Garver’s Earl Mott Talks I-30 Crossing & Rising Trends in Infrastructure

How has the 30 Crossing project changed from the way you expected it to go at the beginning of the project?

When we first got started, I was expecting much more disruption to travel to and through Little Rock and North Little Rock; however, the entire project team, which includes Kiewit-Massman Constructors and ARDOT, has worked together incredibly well, and because of that, we’ve been able to implement one of the most difficult projects I have been involved in to date. The 30 Crossing project has far exceeded my expectations.

What has been the biggest challenge or hurdle during the 30 Crossing project?

Project development prior to construction was really the biggest hurdle. The environmental process, subsequent litigation and procurement were all complex issues that had the potential to greatly impact construction and project progress; however, the KMC team has skillfully and effectively handled all the challenges that have arisen during construction.

What does inspecting infrastructure projects entail for Garver?

Our inspection team works alongside the contractor and represents the interest of the project owner to ensure the contract requirements are followed. The term used to describe this is quality assurance. This can be a single inspector or an entire team of engineers, inspectors, testing technicians and schedulers who are coordinating, testing and documenting the contractor’s work. Either way, the goal remains the same: to work with the contractor to implement a construction project that meets the owner’s expectations.

How has Garver used alternative project delivery in Arkansas?

And how is it beneficial? Garver has been involved with several alternative delivery projects in Arkansas, ranging from construction manager at risk to progressive design build, and has represented both the owner and the contractor. These new delivery methods are not only providing more efficient project processes, but they’re fostering collaboration among project players. When you bring the owner, contractor, architect and engineer together early in project development, you’re able to more efficiently construct a project, recognize and distribute risk, and, perhaps most importantly, agree on expectations from the get-go.

What are some of the rising trends in the infrastructure space?

And how does Garver fit into them? Infrastructure is an industry of innovation. We have no choice but to build and improve upon the infrastructure our communities rely on every day. Alternative project delivery, staffing, project flexibility and risk mitigation are just a few of the innovative processes that are shaping the future of our industry. Garver’s strategy to keep up with the shifts continues to be, as it has been for the last 105 years, to partner with our clients to be their most trusted adviser and work together to find the infrastructure solutions that best meet their current and future needs.

Did you always want this to be your career?

That’s an easy yes. Because my father was a surveyor with Garver, I was fortunate enough to be exposed to the engineering profession at an early age and was encouraged by my parents to pursue a career in engineering. In some ways, it just came naturally.

What do you wish more people knew about the work you do?

I wish people could look behind the curtain at all that goes into an infrastructure project — from conception to design to implementation. Each project is complex and challenging in its own way, and a lot of times that comes with temporary disruption, but the positive impact our projects have on communities is always worth it.

Has the inspection process for projects like 30 Crossing changed since the fracture was found on the Interstate 40 bridge over the Mississippi River?

Since that occurred after construction and fell more in the maintenance inspection camp, it hasn’t impacted our processes much. However, attention to detail is vital to the inspection process and can certainly impact the performance of a project over its lifespan. With this reality in mind, we take great care with even the smallest details.

What are the biggest challenges/opportunities for construction companies?

These days, much of construction is centered on risk. Pricing, labor, supply chain, weather — they’re all risks that contractors must adequately assess and mitigate in real time to deliver a project profitably and to meet owner expectations.