2025 ACEC-NH & NHDOT Technical Exchange Conference

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 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 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 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.