Alliant Advance

As we continue our mission to build better communities, we combine the important principles of the past with the constantly changing technologies of today, and our future focused employee-owners are leading the way.

Infrastructure planning, surveying, design, and construction have been around for thousands of years, and it never fails to amaze me what we have built in our past. Even more amazing is where we are going in the future!

As we Advance into 2023, our use of technology continues to evolve, making our designs more effective and our clients more successful. Alliant has always been at the cutting edge of technology in our project delivery, from early implementation of drone technology and 3D scans in our survey group to our innovative approach to digital project delivery in our transportation design group. We have provided our clients a high quality and seamless transition from design to construction for more than a quarter of a century.

As technology advances, we continue to refine our approach and provide even more value to our clients and partners. Our industry leading traffic group continues to introduce groundbreaking tools including an innovative solution to enhance safety assessments on our roadways and a county-wide communications assessment that will lead to improved traffic signal monitoring and operations in the future.

Another area where Alliant is helping to advance our industry is in workforce development. Alliant has taken the lead for ACEC Minnesota on this initiative which is crucial to our engineering community. Additionally, our in-house Trailblazers program is partnering with schools and youth programs to introduce high school students to professions in engineering, surveying and environmental studies. Our goal is to bring an authentic experience to students while convincing them to consider pursuing a degree in a STEM program.

As usual, Alliant is leading the way on the issues most crucial to our industry, utilization of technology enhancements and workforce development. And, as always, we are building better communities with excellence and passion!

– John Dillingham, President and CEO

▲ John Dillingham, Alliant CEO

Screen to Streets – Survey

How the Components of Land Survey Contribute to the Built Environment

“Not much has changed to the principles of Land Survey, for thousands of years” says Clayton Walley, VP of Florida Survey. To Clayton, land surveying is a craft that remains as important today as it was when it first originated. Surveying is the science of measurement, using angles and distance to geographically place oneself in the correct position on the planet. In this episode of Screen to Streets, we talk to Alliant’s Southeast Region survey team members and learn how crucial land survey is to our projects.

THE BASICS

Knowing we are working on the correct piece of land is the start of every project. To obtain this information, our survey team completes boundary and topographic surveys. Boundary surveys provide detailed information used for land acquisition, and topographic surveys create the information that serves as the basis for architectural and engineering design.

During the construction layout phase of surveying, our crews take designs and place them on the project site, identifying the layout of utilities and buildings three-dimensionally. When construction nears completion, asbuilt collection begins. This phase includes collecting information on all constructed site items via coordinates and elevations. We compile all the information on utilities, hardscapes, and buildings to create an official drawing. When complete the information is submitted to the Engineer of Record or Governing Municipality for approval and inclusion into a Geographic Information System (GIS) for future use.

Surveying is about leaving a trail of proper information. Whether it is used for land acquisition and development, construction, or land re-use 30 years into the future, the property lines Alliant establishes today are retraceable for all time.

Watch video here (hosted on our website)

Unlocking the Power of the Safe System Approach: Alliant’s Innovative Intersection Safety Assessment Tool

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and local transportation agencies across the United States have made a focused effort to adopt and implement the Safe System Approach to transportation safety. This approach strives to reduce the risk of severe crashes and prioritizes the safety of all road users. Despite the widespread recognition of the Safe System Approach’s significance in reducing fatalities and severe injuries on roads, there is a dearth of tangible guidance and tools to help practitioners implement its principles.

In 2021, the FHWA published “Safe SystemBased Framework Methodology for Assessing Intersections,” which lays out an analytical method for evaluating intersection and interchange safety. While the methodology was a major step forward, there weren’t readily available tools to utilize it.

Alliant recognized this need and took on the challenge by developing a tool of our own.

This tool has transformed how we approach intersection safety evaluation and has empowered our transportation professionals to evaluate alternatives through the Safe System lens. This allows our team to identify solutions that provide safer roads for all road users.

A key benefit of the tool and methodology is its flexibility to evaluate nearly any unique alternative configuration. The evaluation approach focuses on intersection context and puts more emphasis on the evaluation of design features such as conflicting vehicle speed and conflict angle—attributes known to influence the likelihood of fatal and serious injury crashes—compared to typical analytical methods used to screen alternatives.

