Engineer: Wade Trim Project Cost: $11.5 Million Construction Duration: 7 Months

Design with community in mind stantec.com

Advertise With Us Are you looking to get your company in front of industry professionals, firm leaders, government officials, business leaders and potential clients from every part of Florida? If you are doing business anywhere in the engineering or consulting space in the Sunshine State, this is exactly the valuable audience you want to reach.

US POSTAL SERVICE STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION Title of Publication................................................................................................... Engineering Florida Publication No.................................................................................................................................277-720 Date of Filing ....................................................................................................................................... 2022 Frequency of Issue......................................................................................................................Quarterly No. of Issues Published Annually............................................................................................................4 Publisher ..............................................................................................................................Allen Douglas Editor.......................................................................................................................................Stacey Butler Owner ..........................................................................................................Florida Engineering Society Engineering Florida, ISSN 0015-4032, is published quarterly as the official publication of the Florida Engineering Society. Copyright 2023. All rights reserved. FES members receive Engineering Florida as part of their membership benefits. Editorial matter, change of address, and correspondence regarding advertising should be mailed to: FES, P.O. Box 750, Tallahassee, FL 32302 or email fes@fleng.org. Mailing Address of Office of Publication, General Business Office, Publisher: Allen Douglas, Owner: Florida Engineering Society, P.O. Box 750, Tallahassee, FL 32302-0750 The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes has not changed during preceding 12 months.

50 | ENGINEERING FLORIDA

Editorial Calendar ISSUE 2.1 (SPRING ‘24)

ISSUE 2.3 (FALL ‘24)

Sustainability & Energy

Connecting Communities

• Cover Story: How Florida Communities (and the engineers designing them) Are Promoting Sustainability • Connective Features: — Solar Energy Projects Expand — Green Hydrogen — Sustainability Project Profiles

• Cover Story: How Engineers Are Giving Back to Their Communities • Connective Features: —R econnecting Communities Pilot Program (RCP) in Florida — Brightline Rail

DEADLINES DEADLINES Content Deadline: March 1 Ads & Art Deadline: March 15 Print Deadline: March 29

Content Deadline: Aug. 23 Ads & Art Deadline: Sept. 6 Print Deadline: Sept. 20

ISSUE 2.2 (SUMMER ‘24)

ISSUE 2.4 (WINTER ‘24)

Technology

Projects & People of the Year

• Cover Story: Florida’s Space Coast

• Cover Story: Top Projects of the Year

• Connective Features: — Digital Twins — 3D and Digital Workflows — Infrastructure & AVs

• Connective Features: — People of the Year — Young Professionals of the Year — Industry Roundtable

DEADLINES

Content Deadline: May 17 Ads & Art Deadline: May 31 Print Deadline: June 14

Content Deadline: Nov. 8 Ads & Art Deadline: Nov. 22 Print Deadline: Dec. 6

ENGINEERING FLORIDA | 51

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