�鶹TV��վ’ Francis Mouafong, PE, MBA is a Senior Project Manager at �鶹TV��վ and currently works as a Construction Quality Assurance Manager on Georgia’s I-285/I-20 East Interchange project. He shares why he loves working as an engineer, helping oversee the various aspects of transportation systems that play such an important role in connecting people.

Engineers play a critical role in helping communities flourish by creating the systems that connect people. Nowhere is that impact more visible than in the transportation industry. Thoughtfully designed roads, bridges, transit systems, trails and other transportation networks form the backbone of a thriving community. ��

For �鶹TV��վ’ Francis Mouafong, engineering is about more than just building roads or seeing that specifications are met on paper. To him, engineering is an act of stewardship and a commitment to creating environments where people can flourish and communities can thrive. Throughout his career, Francis has contributed to several high‑impact transportation projects across Georgia, including:

• I‑285/I‑20 East Interchange project, a major mobility project being done for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) that involves reconstructing the I-285/I-20 East Interchange ramps with more direct alignments, constructing new lanes, adding auxiliary lanes, replacing bridges and constructing new noise barriers.
• Harbins Road Interchange project, an interchange project that involved bridges, box culvert extensions, retaining walls, ramps, storm drainage, grading, graded aggregate base (GAB) placement, asphalt paving, concrete flatwork, traffic signal installation and more.
• Northwest Corridor project, a transformative design-build regional mobility initiative that consisted of building 30 miles of reversible toll lanes and the construction of bridges and walls.
• Gwinnett County SPLOST Road Program, a program that is designed to support the county’s growing population and address its infrastructure needs.

These projects not only improve travel efficiency—they increase economic opportunity, enhance safety and reduce congestion for millions of commuters.

In his current role as Construction Quality Assurance Manager on Georgia’s I-285/I-20 East Interchange project, Francis is helping to see that one of the state’s busiest and most complex transportation upgrades is built to the highest standards. When completed, this transformative project aims to improve traffic flow and safety at what has long been considered one of the region’s most congested bottlenecks.

Safeguarding quality on such a project means that Francis sees that designs are implemented correctly, safety standards are met, future failures are avoided and the impacted infrastructure remains accessible to everyone.

A Commitment to Growth, Learning and Leadership

With more than 33 years of roadway and bridge construction experience, Francis has learned many lessons along the way and honed his leadership style. Today, he carries forward a key lesson on every project. Projects might look similar, but they are different. You cannot simply ‘copy and paste’ because a one size fits all solution does not always solve the problem. Rather, engineers must adapt to the specifics of each one.

This mindset reflects his dedication to thoughtful, context‑driven engineering. It also informs how he mentors others. Francis is grateful for the supervisors who have helped shape his career, and he truly understands the importance of paying it forward to engineers just starting out. Leadership, to Francis, is not about titles—it’s about integrity, ownership and a commitment to excellence for the sake of the communities served.

Through Francis’ technical expertise, principled leadership and a deep sense of responsibility, his work as an engineer is about bridging gaps:

• Between design and implementation.
• Between present needs and future resilience.
• Between infrastructure and the people it serves.

His work ensures that communities are not just connected—but empowered to flourish and thrive. For Francis, “Bridging the Gap” is not a metaphor—it is a daily responsibility. He describes it as the essential work of aligning plans, specifications and field conditions during construction to ensure that what is designed is what is faithfully and safely delivered.

This alignment matters because infrastructure is more than concrete and steel—it directly shapes the lived experience of communities. The integrity of a bridge, road or interchange impacts safety, mobility and access. Ensuring that designs translate accurately into reality is how Francis helps close the gap between vision and impact.

�鶹TV��վ is recognized for partnering with Placer County and Caltrans to deliver solutions for complex infrastructure projects across California.

DENVER, Colo., Feb. 19, 2026 — �鶹TV��վ Technical Consultants (�鶹TV��վ), a leading infrastructure and environmental solutions provider, received the Honor Award at the from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of California for its work on Placer County’s Foresthill Bridge.

In addition, �鶹TV��վ’ work on California Department of Transportation’s (Caltrans) Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) Reporting Improvements Project and its Skid Testing Modernization Project also received recognition, with the first earning a Merit Award and the second earning a Commendation Award.

