#DRMPerspective

Is Your School Ready to Plan for Next Year’s Traffic Before It’s Too Late?

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

For many families, neighborhood schools are no longer a short walk or bike ride away like they once were. As urban sprawl has expanded outward, many schools are now built along high-traffic corridors or on the edges of communities, farther from where most students live.

More parents are driving their children to school – out of safety concerns, distance, and convenience. Students are increasingly attending schools outside their immediate neighborhoods. And, with school choice and district flexibility, more kids are being bused or driven longer distances these days. All of this movement creates intense, concentrated school traffic.

Our Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) team at DRMP works with public and private schools, charter schools, as well as universities nationwide to evaluate how these traffic movements operate and to develop solutions that improve safety, circulation efficiency, and campus access.

As the school year approaches its end, now is the ideal time for clients to engage DRMP’s traffic analysis team to analyze school traffic and develop traffic management plans for the upcoming school year.

Make It Count

Timing is one of the most important factors in analyzing school traffic. Traffic counts must be collected while school is in session to understand how arrival and dismissal operate. That creates narrow seasonal windows for data collection. Missing those periods limits what can be observed and delays the start of analysis.

Early engagement allows time for data collection, review, coordination with stakeholders, and development of recommendations before the school year begins. When planning starts too late, work is compressed into the back-to-school period when changes are harder to implement and operational demands are highest.

When we do an evaluation, we look at the roadway outside of and on campus property. That includes how vehicles enter and exit, where queues form and cars stack up, how bus traffic is separated from parent drop-off traffic, and how students move safely through the campus.

A Different Kind of Traffic Problem

After 26 years of planning and analyzing schools, one thing is clear. School traffic doesn’t behave like typical traffic patterns. It isn’t like a shopping center where vehicles arrive and depart continuously throughout the day and disperse into parking areas. School traffic is concentrated, directional, and time bound.

In a narrow time window, large volumes of vehicles and buses converge at the same access points to drop off or pick up students and then exit onto the roadway. Instead of dispersing, vehicles queue in sequence, often backing up through internal circulation and onto adjacent roadways. That creates a pattern that is unique to schools and unlike most other land uses. There is no gradual spread of traffic throughout the day, only defined morning and afternoon peaks tied to the school schedule.

Designing Movement Around Schools Today

What makes school traffic planning even more complicated today significantly depends on where a campus is located. Whether we are working with a rural or urban school determines how solutions are developed.

Many newer campuses are built where land is available and affordable, not necessarily close to the neighborhoods where students live. Even schools situated within neighborhoods experience more traffic today as more parents prefer to drive their kids to school. In fast-growing regions, entire school systems are being influenced by development and ongoing redistricting, which means students are coming from farther away and traveling in more directions than before.

Schools that once served nearby neighborhoods now function as regional facilities. This contributes to more cars, longer car lines, and greater pressure on campus layouts and surrounding public roads.

Rural vs. Urban Challenges

In rural settings, there can be more space to allow for longer on-site queueing and extended stacking lanes that keep vehicles contained within school property. In some cases, there is enough land to stack cars a half-mile or more on site. While these layouts require more land, they reduce interaction with surrounding roadways and give engineers more flexibility to manage circulation on site.

Urban schools situated in large cities and downtown areas operate under different conditions. There is limited space in these areas, which means there is little room for on-site queueing. Parents do not have as much room to stack, park, and wait, and moving vehicles through the system without blocking surrounding streets becomes the biggest challenge. These sites also require coordination with bus operations, pedestrian routes, and bicycle access within tight time windows.

We have performed traffic impact analyses and transportation management plans for urban schools in North Carolina (where I’m based out of), including schools in downtown Raleigh and in Greensboro. In both cases, the main issue was managing parent pickup in a way that did not interfere with surrounding streets.

Traffic strategies in these environments include implementing structured pickup times, staggered dismissal schedules, and use of nearby public or private properties for staging student drop offs and pickups when available. In some cases, students can be walked off campus in a coordinated way, or older students may have access to public transportation options. There are a range of strategies available, and each site requires a different approach based on its constraints.

Traffic management strategies in these settings focus on how a site operates rather than physical expansion. This often requires coordination between campus operations and surrounding land use to control peak demand and prevent queues from spilling into public streets. The approach has to remain flexible and responsive to the limitations of each site.

In fast-growing regions of the country such as Wake County, North Carolina, continued growth and redistricting add further complexity. The Wake County Public School System serves more than 161,000 students and is one of the largest school districts in the area.

Each campus requires a tailored approach based on its conditions. Our experience with diverse school environments allows us to develop practical, site-specific solutions that address challenges where standard approaches fall short. Many of these conditions require creative thinking and engineering judgment built through years of field experience. Ready to improve your school’s traffic flow? Contact our team today.

Rynal Stephenson, PE, serves as Chief Traffic Analysis Engineer for DRMP’s Transportation Market Sector.

High-Crash 62nd Avenue North Intersection Redesigned for Safety in St. Petersburg

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

The intersection of 62nd Avenue North and 25th Street North in St. Petersburg, Fla., was identified as a high-crash location that was outdated and in need of safety and operational improvements.

In coordination with Pinellas County, a comprehensive set of upgrades was developed to address documented risks, traffic flow issues, and multimodal deficiencies along the corridor between 27th Street North and east of 25th Street North.

The corridor serves as a major east-west arterial in the St. Petersburg area with high traffic volumes and proximity to Interstate 275, while also providing access to surrounding residential neighborhoods, transit stops, and Sawgrass Lake Park, a popular 400-acre park. Years of community concerns included difficult turning movements, outdated signal infrastructure, limited pedestrian crossings, and the absence of continuous sidewalks.

