EHRA was selected by the client to provide engineering design and to serve as District Engineer for the 2,400 acre Towne Lake Development. Our survey department retraced the overall boundary and performed a topographic survey of the site.
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.
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.
On-going surveying for property acquisition and engineering design surveys of re-routing of Buffalo Bayou north of downtown Houston between North Main Street and McKee Street. Services to be provided include “soundings” for Buffalo and White Oak Bayous.
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.
Not everyone can say they come to work and feel like they are not just a number. That is what working with a family-oriented firm is all about. Many have asked, “What is it like working at EHRA?” Ever thought of what it would feel like to work at a ‘mom and pop shop’ with 15 team members? Working at EHRA has the feel of a small, 15-person mom and pop firm, but has more than 160 team members.
EHRA has created a culture of togetherness and camaraderie that I have not seen anywhere else. Now, I may be a little biased, as EHRA is the only place that I have called home in my 17 years since graduating college, but I have interacted with enough firms to realize that EHRA has something special.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines culture as “the characteristic features of everyday existence (such as diversions or a way of life) shared by people in a place or time” (thanks Google). The characteristics that make up EHRA's culture include an open-door policy, allowing open communication between all team members and leadership at any time; lack of micromanagement and the feeling of others watching over your shoulder; understanding that if the team is having fun, productivity is higher; and appreciation to the team from all tiers of leadership.
EHRA has also created a culture that fosters employee growth. Team members want to learn and develop skills that allow them to move forward in their careers. The development and implementation of growth plans, training sessions, and Grub & Grow sessions (our version of what some call lunch and learns) all play a role in the progression of professional development. Again, with the open-door policy, if there is a skill that a team member wants to develop, we encourage the discussion.
“The family feel of the company. It has that small town feeling where everyone knows each other and everyone is nice to each other.”
“I love the environment. Everyone is so kind.”
“I love how continuous learning is such a high priority.”
EHRA is truly a FUN place to work. In the 17 years that I have worked here, I have yet to get out of bed and groan because I have to go to work. Being part of a team that can laugh with each other, talk about the game or a movie they saw, or play shuffleboard for a few minutes to relax their mind, is a breath of fresh air while at the office. We all must complete our work and meet our deadlines, but creating an environment that allows the team to develop friendships with colleagues that continue outside the office is really what makes this such a great family to work with.
If you want to know more, I would love to discuss further. My door is always open.