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On Friday, April 12th, the WTS Philadelphia Student Chapter organized a tour of the Schuylkill River Trail Extension to showcase a pedestrian bridge construction project. Through this event, students were able to watch active construction during the peak of a bridge construction project.

The event commenced with a warm welcome and introduction from our Student Chapter Co-Chairs, President, and board members. The tour was guided by a team of professionals from AECOM, PennDOT, City of Philadelphia, Urban Engineers, and PKF-Mark. Representatives included:

• AECOM: Greg Off (project manager), Matt Arnold (structural engineer),  Andrew Sirianni (structural engineer), and Joel Cummings (project manager)
• PKF-Mark: Chris Sandberg (personnel manager) and Robin Kronenwetter (senior engineer)
• PennDOT: Mike Altomari (Resident Engineer)
• Urban Engineers: Wayne Skiles (construction inspector)
• City of Philadelphia: Tyler Barile (construction engineer)

The tour was kicked off with a brief presentation and short talks about the project, its sponsors, goals, and benefits. The volunteers led an engaging walking tour at the project’s construction site, providing students with firsthand experiences to witness the elements discussed by the engineers and tour guides. Several parts of the design were explained, along with management, financial, environmental, and safety aspects. This offered a great opportunity for the students to ask questions and get them answered by engineers directly working on the project.

During the comprehensive tour, various facets of the project were explored, encompassing planning, design, and construction intricacies. Students were not only presented with theoretical knowledge but also had the invaluable opportunity to engage directly with foremen, who shared firsthand accounts of surmounting construction hurdles. This interaction not only enhanced their understanding of the project's technical aspects but also provided insight into the creation of a significant landmark within Philadelphia. Moreover, the tour provided a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the meticulous processes involved in bridge design and construction, enriching students’ perspectives. Students forged meaningful connections with the professionals spearheading the tour, fostering networks that could potentially shape their future careers.

We would like to thank AECOM, PennDOT, City of Philadelphia, Urban Engineers, and PKF-Mark for hosting this tour and extends its heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors and the dedicated professional volunteers from various engineering firms and public agencies. A big thank you to AECOM, Kittleson and Associates, STV, Urban Engineers, and WSP for providing PPE to our students for the construction walking tour. This event served as an invaluable opportunity for students to gain knowledge and experience, and we are immensely appreciative of our ability to offer this support to them on their educational journey.

Click here to see photos!