HDR Expert Shares Keys to Success in Transportation Construction Management

OMAHA, Neb. — Effectively managing large-scale transportation mega-programs is a daunting task. Keeping billion-dollar programs on budget and schedule requires an experienced construction manager who knows how to navigate risk, take on unexpected challenges and help owners make informed decisions.

In the latest from HDR’s Experts Talk interview series, Tom Horkan, P.E., explains how a strong construction management approach can mitigate risk, support program goals and provide effective on-site advocates for owners.

Horkan has decades of experience working on complex transportation programs as a program manager, construction manager and procurement lead. He has held key leadership roles on major transportation programs across North America, ranging from $800 million to $4.5 billion, including serving as construction director on the world’s longest floating bridge, the SR 520 bridge replacement in Washington State.

“Construction management programs that I have seen to be the most successful are those where owners involve senior staff in their decision making, giving them the benefit of knowledgeable experts who’ve done this work across the continent using varying approaches for decades,” Horkan said in the interview. “Culturally, this can require a conscious shift in approach, but when it works, it really works well.”

Read the whole interview on construction management for major transportation programs.

HDR’s Experts Talk interview series shines a light on various aspects of transportation infrastructure design and delivery. Each subject matter expert offers unique expertise and insights about new and ongoing trends, emerging technologies and the human side of infrastructure.

About HDR

For over a century, HDR has partnered with clients to shape communities and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Our expertise spans more than 11,000 employees in more than 200 locations around the world — and counting. Our engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services bring an impressive breadth of knowledge to every project. Our optimistic approach to finding innovative solutions defined our past and drives our future. For more information, please visit www.hdrinc.com.