2025 ACEC-NH & NHDOT Technical Exchange Conference

Session 1A: Lyme-Thetford Bridge - Lessons Learned
Speaker: Jeff Potter, NHDOT
- This session highlights the rehabilitation process for the Lyme-Thetford bridge with highlights on the public outreach, painting process, conditions after grit blasting of the 1937 structure, repairs to the truss members, and lessons learned in the process. The presentation will also give a quick overview of the cofferdam utilized to repair the pier which was floated into place and attached to the pier.

Session 1B: Innovative Combination of Prefabricated Bridge Elements and Conventional Construction Provides Economical Solution for Aging Infrastructure
Speakers: Sam White, McFarland Johnson; Jim Bowles, NHDOT
- Within a six-week roadway closure, this project replaced the superstructure and rehabilitated the foundations on the bridge carrying NH 113A over the Swift River in Tamworth, NH. The long detour (25 miles) warranted accelerated construction; however, low roadway user numbers did not support the added expense of fully committing to an Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) approach. The solution for this project was an ABC “lite” approach that economically blended the use of Prefabricated Bridge Elements (PBEs) with conventional construction techniques. Attendees of this presentation will benefit by learning how techniques traditionally reserved for ABC can be applied on routine projects to improve project delivery. 

Session 2A: Pease Development Authority - An Update
Speakers: Chasen Congreves, Pease Development Authority; Robert Furey, Hoyle Tanner
- This presentation will provide the history of the creation of the Pease Development Authority, and a summary of current day planning and engineering initiatives. Learn how the facility has been transformed from a former USAF Strategic Air Command Base to a Civilian Tradeport, and the differences in airfield and building design standards. To help understand the pace of planned improvements, a short discussion on how the PDA is structured and the different funding mechanisms will be covered. Key to this discussion is to understand what comprises the PDA, and update on the varying business elements ranging from the two Airports, to the Tradeport, Golf Course, and Division of Ports and Harbors.

Session 2B: Engineering Resilience: Critical Upgrades for The Port of New Hampshire
Speakers: Kyle Vandemoer, Appledore Marine; Danielle Somma, Appledore Marine; Daniel Del Tufo, Appledore Marine
- The Market Street Marine Terminal’s main wharf is a critical maritime hub, supporting over 2,300 jobs and adding $274.5 million in regional value. After 50+ years of service, deterioration led to a 2011 failure and a 2017 “Poor” structural rating, with closure projected for 2022. A $7.5 million MARAD grant and a $5 million state match funded its restoration, securing the terminal's contribution to New Hampshire’s economy. Construction began in 2022 and was substantially completed in early 2024. Now fully operational, the wharf ensures continued support for maritime industries and regional economic growth.

Session 3A: Building Sustainability into Your Projects
Speakers: Diane Mas, Fuss & O'Neill; Nicole Fox, Fuss & O'Neill; Kristen Hayden, Fuss & O'Neill

- Transportation infrastructure is a substantial investment, so maximizing its longevity, functionality, and other benefits is important to transportation agencies, communities, and businesses. Approaching the engineering design process with that viewpoint results in reduced maintenance and repair costs, improved operational continuity, and co-benefits related to environmental and human health. In this session, we’ll provide some examples of how this approach to long-term benefits have been incorporated into drainage design and complete streets design in New England . Attendees in this session will gain an understanding of how to connect their design decisions to long-term benefits and articulate the rationale for design decisions to technical and non-technical audiences.

Session 3B: Resilient Paving: Pervious Pavement for Flood Mitigation
Speaker: Jim Pappas, AECOM
- Delaware is the lowest lying state in the nation, and therefore has experience with flooded roadways. Some of these flooded roadways are to coastal communities that only have single access points. When these roadways are inaccessible, the communities are cut off from all movements including emergency services.

After reviewing various mitigation options, the ultimate decision was made to use a permeable asphalt pavement to overlay the existing roadways to attempt to increase the resiliency of the roadways.

The first paved location has now been in service for over 2 years with no noticeable deterioration or pavement quality concerns.

