Across Canada, transportation agencies are increasingly asked to balance urgent infrastructure needs with long-term planning. Aging assets must be replaced quickly, traffic must keep moving, and communities cannot wait for perfect, future-state solutions. A recent highway interchange project in Quebec offers valuable lessons on how thoughtful design, collaboration, and a strong focus on safety can deliver lasting value, even when the solution is temporary.

Located about an hour north of Montreal, the Autoroute 31–Autoroute 40 interchange required the replacement of an existing overpass following inspections that identified structural deficiencies. Québec’s Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable prioritized construction of a new overpass to avoid service interruptions while longer-term plans for a full interchange redevelopment are studied. The challenge was clear: design an interim configuration that would safely serve motorists and the surrounding community for several years, while remaining compatible with a future permanent solution.

Putting Community Needs First

From the outset, the project was shaped by the needs of the people who rely on this corridor every day. Maintaining traffic flow in both directions on Autoroute 31 was essential, as was preserving access for local and agricultural vehicles. The temporary interchange configuration also had to fit between fixed tie-in points, an existing signalized intersection to the south and another existing overpass to the north. Both are to remain in place while their long-term redevelopment and integration into the future interchange is studied, leaving little room for traditional highway geometry.

Being unable to implement standard solutions into a constrained space, the design team focused on outcomes that matter most to users: predictable speeds, clear sight lines, and safe transitions. This user-centered approach helped ensure that, even with reduced widths and modified alignments, the roadway would feel intuitive, and at a minimum, and would prioritize safety for drivers navigating it for the first time.

Safety As The Primary Design Driver

One of the most important lessons from this project is learning the value of having safety guide every decision. Because not all modern design standards could be met within the available space, the team was required to prioritize critical safety criteria over driver comfort. Early in the process, a road safety audit was requested to validate assumptions and identify risks before detailed design progressed.

The result was a roadway with clearly defined speed zones, gradual acceleration and deceleration areas, and targeted geometric adjustments where needed. Where visibility was limited by vertical or horizontal constraints, the design was refined and enhanced signage was introduced. These measures help reduce uncertainty for drivers and lower the risk of sudden maneuvers an especially important consideration in a temporary configuration that will be in place for several years.

Building Responsibly On Challenging Ground

Another key challenge involved ground conditions. Portions of the new embankments would be built over unconsolidated clay soils, raising concerns about long-term settlement. Because some of these embankments may be reused in a future permanent interchange, the design adopted a long-term view, selecting pavement structures with a 30-year service life.

Lightweight fill was used strategically to limit settlement, paired with carefully designed transitions to conventional embankments. While largely invisible to the public, these decisions protect ride quality, reduce future maintenance needs, and support the responsible use of public investment. They also demonstrate how temporary infrastructure can be designed with durability and adaptability in mind.

Lessons That Extend Beyond One Project

Several broader lessons emerge from this work. First, flexibility is essential. When constraints make it impossible to apply standards “by the book,” engineers must adapt while staying grounded in sound safety principles. Second, early collaboration between designers, safety specialists, geotechnical experts, and the owner can prevent costly revisions later and build confidence in unconventional solutions. Finally, even temporary projects deserve long-term thinking. Designing interim infrastructure that can support future plans reduces waste, saves time, and benefits the community well beyond the initial mandate.

As Canada continues to modernize its transportation networks, projects like this highlight an important truth: success is not only measured by permanence. Sometimes, the most meaningful impact comes from temporary solutions that keep people moving safely today, while laying the groundwork for tomorrow.

The post Autoroute 31/Autoroute 40 Overpass Replacement And Temporary Interchange Reconfiguration In Lavaltrie, Quebec appeared first on Parsons Corporation.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Donna Williams Reflects On A Career Built To Last

When You Look Back At Your Career, What Moments Really Stand Out In Shaping Your Journey?

What stands out most is how early my path shifted from purely technical work into leadership. I started as a mechanical engineer in Washington, DC, and even then, I had a natural tendency to coordinate people and keep project tasks moving. Within 18 months, my manager created a project engineering role for me and pulled me off the technical team, allowing me to focus on making sure everything was running smoothly.

A defining moment came when our project manager had a medical emergency and was suddenly out. I stepped in and kept the project moving. Shortly after, I was promoted to project manager. That was a real inflection point where I realized I could lead complex efforts and people trusted me to do it.