Our team has applied this tool on a project with Washington County, Minnesota. We successfully evaluated approximately 20 geometric alternatives for expected safety performance, providing the County and its stakeholders with a robust analytical process that identifies the alternatives that best address safety needs to advance into the next stage of evaluation. This analysis marks a monumental milestone in taking Safe System principles from theory to application and lays the groundwork for implementing the Safe System Approach on future intersection evaluations.

Revolutionizing Infrastructure: Alliant’s Innovative Approach to Digital Project Delivery

A TRADITION OF ALTERNATIVE DELIVERY

Alternative delivery projects are a substantial part of what we do at Alliant. These projects have placed our engineers in the field alongside superintendents, equipment operators, inspectors and surveyors. We have observed the challenges and inefficiencies inherent in the interpretation of paper plans.

Over the last 20 years we’ve worked with innovative partners to continuously test and implement technology solutions that provide excellent design and high-quality construction. Key to our success on these projects is digital project delivery.

TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED DELIVERY

Technology develops and changes rapidly. Alliant constantly evaluates emerging technologies, and therefore supports numerous digital workflows and end user software platforms. Models have become far more complex than those that originally featured top surface components. They now include multiple layers and metadata. Even how we deliver the models has changed.

For example, in the past models were installed into each piece of equipment via USB drive while today, machine control data is distributed wirelessly to the entire fleet at one time.

ITERATIVE DESIGN, RAPID PROTOTYPING, AND TRANSITION TO CONSTRUCTION

Designing projects in multiple dimensions allows our engineers to efficiently conceptualize, analyze, and iterate numerous design options. Arriving at the most effective solutions quickly means we have more time to develop innovative technical concepts.

By advancing these models earlier in the delivery process, design, construction, operations and maintenance stakeholders can visualize the project and provide further input into design decisions.

Today, Alliant produces models representative of critical design disciplines featuring above grade, on-grade, and below grade elements. These comprehensive models allow us to complete real-time clash detection related to utilities, storm sewer, foundations, and clearance to overhead structures.

► A construction photo of the Twin Ports Interchange, Duluth, MN (photo courtesy of MnDOT) presents a real-life image of Alliant’s digital delivery process. We developed preliminary design models for this $435 million project in 2016, refined them for final design in 2018, and provided construction models to the contractor in 2020.

Utility coordination, machine control grading and paving, and enhanced construction staging are all benefits of our digital delivery process.

With all components in place, potential problems are discovered before construction is even started mitigating risks that can delay project schedules and cause budget overruns.

THE ROAD AHEAD

Tom Jensen, Principal and Alliant’s Director of Alternative Delivery says the industry is only beginning to realize the potential of what digital delivery with multidimensional models can do.

“At Alliant, we’re prioritizing two areas of focus in our practice.” said Jensen. “First, we are further integrating cost and schedule into our models, which are two significant project success metrics. Secondly, we’re expanding the use of technology throughout project delivery to drive stakeholder engagement and capture input that influences design decisions. We’re considering new sensor technologies, enhanced data collection and processing through the use of artificial intelligence, and virtual and augmented reality. Each innovation drives the next in a constant quest to better the life cycle of our infrastructure.”

▼ This image from the I-35W Minnesota River Bridge project highlights the design decisions resulting from operations and maintenance input. This image depicts how staff will maintain ITS and overhead components safely shielded by traffic barrier.

Solving Sediment Trouble

The Minnesota River watershed contains many small ravines, transporting sediment from the bluffs to the plains and draining to the river. In Morton, Minnesota an issue along Highway 19 dates back to the 1950s. Large rainfall events drive erosion of the steep slopes within the upper watershed. The transition to ditches near the highway slows the stormwater depositing the eroded soil in the ditches.

Previous maintenance efforts were funded equally by MnDOT and the Minnesota Valley Regional Rail Authority (MVRRA), however, the problem persisted. Sediment deposits were typically cleared from the area twice a year, but in 2018 the problem worsened and a new solution was needed.

Alliant’s water resources team worked with MnDOT and MVRRA with the goal of capturing soil transported from the banks of an eroding ravine before it could be deposited into the ditch between Trunk Highway 19 and the Minnesota Prairie Line Railroad tracks.

