MnDOT Brochure

Improving Lives by Creating Quality Experiences

ABOUT US

Established in 1993 as one of Minnesota’s first minority-owned engineering design companies, Rani Engineering has become a highly recognized and award-winning firm.

Located in Minneapolis, Rani is a wellknown TGB/DBE/MBE/SBE and VeteranOwned consulting firm providing professional and technical services to public and private sector clients nationwide.

At Rani, we focus on building partnerships that provide shared values built on a foundation of reliability and quality. Our collective team of experts is committed to client satisfaction. We support this commitment with dedication, experience, and project management focusing on frequent and in-depth communication. Our record of successful and collaborative projects shows that our top priority is satisfied clients.

Areas of Expertise

OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Andrew Wells, PE (MN)

Principal | Director of Civil Engineering

Andrew has 17 years of experience in transportation engineering, including 11 years primarily on MnDOT projects, and has expertise in several areas including project management, hydraulics, roadway design, and quality control. He has led Rani’s Engineering Group since 2014, where he manages the 30 professionals within the group.

Darwin Yasis, PE (MN)

Highways

Darwin has over 26 years of experience in concept development, preliminary and final design, and construction. He has worked on numerous transportation projects, which vary in scope and complexity. Darwin has worked in both the private and public sectors and has a proven track record of delivering projects from inception to plan development and construction.

Heather Spencer, PE (MN)

Principal | Site Development and Local Roads

Heather has over 25 years of global experience in site development, water resources, and street design. She is a dedicated and intuitive leader who has managed numerous projects from scope development, planning, design, and construction. Heather has experience with utility coordination and drainage design for large transportation projects, including several MnDOT projects and State/Federal Aid projects.

Lance Newman, PE (MN)

Principal | Utilities

Lance Newman has 29 years of experience. He is one of the area’s most experienced and respected experts in utility coordination. Lance’s focus for over 20 years has been utility coordination and design, including leading utility coordination on some of the biggest civil design and construction projects in Minnesota’s history. He has led utility coordination for a variety of MnDOT and Metropolitan Council projects throughout the state.

Peter DeMuth, PE (MN)

Principal | Transit

Peter offers more than just 12 years of transit design and construction experience. He also offers technical experience in project management, agency & stakeholder coordination, utility coordination, preliminary engineering, final design oversight, and design coordination. His recent prospects handling transit projects including Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) make him well accomplished. While with Metro Transit, Peter spent eight years designing and constructing several LRT and BRT projects.

Amanda Bergstrom, PE (MN), CPESC, LEED AP BD+C

Water Resources

Amanda has over 19 years of experience providing Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP), Erosion Prevention/Sediment control design, and inspection services. She has worked on numerous MnDOT projects throughout the state. Amanda is a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC), a Certified Construction SWPPP Designer, and a licensed professional civil engineer in Minnesota.

Jason Howard, PLS (MN)

Survey

Jason has 22 years of experience in the surveying industry, with both public and private sector survey projects. He has been involved in construction surveying for streets and highways, land development, the subdivision of property, ALTA land title surveys, surveying for telecommunications towers and equipment, surveying for electrical transmission projects, construction surveying for commercial building sites, and as-built surveying for MnDOT assets.

Our professional engineers are wellversed in the design and management of transportation projects. Our team has led and supported projects ranging from local city roads to large state highways. From concept design to preliminary layouts to final design, our expert team has the skills and experience to benefit your project.

Over the last ten years, Rani has been on over 174 MnDOT projects. Our involvement has given us the experience to know what works

Projects Per District within the Last Ten Years

and what doesn’t; identify best practices and implementing them in our projects, and, conversely, filter out problematic workflows.

We have worked on numerous projects within each district.

We have completed several different types of work, including concept plans, preliminary design, through final design, designbuild and design-bid-build, oversight, and verification on projects of all types.

CORRIDORS OF COMMERCE STATEWIDE SUBCONSULTANT

The Corridors of Commerce program will provide $250 million in funding to help communities across the state. Making highway capacity improvements where there are bottlenecks, improve freight movement, and other barriers to commerce. A grant application and selection process were established to identify winning projects.

The Rani team assisted in collecting data, design analysis, model development, and cost estimate for the various submitted projects statewide.

Image from MnDOT’s Facebook Page

TWIN PORTS INTERCHANGE ROAD DESIGN

DULUTH, MN

SUBCONSULTANT

Rani provided drainage support for two portions of the project, including the interchange of TH 535 and Garfield and 22nd Ave/Coffee Creek. The design required storm sewer reconstruction, tunnel design, and pond design for the areas surrounding the bridge reconstruction. Rani also led the MnDOT utility coordination process for all phases and segments of the project.

TH 65 ADA

Nashwauk, MN

Prime

Rani provided final plans, special provisions, and associated tasks for ADA improvements along TH 65. A scope change added plans for the full resurfacing project. New ADA ramps, sidewalks, and storm sewer design were coordinated with the City of Nashwauk water main replacement, which was incorporated into the construction plans. Other improvements include adding an island on the project’s north side to separate the road from the Public Works parking lot and extending the sidewalk on the project’s south end to tie into a regional trail.

