MUD 188

EHRA planners, hydrologists and landscape architects worked together to propose an alternative use for the space, re-developing the basin into an amenity pond. EHRA carefully selected native plant materials for both their ability to survive in the harsh conditions of the basin as well as providing filtration for improved storm water quality.

Harris County MUD 449 Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion

Facilities requiring expansion were also common wall construction, and the EHRA team converted the facilities into aerobic digesters and sludge thickeners.

Northpark Drive Mobility Project

EHRA completed preliminary engineering, phase one environmental site assessment and schematic development for the widening of Northpark Dr. between US 59 and Woodland Hills Dr. EHRA also provided program management, drainage analysis and design, traffic engineering, environmental documentation and schematic design for the roadway, as well as grade separation at the Loop 494/UPRR railroad crossing.

EHRA conducted traffic operations and access management studies for the Northpark Dr. corridor. This corridor is approximately 2.2 miles long and has major signalized and unsignalized intersections and driveways that access various subdivisions and industrial developments. These studies laid the groundwork for the widening of Northpark Dr. from a four-lane boulevard cross-section to a six-lane boulevard complete street. The new street design includes low impact development drainage, conventional drainage, a grade separation at the UPRR crossing with mechanically stabilized earth retaining walls, two at-grade crossings for bi-directional frontage access, reconstruction of two concrete bridges over a diversion channel, intersection improvements, a roadway-adjacent multiuse path and traffic signal improvements.

Drainage analysis and design included hydrologic and hydraulic studies of both existing and proposed conditions to demonstrate that proposed project components would not adversely affect the 100-year floodplain in the area. The roadway and traffic designs contained horizontal and vertical alignments, cross-sections, plan and profile, sidewalk and bicycle accommodations, intersection layouts, traffic control plans and signing and pavement markings.

As the program management firm, EHRA coordinated with TxDOT, UPRR, the City of Houston Council District E, COH Planning and Development Department, COH Public Works and Engineering Department, Montgomery County, Harris County, HCFCD and area residents throughout the project.

Greens Bayou Trail Phase 3

Identified as a top priority during the development of the District’s Parks Master Plan, this portion of trail was the first phase of over two miles of planned trails to provide connectivity and recreation for District residents.

Greens Bayou Trail Phase 2

8 April 2021

A Boss Has A Title, A Leader Has The People

Andy Palermo P.E. CFM Senior Vice President

What a strange year it has been, so many things have evolved before our eyes. We have had to become more flexible and agile while continuing to produce high quality engineering solutions for our clients.

Everyone adjusts to change differently; it has been so interesting to witness our team members evolve from doers to leaders. Engineering is the marriage of creative solutions with unshakable, concrete calculations. We are taught to be critical thinkers from a young age, always addressing problems from different angles. Always coming up with the best remedy for the tasks at hand.

What we sometimes let fall by the wayside as technical professionals is the ever so-important human side. Engineers endure hours of studying and constant technical development to become a Project Manager, only to find that the title of ‘manager’ does not make you a leader. Attention to the importance of leadership is something everyone at all levels should embrace. Something that should be emphasized at all levels within an organization. It is the most sure-fire way to encourage growth and an enduring brand for generations to come.

EHRA encourages mentoring at all levels and fully subscribes to the belief that our journey as professionals not only includes academic and technical excellence, but the passing along of experiences and instilling leadership qualities across the experience spectrum.

As we slowly begin to emerge from this pandemic year, and we take stock of how our lives have changed in the last 12 months, I challenge you to be a better teacher, a better leader. Every leader must continue to learn and grow, and there are many times we should look in the mirror and ask ourselves if we have done everything we can to be a better leader and help the next group of future leaders grow. A leader’s capacity to learn can determine their capacity to lead. Ask yourself, if I stop learning, do I stop leading? Leaders must be an example to others and provide the tools to those who need them to succeed, and most importantly, we must be good listeners that are able to listen with empathy and understanding.

Leadership is not something that comes naturally for most; however it is something that can be taught and methodically developed within any organization. If we all get too busy with our job to grow, which often happens in our industry, just know that your influence and leadership will stagnate and potentially evaporate. Leadership is a mindset that must be nurtured and continuously learned to keep the tradition alive.