Yellowhammer Times

ALDOT's survey crew plays a vital role in the success of construction projects by ensuring accuracy before any physical work begins. Matt Meredith, survey party chief and Transportation Tech Senior, explained the importance of their work: "We’re the starting point for many ALDOT projects. The precision of our work is critical. If we make even a small mistake and no one catches it, it can affect everything that comes after."

The crew is responsible for tasks such as staking right-of-way boundaries and preparing sites for core sampling. Their efforts guide engineers, designers, and construction teams throughout the project. Chan Grantham, location manager, highlighted their role in responding to natural disasters or structural damage: "If heavy rain causes a washout, ALDOT’s first step is to send the survey crew to assess the damage."

The job requires technical skills, with crews using GPS rovers connected to a statewide network for precise data collection. When obstacles block signals, they switch to total stations—a tool that measures angles and distances without relying on satellites.

Despite environmental challenges like heat, cold, bugs, and snakes, both Grantham and Meredith find fulfillment in their roles. Meredith appreciates the variety: "I like that each job is different. It keeps things from getting monotonous." With over 20 years of experience, Grantham encourages others to consider this field: "It’s an excellent field, and I’d recommend it to anyone who loves being outdoors."

The survey crew's precision lays the foundation for roads and bridges across Alabama.

Information from this article can be found here.