Construction management for the 62nd Avenue North and 25th Street North Sidewalk and Intersection Improvements project required complex planning and coordination due to the corridor’s heavy usage, its location near Interstate 275, and the need to maintain continuous access to adjacent residential properties, including a neighboring mobile home park where residents rely on the roadway for daily travel, transit access, and emergency services.

As project manager for DRMP, the project’s prime consultant, I led the design and coordination efforts with our team for these improvements. We worked with Pinellas County to evaluate crash history, turning movements, traffic operations, and pedestrian connectivity to make sure the project could be constructed within the corridor’s physical and utility limitations. The design was completed in 2023 and construction concluded in April 2026.

Reducing Crash Risk and Congestion

Within a constrained right of way, the roadway was expected to function for regional mobility while accommodating local access and pedestrian activity.

From an engineering standpoint, the most critical issue was managing conflict points. The intersection lacked adequate turn lane storage, which contributed to operational inefficiencies and increased the potential for left-turn crashes. Our solution introduced new eastbound and westbound left-turn lanes to better separate turning vehicles from through traffic and improve overall signal performance. These geometric improvements reduce decision pressure for drivers and create more predictable movements through the intersection.

At the same time, the corridor required modernization beyond vehicle capacity. Sidewalk gaps limited safe pedestrian access, particularly along 25th Street North. The project provides continuous, ADA-compliant sidewalks that now offer direct access to Sawgrass Lake Park. Upgraded pedestrian crossings improve visibility and accessibility, and the corridor is prepared for future 5-foot bicycle lanes to support evolving multimodal needs. Our design also incorporated transit stop accommodations to better serve riders along this heavily traveled route.

Modern Signals and Smarter Design

Signal infrastructure was another priority. Aging strain poles were replaced with modern mast arm assemblies to improve signal visibility, structural reliability, and long-term maintenance performance. Drainage improvements and milling and resurfacing within the project limits further enhance roadway durability and operational consistency.

Designing the improvements required close coordination. The project’s proximity to Interstate 275 necessitated ongoing collaboration with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to ensure compatibility with state infrastructure and operations. Existing City of St. Petersburg water main infrastructure within the corridor significantly influenced alignment decisions and foundation placement. Maintaining traffic flow and uninterrupted utility service during construction required phasing and detailed maintenance of traffic planning.

The 2019 crash was a tragic reminder of why these improvements matter. I take pride knowing that our work will make daily travel more predictable, reduce risks, and provide the community with a safer, more reliable route for all users.

Pavan Paiavula, PE, serves as the Tampa Roadway Group Leader and a Project Manager for DRMP’s Transportation Market Sector.

DRMP’s Innovative GIS Tool Streamlines Parcel Data for Faster, Smarter Project Delivery

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

When a bridge or roadway project is planned, the surrounding development raises important questions: Which parcels will be affected? Who owns them? How will construction impact property lines? Traditionally, answering these questions meant accessing multiple state websites to get this information, downloading mismatched files, and spending hours – or sometimes days – to assemble accurate parcel data.

To streamline this process, DRMP’s Geospatial Services Division developed the Parcels Extraction Tool, an internal application designed to simplify access to parcel data in multiple states where DRMP operates, including Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia, with plans to add additional states. With just a few clicks, users can select parcels and instantly view ownership details, parcel ID numbers, and addresses. The tool also enables visualization of affected areas in 3D after the data is downloaded and exported to KMZ, Shapefile, or DXF formats.

An Innovative Solution

The idea for this tool came from Brent Bass, PE, PSM, a DRMP vice president and geospatial services division manager, and our Geographic Information Systems (GIS) team was responsible for developing it. Brent envisioned a tool that would allow users to access parcel data for any county all in one place in just a few clicks.

Many planners, surveyors, engineers, and environmental specialists have difficulty accessing parcel data in multiple formats and on various state systems. Survey and environmental design workflows often produce different outputs, which adds complexity.

With the Parcels Extraction Tool, users can quickly select only the parcels they need, name the output file, export the data in multiple formats, and use maps that keep measurements and distances accurate. The tool also lets users zoom anywhere on the map without needing coordinates.

For example, when planning a roadway project, our team can easily identify which parcels will be affected and evaluate right-of-way impacts, allowing for more precise decisions that help reduce project delays and costs.

The tool is innovative not just in functionality but also in design. While DRMP usually relies on standard ESRI widgets, our GIS team customized out-of-the-box ESRI widgets to make the tool functional, user-friendly, and intuitive. After multiple iterations, the tool was refined so that complex parcel selection and visualization could be executed faster and easier.

The tool is primarily used by all disciplines for land information, planning, and surveying. Almost every department at DRMP needs some type of parcel information. Within days of the tool’s release, daily users increased from 25–50 to 50–100. Our survey teams are among the most active users.

Simplifying Parcel Data

Before this tool, gathering parcel data was a manual, time-consuming process. Users often had to visit county property appraiser or department of revenue (DOR) websites, search for parcels individually, and then reformat the data for use in their projects.

For projects in Florida, the tool connects directly to publicly available statewide data, providing access to more than 10 million parcels. Although the state publishes this information in standardized formats, those formats do not always align with engineering and design workflows.

Similar challenges exist in other states. In North Carolina, parcel data is available through NC OneMap, while in Virginia, it is provided by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM). In each case, the data is accurate, but it often requires reformatting before it can be used effectively.