Session 4A: Using UAVs for Environmental Resource Surveys, Planning, and Construction
Speakers: Brian Easler, NHDOT; Jason Leavitt, NHDOT; Jennifer Riordan, GM2
- This presentation shows how a UAV was utilized for a bat bridge assessment in Rhode Island. The Washington Bridge carries I-195 over the Seekonk River between Providence and East Providence. An assessment to identify the potential presence of bats was required as part of the NEPA documentation and permitting process. This large bridge has multiple spans over both land and water which made access difficult. A small drone fitted with a camera was used to inspect areas that could not be easily viewed with binoculars.

This presentation shows how a UAV was utilized to collect storm damage to New Hampshire’s sea wall. New Hampshire’s coastline has approximately 4.5 miles of earthen seawall that was damaged in a winter storm event. A drone fitted with a LiDAR sensor was used to collect data that was used to create a virtual model of the damaged seawall. That data was then used to developed cross sections of the damaged seawall that could be compared to the original construction plans and cross sections to determine the extent of the damages and to quantify the material missing that would need to be replaced to repair the seawall.

Session 4B: Stormwater Treatment Basin I-pad Inspection for use in Design
Speaker: Mark Hemmerlein, NHDOT
- This presentation reviews the NHDOT’s Stormwater Treatment Facilities inspection program. These facilities, like any other roadway related infrastructure, require periodic inspections and maintenance to prolong their functional integrity, longevity and treatment performance. The program is part of the NHDOT’s Asset Management initiatives to rely on
preventative maintenance and avoid or minimize larger maintenance or corrective actions that
may result from deferred action. The all-electronic inspection tool facilitated by the used of ERSI software load on an iPad. The condition rating: good, fair, or poor, are assessed for six conditions related to 1) Sediment accumulation, 2) Trash, 3) Erosion, 4) Structure condition, 5) Flow, and 6) Vegetation. The field information including pictures can be upload via data cell service and viewed in various desktop applications and dashboard.

Session 4C: Incorporating Stakeholder Input: Multi-Benefit Stream Crossing Prioritization Modeling Updates
Speakers: Polly Crocker, NHDOE; Koorosh Asadifakhr, UNH Civil & Environmental Engineering Dept.
- This presentation reviews the pilot UNH Stream Crossing Prioritization Model, intended to help state, local, and engineering communities prioritize replacement projects with multiple benefits. It covers the stakeholder engagement process and how stakeholder feedback shaped the model. NDHES will outline its plan for incorporating the model into a data-driven stream crossing prioritization program. The project empowers NH transportation, wildlife, and environmental stakeholders to continually develop a robust, efficient, and multi-benefit pipeline of crossing projects. By streamlining this process with quality data, flexible tools, intuitive training, and programmatic capacity, this project will contribute to the functioning and growth of a resilient NH.

Session 5A: NHDOT CADD Update
Speaker: Bill Caswell, NHDOT
- In this presentation, Bill will provide an update on the status of NHDOT’s CAD/D system. This is an exciting time as NHDOT was recently awarded an ADCMS grant for development of intelligent digital models among other things. The presentation will discuss the status of the ADCMS grant project, recent CAD/D developments and future plans.

Session 5B: Bentley Update
Speaker: Volaree Rendon, Bentley Systems; Michael Barkasi, Bentley Systems
- This presentation explores the transformative impact of Bentley Systems’ iTwin Platform, a scalable solution for developing and managing digital twins of infrastructure projects. iTwins integrate engineering models, geospatial data, IoT sensor feeds, and reality models to provide real-time insights. The session covers how cloud computing, AI, GIS, and IoT enhance decision-making, collaboration, and asset performance. Case studies from transportation, energy, and urban planning will showcase efficiency gains and sustainability benefits. Attendees will learn best practices for deploying digital twins, leveraging data-driven insights, and driving innovation for resilient infrastructure management.

Session 6A: FE Everett Turnpike Projects Update from Nashua to Bedford
Speakers: Wendy Johnson, NHDOT; Greg Tedeschi, NHDOT; Sam Newson, NHDOT
- This presentation will provide an update on the design and construction of several construction projects on the FE Everett Turnpike between Nashua and Bedford. The presentation will focus on design/construction work that has occurred to date, and active design/construction efforts for the Nashua-Merrimack-Bedford 13761 series of projects. A brief presentation highlighting the Bedford 16100 All Electronic Tolling (AET) conversion project will also be included.

