Wood Rodgers Attends ACEC California Legislative Visit Day
Our team had the opportunity to network with other industry leaders, engage in meaningful discussions on legislative matters, and visit legislative offices to advocate for our profession.
Wood Rodgers Attends ACEC California Legislative Visit Day
Last week our Sacramento office participated in the ACEC California Legislative Visit Day. Our team had the opportunity to network with other industry leaders, engage in meaningful discussions on legislative matters, and visit legislative offices to advocate for our profession. It was an insightful and impactful experience that strengthens our commitment to engineering excellence!
David Brent, PLS – Associate Surveyor | 10 Years of Experience
1. Why/how did you get into Surveying?
Land surveying is a profession that I stumbled into after high school. It started off as a summer job on a field crew pounding construction stakes. I eventually ran my own field crew and then worked my way into the office.
2. What was your career path to get into Surveying?
For me, it was all on-the-job experience. I started off in the field and then transitioned into the office and started pursuing my professional license.
3. What is your favorite part of Surveying?
I enjoy the diversity of the projects we get to work on and the variety of services we provide. It has also been exciting to the see the advancements in technology within our industry since I first started.
4. What is your advice for anyone looking to get into Surveying?
If possible, try to find a mentor. I’ve had a few different mentors throughout my career and they’ve each contributed significantly to my growth as a land surveyor. Because there are so few college surveying programs out there, mentorship and on-the-job training are a great way to break into our profession.
Mike Long, PLS, CFedS – Director of Surveying | 40 Years of Experience
1. Why/how did you get into Surveying?
I was an Architectural draftsman and was asked to assist on a Survey crew. It was great to work outdoors using Survey instruments and to see how the data made its way onto paper.
2. What was your career path to get into Surveying?
My journey started with the US Army. My aptitude tests placed me into the Geodetic Survey program which I surprisingly excelled. This allowed me to work all over the country on a 3-person crew, including a 3-month project in Puerto Rico.
3. What is your favorite part of Surveying?
I enjoy working with talented people forming a team to complete a project.
4. What is your advice for anyone looking to get into Surveying?
Enroll in a Survey program. This will enlighten you on all the elements that make up Land Surveying. There are so many opportunities online and this will make you a well rounded Land Surveyor.
Wood Rodgers Expands Flood and Drainage Services with Key New Hire
Wood Rodgers, Inc. is pleased to announce that Ric Reinhardt, PE has joined the firm to expand Flood and Drainage Services to our clients. Ric has over 25 years of experience in hydrology, hydraulics, flood management, and ecosystem restoration planning and design.
Wood Rodgers Expands Flood and Drainage Services with Key New Hire
Wood Rodgers, Inc. is pleased to announce that Ric Reinhardt, PE has joined the firm to expand Flood and Drainage Services to our clients. Ric has over 25 years of experience in hydrology, hydraulics, flood management, and ecosystem restoration planning and design. Ric has provided project management and technical support for flood management agencies and Reclamation Districts, and advises a variety of local agencies on flood management issues. Throughout his career, Ric has contributed to a number of flood and multi-benefit projects in the California Central Valley.
Ric previously worked for MBK Engineers focusing on Flood Management and spent 4 years with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Ric holds both a BS, and a MS in Civil Engineering from California State University, Sacramento.
“I’m excited to join the Wood Rodgers’ team to expand the services we provide clients and to mentor the next generation of flood management professionals to grow Wood Rodgers’ capabilities into the future.” - Ric Reinhardt, PE
Wood Rodgers STEAM Team organized the Gaining STEAM Event that included a week-long activity to raise money for local charities. Employees from all offices participated by logging the number of miles they walked, ran, and biked. Here are the results of the event!
Wood Rodgers STEAM Team organized the Gaining STEAM Event that included a week-long activity to raise money for local charities. Employees from all offices participated by logging the number of miles they walked, ran, and biked. Here are the results of the event!
Companywide Total = 1,491.31 miles
Companywide Donated = $13,000
Below are the individual stats by offices and amount raised for the local charities in their regions.
