Mobility is entering an age of transformation, and Pape-Dawson is at the forefront, designing solutions that shape the future of our roads, bridges, and pedestrian and bicycle ways. There are many factors driving the need for mobility transformation, including more cars and trucks on the road, government regulations around emissions, and the proliferation of more convenient transportation options becoming available. As a leading multi-disciplinary design firm, Pape-Dawson’s civil engineering company and transportation engineering services experts understand the complexities of transportation demand influenced by technological advances, demographic shifts, and economic trends.
Innovative Solutions for Expanding Roadways
More than 92 percent of Americans own a car, and the average driver logs nearly 15,000 miles a year. Collectively, American drivers cover an astounding 3.2 trillion miles annually—enough to make nearly 5,000 trips to the moon and back. This contributes to the growing use of U.S. transportation systems, underscoring the need for innovative solutions to manage increasing demand.
Whether it’s freeway systems or city streets, Pape-Dawson has implemented a variety of solutions to address the growing use of our country’s roadways. The team’s use of innovative intersections has removed left-turn lanes and through traffic from side streets, redirecting vehicles downstream to turnarounds and cutting down time spent at traffic signals. In San Antonio, this approach saved drivers nearly $20 million in its first year of operation and is projected to save $99 million over five years.
Whatever the project, Pape-Dawson brings a comprehensive approach to the table, including working to gain consensus with partners and the community; providing full plans, specifications, and estimates; obtaining environmental permits and preparing a geological assessment; and developing a water pollution abatement plan. Our team is committed to innovative traffic management solutions, exemplifying our commitment to designing projects that improve safety, enhance mobility, reduce travel time, and offer sustainable solutions.
Adjusting for Micromobility
Micromobility has rapidly proliferated in cities nationwide, offering popular transportation options for short trips. Bike-share systems, e-scooters, traditional bicycles, and e-bikes are becoming integral parts of urban transportation networks. Recent research indicates that users take more than 135 million trips on shared micromobility systems each year, and this number continues to grow as urban areas develop into live-work-play destinations.
In response to the increasing demand for walking and bicycling facilities, Pape-Dawson is expanding coordination and collaboration efforts with universities, the private sector, and other stakeholders to monitor trends and evaluate the need for micromobility infrastructure. These “Complete Streets” are essential for creating safe and accessible transportation networks and are designed to provide safe access for all users, regardless of age or ability. Pape-Dawson has worked on numerous Complete Street projects that balance the needs of different modes of transportation while supporting local land uses, economies, cultures, and natural environments.
Often, that involves adding bike lanes, transit lanes, pedestrian facilities linked to off-site trails, and landscaping to create a safer and more inclusive transportation experience. Our teams provide design, survey, environmental permitting, and construction administration services for these projects, often designed to also improve water quality, reduce flooding, and even create educational opportunities for nearby elementary schools.
The Pape-Dawson transportation engineering services team has worked on numerous projects that demonstrate our commitment to designing transportation systems that accommodate all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders.
Pioneering Bridge Innovation
For pedestrians and motorists alike, Pape-Dawson’s transportation team specializes in designing new bridges – and transforming old bridges into structurally sound pieces of infrastructure. To meet growing demand and infrastructure needs, the team’s approach often includes off-site construction, which can significantly compress project schedules and reduce waste by reusing formwork in a controlled environment. This method ensures optimal conditions for building durable structures, especially those made of concrete.
A Comprehensive Approach to Transportation Development
In order to meet the quickly changing mobility needs of our cities, a comprehensive approach to transportation development is imperative to providing the best possible project outcome. Our team of experienced engineers provides transportation engineering services, including planning, design, and traffic services for highways, corridors, urban streets, and transit systems. We leverage creative traffic management solutions to design projects that promote safe travel in even the most congested areas and during peak travel times.
Innovation is the key to Pape-Dawson’s longevity and legacy. Our plans incorporate sustainable planning techniques and materials to prevent flooding, help curb pollution, and increase safety for all. As we continue to design the future of mobility, we remain committed to enhancing transportation systems to serve and connect communities. Visit Pape-Dawson’s transportation engineering services page to find out more.