TH 53

Pike Lake to Independence, MN

Prime

Rani provided project management and coordination to keep this project on schedule, which included coordinating with MnDOT, the subconsultants, and utility companies.

The Rani design team developed the construction, removals, guardrail, utility coordination, and entrance grading plans. Rani delivered the plans, special provisions, and cost estimate using MnDOT standards.

Image by MnDOT via http://www.dot.state.mn.us/d2/ projects/hwy75-hallock/index.html

TH 75 and TH 175 Final Design

Hallock, MN

Subconsultant

Design improvements include the width of the ADA walkway, snow storage, boulevard, driveway slopes, maintaining parking, and relocating catch basins. Rani provided utility coordination for the entire project area and detailed intersection design for approximately half of the 50 ramps within the corridor. The intersection design allowed business and residential connections to the sidewalks at several corners.

TH 371

Hackensack, MN

Subconsultant

The project is a one mile reconstruction of TH 371 though the city of Hackensack. The project will add ADA, curb and gutter, roundabout at CSAH 5, box culvert, and intersection improvements.

Rani provided design and plans for the urban and rural drainage design, erosion control, turf establishment, Stormwater Polluction Prevention Plans (SWPPP), and utility coordination.

Image by MnDOT via https://www.dot.state.mn.us/d2/ projects/hwy371-hackensack/index.html

DISTRICT 3

TH 94 Design Build Verification

Monticello to Clearwater and St. Michael to Albertville, MN

Subconsultant

The Rani design verification team was assigned to review several miles of the stormwater drainage network and hydrology design calculations on behalf of MnDOT. The task included reviewing Geopak storm sewer and HydroCAD culvert models and calculations and examining plan sheet coordination with the models. Our team also provided drainage verification support.

TH 6

Emily to Outing, MN

Prime

The project comprised 13.4 miles of mill and overlay on TH 6, ADA improvements in Outing and storm culvert modifications, and road/weather information station (RWIS) modifications.

Rani provided coordination and management in order to keep this project on schedule, including coordinating with MnDOT, the subconsultant, and utility companies. The design team developed plans, special provisions, and cost estimates using MnDOT, AASHTO and FHWA standards.

TH 25 Pavement Resurfacing and Rehab

Buckman, MN

Subconsultant

Rani provided coordination and management to keep this fast-paced project on schedule, including coordinating with the owner, local stakeholders, subconsultants (traffic and signing), and utility companies. The design team developed plans, special provisions, and cost estimates using MnDOT, AASHTO, and FHWA standards.

Image by City of Albertville via https://www.ci.albertville. mn.us/

TH 27 & TH 75

Wheaton, MN Prime

The project was a mill and overlay, with improvements to drainage structures and ditch cleaning in Wheaton. Rani provided coordination and management to keep this fast-paced project on schedule, including collaborating with the owner, local stakeholders, subconsultants (roadway design and traffic), and utility companies. The design team developed plans, special provisions, and cost estimates using MnDOT, AASHTO, and FHWA standards.

Complete Streets Project

Pelican Rapids, MN

Subconsultant

Rani Engineering provided overall utility coordination in accordance with the MnDOT project delivery process. Identified and verified existing utilities and utility contacts via the GSOC process. Prepared Inplace Utility Plans, identified conflicts between proposed design and existing utilities, incorporated comprehensive existing utility tabulations, and coordinated relocations as necessary.

Image by MnDOT via https://www.dot.state.mn.us/d4/projects/ pelicanrapids/index.html

METRO DISTRICT

Metro Wide Pond Reconstruction

Various Locations, MN

Prime

Rani was directly selected by MnDOT for three separate projects that involved cleaning and reconstructing over 55 stormwater ponds in the Metro area back to their original volumes and functionality. The Rani team provided engineering design and construction observation services to restore the stormwater ponds.

TH 55 ADA

Minneapolis, MN

Prime

Rani developed the concept layout, plan sheets, and cost estimates within a very short period of time to keep the project on schedule. Despite the tight project development schedule, Rani provided a quality review of existing conditions, compatibility of interim configurations, and assessment of proposed roadway configurations in conformance with MnDOT and AASHTO standards.

DISTRICT 6

TH 60 Zumbro

Falls, MN

Subconsultant

The project was a mill and overlay of TH 60 from TH 52 to Zumbro Falls, MN. The project replaced two box culverts, one bridge, and the storm sewer system. Rani provided preliminary and final drainage, turf, and erosion control designs. A topographic survey was provided. The information collected included drainage utilities and information on access to businesses through the downtown areas to allow for ADA-compliant design consideration.

