Thought Leadership

The Value of Program Management

August 1, 2024
By Ang Points, Sr Project Manager, WSB

Cities, counties, and municipalities are growing at exponential rates, more now than ever before. Ensuring that these rapidly growing communities execute projects efficiently and effectively is necessary to meet the expectations of their stakeholders and current citizens and to prepare for the demands on existing and even new infrastructure. However, there is often too much work that current staff cannot handle alone, and cities may not be able to hire enough or qualified full-time staff to support the demands. Program Management provides support for cities that do not have the capacity or ability to take on these programs or projects themselves as an immediate, even short-term solution that is flexible and scalable to meet the ever-changing demands of a city.

Through Program Management, we partner and work alongside city staff, interweaving and executing work on behalf of the city as an extension of the staff. It provides technical knowledge and design as well as valuable expertise and support in project management, contract management, communications with elected officials and stakeholders, building financial strategies and more.

To best support our clients in Program Management needs, our team of experts use the 3 T’s— technology, transparency and teamwork.

Technology

To build an effective and efficient program, technology is key. It is the foundation of the 3 T’s, and only through technology can we build a collaborative team and establish trust with the public, stakeholders and elected officials.

Using Smartsheet, Power BI, Teams, Bluebeam, Primavera 6, and communication tools — we can increase knowledge and awareness of the city’s projects and efficiently and effectively connect with all those involved in the execution of projects. Reliable data and information at the fingertips of decision makers and the public creates an environment of trust. Technology is a driving factor in moving these programs forward.

Transparency

The public’s tax dollars are the reasons these projects get accomplished— its only right to keep the public informed. It is best practice to be proactive when providing information and make it easily accessible. This can be done by creating a website designed specifically for the program with a Power BI dashboard. The dashboard shares financial data including where the funding is coming from, the designated uses of those dollars, and even spending projections. Monthly newsletters and project-by-project updates on the website give stakeholders the ability to access information without requesting it through official channels.

By sharing this information with the public and providing it at their fingertips, you are funding transparency. This will put taxpayers at ease and build trust for the ongoing program. For internal decision makers, tools like Teams, Smartsheet and PowerBI are key to seeing the overall program down to dollar-for-dollar and even day-to-day details in real-time.

We have seen great success from taking this approach with a recent project, with the City of Buda and their 2021 Buda Bond Program.

Teamwork

A goal of Project Management is to integrate our teams and work collaboratively across all levels of effort. This is best accomplished through using Teams. Being responsive and available as a consultant to the city staff is critical, and joining the same Teams platform alleviates any challenges of connecting. This type of teamwork makes us reachable, responsive, and able to collaborate daily and on-demand to all levels of staff. This level of teamwork using Teams and even Bluebeam also allows ourselves, the city’s consultants, and city staff to work interactively on documents and decisions more easily.

Smartsheet, an elite, interactive tool, significantly improves collaboration and consistency. Its advanced capabilities of storing documents and unique viewership of history and updates strengthens workflows. Smartsheet makes coordinating with teams, making decisions, and viewing progress more efficient.

How WSB can Help

Program Management is a tool and service available to cities, but we know to be successful you must rely on the 3 T’s. Our experienced team provides your staff with technical excellence and additional support, and we also prioritize using advanced technology to prepare you for the future while building trust with the public and increasing collaboration. Technology, transparency and teamwork will drive projects forward, and we are here to offer scalable, flexible, and effective support.

Our Program Management team is more than designers— we effortlessly integrate all aspects from writing council reports and presentations, projecting budgets and financial actions, managing contracts on behalf of the city, presenting to the public, engaging with consultants, creating finance and management strategies, and executing plans in design and in project management. Our team has the expertise to build innovative and feasible strategies, and compiles everything into organized workflows that can then be shared with city staff in real-time. With increasing demands on cities, we can integrate workflows using technology to make processes and procedures more efficient and less time consuming.

We understand how cities operate and what cities want and need – we have first-hand experience in the city staff’s shoes. We are eager to support cities as they Forge Ahead.