How Did Parsons Help You Move From Technical Roles Into Leadership?

Parsons held a nationwide contract with the FAA to provide technical support services to modernize and maintain the National Airspace System across more than 600 locations in the United States. Early in my career, I managed a broad range of technical, engineering, project, and construction support services in the Southwest Region and later the Central Service Area, covering more than 20 states. In these roles, I progressed from a primarily technical focus into increasingly broader leadership responsibilities.

I was given opportunities to manage large, complex programs, open and grow offices in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, and take on major assignments like providing program management support services for the George Bush Intercontinental Airport Terminal Redevelopment Program for the Houston Airport System.

Parsons also taught me how decisions are made, how leaders think, and how strategy connects to execution. I was selected for the leadership council, one of a small group that shadowed the executive team, which was incredibly formative. Parsons is a diverse company with a philosophy that resonates with me because if you’re treated well and the work is meaningful, why leave? That environment made it possible for me to grow continuously while staying true to who I am.

With Mentorship As A Big Part Of Your Role Today, What Do You Look For, And How Do You Help People Find Their Path?

I look for people who are open to ideas, feedback, and different perspectives. The strongest teams are diverse in every sense from background and experience to age and methods of thinking. When you bring that kind of openness together, you get better ideas and better outcomes.

When I mentor, I focus on a few core things. First, as a mentee, you have to be willing to accept help from many directions. Second, listening is critical. When a mentor offers guidance, really listen and try to implement it. Even if the advice feels challenging, you won’t know if you don’t try.

I also remind people that growth takes time, and mistakes are part of the process. Don’t be so hard on yourself that you stop moving forward. Give yourself permission to learn.

What Makes Parsons A Place Where People Can Really Grow And Build A Long-Term Career?

Also, the work itself matters. Being part of projects like airport infrastructure in Houston, where you’re helping move people safely across the country, is incredibly rewarding. When you combine meaningful impact, strong values, and a wide range of opportunities to grow, it creates an environment where people build more than careers, they build their future, as well as build likeminded industry-related communities.

Is There A Project Or Accomplishment You’re Especially Proud Of?

One that really stands out is the FAA program I mentioned earlier. It started very simply, on paper, and grew it into a 12-year program. What makes me most proud isn’t just the scale or the longevity, but the people behind it and how consistently they delivered exactly what the client needed.

By building strong relationships and truly listening to the client, we earned trust that led to repeat business. The work expanded across multiple FAA regions and created opportunities well beyond the original scope.

Has Your Career At Parsons Influenced Your Life Outside Of Work, And If So, How?

My life outside of work really complements what I do at Parsons. The leadership skills I’ve developed there have opened doors for me to serve in meaningful ways beyond the company. It’s influenced how I lead and serve everywhere else in my life.

I’ve been honored to be appointed by Former-President Bush and confirmed by the US Senate to serve on the Corporation for National and Community Service board of directors, based in Washington, DC, and later appointed by Texas Governor Perry to a higher education board of regents, where I served as chair for several years.

I was then appointed by Texas Governor Abbott to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Director, then Vice Chairman), giving me the opportunity to work with universities across Texas.

I’m an original member, and I still serve on the national advisory board The Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, dedicated to improving the lives of women throughout Texas.

Recently, the governor’s office notified me of his intent to appoint me to the Governor’s Commission for Women, where I’ll help support women-owned businesses and initiatives that advance women across the state.   

What Trends Will Have The Biggest Impact On Aviation And Infrastructure?

Technology will have the biggest impact on the future of aviation. We’re already seeing the shift toward more hands-off, seamless experiences like checking in before you even get to the airport, dropping off baggage with minimal interaction, and moving through terminals more efficiently. That trend is only going to accelerate.

I’m also attending a conference in March focused on the technologies airports around the world are adopting, and it’s clear that the most forward-looking infrastructure projects are those that plan for flexibility and innovation.

The post Creating Opportunity Through Infrastructure And People appeared first on Parsons Corporation.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

The scale and complexity of global events have changed. Stadiums are larger, cities are more connected, and the airspace above them is more active than ever. Unmanned aircraft systems, once a novelty, are now part of the everyday environment. With that reality comes a new class of risk that cannot be managed with temporary fixes or standalone tools.