The three projects were among 62 engineering and land surveying efforts in California recognized for excellence, and the Foresthill Bridge project will now compete at a national level.

“The Engineering Excellence Awards recognize projects that stand out for quality and the complexity of the finished project. Our clients, Placer County and Caltrans, are taking on some of the most complex and innovative infrastructure challenges, like inspecting and repairing California’s tallest bridge or using the latest technology to improve roadway safety, to help their communities flourish and thrive,” said Jacque Hinman, �鶹TV��վ CEO. “Quality is at the core of everything we do at �鶹TV��վ, and we are honored to accept these awards alongside our clients, which are truly a testament to and celebration of engineering excellence in California and beyond.”

A panel of judges with a broad range of environmental and technical expertise selected this year’s top engineering achievements using criteria such as uniqueness, originality and complexity, as well as technical, economic and social value. The projects �鶹TV��վ led or supported receiving awards are:

Foresthill Bridge – Placer County

�鶹TV��վ was contracted by Placer County to conduct safety testing of 288 fracture-critical steel welds on the Foresthill Bridge, California’s tallest bridge, as part of a federally funded initiative examining T-1 steel structures nationwide. The testing uncovered defects at nearly four times the expected rate.����

The 2,428-foot structure carries more than 50,000 vehicles daily across the American River. �鶹TV��վ performed inspections at heights exceeding 700 feet using custom scaffolding and specialized equipment while maintaining continuous traffic flow.����

Results showed 37 percent of welds contained defects, compared with the anticipated 10 percent rate. �鶹TV��վ adapted testing procedures in real time and completed 44 repairs to American Welding Society standards. The project was finished without safety incidents despite challenging weather and working conditions.����

The findings are informing Federal Highway Administration guidance for evaluating T-1 steel structures across the country. For Placer County residents, the work provides continued safe passage on a critical transportation link connecting Sierra Nevada communities. The inspection protocols developed contribute to a national shift toward proactive infrastructure maintenance, preventing costly emergency repairs or disruptions.����

EPD Reporting Improvements Project — Caltrans

�鶹TV��վ was contracted by Caltrans to deliver a new, mission-critical application to collect, validate and report contractor-submitted environmental data in support of the Buy Clean California Act. The system establishes a modern, centralized platform to support consistent EPD data intake, verification and compliance tracking, replacing previously fragmented and manual processes. ����

The EPD tool gives Caltrans a more efficient and user-friendly portal for data submission and equips Caltrans Materials Engineering and Testing personnel with improved tools for data validation, verification and compliance report generation. By streamlining workflows and introducing dynamic reporting and export capabilities, the system transforms complex environmental impact data into accessible, accurate and actionable intelligence.

To achieve these outcomes, �鶹TV��վ designed and implemented an intuitive submission workflow, prioritized usability and developed advanced reporting and export functionality. The EPD tool allows Caltrans to generate comprehensive, professionally formatted compliance reports, significantly improving transparency, efficiency and regulatory oversight.

Skid Testing Modernization Project — Caltrans

�鶹TV��վ, in partnership with GritForce Inc. (GritForce), was contracted by Caltrans to evaluate and implement Continuous Friction Measurement Equipment (CFME) technology as a replacement for the California Portable Skid Tester (CA-PST), which has been in use since the 1950s.��

As the technical experts of record, �鶹TV��վ and GritForce led a four-phase evaluation of CFME across laboratory and field conditions. Testing demonstrated a correlation coefficient greater than 0.8 with CA-PST results, outperforming the historical 0.69 benchmark achieved by earlier locked-wheel trailer methods. These findings provided the basis for updating California Test Method 342 to formally authorize the use of CFME statewide.����

The CFME implementation represents the first validated alternative to CA-PST technology in California, using advanced sensor technology that enables continuous friction measurement at walking speeds on concrete and bridge deck surfaces.

The technology allows both Caltrans staff and contractors to perform independent friction testing for the first time, reducing coordination requirements and accelerating project delivery. Independent testing capabilities enhance roadway maintenance practices and support safer travel across California’s transportation system for nearly 39 million residents.����

Award recipients will be honored at the annual Engineering Excellence Awards Gala being held during ACEC California’s Annual Conference, Feb. 18–19, 2026.