Stormwater Management & Planning in Expanding Communities

August 1, 2024
By Jake Newhall, Director of Water Resources and Samuel Phillips, Water Resources Engineer, WSB

As communities grow, the challenge of stormwater management becomes increasingly complex. The key to success lies in proactive planning and the strategic development of infrastructure that can adapt to future growth. Learn more about strategies for effective stormwater management in growing communities.

Impact of Population Growth on Stormwater Systems
With urban expansion comes the inevitable addition of impervious surfaces – concrete, asphalt, and roofs, for example – which significantly increases stormwater runoff and alters natural drainage patterns. These changes make communities more vulnerable to flooding and localized erosion, pushing existing infrastructure to its limits and leading to environmental degradation.

Strategic Infrastructure Planning
Effective stormwater management starts with comprehensive planning. Communities need to integrate stormwater management considerations into all stages of development. This includes assessing the potential impact of new construction on stormwater runoff and making necessary adjustments to the stormwater system in early planning phases. It is critical that the planning factors in the existing regulatory framework at the state level, e.g., MPCA regulations in Minnesota, or at local level, e.g., Watershed Districts or city regulations.

Incorporating Flexibility in Infrastructure Design
To accommodate growth, stormwater systems must be designed for flexibility and scalability. This involves creating systems that can be expanded or adjusted as the population grows and land use changes. Techniques such as flow rate control structures, expandable stormwater detention facilities including underground storage are vital. These systems ensure that the infrastructure can evolve in step with the growing community’s needs, without requiring complete overhauls. Often it can be beneficial to plan stormwater management at a regional level, rather than on a project-by-project basis.

Surface Water Quality
In recent decades the stormwater management focus has shifted from traditional rate control through detention towards water quality and volume reduction. Runoff retention, infiltration practices, and erosion control techniques are essential components of the infrastructure planning. Creative solutions such as biofiltration or underground infiltration play an important role in keeping the sediment and nutrient loads at a minimum to preserve healthy riverine and lacustrine ecosystems.

Enhancing System Resilience Through Advanced Engineering
Employing advanced engineering solutions can significantly boost the efficiency and resilience of stormwater systems. For instance, real-time monitoring systems can provide immediate data on water levels, flow rates and system performance, allowing for swift responses to potential flooding events. Additionally, automated control systems can dynamically manage gates and pumps to optimize water flow during different weather conditions.

As communities build resilient infrastructure in growing areas, it may be desirable to bring enhanced stormwater infrastructure to previously developed areas. This is often a challenge, as space may be limited. Hydraulic and water quality modeling can be useful tools in completing subwatershed assessments to identify optimal areas for improvement.

Community Engagement and Education
Community involvement is crucial for the success of stormwater management strategies. Educating the public about the importance of reducing surface runoff and maintaining personal property to aid in water absorption can have profound effects. Community-based initiatives, such as rainwater harvesting and the proper maintenance of private drainage systems, complement larger infrastructure projects and empower residents to contribute to the health of their environment.

Economic and Regulatory Considerations
Planning for the economic aspects of stormwater management is as critical as the technical components. Funding mechanisms, whether through local government budgets, grants or public-private partnerships, need to be established. Moreover, robust regulatory frameworks that mandate sustainable stormwater practices in new developments can drive compliance and ensure that growth is managed in an environmentally responsible manner.

How WSB Can Help
Managing stormwater in a growing community requires foresight, innovation, and community collaboration. At WSB, we provide expert consulting and engineering services that help communities plan, design, construct and maintain flexible, efficient and cost-effective stormwater management systems. Our approach ensures that your infrastructure not only meets today’s needs but is also prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.