For critical infrastructure and events that draw massive crowds and global attention to a single location, airspace security is no longer a specialized add-on. It is a core operational requirement.

Yet many event security strategies still treat drone activity as an edge case, something to be addressed with limited, short-term measures focused only on the most obvious risks. That approach is increasingly misaligned with the environments in which modern events actually take place.

Global Events Do Not Happen In Controlled Boxes

In these settings, unauthorized or poorly controlled drone activity can disrupt operations, create safety concerns, and undermine public confidence, even when the intent is not overtly malicious. In rarer but higher-consequence scenarios, drones may be deliberately used to probe security measures or attempt physical harm.

The challenge for organizers and public safety partners is not simply stopping drones. Instead, it is maintaining safe, predictable, and controlled airspace without disrupting the flow, energy, and experience that make global events successful.

Why One-Size-Fits-All Solutions Fall Short

Most drone incidents at public events are caused by careless or uninformed operators. Addressing these incursions is important and relatively straightforward, and solutions can significantly reduce their frequency and impact.

However, designing airspace security solely around the most common scenarios creates blind spots. More sophisticated drone activity, whether intentional or accidental, often behaves differently. It can operate without obvious signals or originate well beyond venue boundaries. These cases are far less common, but they are also the ones most likely to escalate into serious safety or security incidents.

Effective airspace security must account for the full spectrum of risk, not just the easiest problems to solve.

From Tools To Systems Thinking

Rather than relying on individual tools or isolated capabilities, modern airspace security requires integrated solutions that provide continuous awareness across large, complex environments. Detection, assessment, and response must work together. In addition, they must be aligned with existing security operations rather than operating in parallel.

When airspace awareness is fully integrated into command and control, security teams gain clarity instead of noise. They can distinguish meaningful threats from background activity, reduce false alarms, and make informed decisions under pressure.

Response That Reflects Reality

Detection alone is not enough. Any response to airborne activity must account for safety, legal constraints, and the operational realities of live events.

Airspace security solutions must support a range of response options and allow decision-makers to choose the approach that best fits the environment, the risk level, and the moment. Just as importantly, these responses must be coordinated across agencies, venues, and jurisdictions.

At global events, fragmented action is itself a risk.

Proven Under Real-World Conditions

Performance matters most when conditions are least forgiving. Systems that work in demonstrations or controlled tests often behave differently when exposed to urban clutter, complex infrastructure, and the pace of live operations.

That is why rigorous testing, training, and operational preparation are critical. Technologies must be evaluated together, operational concepts refined, and operators trained using scenarios that reflect real-world complexity, not idealized conditions.

This discipline separates theoretical capability from operational readiness.

Built To Adapt, Not Just Deploy

Airspace security must therefore be designed for adaptation. Open, modular architectures allow new capabilities to be integrated as threats and technologies change. This preserves long-term value and avoids the cycle of constant replacement.

Flexibility is no longer a luxury, it is a prerequisite.

A Partner For The World’s Most Visible Moments

Global events carry immense visibility, responsibility, and consequence. They demand security partners who understand not just technology, but complexity, accountability, and public impact.

By anticipating risk rather than reacting to it and by integrating airspace security into the broader operational fabric of events, We help ensure that the moments the world comes together to witness can proceed safely, smoothly, and with confidence.

The post Setting The Standard For Airspace Security At Global Events appeared first on Parsons Corporation.

Estimated reading time: 23 minutes

Each year during National Engineers Week, we honor employees who exemplify technical excellence, innovation, and impact through our Engineering & Technical Excellence Awards.

These prestigious awards recognize individuals who demonstrate exceptional skill, creativity, and dedication—advancing their disciplines and delivering better outcomes for our customers. The 2026 awards celebrate 28 engineers and technical professionals from across the company, along with emerging talent recognized through our Rising Star Award, reflecting the next generation of innovators.

Together, these honorees embody Parsons’ commitment to Imagine Next by transforming complex challenges into real-world solutions that help shape a smarter, safer, and more connected future.

Engineering Excellence

Technical Excellence

Rising Star

The post 2026 Engineering And Technical Excellence Award Winners appeared first on Parsons Corporation.

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept in infrastructure. It is already changing how we design, analyze, inspect, and manage bridges. Additionally, it is doing so in ways that directly improve safety, efficiency, and decision-making across the project life cycle. 

