CONSTRUCTION PERSPECTIVES
Ames Construction: A Legacy of Safety, Innovation, and Solutions Without Surprises By Curtis Bilow, Executive Vice President, Ames Construction
Photo Credit: Ames Construction
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or over 30 years, Ames has delivered construction services and solutions to the railroad industry. Our founders had a deep passion for the railroads, and their commitment continues to drive our company, from leadership to team members in the field. While much has changed, Ames remains dedicated to safety, innovation, and partnership. In this rapidly evolving landscape, where capital investments are growing and project schedules are accelerating, safety is the foundation of every successful job. At Ames, we understand that tighter work windows, increased regulatory scrutiny, and heightened public awareness mean we must plan better, communicate clearer, and execute smarter. One often-overlooked factor in construction safety is mental health. Rail projects often involve remote travel, extended time away from home, and high-pressure environments. The toll on workers and their families can be significant. Construction has one of the highest suicide rates among all industries in the U.S., and the rail industry is not immune. That’s why Ames is investing in mental health support, providing resources, and encouraging open conversations across our workforce. Safety is more than hard hats and vests. It’s about protecting people in every sense of the word. Across the railroad industry, there’s a growing shift toward alternative project delivery models, and for good reason. With billions in rail infrastructure investment anticipated over the next decade, owners are seeking faster, more collaborative ways to deliver projects. Ames is at the forefront of this shift, delivering intermodal facility expansions, rail bridges, and other critical facilities. Alternative delivery methods allow us to engage early, partner with owners and designers to identify efficiencies, mitigate risks, and keep costs under control before construction even begins. Our philosophy, “Solutions Without Surprises,” is more than a slogan. It’s a way of working that anticipates challenges, fosters trust, and puts the clients first. Ames innovates where it counts: in planning, scheduling, budgeting, and safety integration, before boots hit the ground. As freight railroads seek ways to rtands.com
maintain f luidity amid record demand, and passenger agencies plan ambitious expansions, the ability to deliver complex work with minimal disruption is more valuable than ever. There’s no question the rail industry is in a period of transformation. Whether it’s the shift toward decarbonization, growing intermodal volumes, or increasing network f luidity, change is happening. The industry needs contractors that can adapt quickly and think ahead. Ames believes the future is one of true partnership with railroads, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers. We must focus on operational efficiency and cost reduction
as intently as our railroad clients, and we must continually improve how we collaborate across the supply chain. This mindset has guided us through decades of successful railroad work, and it will continue to do so. On December 31, 2024, after 63 years of private ownership, Ames transitioned to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This historic moment was about culture and sustainability as much as it was about succession. The ESOP ensures that the core values that built Ames—safety, innovation, teamwork, and accountability—will carry forward with even greater meaning. August 2025 // Railway Track & Structures 9