About �鶹TV��վ Technical Consultants:

�鶹TV��վ provides professional testing, inspection, engineering,��consulting��and quality management services from more than 100 locations nationwide. With a talent base of 3,300 and $650 million in revenue, we deliver infrastructure and environmental solutions to public- and��private-sector��clients. To learn more about �鶹TV��վ, visit  and follow us on , and .

Media Contacts:
Lori Irvine
Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications
lori.irvine@oneatlas.com

Carolyn King
Director of Communications
carolyn.king@oneatlas.com

Chicago Transit Authority Red and Purple Line Modernization Project

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is investing in a more resilient and efficient transportation system with its $2.1 billion (RPM)—one of the largest transit investments in the agency’s history. The project includes replacing four century-old stations along Chicago’s busiest transit corridor with larger facilities that are ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant. The new stations feature wider platforms, better lighting, improved security, real-time information boards, more reliable train service, less crowded trains and platforms and a more aesthetically pleasing environment for pedestrians.

As part of the Walsh-Fluor Design-Build team, �鶹TV��վ provided civil engineering services, including roadway design, traffic maintenance, signal design, utility coordination, drainage design, site layouts, and grading, as well as electrical and lighting design.

“E������� day, millions of Chicagoans rely on the city’s transit system to get where they need to go. Supporting our long-time client, �鶹TV��վ was proud to collaborate with CTA on delivering a safer, more reliable transit system,” said Tom Price, �鶹TV��վ Infrastructure President. “Sustainability, preservation, and innovation were woven into every decision made, resulting in a project that truly honors Chicago’s past, while building a resilient, efficient transit future.”

Building a modern transit system

Construction on Phase One began in 2019 and included updates on two major areas—the and the (LBMM) section. With millions of passengers relying on the Red Line every year, updating these lines was critical to making CTA’s transit system more reliable and efficient.

In 2021, CTA celebrated the completion of the Red Purple Bypass. This milestone allowed northbound Brown Line trains to pass over Red and Purple Line tracks—eliminating a critical bottleneck and allowing for more frequent service.

CTA hit another major milestone in 2025 with the completion of the LBMM portion of the project, which involved reconstructing four stations and replacing all elevated track and support structures along 1.3 miles of the Red Line.

Working within one of the nation’s most spatially constrained urban corridors presents unique challenges. �鶹TV��վ helped CTA employ highly adaptive planning strategies to overcome numerous complexities throughout this project. To keep trains running on time, our team utilized creative solutions to sequence construction and implement temporary systems, including two fully functional temporary stations that served the public for years before the final stations were finished. �鶹TV��վ’ team even helped relocate a century-old building to allow critical track realignment—a decision that demonstrated thoughtful engineering and respect for the city’s architectural heritage.

“Together with CTA and our industry partners, �鶹TV��վ designed every element of construction planning to reduce inconvenience and minimize disruption to people’s daily routines,” added Price. “�鶹TV��վ is proud to have contributed to this landmark project that will be utilized by millions of passengers in the years to come.”

Working collaboratively with CTA, our team contributed to this massive transit line upgrade through:

• Roadway and alley rehabilitation: �鶹TV��վ designed plans for all impacted streets and alleys within the project limits and reconstructed all impacted sidewalks to meet Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) standards with ADA compliant ramps at all temporary and permanent locations.
• Collaborative planning and permitting: �鶹TV��վ was responsible for all utility coordination on the project, including identifying potential conflicts early in the design-build process. By maintaining regular contact with utilities throughout the project, �鶹TV��վ made proactive communication and coordination a top priority. Our team worked extensively with Walsh-Flour to facilitate communication with the Department of Buildings, CDOT, and the Office of Underground Coordination to keep the project running smoothly.
• Digital and technical knowledge: �鶹TV��վ’ modeling experts created and maintained a dynamic digital terrain model for all surface drainage, roadway vertical geometry and ADA design grades. Our design included extensive OpenRoads work—driving efficiencies and schedule. �鶹TV��վ was an early adopter of OpenRoads software to create dynamic 3-D models.
• Enhanced safety and lighting: With a deep understanding of CTA’s and CDOT’s requirements, �鶹TV��վ designed all exterior lighting for the RPB and LBMM sections, as well as power feeds for relay houses, aesthetic lighting, and temporary and permanent lighting for station facades.
• Creative drainage solutions: �鶹TV��վ designed the Stormwater Management Plan, incorporating CTA’s requirements for collecting and storing runoff. Infiltration trenches and storage tanks were utilized, which eliminated surface runoff contributing to the city sewer system.
• Collaborative construction delivery: �鶹TV��վ coordinated with Walsh-Fluor, Stantec, and associated subconsultants to coordinate timing on the overall sequence of design packages.