Our focus is not on adopting technology for its own sake. Instead, our focus is on using AI where it delivers measurable value. This reduces manual effort, improves data quality, and enables engineers to spend more time solving complex problems and less time managing information. 

From Reality Capture To Intelligent Digital Twins 

One AI application where we are advancing is the conversion of reality capture into intelligent digital models. Traditionally, developing a 3D model of an existing bridge has required extensive surveying and modeling from field measurements and legacy drawings. Many of these legacy drawings simply do not exist for older structures.

A strong example of this is our work on the Bridge of the Gods in Oregon, a major historic truss bridge where our team generated a BIM model from LiDAR scans and point cloud data. Working with Autodesk tools and internal automation scripts, the team developed a semi-automated workflow. This workflow converts the point cloud into a full structural model. 

AI is now being trained to identify structural nodes directly from point clouds, eliminating one of the most time-consuming manual steps in the process. As a result, this enables engineers to rapidly build analysis-ready digital twins that can be used for structural assessment, rehabilitation planning, load modeling, and long-term asset management. 

In practical terms, this approach allows agencies to make data-driven decisions about retrofitting infrastructure built decades ago, often with no original drawings. Importantly, it allows them to do so with a level of accuracy that was previously unattainable. 

The long-term implication is significant. AI-driven scan-to-BIM workflows, first proven on projects like the Bridge of the Gods, will increasingly form the foundation for digital bridge inventories. These inventories support everything from inspection programs to predictive maintenance strategies. 

AI-Enabled Site Intelligence At Scale 

Another area where we are seeing immediate value is in AI-powered site intelligence. Using 3D camera systems and cloud-based inspection platforms, our teams can now capture geolocated visual records of bridge conditions and construction sites. These records are automatically indexed and linked to drawings and models. 

This technology has already been deployed at scale on major international programs, including the Abu Dhabi Bridge Inspection Program. In that program, Parsons inspected more than 700 bridges across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The scope included vehicular bridges, pedestrian bridges, and culverts. Many were built decades ago with limited construction and maintenance records. 

Instead of relying solely on written field reports, project managers and clients can virtually walk each site from their devices. Consequently, they can review conditions, compare changes over time and validate findings without having to physically visit the site. 

AI plays a critical role in this workflow by aligning visual data with spatial models, enabling integrated virtual inspection and creating a searchable historical record of asset conditions. For large bridge portfolios like Abu Dhabi’s, this fundamentally changes how agencies approach condition assessment and capital planning. 

It also improves safety. Inspectors spend less time in high-risk environments and engineering leaders can review site conditions remotely, reducing the need for repeated field visits. 

Enterprise AI For Engineering Knowledge 

Beyond field and design applications, AI is also transforming how we manage engineering knowledge across large organizations. 

We operate an internal, secure AI platform that allows teams to analyze documents, drawings, specifications, and datasets while maintaining strict data governance. Engineers are using it to review plans, extract insights from technical reports, summarize design standards, and perform preliminary quality checks against established engineering criteria. 

In one example, AI is now being used to automate portions of design compliance reviews, a task traditionally assigned to junior engineers. Instead of manually checking drawings against long technical checklists, AI performs an initial scan and flags potential gaps. This allows engineers to focus their expertise where it matters most. 

This does not replace professional judgment. Instead, it augments it. The value lies in scale. AI can process thousands of pages of technical information in minutes, enabling teams to identify risks and inconsistencies far earlier in the delivery process. 

What This Means For The Industry 

The common thread across all of these applications, from the Bridge of the Gods, to the Abu Dhabi bridge network, to broader AI empowered design activities, is not automation for efficiency alone. More importantly, it is intelligence at scale. 

For agencies, this means improved transparency, stronger asset management, and better return on infrastructure investments. For engineers, it means shifting focus from repetitive manual tasks and towards higher-value analytical and strategic activities. Furthermore, for the next generation of infrastructure professionals, it means working in an environment where data, design, and delivery are fully connected. 

We see AI not as a tool that replaces engineering, but as a platform that elevates it. Our responsibility is to deploy it thoughtfully, govern it rigorously, and continuously train our teams to use it effectively. 

The future of bridge engineering will not be defined by algorithms alone. Instead, it will be defined by how well we combine human expertise with intelligent systems to design, maintain, and modernize the infrastructure which connect our communities together. 