Session 6B: The First Turbine Interchange
Speaker: Smith Siromaskul, HDR
- This presentation will discuss the development and design of the world’s first signalized turbine interchange located just outside of Daytona Beach.  Learn about the selection of this interchange concept from the perspective of different modes and stakeholders looking at traffic volumes, land use, cost, pedestrian safety, and future flexibility. Additionally, pros and cons will be compared against other innovative and traditional interchange types.  This presentation covers the basics of the system turbine interchange and its evolution into a service interchange.  This presentation will cover the basics of a signalized turbine interchange and the contexts in which one would work best.

Session 7A: The Replacement of the Park Avenue Viaduct: Micropile Foundations and Innovative Construction Techniques
Speakers: Arsanious Guirguis, Hardesty & Hanover
- The 130-year-old Park Avenue Viaduct, an elevated steel structure, services over 200,000 commuters every weekday. Last rehabilitated in 1993, the viaduct is being replaced and made more resilient using a rapid construction approach with minimal disruption to commuters. The project, located between East 115th and East 123rd Streets, required rock-socketed drilled micropile foundations installed in low overhead conditions utilizing innovative construction techniques while minimizing disturbances to the neighborhood and surrounding structures. The project's quality assurance program included a comprehensive testing program comprised of verification testing on sacrificial micropiles, proof tests at substructure locations, and rock socket video inspections.

Session 7B: Sturbridge MA Bridge Replacement - Micropiles/Integral Abutments
Speaker: Michael Sullivan, CHA; Sam Turek, CHA
- Following MassDOT’s 2023 moratorium on the use of integral abutment bridges founded on micropiles, CHA worked with MassDOT to design and construct two such trial bridges, including the recently completed Champeaux Road Bridge in Sturbridge, MA. CHA developed a structural monitoring plan to measure the bridge’s performance over three years. The real-time monitoring includes strain gauges in the superstructure and micropiles, and inclinometers and pressure sensors at the back of abutments. A data acquisition logger will take continuous readings from all the devices. CHA will use the information to develop design standards for future MassDOT bridge projects.  

Session 8A: BABA Considerations during Design
Speakers: Kathryn Weisner, FHWA
- Buy America Act and the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act require Domestic Materials Procurement Preference for Federal-aid projects.  We’ll discuss the State-of-the-Requirement today and what that means for your federal-aid projects today and in the future.  

Session 9A: UNH Team #2 - Will Stark - PFAS in Soils
Speakers: Will Stark
- Coming Soon!

Session 9B: UNH Team #9 - Nathan Straussberg -Marine Energy Collegiate Competition
Speakers: Nathan Straussberg
- Coming Soon!

Session 9C: UNH Team #14 - Tyler Beresford - Hopkinton Intersection Evaluation
Speakers: Tyler Beresford
- Coming Soon!

Speakers: Jill Edelmann, NHDOT; Bob Kotsonis, Flying Yankee Association
All aboard! This year’s luncheon topic will immerse you in the history and future plans of the iconic Flying Yankee streamliner. Learn about the design and construction of the futuristic stainless steel trainset built in 1935, it’s impact on the New England region as it traveled over 2.7 million miles, how the train has lived on for almost 68 years after it was retired, and how $1.00 has changed the future for the Flying Yankee.

Session 10A: Fern Hollow Bridge Emergency Replacement Project Pittsburgh, PA
Speaker: Jason Fuller, HDR
- January 2022 the Fern Hollow Bridge collapsed. This critical NHS route is a diversion route for I-376, with 100,000+ vpd. Immediately, PennDOT, the City of Pittsburgh and FHWA used an emergency declaration to hire HDR to design and Swank Construction to construct the project using a design-build process. Instantly it was clear that schedule and budget were critical to implementing the project. Early coordination with the agencies, contractor and designer was critical. The permanent bridge was reopened to traffic in under 11 months, in December 2022. This could only be accomplished by the collaboration that the emergency design-build process provided.

Session 10B: Madawaska-Edmundson International Bridge Replacement
Speakers: Josh Olund, HNTB
- The international bridge spanning from Madawaska, Maine to Edmundston, New Brunswick, Canada serves as the sole link between a close-knit, mixed-national community. When inspection of this critical structure’s load capacity called for all truck traffic to travel through the next border crossing—approximately 20 miles away—MaineDOT and other stakeholders recognized the need for an alternative plan.