DRMP’s tool addresses this gap by connecting directly to public data services, including those delivered through a Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface (REST API). A REST API allows software systems to request and exchange data automatically over the internet, eliminating the need for manual downloads or navigation using multiple platforms.

By consuming data from these sources and converting it into the required format, the tool delivers ready-to-use outputs. This reduces the need for multiple software steps and significantly improves efficiency from data collection to project execution.

As projects grow in scale and complexity, DRMP plans to expand the tool’s capabilities to support additional states and accommodate a wider range of data formats as needed. This continued development will help streamline workflows and ensure our teams can access and use parcel data more efficiently for projects. To learn more about our GIS services, click here.

Ravneet Kathuria serves as a GIS Analyst for DRMP's Surveying and Mapping/Geospatial Division.

Building the FSU Dunlap Football Center with Civil Design One Yard at a Time

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

When your job is designing infrastructure, it’s not every day you get to help deliver a state-of-the-art athletic facility for a powerhouse football program. But that’s exactly what we’ve been fortunate to do at DRMP, working behind the scenes on Florida State University’s (FSU) $138 million Dunlap Football Center, which opened during the 2025-2026 football season.

Our Civil Services team was involved from the beginning, supporting Populous, the project’s architect, as a site civil subconsultant. We provided stormwater management, utility connections, grading, and designed the pedestrian circulation system, guiding foot traffic from the north and west side of the site into campus. Our work enhances safety by creating clear, accessible pedestrian routes that minimize vehicle interaction. The FSU Dunlap Football Center is a significant investment in the university’s athletics, and we’re proud to have helped design a space that supports and excites players, coaches, students, and fans.

A Hub for FSU Football

Located next to the existing indoor practice facility and the football practice fields, the new standalone 150,000 square-foot facility is designed to support FSU football athletes and staff with key features, such as position-specific meeting rooms, an indoor walk-through field, advanced strength and conditioning spaces, and dedicated areas for recovery, nutrition, and performance development. It also includes coaches’ offices, a recruitment lounge, and space for team operations and events.

The new facility enabled the entire football operation to move out of the older Coyle E. Moore Athletic Center and into a space built for how modern college football programs train, prepare, and compete.

Civil Work, Complex Challenges

Delivering a facility of this scale meant navigating a host of behind-the-scenes infrastructure and site challenges.

The site sits immediately adjacent to Stadium Drive North, a major four-lane state road with turn lanes maintained by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). Although our work did not technically cross into the FDOT right-of-way, the proximity of the project’s structural work, including retaining wall systems and pedestrian paths, required the need for a rarely used construction agreement. We leveraged our strong relationship with FDOT District 3 to facilitate discussions with FSU, Populous, Whiting-Turner (contractor), and Catalyst (owner representative).

The west side of the site, which abuts Stadium Drive, posed unique challenges due to existing infrastructure including fiber optic lines, electric utilities, and traffic signal poles. Designing and constructing a new ADA-compliant sidewalk and switchback system required threading the needle around these elements without disturbing them. In addition, we had to address a 25-foot elevation change between the roadway and campus. The final design includes a continuous pedestrian connection that did not previously exist, providing safer, more direct access for pedestrians and cyclists.

Shoring Wall Innovation

One of the most innovative solutions on this project was the construction of a permanent shoring wall along the west edge of the site. Approximately 750 feet in length, this wall was designed not only to protect the new facility but also to safeguard the adjacent FDOT retaining wall. Some of the shoring piles had to be driven deeper than others, depending on the wall height and site conditions. This wall essentially acts as a buffer, permanently separating the building from Stadium Drive. Even if the current building is removed in the future, the shoring wall will remain, providing ongoing protection and allowing future development up to its edge without impacting the roadway.

By carefully sequencing construction around sensitive infrastructure, coordinating with state agencies, and engineering long-term protections into the site, DRMP was able to deliver a highly functional facility while also strengthening the university’s footprint for years.

Collaborative Teamwork

This project required close collaboration with FSU, Seminole Boosters, the City of Tallahassee, FDOT, the structural team from Walter P. Moore’s Tampa office, and more than a dozen subconsultants.

We coordinated everything from chilled water lines and electrical duct banks to stormwater runoff and ADA ramps. We worked hand in hand with the contractor to ensure little to no disruption was made to nearby facilities, such as the women’s soccer and softball complexes, Dick Howser Stadium (FSU baseball), and Doak S. Campbell Stadium (FSU football) to the south.

A Safer, Smarter Connection

From a civil perspective, one of the most rewarding parts of this project is what it does for everyday users of the campus. The new sidewalk and tunnel access finally gives pedestrians (students, fans, athletes) a safe, direct route through one of the busiest parts of FSU’s athletic district.

There’s one less crossing over traffic, a more connected walking path between facilities, and a safer route for campus events, such as annual races that pass through the area.

We’re proud of what we’ve helped create with the FSU Dunlap Football Center. It’s a modern, complex project that pushed every team involved to think ahead, collaborate constantly, and deliver something that works from the ground up. And for us? That’s the kind of project worth doing – truly a touchdown in teamwork and innovation.

Charles Redding III, PE, serves as a Senior Northwest Florida Business Development Manager for DRMP’s Civil Services Market Sector.

Randall Jernigan serves as a Project Manager for DRMP’s Civil Services Market Sector.

DRMP Converts Interns into Full-Time Talent

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

The internship experience at DRMP shares a common thread among former interns now working at the firm full time. They felt trusted, supported, and had opportunities to contribute to projects that built confidence and capability. Former interns who joined full time said they thrived when treated as true professionals, included in design work and field visits, and mentored by senior staff who were genuinely invested in their growth and development.

