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Sunrise Highway (NY-27) Oakdale Merge Planning / Feasibility Study

As part of a Regional Design Services Agreement (RDSA), the project served to identify, evaluate, and document existing conditions and deficiencies and propose feasible conceptual alternatives to mitigate said deficiencies.

The project site experienced significant congestion and delays during peak travel periods, as motorists encountered recurring bottleneck in the eastbound and westbound approaches to Oakdale Merge.

The feasibility study described the highway facility and its role in the local and regional surface transportation network, defined existing operational issues and deficiencies, established the need for a capital construction project to reduce the issues, recommended and assessed various alternatives, and assessed the impacts of each proposed alternative.

The scope of work also included review of environmental impacts due to the site’s proximity to New York State of Department of Conservation (NYSDEC) wetlands and the Connetquot River State Park. The project required continuous coordination with the New York State Parks Department, NYSDEC, Suffolk County Department of Public Works (DPW), and the Town of Islip.

KC was responsible for developing detailed cost estimates for the alternatives identified in the feasibility study and performing HCS traffic analyses.

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Adirondack Welcome Center

As part of a Regional Design Services Agreement (RDSA), this project served to construct a new I-87 northbound welcome center in West Glens Falls. The new facility replaced an existing rest area in excess of 25 years old. The new Adirondack Welcome Center included construction of a new building with parking lot and boat inspection areas, lighting, a new septic system, waterline work, and utility upgrades.

As subconsultant, KC was responsible for assisting New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) with reviewing and reapplying for New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES), water connection system, and septic system permitting.

KC also provided detailed design for water supply, wastewater septic, and stormwater systems; design survey and mapping for confirmation of existing infrastructure; preliminary building and site construction cost estimating; and existing utilities identification and coordination. KC also developed site drainage, sanitary system, and grading design alternatives; identified existing drainage basins to determine the impact of proposed construction on erosion and sedimentation; developed the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP); and prepared cross sections to outline existing ground and proposed roadway surfaces.

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LEGO Summer Camps for Little Big Engineers

Are LEGOs one of your child's favorite toys? If so, you may have a little big engineer in the making.

According to lego.com, “the name ‘LEGO’ is an abbreviation of the two Danish words ‘leg godt,’ meaning ‘play well’."

LEGOS are defined as a development toy comprising of interlocking plastic structure squares.

LEGOs are not just pieces of construction blocks that come in different colors and / or shapes or just a method of entertainment for children. LEGOs help children explore their creative sides. In addition, they can be tools that help children identify the career choices they want to achieve as an adult. For example, LEGOs can help children identify if they want to become architects or engineers.

For most children, the end of a school year and the beginning of summer vacation is very exciting because they can stay up late, go on vacations, have sleepovers, and enjoy a lot of other fun activities. However, summer can be a stressful season for most parents. While continuing their busy schedules, most parents spend months trying to find the best summer camp for their children. Now, many summer camps have listened to parents' requests and camp directors have created summer activities that fit the parents’ interests as well as the children’s needs.

There are LEGO summer camps and classes available for little big engineers. These camps were developed to help children learn and shape their futures at a very young age. The camps activities are for all different age groups and some of the activities consist of learning how engineers think and learning how to use simple engineering mechanisms while also having fun and enjoying the summer.

For more information about LEGO summer camps or summer activities where your children can participate, visit www.activityhero.com/activities/lego-camps-classes

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International Women in Engineering Day

Tuesday, June 23rd, will mark the 4th International Women in Engineering Day (INWED). Initially, popularity and enthusiasm for the day expanded the celebration from its concentrated UK origins to become a worldwide event.

Originally launched in 2014 by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES), Women in Engineering Day sought to recognize and celebrate the presence and importance of women in engineering. INWED’s website calls the day “an accessible and inspiring way for companies, institutions, organizations, schools, universities, and individuals to raise the profile of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and related sectors, showcase a commitment to diversity, and inspire future generations by organizing their own events and activities.”

WES’ own mission to be active supporters of women, collaborators with government agencies and policy makers, and challengers of stagnant cultures merges into the yearly celebration of INWED.

This year’s theme, #ShapeTheWorld, will focus on encouraging all supporting groups to organize events in support of INWED. Some examples on how to get involved, according to the campaign website, include becoming a STEM ambassador; hosting a networking, mentoring, careers, or social event; joining WES as a corporate partner; and / or promoting this year’s theme with the #ShapeTheWorld hashtag.

For more information about International Women in Engineering Day and how you or your organization can participate, visit www.inwed.org.uk.

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Franny Reese Park

Franny Reese Park is proposed on two existing parcels in the Village of Wappingers Falls.

The project scope includes demolition of the existing buildings on the two parcels and design of an initial phase for construction as well as call out place holders for future improvements.

The scope of construction work includes sawcut pavement and pavement, curbing, and sidewalk removal; reconstruction of existing concrete curb and sidewalks; installation of mechanically stabilized retaining walls as well as fencing and site lighting; and additional site development work.

KC was responsible for providing pre-design services, including area and initial site mapping, topographic survey and base mapping, and development of an asbestos report; design development services, including advancement of the conceptual plan and preparation of preliminary working drawings; and bid phase services, including preparation of contractual bid documents and opinions of probable construction cost in preparation for bidding.

KC also provided State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) support for buildout of the conceptual plan and preparation of an Environmental Assessment Form (EAF).