APWA Honors Vic Bianes & Historic Footbridge Restoration Project
APWA Honors Kleinfelder’s Vic Bianes and Historic Footbridge Restoration Project at National Convention
SAN DIEGO, California (September 10, 2024) – Kleinfelder celebrated two significant achievements at the 2024 American Public Works Association (APWA) National Convention in Atlanta. Senior Client Account Manager Vic Bianes, PE, was named APWA National President-Elect, while the Carlton Street Footbridge Restoration project, led by Kleinfelder, was recognized as the APWA National Public Works Project of the Year in the category of Historical Restoration/Preservation.
With nearly four decades of public works experience, Bianes has made a lasting impact on Southern California’s infrastructure. He has led major capital improvement programs, large-scale operations, and complex water and wastewater projects. As a leader in APWA’s San Diego and Imperial Counties Chapter, he has served as President and contributed to committees on internships, scholarships, and public works training. His dedication earned him the 2017 Harry S. Swearingen Award for outstanding service and a 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award from the San Diego Chapter.
Nationally, Bianes has been a member of the APWA National Board, served on the Foundation Board, and instructed in the Emerging Leaders Academy. His leadership extends to multiple national committees focused on areas such as Utilities and Public Rights-of-Way, Professional Development, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. His extensive contributions have enhanced APWA’s educational initiatives and advocacy efforts, making a lasting impact on the organization and the public works community.
Victor Auvinen, Kleinfelder West Division Director, commented, “This is a tremendous honor and a true reflection of Vic’s dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to public works. His leadership within APWA has been pivotal in advancing the industry and promoting best practices. Kleinfelder is proud to see Vic step into this new role, and we’re confident he’ll continue to excel as a strong advocate for our industry.”
In addition to Bianes’s accomplishment, the Carlton Street Bridge Restoration project in Brookline, Massachusetts, was honored with the APWA National Public Works Project of the Year Award. Originally built in 1894, the historic footbridge was closed in 1974 due to safety concerns. Kleinfelder, serving as the prime consultant for the Town of Brookline, led a complex restoration effort in collaboration with MassDOT and MBTA. The project addressed various challenges, including maintaining ADA and bicycle accessibility while providing safety above active MBTA tracks. The historic 70-foot steel Pratt truss structure had to be raised for additional clearance and transported offsite for repair and painting, while new foundations and accessible ramps were constructed onsite, all while seamlessly integrating with Green Line operations.
During the restoration, deteriorated trusses were carefully disassembled, repaired, and painted, with the goal of preserving as much of the original structure as possible. Replacement steel components were matched to the bridge’s original design, maintaining its historic aesthetics. Once reassembled and lifted onto new foundations, the bridge featured modern enhancements such as a timber deck, aluminum grating, lighting, and railings. This project not only preserved the footbridge’s historical significance but also brought it up to modern infrastructure standards.
Kleinfelder Carlton Street Bridge Restoration Project Manager Andre Martecchini commented, “The National Recognition Award from APWA underscores this project’s seamless integration of historic preservation with modern engineering innovation. We are honored to have contributed to this project which benefits the community by reconnecting them with public transportation options and enhancing pedestrian and bicycle commuting opportunities.”
Kleinfelder. Bright People. Right Solutions. Founded in 1961, Kleinfelder is a leading engineering, design, construction management, construction materials inspection and testing, and environmental professional services firm. Kleinfelder employs over 3,100 professionals and operates from over 100 office locations in the United States, Canada, and Australia. The company is headquartered in San Diego, California. Poised for growth, Kleinfelder continues to provide high-quality solutions for our diverse client base. Visit Kleinfelder.com or follow us on LinkedIn/Kleinfelder.