Three Strategies for Sustainable Drinking Water Systems

August 1, 2024
By Steve Nelson, Director of Water/Wastewater, WSB

The resilience of public water treatment systems has never been more crucial. There are also new opportunities that allow us to design systems that are sustainable, efficient, healthy and adaptable.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) presents a pivotal opportunity for cities to bolster their water treatment infrastructure with a focus on sustainability and resilience. This historic funding initiative supports the modernization of critical infrastructure, including the integration of sustainable technologies and practices within public water systems. By accessing IIJA funds, cities can invest in treatment technologies, green infrastructure and energy-efficient upgrades that meet regulatory demands position them to better address future challenges. The act offers a strategic pathway for cities to align financial investments with long-term sustainability and water treatment goals.

Three of the current models being used include:

• Water Reclamation using Green Infrastructure, such as biofiltration systems, which can contribute to urban greenery while reducing irrigation loads on a water treatment plant.
• Advanced Water Recycling Technologies, such as reverse osmosis (RO) that treat and reuse wastewater.
• Water Supply Plan initiatives by which public water supplies work to reduce per capita demands and maximum day to average day peaking factors.

Three new, innovative strategies for sustainable drinking water systems that can enhance the resilience of drinking water treatment systems:

• BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION – This technology has been used in the vast majority of European drinking water treatment plants for the last few decades. WSB has been at the forefront of working with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to pilot test and implement the technology in several metropolitan area Minnesota communities. The process harnesses nature to avoid challenges and realize many benefits including:
  • Vastly reduce costs for water treatment plant expansions through MDH approval of filtration rates that can be double that of what MDH approves for conventional filter operations. This level of filter efficiency can eliminate the need for building additions and filter expansions and save municipalities millions of dollars in capital improvements costs.
  • Reduce chemicals added during treatment resulting in more natural drinking water and less potential for the formation of chemical by-products and the health risks such byproducts may introduce.
  • Better air quality in the water treatment plant, healthier air for the plant operators and less corrosion of equipment and infrastructure in the plant.
  • Better tasting water.
  • Reduce taste, odor and corrosion in the distribution system, which is good for Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) compliance and reduces the amount of expensive orthophosphates that need to be added to the finished water and carried into the distribution system.
• GEO-THERMAL ENERGY – WSB staff have worked with water treatment staff to harness the geo-thermal energy of drinking water that passes through treatment plants in Minnesota. No such large-scale systems have been allowed in the last several years. Recently, a new technology, by which to capture this geo-thermal energy, is emerging and may prove fruitful for some Minnesota drinking water treatment plants.
• PLATE SETTLERS – Although not as recent, there is once again the potential to apply for funding assistance if the expansion or optimization of your water treatment facility could benefit from the space saving and increased water recovery associated with plate settlers. We have helped implement nearly a dozen plate settlers for such purposes.

How WSB Can Help
These new opportunities to procure funding and enhance sustainable drinking water systems promote adaptability, treated water aesthetics and operator health are something we are prepared to assist you with. Our team works with you to leverage these technologies, apply for federal or state funding and help you build a drinking water treatment system that provides great water quality, reduced chemical use and adaptability for meeting future demands and regulations.

The Crucial Role of Geotechnical Engineers in Infrastructure Development

July 29, 2024
By David J. Gordinier, P.E., Geotechnical Department Manager, WSB

In the complex landscape of infrastructure development, the role of a geotechnical engineer is often pivotal yet understated. For municipalities, counties, and private developers, understanding the ground on which they build is not just a precaution—it’s a necessity. Geotechnical engineering is the key that unlocks the potential of any site, ensuring that the envisioned projects are not only feasible but also sustainable and cost-effective.

Understanding the Foundation: The Geotechnical Guide

Before any concrete is poured or any beam is erected, a thorough understanding of the site’s soil is crucial. A geotechnical engineer provides this insight through detailed soil studies, which are the first step in transforming an area from a plot of land to a developed property. These studies allow developers to understand what they can build and how they can build it, aligning their ambitions with the practical realities of the soil beneath.

The Value of Geotechnical Reports

A comprehensive geotechnical report is more than just a routine check—it’s a fundamental part of due diligence. It assesses various soil characteristics such as density, composition, and stability, which can vary significantly from one site to another. This report can reveal critical issues such as soft or expansive soils, or deeper Geologic risks including Karst and subsidence. Such insights are crucial not only in deciding whether to purchase a property but also in planning the development to avoid costly errors and delays to the project.

