How contextual engineering impacts roads, bridges and public transit

Episode 49 of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast explores how contextual engineering can help transportation professionals design safer, more effective projects by putting the communities they serve at the center of the process. Brandon, Jessica and Gavin are joined by Ryan Lake, roadway transportation engineer at AECOM and the first winner of the Roads and Bridges Lightning Round, to discuss his approach to understanding a community beyond reports and technical data. Lake explains the different levels of community engagement, and why engineers should spend more time in the field learning how people actually live, travel and interact with their surroundings. Featured Guest Ryan Lake — Roadway Transportation Engineer, AECOM

What You'll Learn

Why engineers need to go beyond awareness and spend meaningful time in the communities they serve—and how Ryan Lake’s four levels of understanding can change the way projects are planned. What it would take to create truly connected transportation systems, including how infrastructure, station spacing, headways and planning can help people living 30 miles from a major city reach downtown within an hour. How roadway projects can become community improvement projects, incorporating bike lanes, bus lanes, wider sidewalks, trees, businesses and other features that improve the entire corridor. Why AI could actually strengthen the human side of engineering, giving engineers more time to get out of the office, engage with communities and better understand the people their projects serve.

Inside the Episode Episode Length: 39:22 Useful Links

Ryan Lake's Q&A with Roads & Bridges Roads & Bridges Mass Transit Send us a topic suggestion!

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