Last week, our discussions centered around innovative approaches to urban design, with a strong focus on prioritizing pedestrian spaces over vehicular traffic. Members also shared strategies for professional development, exploring how upskilling can shape future careers in civil engineering. The community engaged in practical debates on project management, specifically how to align civil deliverables with key milestones, and the effectiveness of professional development hours (PDHs) in real-world city projects.
This Week’s Hot Topics
Counting people, not cars downtown
This discussion delves into the shift towards designing urban spaces with pedestrians in mind, challenging traditional car-centric models. It’s an interesting take on how our cities could evolve. Read more here
My 2025 upskilling plan — need your best resources
A member is crafting a roadmap for professional growth and is seeking recommendations for educational resources. It’s a great chance to share what’s helped you or discover new tools. Read more here
Coordinating civil deliverables to hit milestones
This thread offers insights into effective project management, emphasizing the importance of synchronizing deliverables with project timelines. Essential reading for those juggling multiple projects. Read more here
PDHs that actually help city projects
A discussion on PDHs that truly contribute to practical skills in city planning, helping engineers make a tangible impact. Worth exploring for those looking to maximize their learning hours. Read more here
Rapid ecological screening for early design
Here’s a look at integrating ecological considerations early in the design process. It’s a forward-thinking approach to sustainable development. Read more here
Looking forward to another engaging week of discussions and shared learning. Keep contributing your valuable experiences and questions.
Quick tip from a recent pilot: we mapped pedestrian desire lines in QGIS with StreetLight Data, then dropped quick-build curb extensions and one raised crosswalk exactly where the heat was — about $12k in materials and two overnight closures. It worked, but , we had to tweak drainage at the ramps and loop fire in for turning radii; FHWA’s STEP guide helped: https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ped_bike/step/@Jamal did you try mapping before choosing sites?
On our Main & 5th redo, a 7‑second LPI at the crossings cut close calls fast; small caveat — we shaved 5 seconds from the opposing through phase to keep bus headways steady. @Jamal, did you tie your crossings into TSP or leave them standalone?