Sacramento Office | $5,000 Raised
Total Miles = 485.17 miles
Ave. Miles/Person = 18.0 miles
Top Ranking Participants | Caitlin McHugh (120.54 mi.) + Brian Geiszler (67.75 mi.) + Hanalei Pruter (27.85 mi.)
Reno Office | $2,500 Raised
Total Miles = 450.58 miles
Ave. Miles/Person = 25.0 miles
Top Ranking Participants | Steven Barrow (107.47 mi.) + Greg Sanders (60.15 mi.) + Dean Schultz (57.17 mi.) + Shawnee Dunagan (50.12 mi)
San Diego Office | $1,500 Raised
Total Miles = 299.77 miles
Ave. Miles/Person = 30.0 miles
Top Ranking Participants | Karl Meier (60.02 mi.) + Alia Meier (59.3 mi.) + Andrew Thies (47.81 mi.)
Wood Rodgers Donates $5,000 to Blessings in a Backpack
Wood Rodgers’ community action program, the STEAM Team, provides an opportunity for employees involvement in local organizations that encourage STEAM-related programs that support student education with a focus in the science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.
Wood Rodgers Donates $5,000 to Blessings in a Backpack
Wood Rodgers’ community action program, the STEAM Team, provides an opportunity for employees involvement in local organizations that encourage STEAM-related programs that support student education with a focus in the science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.
How EVERYONE Benefits!
Combining two events into one, Wood Rodgers is not only able to provide extra cash for employees, but the community as well!
Wood Rodgers hosts a monthly, cash wheel, spin for all employees who are celebrating their anniversaries. Depending on the number of years you have been with Wood Rodgers, there is also a multiplier. So, the longer you are at Wood Rodgers, the more opportunities to win more cash for the employee!
In addition, throughout the year, Wood Rodgers STEAM Team will select local organizations to match the amount an employee spins on the anniversary cash wheel. This past week, Wood Rodgers STEAM Team selected Blessings in a Backpack – Ranch Cordova.
This local organization was selected so that Wood Rodgers could be a part of an amazing program that helps children who are experiencing food insecurities in the Folsom Cordova Unified School District, San Juan Unified School District, and the Sacramento City Unified School District. The program provides food for the weekend to help supplement the days where they would not be receiving food during the school days.
With less for children to worry about, the better their outcomes can be.
Follow us @woodrodgersinc to learn more about our community action program and the organizations we support.
Browns Valley Roadway Improvement and Bridge Replacement Project
Wood Rodgers was at the ribbon cutting event that was hosted by Caltrans for the Browns Valley Roadway Improvement and Bridge Replacement Project. Wood Rodgers was excited to see all of the hard work and the wonderful collaboration with Caltrans District 3 staff for the completion of this project that we are so proud of!
Browns Valley Roadway Improvement and Bridge Replacement Project
Wood Rodgers was at the ribbon cutting event that was hosted by Caltrans for the Browns Valley Roadway Improvement and Bridge Replacement Project. Wood Rodgers was excited to see all of the hard work and the wonderful collaboration with Caltrans District 3 staff for the completion of this project that we are so proud of!
Wood Rodgers completed both the Project Approval and Environmental Document (PA&ED) and Plans, Specification, and Estimate (PS&E) design phases for the widening and realignment of 4.5 miles of State Route 20 in Yuba County between Marysville Road to the Yuba River Bridge (PM 13.3/R17.8).
This State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) project featured:
A new Dry Creek Bridge.
Horizontal and vertical realignment to improve stopping sight distances.
Widening of Route 20 to provide standard 8 ft shoulder
Upgrading all existing Metal Beam Guard Railing to Midwest Guard Rails
Drainage extensions and new drainage facilities
Removal all existing utilities within the Clear Recovery Zone, and highway lighting.
Wood Rodgers also got to demonstrate our flexibility and ability to adapt to project changes during the PA&ED phase, by incorporating additional improvements without any impacts to the project schedule or significant budget impacts. This was also largely due to the collaboration with the amazing staff at Caltrans and Yuba County.
