As the holiday season approaches, millions of Americans will take to the roads to visit family and friends. Behind the scenes, transportation engineers play a critical role in ensuring these journeys are safe, efficient, and enjoyable. At Sunrise Engineering, our teams in Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona, and Utah have been hard at work delivering innovative solutions to improve roadways in unique and challenging conditions.
Wyoming and Colorado: Tackling Accessibility and Rural Challenges
Transportation projects in Wyoming and Colorado bring unique challenges, from steep terrain to the limited availability of asphalt in rural areas. This year, our team completed a key project in Cheyenne, providing asphalt roads with curb, gutter, and sidewalks to 7th Street and Platte Avenue. This not only enhanced access to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) building and Pride Park but also met ADA standards and improved drainage in the area.
Another challenge we encountered was in Rawlins, Wyoming, where asphalt supply issues required creative problem-solving. A temporary asphalt plant enabled the successful completion of a parking lot for the Rawlins Senior Center, keeping costs and construction timelines under control.
Our Wyoming team has also harnessed cutting-edge tools like AutoCAD Civil 3D to streamline design processes. By optimizing designs for features like driveway aprons, we’ve reduced time and costs while ensuring compliance with ADA and local standards.
Arizona: Building Resilient Roads in the Desert
Arizona’s transportation engineering focuses heavily on municipal arterials and collectors, with a sharp eye on durability and adaptability. From material selection to drainage systems, Arizona’s extreme weather conditions are always a factor.
Construction engineers in Arizona use state-of-the-art technology like AutoCAD Civil 3D to design roadways that balance functionality with resilience. This software allows for precise modeling, grading, and safety optimization, enabling faster project delivery. Collaboration with stakeholders such as ADOT ensures seamless planning and implementation.
Incorporating smart infrastructure and sustainable practices, our Arizona team integrates innovative solutions like sensors for traffic flow monitoring and recycled materials for construction, promoting safer and greener travel.
Utah: Bridging Safety and Efficiency
In Utah, where snowy winters and summer heat test road durability, our transportation engineers focus on roadway reconstruction, safety enhancements, and trails. Projects like the Highway 6 and Highway 147 reconstructions demonstrate how proper planning and adherence to national standards ensure smooth, safe travel.
Collaboration is key to success. Our Utah team uses a process called “partnering” to work closely with contractors and stakeholders, solving problems early in the construction process. Innovations like improved pavement designs and ATMS (Advanced Traffic Management Systems) help alert travelers to adverse weather conditions, making holiday travel safer for everyone.
Highlighting the Year’s Achievements
One milestone this year was our first roadway design project with the City of Cheyenne, positioning us for future opportunities, including an $8 million project in 2025. In Utah, the Highway 6 project stands out for its focus on safety and functionality, ensuring that families can travel with peace of mind.
Transportation Engineering’s Broader Impact
Transportation engineering may seem technical, but its impact is personal. Whether it’s improving access for a local community in Wyoming, designing resilient infrastructure in Arizona, or ensuring safe roads in Utah, our teams’ work enhances the daily lives of the people who use these roads.
This holiday season, as you travel over the river and through the woods to celebrate with loved ones, take a moment to appreciate the engineers and planners who make your journey possible. From snowy mountain passes to sun-drenched highways, Sunrise Engineering is proud to play a role in keeping people connected.
As we look ahead to 2025, Sunrise Engineering remains committed to delivering innovative, sustainable, and community-focused transportation solutions. Safe travels this holiday season!