This National Internship Awareness Month, DRMP is celebrating the experiences of its intern alumni. The firm remains committed to investing in its interns through mentorship, professional development, and hands-on opportunities with the goal of becoming their firm of choice when full-time roles become available.

To support this growth and celebrate their contributions, DRMP also creates memorable experiences for interns each year. During National Intern Day, celebrated on the last Thursday in July, the firm brings interns together to recognize their participation in the program. Last year, the day included a welcome breakfast and networking, pairing up with experienced professionals, and interactive activities such as a team-based Family Feud-style game that encouraged collaboration and connection.

Interns face off in a lively game of Family Feud for National Intern Day 2025.

From Interns to Professionals

The impact of DRMP’s investment is reflected in the experiences of the interns themselves. Erin Downing, EI, now a traffic design engineer in DRMP’s Charlotte, N.C., office, described how the responsibility she was given helped her grow professionally and feel like a valuable member of the team during her internship.

“I could tell this was the right fit when I realized I was being treated like a team member, not ‘just an intern,’” she said. “Being included in project discussions and trusted with design tasks made it clear this was a place where I could grow without limitations.”

Similarly, Traffic Analysis Engineer Lexie Huber in Virginia, said being trusted with ownership of her work during her internship boosted her experience and confidence.

“There was a turning point when I was asked to take full ownership of a parking analysis project,” she said. “It showed that my work was trusted, and that level of responsibility pushed me to grow. I saw that DRMP invests in its interns as future professionals, not just temporary help. That made a lasting impression."

Other former interns noted how quickly they felt welcomed and included.

“From day one, even though I was meeting everyone for the first time, it felt like I had known them my entire life,” said Frank Roberts, now a roadway engineer in the firm’s Tallahassee, Fla., office. “That instant connection made me feel right away that this was the place for me.”

Project Engineer Jade Palmer, EI, who works out of DRMP’s Tampa, Fla., office, described a similar sense of inclusion and the value of being trusted with responsibility.

“I realized DRMP was the right place for me when I was included in field visits and client meetings,” she said. “Being trusted with that level of exposure demonstrated DRMP’s commitment to hands-on learning and their genuine investment in preparing interns for full-time engineering roles.”

Project Engineer Jade Palmer and Structures Engineer Casey Gonzalez join in on the Family Feud fun for National Intern Day 2025 at DRMP’s Tampa office.

Maggie Reed, now an environmental scientist in the firm’s Merritt Island, Fla., office, praised the flexibility offered at DRMP during her internship.

“What impressed me most about DRMP was the firm offered strong mentorship and meaningful project work, all while supporting me as I completed my master’s degree,” she said. “The team at DRMP was incredibly flexible and understanding.”

DRMP’s Unique Culture

DRMP’s commitment to interns is part of the firm’s overall culture, which many interns recognize as a defining factor in their decision to stay and build a career at the firm.

Kadeem Cuffy, EI, now a roadway engineer at DRMP’s Orlando, Fla., headquarters, began his career with the firm nearly four years ago as an intern. He credits DRMP’s flexible, understanding, easygoing, and fun culture as a key reason for his choosing to stay. Because he spends much of his time in the office, being part of an environment where he feels comfortable and supported is especially important to him, he said.

What stood out to me about DRMP above any other company out there was the people. The culture here at DRMP is one that is truly unique and is something that you cannot put a price tag on. There is a mix of people from all different backgrounds, personality types, and interests, which played a crucial role in me continuing here at DRMP.

- Kadeem Cuffy, DRMP roadway engineer

Roadway engineers Kadeem Cuffy and Amit Lalchan show off the bike they assembled for the Bike Build charity event hosted by DRMP.

Transportation Project Engineer Peter Badr, EI, who works in DRMP’s Tampa office, also began his career at DRMP as an intern in 2022. He credited his supervisor, Tampa Assistant Roadway Group Leader Bruno Arriola, PE, ENV SP, with creating an environment where he felt comfortable asking questions and growing professionally.

“I appreciated the variety of projects I was involved in, particularly within municipal and Florida Department of Transportation work, and I even had the chance to go on field reviews,” he said.

Transportation Project Engineer Peter Badr takes part in Clearwater Beach Cleanup Day with his DRMP colleagues.

Badr also highlighted the firm’s willingness to extend internships beyond the typical three-month period.

“For students, that’s a big deal because it’s hard to learn and grow meaningfully in such a short time,” he said. “With most internships, by the time you start gaining confidence and getting involved in real projects, the internship is already over.”

Across the firm, this culture of inclusion, mentorship, and responsibility allows interns to develop professionally while feeling genuinely valued. By fostering these connections and offering opportunities to explore a wide range of projects, DRMP ensures its interns are well-prepared to transition into full-time roles and contribute to the firm’s ongoing success.

Deadly Gainesville Corridor Transformed with Cutting Edge Surveying and Pedestrian Safety Upgrades

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

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. For more information on our surveying and mapping services contact us here.

Thomas Tracz, PSM, serves as a Senior Project Manager for DRMP’s Survey and Mapping/Geospatial Market Sector.

50 Years in Surveying: Joe Di Benedetto, PLS, LS, Shares Wisdom and Foresight

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

“Land is the only thing they’re not making any more of.” It’s a line that stuck with Joe Di Benedetto, PLS, LS, early in his career and one that continues to influence how he views the surveying profession today. Di Benedetto, a senior vice president and director of surveying and mapping/geospatial at DRMP, joined the field in 1976 at a time when he said the profession was still taking shape. During those early years, experienced surveyors took the time to teach him not just how to use equipment, but how to think through problems, question results that didn’t make sense, and understand the responsibility that comes with placing his name on a control survey, right-of-way map, boundary survey, or legal description.

