Streets and Highways is the civil engineering section that helps maintain and improve the City’s approximately 940 accepted miles of streets. Public Works is responsible for determining which streets are renovated using factors such as roadway condition, traffic loading, street classification, transit and bicycle routes, utility clearances and available budget. Roadway treatments include micro-surfacing and thin asphalt overlays, resurfacing, and/or reconstruction. Other components of pavement renovation projects include curb ramp installations, concrete bus pad installations, concrete base repair, concrete curb repair, concrete sidewalk repair, and concrete parking strip repairs. Additionally, we work with utility companies to coordinate projects, avoid conflicts and minimize impacts to the public.
Public Works goal is to provide safe, accessible and well maintained streets.
This section prepares plans, specifications and estimates by using software such as AutoCAD Civil 3D and Microsoft Excel. Interns will experience working in the office as well as in the field.
Public Works goal is to provide safe, accessible and well maintained streets.
This section prepares plans, specifications and estimates by using software such as AutoCAD Civil 3D and Microsoft Excel. Interns will experience working in the office as well as in the field.
designDrawings or plans are used by contractors to build the project. On average, over thirty construction plans and specifications are prepared each year.
Under the guidance of an engineer, interns will learn how to use drafting tools such as AutoCAD Civil 3-D. 3-D computer drafting tools help import data from field surveys, design using the imported data, and print contract ready drawings or plans for project packaging. 
tools of the tradeWhen preparing roadway and curb ramp designs, an essential element is the gathering of data and information from the field. Interns will work with engineers and other interns to evaluate roadway sections, measure slopes and elevations for roadway, sidewalk and curb ramp designs. Additionally, interns may accompany engineers to meet with contractors, City construction management staff or City crews to resolve construction issues.
Under the guidance of an engineer, learn the importance of personal protective equipment such as safety vests and boots, as well as learn how to properly use field equipment such as measuring tapes, measuring wheels and smart levels. |
develop estimatesEstimating quantities and determining cost estimates is an essential part of any civil engineering project.
Under the guidance of an engineer, interns will use Streets and Highways cost estimating databases and software, such as Microsoft Excel, to develop project cost estimates. 
surveyingKey to preparing accurate curb ramp designs is collecting existing elevation data at sidewalk corners. A key tool used by engineers and by our interns is the total station surveying equipment. A total station is a piece of equipment that helps read distance and slopes from a known point.
Under the guidance of an engineer, learn how to use a total station to provide design and construction support services. The intern will learn how to use the equipment, shoot elevations, download the information, create elevation contours and use the information to design compliant curb ramps. |
“This internship has given me the opportunity to learn and experience real world challenges I wouldn’t have been able to learn in school. I’ got the opportunity to learn how to design pavement roadways, compile cost estimates and assemble specifications utilizing various programs such as AutoCAD, Microsoft Office and ArcMap. On top of that, I get to work with a great group of diverse people and I have enjoyed every moment of it.” -Lorina L.