And that future is already here. 

The post How AI Is Reshaping Bridge Design And Infrastructure Delivery  appeared first on Parsons Corporation.

Aging infrastructure, limited funding, and growing demands for safer mobility are challenges faced by many cities across Canada. The widening of the Hull Causeway, one of eight structures making up the Chaudière Crossing between Ottawa, Ontario, and Gatineau, Québec, shows how thoughtful engineering and innovative design can address all three, while delivering meaningful benefits to the local community.

The Chaudière Crossing, managed by Public Services and Procurement Canada, is one of five vehicular interprovincial crossings in the National Capital Region and one of only two that carry truck traffic. It plays a critical role in connecting the downtown cores of Ottawa and Gatineau and supporting daily commuting, commercial movement, and regional tourism. Originally built in the 1950s, the bridge carried two traffic lanes and a pedestrian walkway but lacked dedicated cycling facilities. Cyclists were forced to either mix with vehicle traffic or use the pedestrian space, creating safety concerns for everyone using the bridge.

The Need For A Better Solution

The initial concept for improving active transportation involved widening the bridge slightly and constructing a separate cycling structure alongside it. While this met functional requirements on paper, it introduced significant cost, complexity, and constructability challenges. The biggest issue lay beneath the bridge: a large and complex geological feature known as the Devil’s Hole.

The Devil’s Hole is a karst formation—an underground network of voids and cavities formed by erosion of the bedrock over time. Extensive investigations, including sonar surveys, drilling, and geotechnical modeling, revealed that these voids extended beneath key bridge foundations. In some areas, the bedrock supporting the structure was undercut, raising concerns about long-term stability along with worker safety during construction. As a result, strict work restrictions were imposed, including no-access zones and continuous monitoring requirements. These constraints forced the project team to rethink the approach.

An Integrated And Cost-Effective Design

Instead of building a separate cycling bridge, the team developed an alternative solution that widened the existing Hull Causeway enough to accommodate all users. The final configuration includes two 3.5-metre traffic lanes, two raised 2.0-metre cycle tracks—one in each direction—and a 2.0-metre sidewalk. This eliminated the need for a new standalone structure while significantly improving safety for cyclists and pedestrians.

This integrated design reduced construction footprint, minimized environmental and geotechnical risks, and lowered overall project cost. It also simplified operations for the community by keeping all users on a single, clearly organized structure.

Innovative Foundation Solutions

Addressing the Devil’s Hole was the most technically challenging aspect of the project. Traditional solutions, such as deep caisson foundations extending up to 50 metres into bedrock, were impractical given the restricted access, safety concerns, and high cost.

Instead, the team designed a reinforced concrete extension to the existing north abutment. This extension acts as a concrete pillar embedded in a rock pocket and anchored into the bedrock and existing structure using prestressed rock anchors and passive reinforcement dowels. This solution provided the required strength and stability without extensive excavation or heavy equipment in a restricted area.

Similar tailored solutions were applied elsewhere on the bridge. Micropiles were used at the south abutment to limit excavation. At the north approach, steel pipe piles were drilled below the influence of the Devil’s Hole, combining with rock anchors to reinforce the surrounding bedrock. The northwest pier, which showed signs of undercutting, was stabilized using inclined rock anchors and vertical dowels to secure the rock mass supporting the existing caissons.

Benefits To The Community

Just as important, the project extends the life of a vital piece of infrastructure without major disruption to traffic or the surrounding environment. By avoiding unnecessary new structures and focusing on smart reuse and strengthening of existing assets, the project reflects responsible stewardship of public funds.

A Model For Aging Infrastructure

The Hull Causeway Widening demonstrates that innovative thinking does not always mean adding more—it often means doing more with what already exists. By combining detailed investigation, collaboration with construction partners, and adaptable design solutions, the project team transformed a complex geological challenge into an opportunity to deliver safer, more inclusive infrastructure.

As communities across Canada look to modernize aging transportation networks, this project offers a clear lesson: with the right approach, even the most difficult constraints can lead to better outcomes for the people who rely on these connections every day.