The additional improvements include two way left turn lanes, right turn lanes, truck climbing lanes, local road improvements.
Wood Rodgers is proud to be a part of this project in improving roadways and safety in our region.
“Our continued partnership with Caltrans has allowed us to be a part of some amazing projects. The SR 20 Browns Valley project is another example of that. Thanks to Caltrans for your continued trust in the wood Rodgers team.”, stated Mark Rayback.
Wood Rodgers Project In Rancho Cordova Starts Construction
A Wood Rodgers project located in City of Rancho Cordova Government for NorthPoint Development recently kicked off! The 1.4 million square foot Rancho Cordova Logistics Center is the largest industrial development in the area in over a decade!
Wood Rodgers Project In Rancho Cordova Starts Construction
A Wood Rodgers project located in City of Rancho Cordova Government for NorthPoint Development recently kicked off! The 1.4 million square foot Rancho Cordova Logistics Center is the largest industrial development in the area in over a decade!
Our Sacramento office celebrated July and August Employee Anniversaries last week! Between getting our employees some much deserved cash, we also raised $11,390 for Aging UP through our STEAM Team match!
Our Sacramento office celebrated July and August Employee Anniversaries last week! Between getting our employees some much deserved cash, we also raised $11,390 for Aging UP through our STEAM Team match!
Wood Rodgers Raises $6,555 for Reno High School’s JROTC Robotics Team
Our Reno office celebrated July and August Employee Anniversaries last week! Between getting our employees some much deserved cash, we also raised $6,555 for Reno High School’s JROTC Robotics Team!
Wood Rodgers Raises $6,555 for Reno High School’s JROTC Robotics Team
Our Reno office celebrated July and August Employee Anniversaries last week! Between getting our employees some much deserved cash, we also raised $6,555 for Reno High School’s JROTC Robotics Team!
Wood Rodgers Leads The Way On West Sacramento Riverfront Street Expansion
Wood Rodgers is currently preparing PS&E (Plans, Specifications, and Estimates) for a quarter-mile extension of Riverfront Street, and widening of 5th Street from two lanes to its ultimate four lane width between 15th Street and Mill Street for the City of West Sacramento.
Wood Rodgers Leads The Way On West Sacramento Riverfront Street Expansion
Wood Rodgers is currently preparing PS&E (Plans, Specifications, and Estimates) for a quarter-mile extension of Riverfront Street, and widening of 5th Street from two lanes to its ultimate four lane width between 15th Street and Mill Street for the City of West Sacramento. Services include supplemental environmental documentation, geotechnical analysis, permitting and right-of-way services, and preparation of Plans, Specifications and Estimates for sewer, water, storm drainage, and roadway improvements. The Riverfront Street extension will serve future development along Riverfront Street, and the proposed Downtown Riverfront Streetcar maintenance facility. Wood Rodgers is working directly with the City and the Streetcar team to incorporate the streetcar track and associated facilities into the Riverfront Street design. Fifth Street will incorporate a 13-foot wide cycletrack that will connect a planned City bikeway project on 15th Street to the existing River Walk Trail at Mill Street, closing an access gap for pedestrians and bicycles under Highway 50. Traffic signals will be upgraded to include bicycle only signal heads and phasing. Lighting analysis was performed and pedestrian lighting was added. Because the project is located partially within Caltrans right of way and intersects two Highway 50 ramp intersections, Wood Rodgers is coordinating the project with Caltrans to insure that proposed improvements meet Caltrans requirements and to streamline the encroachment permit process.
Some of the project highlights include:
Sidewalks
Cycletrack
Buffered Bike Lanes
Complete Street Design & Concepts
Bicycle Signals and Lighting
Mr. Robinson is the Project Engineer for this $5 million project to extend Riverfront Street in the Bridge District area of West Sacramento, and widen Fifth Street. Both Riverfront Street and Fifth Street extend beneath US 50, requiring new Caltrans easements and coordination. The project also requires reconstructing the eastbound US 50 on-ramp at Fifth Street due to grade changes along Fifth Street, and makes signal and safety improvements at the westbound US 50 off-ramp. To complete a bicycle connection between the existing bike lanes on 15th Street and the River Walk Trail, the project will construct a Class 4 Cycle Track along Fifth Street, and new curb, gutter, and sidewalk for pedestrians. The project also is installing sewer, water, storm drain, gas, and electric infrastructure for future development along Riverfront Street. Because of the close proximity to the Sacramento River, an innovative infiltration drainage system was designed to allow runoff to infiltrate under the roadway prior to entering the storm drain system.