I-90 Approaches

Austin, MN

Subconsultant

The project is going to replace three bridges at two interchanges that pass over I-90 in Mower County, MN. Rani’s project tasks include preliminary and detailed drainage design for the 28th St. bridge and surrounding area involved in the replacement. Our survey team utilized the Gopher State One Call system for identifying buried utility lines and collected sewer details to verify existing networks for analysis.

TH 61 Intersections

Red Wing, MN

Subconsultant

The project consisted of the reconstruction of two separate intersections with TH 61: a roundabout at TH 371 and an RCUT at CSAH 18.

Rani was responsible for the drainage design of the storm sewer and culverts, along with the turf establishment and erosion control.

TH 14

Sanborn to Springfield, MN

Prime

Rani was tasked with the ADA-compliant design of walks and pedestrian ramps, roadway design of the 9-mile corridor, and drainage design including storm sewer and culverts, stormwater prevention plan, turf establishment/ erosion control, and utility coordination. Rani also played the role of Prime, managing the project, and coordinating between Rani, sub-consultants, and MnDOT staff. Our team also put together all documents for the statement of estimated quantities and cost estimates associated with the project.

Final Design TH 93 and TH 19

Henderickson, MN

Subconsultant

This project includes raising 3.6 miles of the TH 93 profile above the city’s flood wall from TH 169 to the City of Henderson, impacting the Minnesota River flood way, and requiring mitigation via flattening the TH 19 profile.

Rani led erosion control, turf establishment, water and wetland permitting, utility coordination and pavement marking plans.

DISTRICT 8

https://finance-commerce.com/2023/01/mndotopens-34-5m-bid-for-hwy-23-expansion/

Image by MnDOT via http://www. dot.state.mn.us/d8/projects/ hwy23southgap/index.html

TH 23 SOUTH GAP

PAYNESVILLE, MN

SUBCONSULTANT

Image Highway 23 Coalition via https://highway23coalition.com/news/ highway-23-south-gap-groundbreaking-

Two to four-lane conversion of seven miles of the TH 23 interregional corridor between New London and Paynesville. This “South Gap” segment was one of the remaining stretches of TH 23 between St. Cloud and Willmar that was still two lanes.

Rani was responsible for the design of the temporary pond and utility coordination. The team prepared the layout and grading for the temporary ponds required for water quality during the project’s construction phase.

Image submitted by MnDOT via

TH 19 and TH 71

Redwood Falls, MN

Subconsultant

Due to ADA improvements, Rani designed hydraulic structure relocations along TH 71 and TH 19, the team also analyzed and designed the drainage infrastructure along TH 19

TH 19 and Dekalb Street intersection was reconstructed entirely to alleviate existing flooding problems. A stormwater pond was designed adjacent to the intersection to help reduce nearby flooding. Drainage design included storm sewer sizing and design, catch basin placement, and ditch regrading to optimize flow.

TH 67 Detail Design

Granite Falls, MN

Subconsultant

TH 67 near Upper Sioux Agency State Park suffered a catastrophic failure. This project assessed options and ultimately selected the closure and the creation of a new TH 67, which included improvements and geometrics layouts for new routes.

Rani worked on the utility coordination, survey, and designed the drainage, turf establishment and erosion control for the proposed cul-de-sac, and the drainage requirements at the CSAH 2 Bridge.

GEC PROGRAM

OUR GEC TEAM

For endeavours as large and significant as the MnDOT GEC Program, having a great company on the GEC contracts is not enough. You need a strong team that can work together seamlessly and deliver exceptional results. Our team is committed to providing MnDOT with the best possible team, and we believe that we have assembled one of the strongest teams for this program.

We understand that it’s crucial for MnDOT to have a team that has the expertise to handle any project that comes its way, and we are proud to introduce our core team of Rani, Alliant, and WSP, who will provide the majority of the services and staff required for projects. Additionally, we have brought on board other firms that specialize in specific services and have key personnel ranging from local experts to respected national professionals.

We selected several additional partners to fill gaps on the team, especially with niche services outside of our core team’s abilities. Braun Intertec is on our team for geotechnical engineering.

To round out the rest of the team, Rani intentionally focused on adding a variety of Certified Small Businesses (CSBs), ranging from established, expert-level services to a brand-new CSB that Rani has been mentoring. All our CSB partners have meaningful roles on our team, filling the roles of task leads.

I’ve appreciated our partnership with Rani because there aren’t the barriers to working as a team that you would expect between different companies. When things are busy and we need to shift work around to keep up, we’ve been able to count on each other’s help to deliver.

– Peter Harff, Alliant

Preliminary/Final Design

Hydraulics

Utility Coordination

Quality Management

Roadway Design

Transit Liaison

Agreements

Rail Liaison

Surveying

Scoping

PROFESSIONALS TEAM

Bridges and Structures

Quality Management

Project Controls

Environmental

Special Project Documents

Traffic Design

Quality Control

Public Outreach

Geotechnical

Right-of Way

Constructibility Review

BIM/CAD

Kelly Lindstrom Appraiser (KLA) Appraisals