The post Cost-Effective Construction Solutions For Aging Networks Amid Fiscal Constraints: The Hull Causeway Widening Project appeared first on Parsons Corporation.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

In our first episode of Meet the Mission in 2026, host Candace Scarborough sits down with Osama Gamal, Senior Vice President and Regional Manager for the Greater Toronto Region, and Mohammed Abdrabo, Senior Program Manager for Design, Delivery, and Digital Transformation in Canada. Together, they explore how digital transformation is reshaping infrastructure across the region.

Highlighting Our ISO 19650 Certification & Digital Standards

The conversation covers everything from our recent ISO 19650 certification to the growing need for unified digital standards. It also addresses the rise of AI‑powered workflows. Both leaders outline where Canada’s infrastructure stands today and the challenges of modernizing legacy processes. Moreover, they discuss the immense opportunity ahead as the industry moves toward connected, data‑driven delivery.

Episode Overview

• 0:00 – 4:11: Welcome, Introductions & Context
• 4:12 – 10:27: Future Vision & Personal Journeys
• 10:28 – 15:26: Canada’s Digital Maturity & Standards
• 15:27 – 20:58: Operationalizing Digital Transformation
• 20:59 – 26:53: ISO 19650 & Digital Capabilities
• 26:54 – 32:16: Client Value & Data Challenges
• 32:17 – 37:55: Sustainability Through Digital Tools
• 37:56 – 41:11: Emerging Technologies & Future Vision
• 41:12 – End (~41:30): Key Takeaways & Closing

Key Takeaways On Digital Transformation In Canada

A central theme of the conversation is the human side of digital transformation. Osama’s key takeaway is that digital isn’t about software — it’s about empowering people to make better decisions and deliver greater value to the public. He envisions a future built on connected infrastructure systems. In this future, data flows seamlessly across agencies and assets. Mohammed’s key message is that digital transformation is a journey, not a single implementation. Each day brings new challenges, new learning, and continuous change management. However, the payoff is worth it when teams can deliver higher‑quality work with more efficiency and consistency.

The episode closes with a forward‑looking view of how we are shaping the next era of infrastructure in Canada. From AI‑assisted model interrogation to lifecycle digital twins and improved collaboration through unified standards, the team is pushing the boundaries of what digital delivery can achieve. These capabilities lower risk, reduce rework, and ultimately help clients make smarter long‑term investment decisions.

Tune In and Join The Conversation

Check out the full episode on YouTube or Spotify!

The post Digital Transformation And The Evolution Of Infrastructure In Canada appeared first on Parsons Corporation.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

When the world gathers for events like the Olympics or the FIFA World Cup, cities prepare to showcase their infrastructure, technology, and hospitality. But behind the scenes, another challenge takes shape. Protecting those same systems from cyber threats is now mission critical. From ticketing and transportation to communications and power, every system is a potential target.

At Parsons, we provide cybersecurity solutions that protect the digital foundation of major events. Our mission is clear: safeguard operations, preserve public trust, and ensure the safety of everyone on the ground.

Cybersecurity is Infrastructure

Today’s event infrastructure is digital by design. Traffic systems, access control, surveillance, and venue operations rely on connected technologies. These systems are efficient, scalable, and intelligent, but they are also vulnerable.

Parsons helps cities and organizers build secure-by-design systems that detect and stop threats before they disrupt operations. We protect not just IT systems, but also the operational technology (OT) that keeps cities running.

Proven Protection in High-Stakes Environments

Parsons has secured some of the most complex and sensitive systems in the world. These include military bases, airports, utilities, and national command centers. Our cybersecurity solutions have been deployed across 25 countries, protecting both physical and digital assets.

At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, our teams supported secure operations at transport hubs and park-and-ride facilities, ensuring smooth and safe experiences for fans and workers alike. We understand the urgency of live environments and the need for seamless integration across systems and agencies.

Three Ways We Secure Major Events

Security Without Disruption

Cybersecurity must work silently in the background. During global events, the priority is uptime, reliability, and user experience. Parsons designs cybersecurity systems that enhance safety without slowing down services.

We embed security into every layer:

• Identity access management for workers and contractors
• Secure wireless and mobile infrastructure for staff and fans
• Encrypted data flow across sensors, cameras, and systems
• Rapid recovery tools in case of disruption

A Lasting Impact on City Resilience

Global events are temporary. But the cybersecurity infrastructure installed to protect them can continue serving the city for years. Parsons helps clients turn short-term event readiness into long-term operational resilience.