Why Choose WSB?

Choosing WSB for geotechnical engineering means opting for a partner who prioritizes your project’s timelines and budget. Our detailed attention to these aspects has earned us a loyal client base. WSB boasts a diverse portfolio, rich in a variety of projects, allowing us to quickly devise solutions tailored to the specific geological challenges of your site.

We believe in clear communication, translating complex geotechnical data into easy-to-understand terms, and maintaining constant contact with our clients. From delivering detailed reports to conducting follow-up calls, we ensure that you are well-informed at every step.

Building with Confidence

Incorporating a geotechnical engineer into your development team is not just about adhering to standards—it’s about building with confidence. With WSB, you gain a partner who provides the expertise to navigate the complexities of soil challenges, ensuring that your infrastructure projects are built on solid ground. The guidance from an experienced and knowledgeable geotechnical engineer can also make the difference in success during construction including assisting the contractor with cost effective solutions when or if they arise.

Designing and Improving the Snake River Bridge

August 28, 2024
By Carl Osberg, PE, Director of Structures, WSB

Meeting Traffic Demands and Environmental standards with aesthetic sensitivity

As with many instances of aging infrastructure, the bridge across the Snake River to the East of Pine City, MN reached a point in its lifespan where it needed to be redesigned and replaced. Construction projects like bridges require focused attention to a variety of elements to not only ensure the bridge is sound and long lasting, but also to ensure no concerns are created like blocking off access from boats or environmental concerns. The Snake River Bridge scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2024 provides a superb example of the many facets that make up bridge design.

Meeting Traffic Needs

One point of consideration for bridges are current and future traffic needs. Previously, if farm equipment needed to cross from both sides of the bridge there would be issues. With the newest designs, the addition of extra wide shoulders allows for traffic to flow whether by car or larger. Through traffic forecasting, a bridge design can meet the needs of the current levels of traffic and those estimated for up to 40 years of potential population growth in the area. This project’s analysis deemed additional lanes unnecessary so long as the extra wide shoulders were included. Ensuring the bridge is only as big as is needed will save considerable time and money.

Considering Environmental Data and Concerns

In bridge design, gathering hydraulic data about the river is imperative to ensure that not only will the bridge be able to handle expected seasonal water depths and the speed of the river’s flow, but also to ensure that any bridge design avoids negatively impacting the areas downstream. For example, the updated trail on either side of the bridge included designs for updated drainage ponds and piping to prevent the road and nearby residences from being affected during heavy rains.

When tearing down an existing bridge, care must be taken to ensure that the river is not polluted, and animal habitats are not unnecessarily impacted. Specifically for the Snake River project, remnants of an older bridge still remained and new designs included removal. For both environmental concerns and financial reasons, the Snake River Bridge was designed with the impetus of ensuring durability and expandability. Not only is the bridge made to last, but also if population growth surpasses estimates the bridge can be more easily expanded to fit the new needs rather than torn down and rebuilt again.

To meet environmental and safety concerns, plans for a path underneath the bridge were included in the design that will grant extra protection for drivers, pedestrians, and the local wildlife once the bridge is completed and put to use. Accessible paths allow for foot traffic of both people and animals to maneuver safely without needing to cross the street.

Reducing Costs

Steps were taken through data gathering and design to limit unnecessary costs. These aspects include adding contingencies in relation to the soil and bedrock. Through geotechnical data gathering, it was identified that there are high levels of bedrock close to the surface in the construction area. Building with bedrock is difficult and attention was given to include contingencies on how to handle different bedrock or soil conditions during construction to ensure the project does not stop and cost money and time. Additionally, to limit excess costs geotechnical data was able to be acquired by drilling through the old bridge and into the soil rather than using a barge. Using a barge for data gathering would have drastically increased costs.

