Get to Know: David Blackman
Summary
David Blackman is a Transportation Engineer at ATCS based out of our Harrisburg, PA office.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your role on the Transportation Design team.
I am a transportation Engineer with 9 years of design experience. I have been with ATCS for one and a half years. In that time, I’ve been responsible for designing roundabouts, performing cost, and quantity estimates, laying out roadway geometry, modeling roadways and creating design exhibits.
What led you to pursue a career in transportation design?
My journey into transportation design began during a summer internship in the surveying field. After experiencing demanding conditions working in 95-degree heat on asphalt for several weeks, I gained a new appreciation for desk jobs. This pivotal experience prompted me to shift my career path to transportation design, allowing me to leverage my existing skills and knowledge in a way that felt seamless and natural.
What are a couple of your favorite ATCS projects that you’ve worked on and why?
One of my favorite projects that I have worked on at ATCS has been the Hydraulic Road roundabout in Charlottesville, VA. This project stands out due to its unique hybrid design, incorporating sections with one lane and two lanes, which distinguishes it from any other roundabout I have previously worked on. The innovative aspects of this project have made it particularly enjoyable and rewarding to be a part of.
How has your work impacted our communities?
Most of my work with ATCS has been in the preliminary stages, so its direct impact on the community has yet to be realized. However, I am eagerly anticipating the progression of these projects from initial designs to tangible developments. When these projects come to fruition, I am confident that our designs will significantly enhance community safety and improve the quality of life for residents.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in transportation design?
Excel is your friend and most of the calculations you do in this career will be done in an excel workbook. The more proficient you become with Excel, the more streamlined and enjoyable your work will be.