Now 18 years into his time at DRMP, Di Benedetto is set on passing along those same lessons to the next generation. In recognition of National Surveyors Week this month, Di Benedetto shares insights on how surveying has changed over the years, the role of technology, and the importance of mentorship and professional responsibility.

How did you get started in the surveying and mapping profession, and what initially sparked your interest in this field?

Over the past 50 years, I’ve had the benefit of collaborating with people who took the time to teach me the profession before it was even a profession. Most of what I learned didn’t come from a classroom or manual. It came from field experience, corrections made after the fact, and from experienced surveyors who were willing to explain why something matters.

Today’s surveyors need to remember that what we’re working with isn’t just data. It affects people’s homes, businesses, and property rights for generations. I feel a responsibility to pass on that mindset to the next generation, helping my staff understand that this work carries consequences beyond the data we collect. Mentorship, to me, is simply a way of returning the investment that others made in me.

Over the course of your career, how have you seen the surveying and mapping industry evolve, and what major changes or trends have stood out to you?

Our technology has changed dramatically. The work we can do today with a single instrument would’ve taken an entire crew several days to do when I started back in 1976. But the responsibility behind the work hasn’t changed at all. The equipment may be different, but the need for sound judgment, attention to detail, and professional integrity is more important than ever. That’s why my mentorship has become important to me at this stage of my career.

What inspired you to create DRMP’s in-house surveying and mapping training center, and what impact has it had on the growth and development of the team?

We created dedicated space for workstations for many reasons.

To allow staff to become more familiar with our survey software and internal workflows outside project pressure. The intent is not to assign training, but to provide an opportunity for individuals to improve their technical understanding at their own pace.
The training center gives the staff the ability to better understand how the data they collect in the field will translate into finished deliverables.
It allows individuals who are interested in advancing their careers to begin developing skills required for future project management or technical leadership roles and is in line with our career path program.
From a leadership standpoint, the voluntary nature of participation provides a way to recognize those who are willing to invest additional effort into their own professional development and helps distinguish those actively preparing for advancement.
Over time, the hope was that this space should help reduce training gaps, strengthen our internal workflow knowledge, and support long-term succession planning efforts already underway within the organization.

How does the training program help prepare young professionals for long-term success, and what opportunities does DRMP provide to support their career advancement? Is it unusual for an engineering firm to provide this in-house training program?

As our survey profession continues to evolve with the advancements in technology, the traditional term “surveying” no longer fully captures the range of services we are expected to provide to our clients. Today's projects often require expertise in areas such as right of way mapping, subsurface utility engineering (SUE), geographic information systems (GIS), and geospatial services.

From a training standpoint, it is my opinion that it is more efficient to introduce developing professionals to these disciplines early in their careers and allow them to build competency within specific tracks over time.

By concentrating on these different technical areas as part of a structured development path, we can help staff better understand how field data is collected, managed, and applied across these multiple service lines.

This approach supports long-term professional growth while ensuring that the future leaders are prepared to meet traditional surveying responsibilities and the expanding need to not only keep up with technology but stay ahead of it.

Speaking of technology, you’ve made it a priority to stay on top of emerging technologies and invest in the latest survey equipment. Why is that commitment to innovation so important to you and to DRMP’s clients?

No. 1 is safety. While advancements in emerging technology have improved the efficiency and capabilities of our work, the reality is the modern job sites have become increasingly hazardous due to the presence of distracted drivers. Much of the danger our field personnel face today comes from working in proximity to active roadways where technology in the hands of inattentive motorists has introduced new challenges.

With implementation of mobile LiDAR and static scanning systems, we are able to limit the need for personnel to work within roadways, helping to reduce their exposure to hazards that are often outside of our control.

DRMP has recently upgraded and expanded its mobile LiDAR capabilities with the addition of another truck. How does this expansion enhance the services we provide and position us for the future?

Mobile LiDAR has become an important part of how we approach many of our transportation and infrastructure projects. With the addition of another truck and the upgraded system, we’re able to collect data faster and at a higher level of detail. That allows us to cover larger areas in less time while still delivering the accuracy our clients expect, and it helps reduce the amount of time our crews spend working on active roadways.

It also allows us to capture a more complete dataset during the initial collection. That flexibility gives our team the ability to extract additional details later if project needs change without having to send crews back into the field. As projects become more complex and schedules continue to tighten, having that capability helps us work more efficiently and better support our clients.

Under your leadership, DRMP’s survey division has grown significantly and attracted top-notch professionals. What has been your approach to building and strengthening the department?

My experience tells me that people are not all built the same, and they shouldn't be expected to succeed in the same way. Everyone brings different strengths to the profession, and our job as leaders is to recognize the strengths to help develop them rather than asking individuals to step outside of who they are just to fit a certain role. Some have grown into leaders, some into technical experts, while others prefer to manage projects. By focusing on where people can contribute the most efficiently and giving them the opportunity to build on that, we've been able to develop stronger and more capable teams overall.

What do you believe sets DRMP’s Surveying & Mapping/Geospatial division apart from others in the industry?

For the past eleven years, I've had the opportunity to watch our department grow and evolve into incredible teams. What we have today didn't happen overnight. It’s the result of a group of dedicated professionals who are willing to adapt, learn new skills, and take pride in the work they do every day. I'm extremely proud of all the teams we've built and the effort they put into moving this department forward. Their willingness to step up, support one another, and grow with the demands of the job has played a major role in where we are today. I believe the support from our leadership sets us apart from others in the industry.