A Completed Project With Aesthetic Appeal

Bridge designs like the one used for the Snake River Bridge meet the needs of the communities that use it, protect against environmental impacts to the water, soil and local animals, reduce costs, and provide a timetable to ensure the bridge will be constructed and reopened without delay. Even down to forgoing the usual plain rectangular shapes and including parabolic arches to for little additional funds to make the bridge more attractive and not stand out so much against the beautiful environment around it. Creating not only a finished usable bridge, but one that is attentive to the various needs of the community, the land it sits on, and the river it crosses are what bridge design is all about.

Land Development and Planning in Tribal Communities

August 30, 2024
By Jay Adams, Proposal and Tribal Client Manager, WSB

Optimizing resources for community growth and infrastructure.

Over 40% of the land in Oklahoma is made up of tribal communities and 38 federally recognized tribes call the state home, including the Kickapoo Tribal Community. The large presence of tribal communities within the state increases the importance of coordination and collaboration on construction projects. In addition, recent legislation is encouraging development in and around this land. With so many players, it is extremely important to have clear coordination and concise communications. These Tribal Nations, just like any other government, regularly seek out grant funding for development purposes. The Kickapoo filed for grant funding after identifying a variety of infrastructure improvements needed within their community, including improving land usage and building renovation.

Improving Land Usage

With newly acquired grant funding, the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma identified the need to update their wastewater treatment sites. Wastewater treatment lagoons, like the ones used on their land, require far less maintenance than other water treatment systems. However, communities that rely on these lagoons struggle with odor problems, especially during warm weather and the inability to develop the large spaces occupied by the lagoons. To rectify this problem, our team noted that the current sewage system needed to be expanded. Using the new lift stations, the lagoons will be drained, and all of the sewage and contaminants flushed through newly installed pipelines to an existing mechanical wastewater treatment plant.

To improve efficiency for current and future projects, we created a detailed land survey with aerial mapping to identify the exact locations of all new installations as well as any potential issues that could negatively affect the system expansion. Furthermore, the removal of the lagoons combined with the land survey will provide the Kickapoo Tribe with new opportunities to develop previously unusable land for agricultural, residential or industrial purposes.

Building Renovations

In addition to wastewater treatment, the Tribe received grants dedicated to refurbishing older buildings. To better use available land and infrastructure, the Kickapoo Tribe partnered with WSB to create a plan to redevelop an old equipment building. The old storage building will be redesigned and updated for future use as an office building for the Tribal Government’s information technology staff. To aid in this venture, WSB is coordinating with an architecture firm to provide initial drawings and architectural maps for the building.

Throughout this process, the Kickapoo Tribe find value in working with a full-service firm to support their growing infrastructure needs throughout their community.  As many systems impact one another, the ability for in-house expertise has allowed them to better utilize funding and resources across their community and better plan for future expansions.

Planning For the Future

The access and availability to grants is an opportunity for not only the Kickapoo Tribe, but other Tribal Nations across Oklahoma and the U.S. With more resources than ever before, tribal communities can better position themselves to support the infrastructure needs of their communities.

From the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico: Solving Water Issues

September 19, 2024
By Karla Lopez, Senior Graduate Engineer, WSB

Creating Sustainable solutions for diverse environmental conditions.

From daily life to supply chains and beyond, water plays a key role in our world, especially in Texas. In the Lone Star State scarcity like droughts is a common issue in some areas, and more regular rainfall is quite common in others. Comparatively, states like Minnesota far more regularly experience flooding from heavy rains or snowfall which require different ideas and solutions for water management.

Water Allocation and Project Resiliency

Water resource management is critical for every city, especially in arid climates like Texas. Ensuring infrastructure can withstand inclement weather while following natural drainage paths is key. As engineers, we strive to design and implement drainage systems to collect and convey stormwater runoff to minimize the likelihood and impact of floods on communities, infrastructure and properties. Initial project planning includes improvising and adjusting the land around the site while attempting to mimic the existing natural drainage pattern using storm drains and other techniques However, a lack of proper infrastructure can inhibit proper drainage systems.