Stabilization of the ravine was not feasible as it is located on a steep, heavily forested slope and sits entirely on private property. The team began by estimating the sediment load to size a permanent basin and verified these calculations with the District’s records of sediment volume and frequency of removal from the ditch.

Placement of the sediment basin required coordination with all stakeholders, including the two adjacent property owners. Alliant developed eight initial basin shape and location concepts based on survey, topography, and existing drainage patterns.

Meeting regularly with representatives from MnDOT, MVRRA, Renville County, and the landowners to incorporate their input ensured that all parties were invested in the solution. Ultimately, the concept of an inline dual-cell basin system to capture the sediment and match existing water flow rates in the ditches was selected. Alliant engineers completed the final design and the ditches remain as clean and free of sediment as they were when construction was completed.

The silt mitigation measures implemented as part of this project are an economical way to capture sediment before it becomes a hazard to the public, particularly in locations where gully erosion is not easily arrested.

The Creek

Central Park Commons is a 47-acre mixed-use redevelopment of a former Lockheed Martin property into 350,000 square feet of commercial space with numerous big box retailers, medium box retail around the perimeter, a clinic, a bank, and a pedestrianoriented “village” at its center.

Alliant has been part of this substantial project since 2015 and completed the final phase in 2022. Known as “The Creek”, this visual amenity for pedestrians and nearby restaurants was designed with a naturalistic theme.

The 18-foot by 420-foot feature includes ponds, fountains, small waterfalls, boulders, plantings, and landscape beds surrounding footbridges that traverse the water feature.

Flat spaces between the pad sites and the creek are available to serve as dining patios for future restaurants within the development.

Located adjacent to a busy road, this “pocket park” also serves as a visual and sound buffer between the Central Park Commons development and the road. Increasingly common in both urban and suburban environments, these small parks provide visitors with a break from busy life and easy access to nature.

Alliant’s Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Designs Provide Traffic Relief and a Network for the Future

When it came to working with Scott County in Minnesota, our team found a true partner.

We began serving Scott County’s ITS needs with a federally-funded project that alleviates traffic congestion experienced during events at Canterbury Park, Valleyfair Amusement Park, and Mystic Lake Casino all of which are in the Twin Cities southwest metro.

Events at each venue create unique traffic conditions including lengthy queue lines and congestion during concurrent events. Scott County wanted to alleviate the congestion for attendees and through traffic alike.

Alliant’s ITS design solution includes dynamic messaging signs, cameras, and non-intrusive detectors all of which improve event coordination. Dynamic messaging signs (pictured) offer drivers alternative routes to event destinations, which more evenly distribute traffic through the area saving everyone time.

Signage placed along the alternate routes reinforces the messaging and ensures travelers reach their destination. Cameras positioned at select locations identify pinch points in the system and alert County staff when dynamic messaging should be used.

Non-intrusive detectors illustrate how well the system is working based on increased traffic volume at certain points along the various routes.

CONNECTING SIGNALS

Following the successful implementation of the event coordination upgrades, Scott County considered the benefits and possibilities of implementing a central management system for their traffic signals, county-wide.

A centralized management system (depicted in the figure to the right) makes managing all traffic signals within a network a reality. Enhanced traffic flow, improved safety and oversight of the system as a whole are all benefits of this approach.

Alliant assisted in this future-focused process by first completing a communications assessment plan. This plan identified existing communications network assets that could be leveraged in the development of a central traffic signals network once the software was purchased.

Next, we also developed a long-term, phased plan for networking Scott County signals. We implemented phases one and two of this plan, which we completed in 2022.

Signal Location

Signal Communication

Wireless Communication

TMC Traffic Management Center

Existing County Fiber Optic

Scott County approached the development of this county-wide transportation network with its ultimate goal of a central traffic signal network in mind. This strategic mindset to the planning, design, and construction required for the build out of the network is beneficial to the County and its residents in numerous ways.

“The communication assessment plan, while relatively inexpensive to obtain, was used to appeal for funding at each phase. It showed the value of what they were trying to accomplish and ensured they received the support needed.” said Nick VanGunst, Alliant Transportation Associate.

Having implemented the communications assessment plan, Scott County avoids the need to reconfigure their system as new components are developed with future expansion more easily accomplished due to the thoughtful nature of the system design.

Once the central system is in place, it will enable Scott County to effectively monitor signal performance and improve signal operations now and into the future.