What are some of the biggest challenges currently facing the surveying profession, and how is DRMP addressing them?

Increasingly, newer professionals seem to be drawn to the visual and technical aspects of the work, such as scanning, modeling, and geospatial data acquisition, while showing less interest in more interpretive and legally driven components of traditional surveying. It is important that we continue to embrace innovation while also reinforcing the importance of boundary analysis and professional responsibility that defines our role beyond simply collecting information. With that in mind, one of our disciplines is focused heavily on traditional surveying and mapping. While today's technology allows us to collect data faster than ever before, the ability to properly understand and apply the information still takes years of experience. Becoming a well-rounded surveying professional is a gradual process and depends on hands-on experience, mentorship, and working knowledge of traditional practices and modern technology.

Looking back on your career and the evolution of the department, what are you most proud of, and what excites you most about what’s ahead?

As I look back on my career, I realized how many people played a role in helping me along the way. What stands out the most to me are the individuals who took the time to share their knowledge, offer guidance, and help me understand the responsibility that comes with being in this profession. I can honestly say, back in 1976, I don’t recall them ever being called mentors, but in my case, I feel it worked. What excites me most about what’s ahead is seeing DRMP's mentorship program growing over the past several years.

Joseph Di Benedetto, PLS, LS, serves as a Senior Vice President and Director of Survey and Mapping/Geospatial Services for DRMP.

Women in Construction: Rising, Leading, and Inspiring at DRMP

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Throughout the construction industry, more women are stepping into leadership, managing complex projects and earning their place at decision-making tables. What once felt isolating now feels collective.

That shift is visible here at DRMP, especially within our Construction Services team. As a senior vice president and construction services director at DRMP, I have the privilege of working alongside strong, accomplished women who lead in the field, make difficult decisions, and show up every day with professionalism and grit. They don’t ask for special treatment. They simply do the work, and they do it exceptionally well.

The growing presence of women in construction leadership is clear at Northwest Florida Construction Career Days (CCD). Just this month, I had the opportunity to attend the 6th Annual CCD, which welcomed more than 1,200 high school juniors and seniors – the largest turnout yet. CCD introduces students to a wide range of career opportunities within the construction industry, whether they plan to pursue a degree or enter the workforce directly.

The Early Days of CCD

The first planning meeting for CCD was held in 2017, with the inaugural event scheduled for October 2018. Hurricane Michael forced its cancellation, and the first event ultimately took place in April 2019, hosting 609 students. I vividly remember a school board member touring the event that year and commenting on the number of women from the industry present. They had expected construction to look mostly male but instead saw women throughout the site, many in leadership roles. They remarked how impactful that visibility would be for students, especially young girls, because it allowed them to see a future they may not have previously considered.

At the time, I knew I was surrounded by capable, accomplished women, but it hadn’t fully struck me just how many there were and how influential they were to the event’s success.

COVID created another pause, but the team rallied and hosted the next event in April 2022 with 601 students in attendance. Since then, the event has been held for five consecutive years, and in February 2026, it reached its largest turnout to date. The growth has been remarkable – not just in numbers, but in impact.

Pictured (L-R): DRMP Construction Services Area Leader Elizabeth Graham, PE, and FDOT Milton Operations Engineer Heather Baril, PE

This year, it was impossible not to recognize the steady leadership of CCD co-chairs Elizabeth Graham, PE, a DRMP construction services area leader, Heather Baril, PE, Milton operations engineer for Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District 3. Elizabeth has been instrumental, bringing energy, organization, and exceptional excellence to the event. Heather has been a leader of the CCD effort since its inception, guiding it through hurricane disruptions, pandemic cancellations, and schedule shifts, including moving this year’s event up by two months. Through it all, she has demonstrated calm resilience and a long-term vision for community impact. Together, Elizabeth and Heather have inspired and unified a community of volunteers into what has become a truly transformative event.

As FDOT District Geotechnical Materials Engineer and longtime CCD collaborator Gabe Camposagrado said:

“I have had the pleasure of working with Liz and Heather since our first CCD planning days in 2017. Whether it’s cutting zip ties, stuffing goodie bags, or conducting TV interviews, no task is too mundane or insurmountable for them. Their calm and steadfast leadership enabled us to hold our largest event ever this year.”

Pictured (L-R): Gabe Camposagrado, Heather Baril, and Elizabeth Graham

That kind of leadership doesn’t happen by accident. It is built over years of showing up, doing the small things well, and keeping the bigger mission in focus.

Beyond the co-chairs, numerous committees – Equipment, Food, School Coordination, and more – are led by women. When I look around the event site, I see men and women both stepping in to get the job done. There is no debate about who “should” be doing what. There is simply a shared commitment to serve the students and support one another.

Reflections on a Career in Construction

With more than 15 years in the construction industry, including the past 12 spent growing alongside DRMP, I’ve experienced opportunities and obstacles that can come with building a career in a male-dominated field. There have been moments when I felt the need to work harder to prove myself. I’ve heard comments suggesting a promotion came along because I’m a woman. I’ve been asked at company events what my husband does for the company, as if that were the more natural explanation for my presence.

Those moments can sting.

But they are not the full story.

The full story is this: I am here because I am capable. The women I work alongside are here because they are capable. We lead projects, we solve problems, we mentor young professionals, and we contribute meaningfully to our teams and the industry. We are not placeholders. We are not exceptions. We are good enough, and our work speaks for itself.

Pictured (L-R): Elizabeth Graham and Erica Jernigan

It’s pride.

It’s a swelling, unapologetic, “Yes, I am a woman in construction.”