When infrastructure development begins it requires copious amounts of planning. First, surveying is required to ensure the infrastructure is not being built in a floodplain zone. Maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other agencies are used to model existing water levels as a metric for the new project to prevent an increase in flooding. One of the primary goals in using these maps is to ensure that the project does not increase the previous amounts of water discharge. Caution must be taken to prevent increases in water quantities at any construction site. Additionally, in areas like Texas, the infrastructure needs to withstand natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes and coastal flooding.

Improving Water Quality

Infrastructure is only one facet of the issues different communities face. Water purification is a key component of water management, especially when dealing with dirty water. Before collected water is discharged into a river or lake, it goes through different cleaning processes, like filtration ponds, rain gardens and more. Some communities may have proper drainage systems but may not have up-to-date purification systems. This can lead to disparities in the quality of water between different communities.

Differing Climates from State to State

In making state to state comparisons, projects in Texas and Minnesota must work with regulations in both states. Texas is under near-constant threat of a lengthy dry season due to the heat and rare rains. Texas relies heavily on groundwater resources, but due to water scarcity and drought problems the state is facing, the groundwater is depleting. Thus, the regulations in Texas are not as strict as Minnesota’s rules, but that is a double-edged sword. Less regulations can lead to more pollution of water or greater deterioration while more regulation in Minnesota requires far more planning and permitting which slows down projects.

Minnesota, meanwhile, manages the threat of flooding, requiring a thoughtful approach to drainage. There is heavy reliance on watershed assessments which are taken incredibly seriously, especially with the massive number of lakes in the state. Exceptional care is taken to prevent the Land of 10,000 Lakes from becoming polluted due to old or malfunctioning infrastructure.

Tackling Water Issues from Rains to Droughts

Engineering and water management is both an art and a science that requires a careful approach to account for a variety of factors. This is true whether a project is being built to withstand a hurricane or ensuring a project does not cause heavy snowfall to flood neighboring homes. The United States makes up a wide variety of climates with an equally wide variety of potential water related issues that need to be navigated. Like with the varying communities in Texas, all construction projects need to be treated with care whether facing droughts or heavy rains or somewhere else in between.

Achieving Safer Roadways Through ADA Compliance

May 13, 2024
By Gus Perron, Project Manager, WSB

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is an incredibly important civil rights law that also provides a standard for which engineers can create safer roadways and communities. In 2010, the ADA Standards for Accessible Design provided a clearer minimum for what needs to be achieved for access friendly design. In August of 2023, the US Access Board improved upon those standards by issuing their Final Rule on the Public Right of Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG). Meeting these standards not only provides greater access for people with disabilities, but also improves designs that better the entire community.

Benefits for All Community Members

ADA standards on walkways and street crossings do not just provide improved accessibility for people with disabilities. Rather, all community members benefit from inclusive designs, such as parents pushing children in strollers or children riding a scooter. By improving pedestrian crossings, like placing curb ramps in locations that shorten crosswalks, communities can both meet ADA compliance requirements and improve safety. When pedestrian travel is easier and safer for people with disabilities it is easier and safer for all pedestrians.

Beyond safety and mobility concerns, properly following ADA guidelines when installing curb ramps makes maintenance far easier. For instance, antiquated pedestrian curb ramps that do not fulfill ADA compliance standards are not always wide enough or aligned to accommodate snow removal vehicles. With accessibility, safety, and maintenance in mind, heightened attention to detail is required to ensure all community members are affected for the better.

Understanding Project Needs First-Hand

To best understand the needs of a project and how to ensure it aligns with ADA standards, looking at top-down maps only goes so far. A pre-design field walk grants a closer look at the work needing to be done, what design options are feasible, what are the impacts, and much more. This pre-design effort provides a deeper understanding of how to properly link project needs to ADA standards while mitigating risks in project delivery. Procuring first-hand knowledge of every crossing, curb ramp, neighboring utility, property line, and every other inch of a project will allow greater ease in matching the various guidelines and standards like PROWAG. Having a deep understanding of ADA guidelines with first-hand knowledge of a project can ensure accessibility, lower costs and mitigate risks.