At a glance

CTA’s Phase One investment, one of the largest design-build projects undertaken by CTA

When this corridor was first built, making it one of the oldest in the CTA system

Built with modern architecture and ADA accessibility features

Historically significant Vautravers building moved for track realignment

�鶹TV��վ has partnered with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to improve mobility and manage traffic congestion in Austin. Our latest endeavor will help ease congestion along .

On October 28, TxDOT crews on the $58.5 million project, and �鶹TV��վ was there to help turn the dirt. The project includes a new overpass bridge on SH 71 over the existing signalized intersection at Tucker Hill Lane, new one-way frontage roads, and improved and expanded pedestrian and bicycle lanes. This work is among several projects to enhance travel from Bastrop to Austin as part of TxDOT’s more extensive Hwy. 71 East Corridor plan—a plan that will eliminate all traffic signals on SH 71 between Austin and Houston.

Providing construction engineering and inspection (CEI) services for the Tucker Hill Lane intersection project, �鶹TV��վ is helping improve the intersection, which serves as a major corridor for motorists traveling to and from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the city of Bastrop and other central Texas communities. With more than 50,000 vehicles traversing these roads daily, this project will enhance safety and better manage congestion on one of the city’s busiest roadways.

“With growing communities comes a need to improve mobility and make communities more accessible to pedestrians and motorists,” said Joe Fiello, �鶹TV��վ Central Texas Sector Lead, Infrastructure. “�鶹TV��վ’ work with TxDOT is helping enhance safety not only for kids walking to school and people biking to work but is also improving mobility and reducing congestion on highly traveled roads.”

The project is expected to wrap up in the fall of 2028.

What it takes to inspect 288��welds, 730 feet in the air.��

A Bridge Between Past and Future ��

Stretching 2,428 feet across the American River canyon, the Foresthill Bridge is the tallest bridge in California and the fourth highest in the United States. It’s a local landmark where generations have left their stamp, a backdrop to daily life and even a piece of film history.����

In 2024, this 50-year-old structure became the focus of a federally funded initiative to assess bridges built with T-1 steel — a mid-century material associated with emerging safety concerns. Constructed in 1973 with 288 fracture-critical butt welds, Foresthill was selected for comprehensive non-destructive testing as part of a national program.��

The challenge: inspect every weld on one of the country’s tallest bridges while keeping traffic safely moving.��

An Inspection Unlike Any Other����

Placer County selected �鶹TV��վ to lead the inspection based on our proven performance on high-risk, high-profile projects, including the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and the I-10 Freeway fire response.����

The team developed and executed a plan to inspect every weld using a combination of suspended snooper trucks, custom-engineered access platforms and advanced ultrasonic testing methods, with inspections performed at heights exceeding 700 feet.����

The work required:����

• Operating sensitive equipment in extreme height and weather conditions.����
• Maintaining American Welding Society (AWS) D1.5 Bridge Welding Code compliance.��
• Coordinating with Caltrans Materials Engineering and Testing Services and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) oversight teams.��
• Ensuring crew safety through 18+ rain-impacted days.��

“E���������weld we inspect carries the weight of public trust.��Our job is to evaluate thoroughly and report clearly,��so our clients can make informed decisions that support safer infrastructure for the communities they serve.”��–Aaron��Prchlik, PE, Project Manager.����

When Scope Expands, Execution Matters ��

The original plan called for a targeted inspection. As work progressed, the defect rate became significantly higher than the initially anticipated. Several welds required immediate metallurgical review due to surface-breaking cracks.