Within four years, working alongside countless stakeholders, HNTB evaluated and designed a six-span, steel girder replacement bridge that reaches an overall length of 1,828 feet and is a landmark for the community. The four-girder-designed system supports two lanes of traffic, six-foot shoulders for multimodal traffic and a six-foot sidewalk for pedestrians.

Session 11A: Strafford Square Intersection (Rochester Roundabout)
Speaker: David McNamara, Stantec
- The Strafford Square intersection had long been one of the City’s highest priority transportation projects. The original layout created numerous conflict points leading to driver confusion and hesitation when traversing the intersection. The confusion distracted drivers from recognizing and responding to pedestrians and bicyclists, making it a dangerous and difficult area for all users.

The project included the construction of a modern multi-lane roundabout; relocating the aerial utility lines underground; new stormwater infrastructure including an underground infiltration system, water and sewer utility upgrades and replacements; and new ornamental street lighting, Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), and landscaping.

Session 11B: Souhegan River Pedestrian Trail, Merrimack, NH
Speakers: Anna Giraldi, Turner Group; Tony Puntin, NHDOT
- The Souhegan River Pedestrian Trail connects the town’s four quadrants by providing a crossing of the heavily traveled US Route 3.  Utilizing an abandoned canal for a former shoe factory, the trail allows  residents and visitors  pedestrian access to the central business district, residential areas, parks, trails, shops, and schools, while maintaining the town’s history and environment. Although complex historical and environmental permitting requirements extended the design phase, construction was completed on time despite unexpected site conditions and will benefit the community for years to come. Innovative engineering solutions minimized environmental impact, including helical piles for the boardwalk to preserve the natural habitats and Foamed Glass Aggregate to reduce pressure on historic canal walls.

Session 12A: Haulhub - eTicketing, Connected Vehicles, AM, Work Zone Safety
Speaker: Michael Gallant, Haul Hub
- Safety on construction sites is paramount, and e-Ticketing enhances safety by eliminating paper tickets and manual handoffs, reducing hazards from physical exchanges and human error.

Key Safety Benefits Include:

• Minimized On-Site Congestion – Real-time tracking reduces unnecessary vehicle and personnel interactions.
• Improved Communication – Instant access to delivery status enhances situational awareness.
• Enhanced Public Safety – Integration with mapping systems provides real-time construction updates.
• Accurate Compliance – Automated data ensures safety regulation adherence.
• Reduced Paper Handling – Minimizes contamination risks.

This session will explore HaulHub Technologies’ role in supporting NHDOT with e-Ticketing to improve safety, efficiency, and modernization in construction

Session 12B: Innovative Approach to Implementing EV Infrastructure
Speakers: Sean O'Rourke, WSP
- The integration of electric vehicle charging systems within public transportation infrastructure projects is influenced by legislative mandates and owner requirements, particularly in the absence of such mandates. This presentation will examine existing mandates and various owner-imposed requirements to provide the audience with a comprehensive understanding of the electrical infrastructure impacts, which are closely linked to financial considerations. An example of a challenging owner requirement for a project will be discussed, illustrating how it led to the adoption of an alternative implementation method and enhancing the audience's grasp of the fundamentals of EV charging.

Session 13A: Best Practices in Rural Transit
Speaker: Jill Cahoon, AECOM
- Using national research and case studies, this presentation describes how rural transit agencies are utilizing creative approaches to making vital connections for rural residents. Building off national research conducted through the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) of the Transportation Research Board and on assessment of rural transit services and national capacity building support through the Thriving Communities Program, this presentation will discuss traditional and nontraditional funding programs, technology-based operational solutions, and examples of how agencies and regions are collaborating to address complex challenges. Come learn about what our rural peers are doing to expand access to alternative transportation options.

Session 13B: Embracing Complete Streets and the Safe System Approach in NH
Speakers: Bill Lambert, NHDOT
- The terms "complete streets" and "safe system approach" have recently gained traction among transportation agencies and advocacy groups across the nation. However, these concepts remain mere buzzwords unless supported by actionable strategies that transform an agency's culture and direction. This session will explore NHDOT's initial "Complete Streets Policy" and the steps taken to integrate complete streets and safe system elements into all projects and activities. Join us to learn how NHDOT is leading the way in creating safer, more inclusive roadways.