▲ Example intersection within larger traffic signal network

Desert Monsoons and Environmental Compliance

Don’t be fooled by the myth that it never rains in the desert.

Alliant is part of a Bureau of Reclamation design/build project that will provide municipal and industrial water supply to the Navajo Nation and Northeastern New Mexico.

As environmental compliance specialists on the project, our environmental staff are responsible for acquiring EPA water quality permits and the State of New Mexico air quality permit, as well as maintaining compliance during construction.

The geography of the area is wide open, western desert. During much of the year, the area is very dry and dusty. However, during the four-month monsoon season 50% or more of the annual rainfall occurs, sometimes at a rate of up to 1-2” per hour. We know from experience, stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP) that work elsewhere in the country will literally wash away in these flash floods. With the annual threat of monsoons, maintaining the natural drainage patterns rather than diverting the water to specific locations for treatment is the most beneficial.

Stabilized openings with rock filter berms, erosion control blankets, and filter logs are used throughout the 17-mile project segment to allow storm runoff to safely pass through the project. Our contractor partner has been installing these BMPs to protect the drainage patterns along the right-of-way. In all, there are 79 BMPs that our team inspects every other week to ensure compliance with permits, and protection of the surrounding lands. More BMPs are added with each phase of work on the pipeline.

As construction nears completion during 2023/2024, our team will begin site restoration during which we will ensure native vegetation is re-established. From beginning to end our environmental staff are on site to ensure this vital project is successful.

A Challenging Bridge Replacement Yields Unique Collaborations and Enhanced Safety

Replacing a trestle railroad bridge while keeping train traffic moving is no small feat. Currently, along County Road 86 in Castle Rock, Minnesota, our team is making this happen.

Alliant’s construction administration team is providing bridge inspection on the construction of the shoofly (a temporary workaround track), removal of an existing bridge, and construction of the new bridge.

The roadway previously consisted of a twolane bituminous section with narrow shoulders, a pier dividing two-way traffic, and low bridge clearance posted at a height of 14’-1”. The new design provides wider shoulders, removes the centerline pier that currently separates traffic, and increases the vertical clearance to meet state standards making the road safer for travelers.

A unique collaboration between the contractor, Northland Grading and Excavating, and a farmer located along the corridor is another interesting element of the project. The project required embankment material, and an agreement was made to use 20,000 yards of common embankment from the farmer’s field. The materials passed all testing requirements and gave our team the ability to see where the soil was coming from and its quality, firsthand.

Construction inspection started in March 2022, with tree clearing and 3.6 miles of road reconstruction. Shoofly construction began in November, alongside preparing the old bridge for removal, both of which are due to be complete in spring 2023. Once the shoofly is operational, construction of the final bridge will begin, with final project completion occurring in late 2023.

“Everything is bigger with bridges. It’s exciting, fun, and a real experience being on the project site and watching everything come together,” said Senior Construction Inspector Rae Tressler.

▲ Senior Construction Inspector Rae Tressler on site

Sites Seeing

The benefits of spending time in the field are experienced by our clients and employee-owners alike.

Site visits are an invaluable part of professional development.

Last fall, our land development team took in the sights at 14 projects around the Twin Cities Metro area. From the redevelopment of an urban brownfield site in St. Paul to a new neighborhood taking shape in Rosemount, Minnesota, the tour provided a fresh perspective on the impact of what this team does every day. These projects represent over $2.5 billion in construction including 6,300 housing units accommodating up to 18,800 people.

Between New Ulm and Nicollet, Minnesota is the Trunk Highway 14 project our transportation team completed with MnDOT. Construction of hydraulics, roadway design, bridges, signing and striping, and traffic control designed by Alliant were on display during the 12-mile construction tour provided by our design team partners from MnDOT District 7.

Our team worked directly with MnDOT staff to deliver this design on an aggressive schedule. Seeing their designs implemented in unique conditions gives our team a sense of pride and builds connections to the work we do and those whom it benefits.

Alliant’s construction services team spends every day in the field, and they often welcome team members for site visits. Alliant provided construction administration, inspection services, and construction survey for a 6-block, State Aid-eligible reconstruction project on Wabasha Street in downtown St. Paul. This is a full reconstruction project including improved pedestrian access, the addition of a twoway bikeway, the replacement of existing signal systems, improved lighting, and the installation of fully ADA-compliant corners at all intersections. Ultimately, the project met substantial completion goals of being opened to traffic before November 2022.

