How Sunrise Engineering supports projects during peak construction season

When the weather heats up, so does construction season. Across the Western United States, Sunrise Engineering is on the ground making things happen. From roadways and pipelines to water systems and inspections, our teams are active in the field every day, bringing our designs to life and solving problems in real time.

Construction season is our busiest time of year, and the work happening in the field is where so many of our projects come together. Engineers, technicians, and inspectors from nearly every division, including civil, transportation, water and wastewater, natural gas, GIS, and building code, play a hands-on role in ensuring that projects are built safely, accurately, and on schedule.

Here is a look at the critical construction services our team provides across disciplines.

Civil Engineering: Supporting Projects from Design Through Construction

Many of the civil engineering projects designed during the winter months move into construction during the summer. As a result, civil engineers and technicians shift their focus toward construction management and observation. These services include overseeing progress meetings, reviewing submittals, processing pay requests, and serving as full or part-time on-site representatives to document progress and track installed quantities.

In Central Utah, where multiple projects often overlap, coordination starts early. Project managers forecast their anticipated construction schedules well in advance, allowing Sunrise teams to build a staffing plan that fits. A schedule is maintained for construction observers, with frequent adjustments made to respond to shifting needs across the region.

One example of a current project is the Goshen Water Improvement Project, which includes construction of a new 500,000-gallon water storage tank, the replacement of aging cast iron water mains, and upgrades to the spring collection system. It is the kind of multi-faceted infrastructure project that requires both engineering precision and careful field coordination.

Civil field teams also rely on technology to stay organized and efficient. One helpful tool is Survey123, an application developed by Sunrise’s GIS group. This platform helps staff track construction progress and material quantities while also mapping the exact locations of new infrastructure. This data can then be provided to the client in an accessible digital format that supports long-term maintenance and operations.

Even with solid planning, challenges persist. Manpower availability and material delays continue to affect field timelines, with lingering impacts from COVID-era supply disruptions and new tariffs on construction goods. Despite this, Sunrise civil teams are finding ways to adapt. A recent fast-track pavement project at the Milford Industrial Park was delivered on time and within budget, thanks to early coordination and a strong working relationship with the contractor.

As one civil engineer noted, being busy is a double-edged sword. We want to keep up with demand in the summer, but we also have to stay responsive to clients and look ahead to keep our fall and winter schedules full.

Transportation Engineering: Keeping Roads, Trails, and Infrastructure Moving

Construction season is also a peak period for Sunrise’s transportation division. Our teams are actively engaged on a range of projects including road rehabilitation, trail construction, intersection upgrades, and ADA improvements. These efforts often require close coordination with UDOT, counties, and municipalities.

Transportation engineers support construction in a variety of ways. They oversee pavement and curb construction, resolve field issues, track material quantities, and coordinate closely with contractors and agency staff. These projects can include complex phasing, strict deadlines, and high visibility, particularly in growing urban areas.

Field engineers serve as a vital connection between the design intent and on-the-ground execution. They help ensure that specifications are followed while also adjusting for site realities and ensuring that safety and schedule remain a priority.

Water and Wastewater: Infrastructure That Keeps Communities Running

Water and wastewater engineers are actively involved in projects like pump station construction, pipeline installation, and treatment facility upgrades during the summer months. These projects are often essential to community health and growth, and many come with fast-paced schedules and strict regulatory requirements.

In the field, Sunrise provides construction observation, testing coordination, and compliance oversight. Technicians verify installation methods, review materials, and make sure every step is aligned with the approved plans and applicable codes.

Summer often brings simultaneous activity across multiple communities, which calls for adaptability, strong communication, and regional coordination to meet project demands.

GIS and Survey Support: Accurate Data in the Field

Survey and GIS professionals are essential to Sunrise’s construction support services. Survey crews are among the first on site, providing layout and staking services that guide construction efforts. Throughout the project, they return to verify completed work and prepare as-built documentation.

GIS staff add another layer of support, especially through digital tools like Survey123. By capturing field data in real time, GIS allows project teams to visualize progress, track material quantities, and produce detailed maps that clients can use for asset management long after construction ends.

Building Code and Inspection: Third-Party Oversight that Builds Confidence

During the summer, our building code services group ramps up to keep pace with construction demand. Many growing communities rely on Sunrise to provide third-party inspection and plan review services.

Our ICC-certified inspectors visit active construction sites to check for compliance with structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing codes. Their reports help prevent costly delays and ensure that public and private projects are completed to code. In some communities, Sunrise is the city’s primary resource for inspections during peak periods.

Working Together in the Field

While each division specializes in a different service area, collaboration in the field is common and essential. Civil engineers often coordinate with survey crews. GIS staff support inspectors and project managers with mapping and data. Building code professionals may rely on transportation teams for site access or coordination.

As one engineer put it, construction is not just about executing a design. It is about adapting, communicating, and making sure everything fits together in the field.

Looking Ahead

With dozens of active projects across the region, Sunrise Engineering’s field teams continue to play a crucial role in shaping infrastructure that serves real communities. As construction season moves forward, we remain committed to responsive service, thoughtful engineering, and trusted on-site support, regardless of the challenges that arise.