We asked him a few questions and this is what he had to say!
Steven Robinson – Project Engineer
What has been your favorite part of the project?
“We needed to develop a unique and innovative on site drainage infiltration system on Riverfront Street to minimize runoff into the existing overcapacity drainage system. The Geotechnical report revealed poor soils for infiltration that were a result of the site’s past use as a rice hulling facility, so we worked with our Water department and the Geotech to develop a design that will over excavate 6 feet of the bad soil and will import good soil for the infiltration.”
What are some of the challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?
“We had to raise the profile of 5th Street by 3 feet in order to provide minimum clearance over the existing Pioneer Bridge foundation. This created new drainage flow patterns that required a new drainage system. We also had to design a custom concrete barrier to protect the Pioneer Bridge columns due to the road widening coming within 2 feet of the column. We were only allowed a 1 week closure of the on-ramp during all of construction, so we had to develop staging strategies that would allow all of the ramp work to occur in during the closure while keeping 5th Street open.
The project also includes new joint trenches along both 5th Street and Riverfront Street. Along both streets, it was difficult to fit the joint trenches due to the other existing and proposed underground utilities, and we had to work with the utility providers for approval to deviate from their standard installation policies to fit the joint trenches within the road footprint.”
Can you talk a little bit about how our various departments have come together to work on this project?
“This was truly a group effort. Our Sacramento Transportation department developed the roadway design, our Sacramento Water department designed the innovative storm drain infiltration system, our Sacramento and Roseville Civil group prepared design for new water and sewer facilities, our Survey department performed the field survey and right of way support, our Sacramento Landscape Architects prepared the planting and irrigation plans, and our Structures department designed two retaining walls.”
Wood Rodgers Wins Award For City Of Las Vegas Traffic Safety Project
Wood Rodgers was recently awarded a ITE Mountain District Transportation Achievement Award in the Safety Category. The award was won for the Citywide Intersection Crash Mitigation Project done for the City of Las Vegas.
Wood Rodgers Wins Award For City Of Las Vegas Traffic Safety Project
Wood Rodgers was recently awarded a ITE Mountain District Transportation Achievement Award in the Safety Category. The award was won for the Citywide Intersection Crash Mitigation Project done for the City of Las Vegas.
“Wood Rodgers provides consistent and professional engineering services with clear and authentic client focus solutions, and has been an exemplary consulting firm to work with.” -Sean Robinson, City of Las Vegas Project Manager
The Citywide Intersection Crash Mitigation Program (CICMP) was a very successful safety project Wood Rodgers completed for the City Of Las Vegas. It contained a well-balanced scope and format that seamlessly transitioned from an in-person environment to a virtual environment during the Covid-19 pandemic. It applied multiple innovative ideas, including the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Systemic Approach, Vision Zero, and ArcGIS Storymaps. The CICMP has a strong applicability to the safety aspect of the transportation engineering and planning fields as it correlates to the new Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), as well as the Untied States Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) commitment to roadway safety and Vision Zero. Additionally, the CICMP exhibits a commitment to the advancement of the profession as it is the first step toward reducing the high number of crashes on the City’s roadways and ultimately reducing fatal crashes and serious injury crashes to zero.
The CICMP implemented best-practices and emerging methods to set forth a data-driven foundation for proactive safety improvements. The data driven foundation set forth by the CICMP will be utilized for years to come to help improve the safety of the city through future CICMPs and the collaborative Vision Zero Program, eventually reaching the goal of no fatalities or serious injuries involving road traffic. This represents a new culture of safety that is leading the way to the next generation transportation system in this fast-growing desert oasis.