I recently came across an article discussing what can be done to make roads and bridges more resilient to failure from flooding. It highlighted how severe storms are becoming more abundant and having a greater impact on the transportation infrastructure we rely on.

Not only is the frequency increasing, but so is the cost of repairs. The article stated that it is too common of a practice to build, repair and restore roads and bridges exactly the same way as we’ve always done, and in these times of change, that’s not cutting it. 

What we know

Flooding and its adverse effects are occurring more frequently for a number of reasons. This is largely because the average number of extreme rain events are increasing across the U.S., along with growing intensity and duration. Pair that with consistent urban development creating more impermeable surfaces and damaging soil structure, and the results are higher flows of water in areas we aren’t used to seeing. 

A recent report from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration announced it will be paying $729 million to repair roads and bridges damaged by natural disasters and extreme weather events that have occurred over the past few years. Since January 2022, the administration has distributed over $1.3 billion in Emergency Relief dollars to states for transportation infrastructure repair. 

What we can do

How often do we hear, “That’s just the way we’ve always done it!” when proposing change? And although that saying often proves to follow the adage that if it’s not broke, don’t fix it, there are times when we need to change before something does indeed break. 

Floods are increasing, we are repairing roads and bridges more often, and we are building more infrastructure. But along with those developments, we have access to more resources and better technology. If we don’t learn to utilize them to better ourselves and our work, we aren’t doing the best job we can. 

Roads and bridges can be built higher off the ground, rerouted to places less likely to experience heavy flooding, increase the use and size of culvert and drainage routes and use permeable materials when building. And yes, I understand these things aren’t always up to you as contractors.

What we can do is educate and prepare. Voice concerns and ideas to better infrastructure to local and state officials and administration. Along with bringing issues and solutions forward, you can lay the groundwork for success in the field by keeping your team up to date on the latest techniques and equipment that can help them provide long-term restoration solutions over quick fixes. 

Examples

Though not directly related to specific road or bridge work, there are two companies highlighted in this month’s issue and both provide an exemplary illustration of adapting to changes to remain successful. 

This issue’s profile story features Joe’s Septic Contractors, a company formed in 1963 with humble beginnings and providing limited services. As time went on, dedication to their trade led to expansion, and now 60 years later the company’s range of service and offerings is quite impressive. You’ll also read about how Moffitt Services, a company established in 1949 that found its way into disaster recovery work in the 1980s and since then expanded even more. 

Neither of these successful businesses would be where they are today if their leaders weren’t willing to think long term and adjust. 

As always, thank you for reading this month’s issue of DCR!