Posts by Andy McDermott
Employee Spotlight – Jeff German
“I started working at PE Services in April 2023. My role entails field inspection, paying attention to detail, working with contractors and MnDOT employees as well as helping PE Services employees when needed.”
Read MoreDewatering the Right Way
Warm and seasonably stormy is the predicted weather pattern for the summer of 2024. With storms comes rain and that means dewatering may be necessary on construction projects in order to continue work. Dewatering may also be necessary due to groundwater or nearby natural resources. No matter the reason, dewatering will likely occur at some…
Read MoreSpring Newsletter 2024
Employee Spotlight – Jean Harrington
“I use my creativity and problem-solving skills to create business solutions, foster growth in technologies, and help others be more successful.”
Read MoreAfter Midnight
The adage “Nothing Good Ever Happens After Midnight” isn’t really true when it comes to the construction of the Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit (GLBRT) line on the East Side of St. Paul. As much as working overnight may not be a preferred way of life in the construction business, it does offer many benefits…
Read MoreEmployee Spotlight – Jesse Brownlee
“I don’t have a favorite project because they all have been great in their own way. I used to travel to multiple jobs in a day and I enjoyed that because I was going to different jobsites and doing different tasks. It was great because I did a wide variety of things and met a lot of different people in one day. “
Read MoreBest Practices for Building a Community Engagement Plan
Community engagement during construction projects is essential. When done correctly, it creates a harmonious relationship between the construction team and the community. It also promotes transparency and often addresses concerns early in a project when they have a higher likelihood of resolution. Engagement enhances safety, supports local commerce, and it ultimately contributes to the successful…
Read MoreBridging the Gap: Highlighting Minnesota’s Need for Bridge Construction
The Minnesota Department of Transportation reports that the state boasts more than 20,000 bridges. Among these, a significant portion are identified as requiring repairs. Data from the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) indicates that nearly 600 bridges are classified as structurally deficient. Efforts by the state and other government entities to address these…
Read MoreDigital Delivery Methods in Transportation
Transportation departments across the nation are actively pursuing the implementation of digital delivery methods for their construction projects. This innovative approach aims to provide users with the ability to visualize plans through an accurate, three-dimensional model, eliminating the need to reference traditional two-dimensional paper plans in pdf format. The utilization of 3D models presents a distinct…
Read MoreConstructing the Future: Harnessing Technology in Construction
On a technological front, construction sites have come a long way in recent years. New technology is shaping the way roads, bridges, and buildings are constructed. The interface of computers, construction models, Global Positioning System (GPS), drones, and other technology with construction have made the process more efficient, cost-effective, and safer. GPS technology has revolutionized…
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