During Women in Construction Week, I am proud of what the women around me are accomplishing in their careers. I am proud of the visibility we provide to the next generation. And I am deeply grateful for the men who have supported us along the way, those who have amplified our voices, treated us as peers, and made sure we felt safe and respected in every environment.

My hope is that one day, the next generation of girls won’t need a designated week to highlight women in construction because it will simply be normal.

Until then, I will keep showing up, leading with confidence, and cheering on the women who continue to raise the standard for what leadership in construction looks like.

Erica Jernigan, PE, is a Senior Vice President and Construction Services Director in DRMP’s Transportation Market Sector.

DRMP Design Revitalizes Florida College Renamed Payne Amphitheater

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000

For more than half a century, the once vibrant amphitheater at Florida College in Temple Terrace, Fla., part of the Tampa metropolitan area, drew generations of students for concerts, celebrations, morning Bible studies, and other civic events.

A central feature of campus life for decades, the amphitheater, situated along the Hillsborough River, gradually fell into disrepair. Erosion undermined sections of the concrete steps and seating areas, making it unusable for students and the public for several years.

To revitalize the amphitheater, DRMP provided site-civil engineering, drainage design, environmental services, and permitting. We were a subconsultant to Derck & Edson, an architectural firm with extensive experience in campus, downtown/urban, and athletic projects. We also partnered with Tierra Inc. for geotechnical services to assist in the design of this project.

Today, the historic amphitheater has been restored and renamed the Payne Amphitheater in honor of former Florida College President Dr. H.E. “Buddy” Payne and his wife, Marilyn. The new amphitheater design preserves its original gathering space while respecting the site’s history and natural riverfront setting.

The upgraded facility prioritizes accessibility, providing full Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance throughout. It offers wider terrace seating, improved walkability, modern lighting and audio systems, and two additions the original amphitheater never had: a shade cover and a boardwalk for improved pedestrian access to the stage area.

Every project presents unique challenges, and this one was no exception. As project manager, I oversaw the design process to ensure the amphitheater met all accessibility guidelines and environmental regulations, while preserving its historic character and riverfront setting.

Unique Site Challenges

The amphitheater, built in the 1950s, is located on an environmentally sensitive portion of the Florida College campus with challenging site conditions. Key considerations included creating a safe, functional, and accessible facility for students and the public, while protecting the environment and the Hillsborough River.

The steep riverbank grades that accommodated the previous amphitheater were incorporated into the new design and adjusted to meet ADA standards and provide terraces for students. The main stage was shifted inland to avoid wetlands and comply with setback requirements, resulting in an elevated design that enhances views of the river and gives a “floating” effect. The old concrete steps were replaced with wider terrace seating using synthetic turf for low maintenance and improved aesthetics, reducing impervious area compared to the previous design.

From the beginning, we were proactive, holding pre-application meetings with multiple regulatory agencies to identify potential issues. The permitting process was lengthy and required frequent coordination, including obtaining a variance from the City of Temple Terrace and giving presentations to the public, the Hillsborough River Board, and Technical Advisory Council.

Grading, Drainage, and ADA-Compliant Walkways

DRMP incorporated an underdrain system to manage groundwater based on a geotechnical investigation by our subconsultant, Tierra Inc., which identified shallow clayey soils and shallow groundwater. The underdrain collects excess subsurface groundwater from soils to ensure a stable and dry facility.

Using topographic survey data, we performed a grading analysis to determine optimal locations for ADA-compliant ramps and walkways. Once layout locations were finalized, we verified that ramp grades, hard surfaces, and railings complied with ADA and Florida Accessibility guidelines.

Throughout the project, DRMP held periodic design meetings and weekly construction meetings to keep the project on the timeline and ensure quality control.

A Personal Revival

The project also held personal significance for those involved. DRMP Vice President Scott Garth, PE, LEED AP, ND, a Florida College alumnus, assisted on the project with drainage and permitting. He spent time at the original amphitheater during his early days attending the college before completing his Civil Engineering degree at the University of South Florida. For Scott, seeing the historic space revived and modernized was especially exciting.

Pictured (L–R): Scott Garth, Bruno Arriola, and Duke Perry

The Payne Amphitheater, which opened in summer 2025, now serves as a dynamic gathering space. In addition to ample seating, accessible pedestrian paths, and terraces, it also features an “outdoor lounge” on the upper level with tables and chairs, providing students a place to relax, recharge, or enjoy lunch between classes.

This project exemplified DRMP’s core values – expertise and quality – in designing a modern, accessible facility within a challenging topographic and environmental setting, as reflected in its successful completion and availability to the community.

By blending open natural spaces with modern seating, walkable areas, updated utilities for lighting and sound, and scenic views of the Hillsborough River, the new amphitheater enhances the social and academic experience for students and the public.

Bruno J. Arriola, PE, ENV SP, is Assistant Roadway Group Leader and a Project Manager in DRMP's Tampa Office.

DRMP Solidifies Foothold in North Carolina Infrastructure Market

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000

It’s an exciting time for DRMP in North Carolina. As the state grows, more clients are turning to the firm for expertise in roadway design, traffic management, drainage, structures, survey, traffic impact analysis (TIA), and construction engineering and inspection (CEI). The firm is engaged in a mix of state, municipal, and private-sector projects, bringing local expertise and insight to projects. To support this growth, DRMP is expanding its roadway, traffic, structures, and drainage teams in North Carolina.