Cities gain:

• Hardened infrastructure against cyberattacks
• Trained personnel ready for emerging threats
• Real-time cyber situational awareness tools
• A blueprint for future digital transformation

A Trusted Partner for Global Security

Parsons has been a cybersecurity leader for more than 40 years. Our experts combine field experience, national security expertise, and deep knowledge of urban systems to deliver integrated protection at every level.

We work closely with:

• City and national governments
• Event organizers and venue operators
• Technology vendors and infrastructure owners

Our goal is simple: secure the systems people depend on and protect the experience of the global event.

Ready for What’s Next

As the world prepares for the next Olympic Games or FIFA World Cup, the stakes will only grow. Cybersecurity is no longer optional. It is foundational to success. We are ready to help host cities defend their infrastructure, protect their people, and deliver world-class experiences with confidence.

The post Cybersecurity For Global Events: How Parsons Protects Critical Infrastructure On the World Stage appeared first on Parsons Corporation.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

As infrastructure demands grow across Canada, the need for innovative approaches to design and construction has never been greater. The Highway 401 Expansion Project from Mississauga to Milton demonstrates how advanced engineering solutions, collaborative delivery models, and cutting-edge technologies can overcome challenges. These approaches accelerate timelines and deliver enduring value to the public.

A Milestone In Canadian Transportation

The Highway 401 Expansion widened and reconstructed 18 kilometers of North America’s busiest corridors. It improved safety, eased congestion, and enhanced connectivity across the Greater Toronto Area. Delivered by West Corridor Constructors (WCC), a joint venture of Parsons, Aecon, and Amico, the project was completed on an aggressive schedule, throughout which full traffic flow was maintained. Even more remarkably, this was achieved under the pressures of the pandemic.

Why The P3 Model Worked?

Faced with a tight delivery timeline, Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and Infrastructure Ontario (IO) determined that a Design-Build-Finance approach would offer the best value. The Value-for-Money (VFM) assessment confirmed savings of 19.5% when compared with traditional delivery methods. The P3 structure enabled overlapping design and construction activities and early works. Additionally, a strong governance framework streamlined decision-making and managed risk effectively.

The project team relied on advanced technologies and innovative construction methods to deliver the project efficiently and safely within the required schedule. These innovations included on-site recycling, digital twin technology, and barrier wall optimization. Collectively, these enhancements improved the project’s sustainability, safety, and operational effectiveness.

On-Site Recycling

Reconstructing the median of the highway while maintaining traffic flow posed significant logistical challenges. Traditionally, this process would involve removing road materials, transporting them off-site, and bringing new materials back to the site. To address these issues, the project team implemented an innovative on-site recycling approach.

Mobile crushers were brought to the work zone to process asphalt, concrete, and granular base materials into Granular A, meeting Ontario Provincial Specification Standard (OPSS) requirements. This approach recycled approximately 650,000 tons of granular material and 750,000 tons of asphalt. It eliminated the need for off-site trucking and reduced environmental impacts. The recycling process also improved site cleanliness and accelerated the project schedule. Through the mobile crushing operation, it assisted the schedule, by allowing concurrent works, such as installing high mast foundations and storm sewers immediately following the crushing operations. This innovation not only reduced costs and emissions but also improved safety and minimized truck traffic on live lanes of Highway 401.

Digital Twin Technology

This digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of the highway served as a centralized hub for collaboration. It facilitated design, scheduling, construction, quality, commissioning, and closeout processes among the teams.

The digital twin was particularly instrumental in the commissioning process. It allowed deficiencies to be recorded, visualized, and rectified efficiently. Using a mobile application integrated into the platform, deficiencies were documented with descriptions, photographs, and GPS locations. This enabled seamless tracking and resolution. The dashboard provided real-time status of deficiencies and issues on the project. This innovative use of digital technology streamlined operations. Moreover, it improved communication and ensured quality standards were consistently met.

Barrier Wall Optimization

Designing the highway to fit within the constrained right-of-way while minimizing the use of barrier walls posed another significant challenge. Barrier walls, while necessary in some areas, can introduce hazards and increase costs. The design team conducted explicit road safety analyses to explore alternatives to the standard approach of adding barrier walls.

