Sunrise Engineering’s Phoenix Service Center is playing a key role in one of the City of Tempe’s most impactful infrastructure efforts, the Pavement Quality Index (PQI) Acceleration Program.
The program is focused on improving street conditions across the city through planned pavement maintenance and rehabilitation. By prioritizing mill and overlay, surface treatments, and targeted reconstruction, Tempe is extending the life of its roadways while delivering smoother, safer streets in a cost-effective way.
According to Justin Van De Graaff, PE, Sunrise Service Center Manager, who has been closely involved in the effort, the program represents a large-scale, fast-moving initiative that is reshaping how roadway improvements are delivered across the city.
Sunrise was selected as one of a small group of design consultants to support the program, building on a strong relationship with the City of Tempe and prior experience delivering similar roadway efforts. Since then, the Phoenix team has been heavily involved in multiple phases of work.
To date, Sunrise has been awarded multiple contracts totaling more than $6 million in support of the PQI program. The work spans dozens of project areas and includes the design of more than 100 miles of roadway improvements across residential streets, collectors, and arterial roadways.
In addition to pavement rehabilitation, the team has incorporated a wide range of supporting improvements. These include ADA ramp upgrades, curb and gutter replacement, sidewalk repairs, utility adjustments, drainage improvements, and updates to striping, signage, and traffic control features. In some areas, the work has also included traffic calming measures and enhancements to pedestrian connectivity.
The scale and pace of the program require strong coordination across multiple disciplines. Survey crews develop detailed topographic mapping, designers build construction plans and cost estimates, and construction administration teams support implementation in the field. Project managers oversee each phase to keep work aligned with City expectations.
This integrated approach allows the Phoenix team to stay involved from early survey through construction, providing consistency across projects and helping ensure that final results match design intent.
The program has also created opportunities for staff across the office. Team members from multiple disciplines have contributed to design, coordination, and project management, with emerging leaders taking on increased responsibility while being supported by experienced staff.
As the program has progressed, the scope has continued to evolve. Field conditions, updated data, and shifting priorities have required the team to adapt designs and respond quickly. Despite these challenges, the Phoenix team has maintained efficiency, stayed within budget, and continued delivering high-quality work.
The PQI program is ongoing, with additional phases already underway and more expected in the future. Sunrise Engineering will continue supporting the City of Tempe in improving its roadway network and delivering long-term value to the community.
This project highlights the strength of the Phoenix Service Center and the impact of strong collaboration, technical expertise, and trusted client relationships. It also reflects the contributions of Van De Graaff and the many team members working together to deliver meaningful infrastructure improvements across an entire city.
