

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.
EHRA worked with the District to create a comprehensive Parks Master Plan, which included recommendations for the development of over two miles of hike/bike trails adjacent to local streets, and within flood control and utility pipeline easements. The District began implementation of the Plan by prioritizing the beautification of West Road, a major arterial street that runs through the District.
EHRA assisted with the district creation of Montgomery County Municipal Utility District No. 126 to accommodate a ±329 acre master planned community located in northern Montgomery County in the City of Conroe, south of League Line Road, west of Longmire Road, and adjacent to Lake Conroe.
EHRA worked with the District to create a comprehensive Parks Master Plan, which included recommendations for the development of over two miles of hike/bike trails adjacent to local streets, and within flood control and utility pipeline easements. The District began implementation of the Plan by prioritizing the beautification of West Road, a major arterial street that runs through the District.
EHRA was selected as one of two firms to provide professional surveying services under contract to Houston Community College System.
Being young and a newcomer in any industry is uncomfortable. I think that applies double for Engineers. I vividly remember feeling underprepared and scared to ask questions. I thought I was running the risk of looking foolish. Worse than that, I wasn’t sure what I didn’t know or which questions to ask. I felt like I didn’t know where to even begin.
After earning my degree, I was grateful for an opportunity and a source of income. To me, asking the wrong question or seeming unknowledgeable would put that in jeopardy. You could say my imposter syndrome was active and strong. I think young professionals in every industry feel this at some point, but for me it was terrifying.
Years later, I am happy to report that my insecurities have ebbed significantly. In large part due to the more experienced, (dare I say) older engineers I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by. Inspired by their willingness to teach and mentor, I consider it a great privilege to be a guide to the young engineers around me. Often, the expectation is for Project Manager and Senior level leaders to guide and cultivate the learning of younger engineers. Unfortunately, these leaders also happen to be the most valuable and time-scarce members of a firm. As a result, young engineers can be underprioritized and their development derailed by a simple lack of bandwidth. So where does that leave us? With young engineers who are too intimidated to speak up paired with leaders who are overwhelmed. Nobody wins in that situation. We must all make our young professionals a priority, it saves time and enriches both parties.
To Young Professionals: Since I began my career as that trepidatious grad, I have honed my approach to mentorship to a single word: Aggression. Maintaining an aggressive mindset has been a huge benefit in my personal growth and career advancement. I routinely advise and encourage younger engineers at EHRA to approach their own growth with excitement and purposefulness. While it is extremely important to master what you have been taught in school, watch for opportunities to learn more. I can promise you that there is always something else to know. Reach out to your manager and ask if there is something new you can learn or work on. As mentioned, Project Managers can be overwhelmed and are not always focused on what they can ‘expose their young apprentice to today’. Even so, that quick “Boss, you got anything new for me?” has a dual effect: In the short term, you learn something new, everyone wins. However, the long-term benefit is much more valuable. Managers will remember your passion and eagerness. They will be more likely to bring other new items to you in the future.
If you take anything away from this post, recognize that your career is your own and no one is more responsible for its cultivation than you. For a bright young engineer, it can be easy to coast by, performing at a perfectly acceptable and inoffensive level. Keeping a job, but not excelling. I have been there. But if you apply the time and effort to constant growth and evolution, you will find yourself in a much more advantageous place. Soon forgetting the temporary pain and effort it took to get there.
The time after graduation flies, use it wisely.
To Established Engineers: The learning never stops! Search out ways to grow and thrive. Through your own betterment, you will better others. Servant Leadership is what it’s all about. If you spot a young professional who is confused and scared, reach out and take the initiative. If you think one of your peers would more easily relate to that particular young professional, facilitate that connection. People absorb information differently and it should be a consideration of the more experienced professional to find the mentor most suited to them.
“What is the difference between a living thing and a dead thing? In the medical world, a clinical definition of death is a body that does not change. Change is life. Stagnation is death. If you don't change, you die. It's that simple. It's that scary.” - Leonard Sweet