Session 14A: Dummer-Cambridge-Errol 16304B (NH 16) Design and Construction
Speaker: Tim Dunn, NHDOT; Chuck Flanders, NHDOT
- The Dummer-Cambridge-Errol 16304B project reconstructs one mile of NH Route 16 in Cambridge, NH. The project is the second of four planned in Thirteen Mile Woods, from Dummer to Errol, that when complete would allow the road to not require load posting in the spring. The project was complicated by the proximity of the Androscoggin River to the east and extensive wetlands and multiple conservation easements to the west along with challenging construction conditions. All aspects of the project’s development will be discussed from design and mitigation to ROW acquisition and construction.

Session 14B: Milford 101 Safety Improvements 13692D
Speakers: Jason Ayotte, NHDOT
- Coming Soon!

Session 14A: Hurricane Helene Impacts and Response in Western NC (Emphasizing Utility Impacts and Restoration)
Speaker: Chip Hutchens, Weston & Sampson; Jim Forbes, Weston & Sampson
- In late September 2024, Hurricane Helene swept through South Carolina, Georgia, Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina, causing catastrophic flooding, landslides, and infrastructure destruction. NCDOT and its partners launched immediate response efforts to restore utilities and access. This session explores the challenges and strategies behind the recovery, including emergency work procedures, safety concerns, and expedited repairs using accelerated design-build procedures for roadway and bridge replacement projects. Attendees will gain key insights into disaster response coordination, regulatory considerations, and best practices for resilient infrastructure. Ideal for engineers, utility managers, and policymakers focused on effective post-disaster recovery and long-term sustainability.

Session 16A: Make Mitigation Great Again (or, Not Another Kiosk!)
Speaker: Jill Edelmann, NHDOT; Kimberly Peace, Hoyle Tanner
- This presentation will explore alternative and innovative examples of recent historic mitigation developed under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The focus will be on creating beneficial mitigation acceptable to project stakeholders such as NHDHR and FHWA that will have long lasting effects. Sometimes called “creative mitigation,” this session will provide examples from across the state of historic mitigation, showcasing how the decisions were made, what players should be at the table, why proper planning is important and how it can benefit you.

Session 16B: EMMIT+
Speakers: Tanya Krajcik, NH Department of Natural & Cultural Resources
- It’s the end of an era. In the beginning of 2025 the New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources (DHR) stopped accepting paper submissions for projects seeking DHR comments on federal and state reviews as the office transitions to its new web-based cultural resource information system. This new system synchronizes with an updated EMMIT research tool and allows applicants to submit required documentation electronically with direct access to project tracking and digital review responses by DHR staff. Known as EMMIT+, this online system replaces the paper-only, mail-oriented, Request for Project Review Form in order to initiate federal and state project reviews and related survey products. This session will showcase a live demonstration followed by Q&A.

Session 17A: Certifying the Right of Way Acquisition Process - Best Practices
Speaker: Chip Johnson, OR Colan
- To advertise your project for construction, you must certify that the Right-of-Way acquisition process has been completed in compliance with Public Law 91-646 and it’s regulating mandates in 24 CFR Part 24, “The Uniform Act (URA)”. Compliance with the URA is critical in order to issue Right-of-Way certification. Failure to comply with the URA jeopardizes your ability to certify the right-of-way and risks your federal funding for the project. In this session, we will look at some of the more common pitfalls of the Right-of-Way acquisition process and discuss some best practices for avoiding those pitfalls and risking project advertising.

Session 17B: Wilton Railroad Crossing Project – Utility and Railroad Coordination
Speakers: Mike Mozer, NHDOT
- This session provides an overview of the reconstruction of two railroad crossings on NH 31 in the Town of Wilton. The project consisted of replacing two heavily skewed crossings to facilitate the movement of gravel, sand, and aggregates between the stone quarry and Granite State Concrete Company during short term road closures. The focus of this presentation will be the necessary coordination required between the Town, utilities, railroad operator, and the State to make this a successful project.