The acceleration of North Carolina’s population is increasing the need for resilient infrastructure, efficient transportation systems, and locally driven development, such as distribution centers for Amazon and FedEx. Meeting these challenges requires engineers who understand the region and can move projects forward quickly and effectively. DRMP’s competitive advantage lies in its North Carolina-based professionals who live and work in the communities they serve, allowing the firm to deliver responsive, relationship-driven solutions with true local insight.

DRMP has several offices in key areas of the state, including Raleigh, Charlotte, Asheboro, and Troutman. By having staff who live and work in the communities they serve, the firm combines local knowledge with technical expertise to navigate North Carolina’s diverse landscapes, regulatory requirements, and complex infrastructure needs. As the team grows, DRMP continues to broaden its capabilities while strengthening long-term relationships with clients and partners.

Rapid Storm Recovery in the Mountains

In western North Carolina, DRMP is playing a major role in Hurricane Helene recovery efforts through an express design-build partnership with Dane Construction. Serving as the prime consultant, DRMP is leading the design of eight bridges in North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Division 13, all damaged or destroyed by the storm.

These bridges, located in steep mountainous terrain near Asheville are small but essential local crossings, many of which serve as the only access in and out for nearby residents. Each of the eight bridges spans a waterway and must remain accessible during construction, requiring on-site detours and temporary crossings built within extremely limited right-of-way, often squeezed between a mountainside and the stream below.

DRMP’s scope includes roadway and traffic design, maintenance of traffic, structural design, hydraulic and floodplain modeling, and erosion and sediment control. All bridges are designed to meet current codes and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood standards. Several crossings are located on FEMA-regulated streams, adding complexity to an already aggressive schedule. Each bridge is being designed and built simultaneously under an express design-build approach, allowing construction to start on each section as soon as the design is finished. Construction on the first bridge began during the first week of February, and work will continue through summer 2027.

What makes the effort successful is the level of coordination among DRMP’s disciplines. Roadway, structures, drainage hydraulics, and survey experts worked together from the earliest stages to share design constraints and requirements. Bridge geometry, foundation depths, roadway alignments, and hydraulic impacts are evaluated simultaneously to ensure constructability, safety, and resilience under 100-year and 500-year storm events. In a region where flooding can carry entire structures downstream as seen from Hurricane Helene’s damage, DRMP’s various disciplines must collaborate closely to succeed.

Engineering for a Diverse Landscape

North Carolina’s geography presents a wide range of challenges, including mountainous stream crossings, clay soils, and coastal lowlands. DRMP’s experts routinely tailor designs to local conditions, balancing regulatory requirements, environmental sensitivity, and constructability.

As infrastructure challenges vary across the state, DRMP continues to grow its drainage and roadway staff to ensure projects are supported by engineers with specialized regional expertise.

Unlike Florida where DRMP’s headquarters is located, drainage systems often must control high velocities, scour, and shear stress forces due to North Carolina’s topography. This requires a stronger emphasis on erosion control and stream hydraulics. Water quality stormwater control measures are incorporated into each design to ensure streams are protected from pollutants and debris. DRMP works closely with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and NCDOT to meet these challenges, particularly in watersheds tied to drinking water supplies.

As rainfall intensity and flooding risks increase throughout the state, DRMP’s engineers are designing infrastructure that anticipates future conditions, especially as regulations evolve. The goal is not only to rebuild, but to build smarter and more resilient for the long term.

Managing Growth On and Off the Roadway

In addition to bridge and roadway design, DRMP’s traffic engineering and TIA experts support growth throughout North Carolina and the Southeast. The firm’s combined traffic and TIA group includes nearly 30 professionals across Charlotte and Raleigh. The TIA team is evenly distributed between both offices, while the traffic engineering team is primarily based in Charlotte. The traffic team plans to expand in Raleigh to create a strong and well-balanced regional presence.

DRMP’s TIA team provides services for private development projects throughout the United States, supporting residential, commercial, industrial, and manufacturing growth. Through its growing partnership with its Trilon Transportation partner firm, CPH, DRMP is now expanding its reach, providing TIA expertise on additional projects and opening new opportunities with a broader range of clients. National retailers, restaurants, and developers rely on the TIA team’s ability to evaluate local impacts and navigate agency coordination. Early involvement remains a key differentiator for DRMP’s TIA experts. By engaging clients early on and during site planning, DRMP helps clients optimize access, circulation, and signalization before designs are finalized, reducing redesign and improving outcomes for developers and the surrounding community. The firm also designs several hundred traffic signals each year, including advanced pedestrian safety treatments.

One recent example is DRMP’s partnership with its Trilon Transportation partner, Alta Planning + Design, on the South Prong Clarke Creek Greenway in Huntersville, N.C. DRMP is leading the design of a pedestrian hybrid beacon at Huntersville-Concord Highway and Hill Street. The user-activated crossing will improve safety and connectivity while supporting efficient traffic operations along a growing corridor.

DRMP also boasts a strong CEI team in the North Carolina region, providing critical oversight and quality assurance on major transportation and infrastructure projects. Its services have expanded into South Carolina as well. Examples include work on the I-40 widening project in partnership with NCDOT, leadership of CEI efforts for complex interchange improvements at I-40/I-77 in Statesville, DRMP’s first major CEI project for the South Carolina Department of Transportation’s (SCDOT) I-26 Midlands Connection Project in Columbia; and support for on-call CEI contracts across multiple NCDOT divisions, including roadway, bypass, and resurfacing projects throughout the state.

With expanding offices, a growing multidisciplinary team, and a strong backlog of North Carolina projects, DRMP continues to strengthen its reputation in the region. The firm has established a strong presence in North Carolina, expanded its footprint in South Carolina, and maintains a robust portfolio of projects that showcase its local knowledge and engineering excellence.