The tragic deaths of two University of Florida (UF) students struck by vehicles on University Avenue (State Road 26) in Gainesville in 2020 and 2021 brought renewed attention to the safety of pedestrians along this busy corridor.

In response, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) launched the SR 26 Safety Improvements project to enhance safety along the corridor from Gale Lemerand Drive to Northwest 14th Street.

DRMP’s Survey Services played a critical role in the project, providing the survey and subsurface utility engineering (SUE) data needed to support the design and construction of raised crosswalks, enhanced lighting, and shorter crossing distances. In August 2025, the project received the Safety – Small Project award from the Southeastern Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (SASHTO) as part of the 2025 America’s Transportation Awards.

Local Expertise in Gainesville

In addition to SR 26, DRMP’s survey and SUE teams have extensive experience supporting major corridors, campus infrastructure, and utility projects throughout the Gainesville region.

With a strong local presence, DRMP coordinates with field crews and stakeholders to deliver high-quality survey and SUE data on schedule. The team’s regional knowledge, advanced technology, and field expertise ensure reliable results and help agencies and institutions make informed decisions for long-term planning.

Equipped with mobile LiDAR, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) scanning, 3D topographic mapping, and comprehensive utility verification capabilities, DRMP captures roadway alignments, drainage structures, underground utilities, and hard-to-access areas. Our experts work closely with engineers, planners, and utility providers to verify existing conditions, minimize construction risks, and help projects move forward efficiently and safely.

Above and Below the Surface

Making a busy corridor such as SR 26 safer for everyone starts with understanding exactly what’s already there. For the SR 26 Safety Improvements project, DRMP laid the groundwork by setting precise reference points to ensure every feature along the corridor was accurately mapped. We documented existing alignments, mapped utilities for eight companies, and measured drainage structures, pipe sizes, and other key infrastructure. Clearance surveys were completed for light poles and mast arms, and mobile LiDAR captured hard-to-see areas, giving designers a complete view of current conditions. By providing this detailed, verified information, DRMP helped the design team plan and deliver improvements efficiently and safely.

DRMP applied the same approach to other major corridors, including SR 24, SR 121, US 301, and West Newberry Road. Using 3D topographic surveys, right-of-way mapping, mobile and UAV LiDAR scanning, and utility verification, we created reliable datasets for designers and engineers. These datasets guide roadway improvements, intersection upgrades, and pedestrian safety enhancements.

Mapping the University of Florida

Through an ongoing continuing services contract with UF, DRMP completed a 68-mile LiDAR and GIS survey capturing roadways, parking areas, green spaces, and forested areas around the campus. Mobile LiDAR scans of over 20 miles of roadways assisted with studies on pedestrian safety, ADA compliance, and street lighting. Additional scans of lakes, sports fields, and other areas that are difficult to access produced a fully integrated 3D model of the campus. This dataset allows UF to plan campus growth, coordinate infrastructure projects, and verify design plans without disrupting academic or athletic activities.

Utility-specific projects, such as the UF-623 Central Energy Plant and Museum Road Thermal Replacement, highlight DRMP’s SUE expertise. For Museum Road, DRMP mapped buried utilities using Quality Level B designation, identifying the location, type, size, and material of underground lines. To confirm exact positions, we performed Quality Level A verification with limited test holes and trenching. Hundreds of verifications ensured 141 utility lines and duct banks were accurately documented.

All field data was integrated into digital maps and GIS databases, producing 3D models, web maps, and easy-to-use visual tools for planners and engineers. Combined with surveys of roads, drainage, and terrain, this information turns complex underground and above-ground data into actionable insights.

DRMP’s work in Gainesville demonstrates how precise surveying, advanced scanning technologies, and utility verification come together to make infrastructure safer, construction smarter, and planning more reliable. By seeing above and below the surface, DRMP helps communities and agencies build with confidence and efficiency.