Planning is more than just a starting point—it’s the backbone of successful project delivery. Whether it's building transportation infrastructure or revitalizing a neighborhood, effective planning ensures projects stay aligned with community values, stakeholder needs and long-term goals. This article explores how good planning defines the “why” behind a project, facilitates collaborative processes, engages the right people at the right time and ultimately helps projects overcome challenges to deliver meaningful results.
The integrity of asphalt pavement relies heavily on the quality of its longitudinal joints, making joint construction one of the most critical aspects of roadway durability and longevity. Common methods include butt joints, notched-wedge joints and echelon paving. Each comes with distinct advantages and challenges. While butt joints are favored for their simplicity and cost-effectiveness, […]
The challenges facing Alaska’s coastal communities were recently highlighted in the PBS Frontline documentary Alaska: Vanishing Native Villages. The documentary explores the impacts of climate change, coastal erosion and infrastructure vulnerability in communities like Kotzebue — issues R&M has worked directly to address. Featured in the documentary, Kotzebue’s shoreline improvements show proactive efforts to protect […]
Navigating the land use entitlement process can be an intimidating experience due to its complexity, potential for project delays and uncertainty of outcome. Sometimes property owners and novice developers ignore the importance of, or are unprepared for, the land use regulatory process. Delivering a successful project requires preparation, strong communication skills and a proactive approach. […]
As Alaska’s cities and communities grow, so does the demand for safe, reliable non-motorized infrastructure, including sidewalks, bike lanes and multi-use trails. These facilities support transportation, recreation and public health, offering residents and visitors a way to commute, exercise and explore Alaska’s unique landscapes. In urban centers like Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau, pedestrian and bicycle […]
R&M used a multibeam echosounder system to develop a bathymetric survey of the Kuskokwim River near Bethel to ensure safe barge and boat access to the City
The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) selected a pipe pile-based column-supported embankment alternative as the most viable solution to mitigate long-term settlement issues at the west end of Runway (RW) 10-28 at Nome Airport. The first structure of its kind installed beneath an airport runway in Alaska, this innovative design solution provides long-term stabilization for the runway surface.
How did steel piles make their way into an airport runway design? Typically used as a deep foundation for bridges, docks and other facilities, steel pipe piles were selected to form a column-supported embankment underlying portions of the main runway serving Nome. The first structure of its kind installed beneath an airport runway in Alaska, this innovative design solution provides long-term stabilization for the runway surface.
R&M provided geotechnical services to assess the landslide area and develop mitigation measures for future landslides to ensure the Haines community is aware of and prepared for future landslides, minimizing property damage and risk to residents.
These improvements ensure this regional hub can accommodate growing aviation demand while serving countless Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Communities that depend on reliable air transportation.
R&M is working with the Municipality of Anchorage Parks and Recreation Department on this master planning effort, which ensures a well-loved historical community park is updated and maintained for the community to enjoy for many years to come.
To R&M, community means Alaska. It means investing in this state to create a happy and healthy place to live, work and play for our clients, partners, neighbors, employees, friends and families.