What WSB Can Do To Help

WSB provides a knowledgeable team with experience analyzing and working on hundreds of projects to meet the requirements set out by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Through this experienced team, our clients, stakeholders and communities achieve safer and more accessible living. Thoughtful designs will also improve safety and maintenance operations for communities. The design of pedestrian infrastructure for ADA needs can have a sweeping, positive impact on community and WSB can help execute strategic accessible designs that work for everyone.

What Is Driving the Demand for Bike and Pedestrian Park Space?

May 20, 2024

By Jordan Gedrose, Landscape Architect, WSB

Published by League of Minnesota Cities in the May-June month’s issue of the Minnesota Cities Magazine. MN Cities Magazine May-June

In recent years, there has been an increase in demand for bike and pedestrian park spaces across the nation, which has also become prevalent in cities across Minnesota. The trend reflects a shift in societal values. There are several factors we are seeing connected to this trend, including public engagement influencing demand, recognition of bicycle and pedestrian park space benefits, and the effects these types of park spaces have on city infrastructure.

Public engagement

Public engagement is increasingly encouraging communities to prioritize investments in bicycle and pedestrian park space, reflecting a growing interest in recreational spaces and active transportation corridors. As community members and stakeholders become more vocal about their desire for healthier, safer, and more sustainable communities, decision makers are responding by allocating resources to expand and enhance infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians.

Advancements in technology, such as social media, have provided new methods to collect citizens’ feedback and has led to an increase in community engagement participation. These methods allow cities to notify community members about opportunities through a variety of channels, which reach a high percentage of the people in each area. Online interactive maps, comment boards, and virtual meetings — methods spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic — allow for greater participation and input than only hosting in-person events.

The pandemic also underscored the importance of outdoor spaces for recreation and social distancing, while also emphasizing park spaces and trails that cater to diverse user groups. By engaging the community, cities and counties can clearly understand needs and are better prepared to provide meaningful bike and pedestrian experiences.

Health benefits

Bicycle and pedestrian park spaces offer a multitude of benefits that contribute to the health, activity, and environment of a city. Regarding health: bike and pedestrian park spaces promote physical activity and healthier lifestyles by providing safe and accessible trails for walking, jogging, and cycling, which can lead to a reduction in the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity and heart disease. These spaces are designed to be accessible to all age groups and abilities. Research provided by City Parks Alliance found that walking loops increase park use by 80%.

Connectivity

Infrastructure that allows bicycle and pedestrian park spaces fosters connectivity between neighborhoods, business districts, and recreational areas — enhancing overall mobility and accessibility for residents and visitors alike.

Communities, big and small, are experiencing improved connectivity, heightened accessibility to amenities, and a revitalization of public spaces spurred on by bike and pedestrian focused infrastructure. Properties located near parks and trail corridors typically attract investment, as parks and trails are often viewed as desirable amenities that enhance quality of life and contribute to a higher standard of living. According to City Parks Alliance, houses near parks or trails have 8-10% higher property values than those in the surrounding community.

Bike and pedestrian park spaces contribute to the creation of vibrant and inclusive communities by providing opportunities for social interaction and recreation — fostering a sense of belonging and connection among residents. These spaces provide opportunities for people to connect with nature, even in urban environments, which has shown positive effects on mental well-being and reducing stress.

Environmental factors

In regard to the environment, prioritizing bike and pedestrian infrastructure promotes active transportation and encourages residents to opt for emission-free modes of transportation, reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions. By promoting active transportation and reducing reliance on cars, bicycle and pedestrian park spaces contribute to more sustainable and resilient cities, with improved mobility, accessibility, and environmental stewardship. Bicycle and pedestrian corridors also provide habitat corridors for wildlife, contributing to the biodiversity within a community.