Workforce Development

INDUSTRY LEADING INVOLVEMENT

As leaders in our industry, it is crucial for us to take the lead in ensuring our workforce is robust and ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow. Members of the Alliant team are leading the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Minnesota Workforce Development Committee. This group is positively impacting the number of students pursuing engineering degrees while enhancing the diversity of the organization.

We are also proud sponsors of the Engineering Education Foundation, which advances the engineering profession through charitable investments in workforce development and education.

TRAILBLAZERS

Supporting and promoting the engineering and land survey fields is a key component of Alliant’s community involvement.

In May, this focus brought several of our surveyors and engineers to Washburn High School in Minneapolis for a week of hands-on sessions highlighting land survey and environmental engineering careers. As part of Alliant’s education-based community outreach program Trailblazers, team members Keara Fehr, CMWP, Sarah Barnett, PE, Keith Johnson, and Lukas Bergstrom developed a curriculum designed to meet students where they’re at while providing a glimpse into a potential career path.

Environmental Studies

The beginning of the week focused on environmental engineering with Water Resources Engineer Sarah Barnett, and Senior Environmental Specialist Keara Fehr. The sessions gave students an understanding of how soil texture data plays an essential role in the decisions made about the engineering design of roadways, structures, and drainage features. Sarah and Keara highlighted a method for determining soil type in the field and invited students to examine a variety of soil samples themselves. This hands-on activity showed students how soil types operate differently from one another due to varying porosity and permeability.

Land Surveyors in Training

With two days of soil science complete, Survey Field Technician, Lukas Bergstrom, and Senior Survey Crew Chief, Keith Johnson began their session on land surveying. The different types of survey, elevations, coordinates, and reading levels were just some of the points presented to students before heading outside to survey the school grounds.

Keith and Lukas split the students into groups and provided expertise and advice as the class ran their level loops through benchmarks

around the school. The main challenge for the students was making sure their collected measurements achieved the right elevations. Back in the classroom, Keith checked all the math to confirm the results of their first efforts.

Bright Futures

As we continue to grow partnerships with schools and youth programs through Trailblazers, we strive to help students feel confident to try new things, and give them the belief that a career in the STEM field is not just possible, but an exciting prospect.

“Alliant brought an incredibly authentic experience to my students. In my entire career as a teacher, nothing resonates with students more than authenticity, especially in a career-related subject. Alliant was able to engage with students and bring something different to the classroom and for that, I am grateful and hope to continue to work with Alliant to provide future students the same opportunity.”

– EDUCATOR MARTIN LOHMAN, WASHBURN HIGH SCHOOL

ALLIANT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Each year from June through August our team expands to include a crew of smart, thoughtful aspiring engineers, land surveyors and landscape architects. To us, a meaningful internship provides accessibility, real-life situations, and a supportive environment in which to try new things.

Alliant interns are placed on a team within their selected specialty and provided with real-life exposure to active projects. The flexibility of the program allows a student to return the next year to a different team to explore the field further.

As we gear up for this year’s class of interns, we look forward to the excitement and enthusiasm we all feel when working with the leaders of tomorrow.

Structurally Unique

Uniqueness is the name of the game for our structures team. From bridge design and rehabilitation to retaining walls and structural components that provide ease of maintenance and accessibility for our clients, our team specializes in challenging and a-typical projects.

Creek Revitalization Brings Resiliency to Urban Jacksonville

The McCoys Creek project is a large-scale effort to revitalize and improve the water quality of McCoys Creek, located in the urban core of Jacksonville, Florida.

The restoration project was launched in response to extensive flooding of the area during normal rain events, and the degraded health of the creek and its surrounding ecosystems. The primary goals of the project are to improve water quality, reduce flooding, and create new recreational opportunities for local residents. The City of Jacksonville is currently working with Groundwork Jacksonville to restore the area and create a natural environment for trails, wildlife, and recreation. Alliant’s Jacksonville Survey team is providing survey services contributing to this project that enhances resiliency.

Project Location

▲ Phase 1

▲ Phases 2 and 3

BUILDING BETTER COMMUNITIES WITH EXCELLENCE AND PASSION.