In this episode, I talk with David Weiss, P.E., National Business Line for Transportation and Infrastructure Executive, at WSP in the U.S., about transportation infrastructure innovation and the powerful role engineers play in building smarter mobility systems. From modernizing project delivery to leveraging AI and digital twins for intelligent mobility, we dive deep into how data-driven strategies are reshaping the future of transportation. This conversation offers valuable technical insights for civil and transportation engineers seeking to optimize infrastructure performance, manage assets efficiently, and lead change in an evolving AEC industry.
Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask David Weiss, P.E.
- What is the current landscape of transportation infrastructure and how do funding shortfalls impact project delivery strategies?
- What are effective ways transportation engineers can modernize project delivery using digital tools and advanced technologies?
- How are digital twins transforming transportation infrastructure design and asset management?
- How is technology reshaping how transportation assets are monitored, maintained, and optimized?
- What intelligent mobility technologies are making transportation systems safer, smarter, and more efficient?
- How can smart infrastructure innovations such as V2X, adaptive signal control, and sensor-enabled systems enhance safety and performance?
- Why is leadership essential for driving innovation across transportation infrastructure challenges?
- What advice can help civil engineers become future-ready transportation infrastructure leaders?
Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Transportation Infrastructure Innovation for Civil Engineers: Building Smarter, More Sustainable Systems
- Transportation infrastructure faces significant funding gaps despite historic investments, creating pressure on engineers to deliver resilient systems with limited budgets. Rising costs, labor shortages, and aging assets demand smarter planning, efficient designs, and innovative funding strategies to meet growing demands.
- Using tools like AI, digital design platforms, and progressive delivery models helps teams optimize project schedules, reduce risks, and improve coordination. Embracing innovative delivery methods allows transportation professionals to enhance efficiency while adapting to technological and financial constraints.
- Digital twins integrate BIM, GIS, imagery, and real-time sensor data to provide an interactive model that improves design accuracy and asset performance. These tools support efficient maintenance planning, reduce lifecycle costs, and offer enhanced decision-making for transportation professionals.
- Continuous monitoring, predictive analytics, and integrated platforms enable civil engineers to proactively manage transportation assets. By using quality data and smart systems, agencies improve durability, extend service life, and reduce emergency repairs in a rapidly evolving landscape.
- Intelligent mobility integrates AI, connected systems, and data-driven operations to make transportation safer, cleaner, and more responsive to users. Civil engineers are using predictive tech and adaptive systems to optimize traffic flow, reduce collisions, and enhance mobility across networks.
- V2X communication, adaptive signal systems, and embedded sensors offer real-time responsiveness and efficiency to roadway and rail networks. These smart infrastructure innovations help prevent crashes, minimize congestion, and give engineers tools to respond to emergencies effectively.
- Visionary leadership is critical for building innovative cultures and guiding teams through rapid technological change. Investing in people, enabling experimentation, and focusing on outcomes like safety and sustainability positions organizations for long-term success.
- Civil engineers should learn to speak across disciplines—engineering, data, and operations—while building small-scale innovations that deliver real results. Staying focused on meaningful outcomes ensures that technology adoption supports smarter, safer infrastructure decisions.
More Details in This Episode…
About David Weiss, P.E.
David Weiss, P.E., is the National Transportation and Infrastructure Business Line Executive at WSP USA, where he leads national strategy, operations, and client delivery for major transportation and infrastructure initiatives. With more than 25 years of experience in civil engineering, he has worked extensively on advancing mobility solutions, modernizing project delivery, and improving infrastructure systems across the United States.
David is recognized for his leadership in leveraging digital tools, AI, and emerging technologies to strengthen asset management and support intelligent mobility. His work reflects a commitment to building safer, smarter, and more sustainable transportation systems that address current industry challenges while preparing communities for the future of infrastructure.
About the Host: K. James Taylor, Jr., P.E.
K.James Taylor, Jr., P.E., is a licensed professional engineer and an associate vice president at Verdantas, an emerging environmental, engineering, and technical consulting company with a green, sustainable, and people-first approach in the foreground. James has over 19 years of experience in civil engineering in the land development and municipal fields. James has served as a project manager since 2018. In 2021, James was recognized with the Outstanding Project Manager Award at Duffield Associates (now Verdantas) for outstanding performance as a project manager and his consistent display of leadership traits valued by the company, including scheduling, management, proactive communication, collaboration, responsiveness, and client-focused service.
James was selected as the 2021 Young Engineer of the Year by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Delaware Section and is a Delaware Business Times 40 Under 40 2024 honoree. He also serves as the president of the Delaware Engineering Society and on the National Society of Professional Engineers Board of Directors as the New Professionals Director from 2021 to 2023 and currently as the Northeast Region Director. James recently joined the Board of Directors for ACE Mentor Delaware, a no-cost after-school program designed to connect high school students with professionals in the Architecture, Construction, and Engineering (ACE) industry.
Sources/References:
WSP in the U.S.
Intern to Expert: Meet David Weiss
Connect with David Weiss, P.E., on LinkedIn
AEC PM Certification
AEC PM Connect
Project Management Accelerator™
Engineering Leadership Accelerator™
Please leave your comments, feedback, or questions in the section below.