Notable challenges

While these spaces offer many benefits, a few challenges of incorporating bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure may include funding, maintenance, site constraints, and community opposition. The expansion of bicycle and pedestrian park space significantly impacts city infrastructure, ushering in a wave of changes to communities.

Cities across Minnesota are seeing an increase in demand for bicycle and pedestrian park space attributed to an increase in community engagement participation and acknowledgement of the health, recreational, and environmental benefits. Cities have continued to adapt to this evolving infrastructure demand through comprehensive planning efforts and investment in park and trail infrastructure. By implementing these improvements, communities can enhance their quality of life for residents and position themselves as an attractive destination for tourists.

Geotechnical Survey: Three Issues it Can Mitigate in Your Project

June 7, 2024

By Zack Munstermann, PE, Geotechnical Engineer, WSB

A geotechnical survey is a necessity for any construction project to gain an in-depth understanding of underlying soil conditions in order to mitigate costly issues that, if not properly addressed, could damage foundations, walls, pavements and utilities. A good geotechnical survey provides the necessary information like soil strength, depth to bedrock, groundwater levels or slope stability. Knowing what to look for and what to address will improve a project’s design, construction efforts and operations over time. With that in mind, here are a few of the top issues a good geotechnical survey can help to identify and mitigate in your project.

Depth to Bedrock and Related Costs

A geotechnical survey is necessary to understand subsurface conditions and how they will impact a project’s earthwork, structural stability, and costs. Depth to bedrock can heavily influence cost and foundational stability. For instance, if a structure is not designed and built with consideration to bedrock depth, excavation costs could increase and the foundations and walls may experience damage over time requiring future repair work. Shallow depth bedrock is often a benefit for stability and lower project costs. On the other hand, deep layers of bedrock could cause foundational stability issues and will require far more excavation, or a redesign of the foundation leading to higher project costs. What is present in the ground beneath a construction project will dictate potential long-lasting issues that require attention like recurring damages and sinking foundations.

Clay Swelling and Chemical Treatments

Swelling clay, if not properly treated, will drastically increase the risk of structural damage and the need for costly repairs over time. Clay acts like a sponge that cyclically absorbs water and swells before drying and shrinking. After clay soil is properly evaluated through a geotechnical survey and testing, the soil needs to be treated. A survey identifies how much the clay could potentially swell or shrink over time, in order to right-size the treatment plan and not waste valuable resources on excessive excavation, or other costly mitigation measures. One common solution is a moisture treatment, where moisture is mixed into the clay during mass excavation and forced to swell; then, the pre-swelled soil under the foundation is replaced. This ensures swelling does not affect the building.

Chemical treatments are another way to stabilize clay. For shallower structures and pavements, lime and cement can be used and requires less excavation. However, the potential for chemical treatments is also dependent on the presence of sulfates. Sulfates in the soil will react negatively to lime or concrete and worsen the subgrade support. The geotechnical survey will not only help determine whether clay swelling is a problem, but also what treatment is feasible to limit risk and costs.

Presence and Impacts of Groundwater

In addition to soil conditions, a geotechnical survey will identify the potentially detrimental threat of groundwater. Understanding where groundwater is present in the site strata is important, particularly for those structures that have a basement or subsurface utilities. A geotechnical survey can determine groundwater depth at various locations within a construction site. Groundwater can complicate excavations, increase the lateral pressures applied to structures and foundations causing deterioration, and can destroy underground utilities. Proper identification presents the opportunity to develop a subsurface drainage system, or other mitigation alternatives, to keep below-grade utilities, structures, or retaining walls safe. Without a geotechnical survey, the threat posed by groundwater may go unnoticed or be underestimated until it is too late.

How WSB Can Help

At WSB, our Geotechnical team has decades of experience working on projects across the U.S. WSB is prepared to adapt to the needs of local municipalities and to local geology no matter where in the country a project may be. With a highly trained team of experts, clients can expect prepared solutions that mitigate risk and ensure a project’s success.