�鶹TV��վ responded in real time by:��

• Increasing ultrasonic testing to achieve full defect coverage.��
• Adapting scanning techniques for obstructed weld locations.��
• Providing timely data to support emergency repair decisions.��
• Maintaining detailed documentation throughout the expanded scope.��

Results That Reached Beyond Placer County ��

The inspection protocols, findings and repair recommendations developed through this project are helping inform FHWA guidance for evaluating T-1 steel bridges across the country. The project contributes to a shift in national conversation from reactive maintenance to proactive infrastructure protection.��

Key Outcomes:

A Legacy Maintained ��

Today, the Foresthill Bridge continues to carry more than 50,000 daily travelers, standing not only as an engineering achievement but also as a structure maintained through decades of partnership and public investment.����

The inspection effort highlights the importance of collaboration among agencies, engineers, and inspectors. Through strategic planning and coordinated execution, the project advanced immediate safety goals and contributed to a deeper understanding of the conditions of T-1 steel bridges nationwide.����

Learn More and See the Work in Action��

• Watch the Project:��

Corpus Christi, Texas’, new Harbor Bridge is a visible symbol of engineering and regional progress. Behind its towering pylons and sweeping span is the coordination of teams working across time zones, facilities and disciplines. As the Independent Quality Firm (IQF), �鶹TV��վ helped align those moving parts, ensuring each component met project specifications and supported long-term performance.

A Complex Build with High Stakes��

At more than 3,200 feet long and rising 538 feet above water, the new Harbor Bridge is now the tallest structure south of San Antonio, Texas, and the longest concrete segmental cable-stayed bridge in North America. Designed with expanded navigational clearance, the bridge opens the channel to accommodate larger ships and modern maritime traffic, strengthening the Port of Corpus Christi and reinforcing the region’s role in global trade.

Delivering a structure of this scope required coordination across more than 15 fabrication facilities in the U.S. and abroad. Each facility site operates under its own conditions, schedules and documentation processes. That’s where �鶹TV��վ stepped in as the IQF, coordinating across teams and facilities to ensure all aspects of construction met project standards and moved the work forward.

Independent Quality, Coordinated at Scale��

�鶹TV��վ collaborated with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and design-build contractor FlatironDragados to manage and monitor quality assurance from fabrication to final inspection.

Custom Inspection and Testing Plans (ITPs) were developed for components produced outside of TxDOT’s standard approval process, including precast bridge segments, stay cable anchors, epoxy-coated strands, high-load bearings and modular expansion joints. Each plan supported documentation, traceability and compliance with project requirements.

Our team performed audits, inspections and testing at each fabrication site before materials ever reached the job site. By applying a consistent approach across locations, �鶹TV��վ helped streamline coordination, minimize rework and give both TxDOT and the contractor confidence that every part was ready to perform as designed, regardless of where it was made.

Trusted to the End — and Beyond��

With the new bridge now open to traffic, �鶹TV��վ continues to support Phase II activities, including preparations for demolition of the original truss bridge and reconstruction of adjacent roadway segments.

At every phase, our work reflects a commitment to delivering dependable quality that strengthens infrastructure and supports the communities that rely on it. For �鶹TV��վ, success lives in the trust we earn, the standards we uphold and the future we help shape.

Discover how �鶹TV��վ brings quality to life in infrastructure projects nationwide.

What does it look like to lead differently and why does it matter?
In this episode, Kara Swanson, Vice President and Transportation Environmental Market Lead at �鶹TV��վ, shares her experience as a neurodivergent leader in the transportation industry. Kara, who joined �鶹TV��վ in 2024, explains how what once felt like a personal challenge has become a professional superpower.����

She discusses the lessons, barriers and breakthroughs that have shaped her leadership and previews the insights she’ll share as a panelist at the 2025 WTS International at the 2025 WTS International Conference session, Unleashing Superpowers: The Unique Strengths and Challenges of Neurodivergent Women in the Workplace.��

Resources Mentioned:��

• ��
• �鶹TV��վ Careers��

Disclaimer: The views or opinions expressed in this presentation are the host and guest’s own and may not reflect the views or opinions of �鶹TV��վ. �鶹TV��վ makes no representations or warranties regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of this information. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.

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