These analyses compared options such as narrowing shoulders, reducing lane widths, and steepening roadside slopes. The goal was to identify solutions with the least societal cost while maintaining safety. This approach reduced the number of barrier walls required, improving overall highway safety. Additionally, it reduced societal costs. Post-construction, road safety audits were conducted to address perceived safety concerns. This ensured the best alternatives were implemented, even in areas compliant with design standards.

Lessons In Collaboration

The success of the Highway 401 Expansion Project was built on a foundation of strong collaboration, unified goals, and a commitment to innovation. The co-location of teams from WCC, IO, and the MTO fostered a highly integrated and cooperative environment. This close proximity allowed for real-time communication and faster decision-making. It also facilitated the ability to address challenges as they arose. Thus, ensuring the project stayed on schedule and within scope despite the work’s complexities.

Parsons, as the lead design engineer and a Design-Build joint venture partner, worked closely with construction teams. This ensured that designs were not only technically sound but also constructible and efficient. This integration allowed for the development of dynamic staging plans. These plans enabled construction to proceed while maintaining traffic flow. The staging approach involved widening the highway on the outside first, shifting traffic to the newly constructed lanes, and then reconstructing the median. This phased approach required coordination between design and construction teams. It was essential to adapt to field conditions and ensure safety for both workers and the traveling public.

Working With Stakeholders

Additionally, the project team worked closely with stakeholders, including local municipalities and utility providers with the aim was of coordinating activities and minimizing disruptions to the public. Regular updates and communication on the website and notices kept motorists informed about construction progress and traffic impacts. By maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a spirit of partnership, the project team was able to build trust. It also ensured the smooth execution of the work.

The Highway 401 Expansion Project demonstrates how collaboration, when combined with innovative tools and a shared commitment to excellence, can overcome even the most complex challenges. The integration of design, construction, and stakeholder engagement was key to the project’s success.

Building Canada’s Future

The Highway 401 Expansion Project stands as a benchmark for modern infrastructure delivery in Canada. It illustrates how advanced engineering solutions, collaborative partnerships, and innovative technologies can overcome complex challenges. Simultaneously, it delivers long-term economic and community benefits.

We are proud to be part of this achievement, not just as a global infrastructure leader, but as a committed member of Canada’s engineering community. We are helping to shape the nation’s transportation legacy for generations to come.

The post Highway 401 Expansion: Driving Progress Through Innovation appeared first on Parsons Corporation.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Global events like the Olympic Games or the FIFA World Cup stretch cities to their limits. Stadiums, transit systems, energy grids, and communications networks must perform flawlessly under immense pressure. Success depends not just on smart design, but on execution. Delivering complex infrastructure safely, on time, and ready for showtime is critical.

Building Confidence Through Control

Hosting a global event often means executing dozens of interconnected projects: transit upgrades, airport expansions, road improvements, security installations, and temporary venue setups. Each has its own budget, contractors, milestones, and risks. Our PM/CM experts serve as the integrator, bringing it all together into one unified delivery plan.

We provide:

• Program Management
• Project Management
• Construction Management
• Scheduling
• Cost Estimating

By embedding our teams within client organizations, we help decision-makers maintain control, respond quickly to change, and stay focused on outcomes.

Proven Experience On The World Stage

We have supported infrastructure delivery for high-profile, high-risk environments for decades. These include defense bases, transit mega-projects, and major sporting venues. At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, we managed a range of critical infrastructure, from fan mobility systems to temporary transport hubs.

We have also served as owner’s representative and construction manager for transit systems, highways, ports, and aviation programs that move millions of people every day. This experience translates directly into helping cities deliver infrastructure that meets the unique demands of global events.

Three Ways We Strengthen Event Readiness

Managing The Unexpected

Global events are fluid. Schedules shift. Security requirements evolve. Weather, supply chains, and global factors can all impact progress. That is why our PM/CM approach is built for adaptability. We use scenario planning and dynamic reforecasting tools to stay one step ahead. Our teams are trained to solve problems in real time, minimizing disruption and keeping projects on track.

Leaving Behind Stronger Infrastructure

What cities build for the Olympics or World Cup often becomes part of their permanent legacy. We help ensure that these investments serve the community long after the last medal is awarded.

Clients gain:

• Improved infrastructure oversight tools
• Processes for long-term capital planning
• Teams trained in modern project controls
• A culture of accountability and excellence

Trusted For Mission-Critical Programs Worldwide

We are more than a contractor. We are a strategic partner that helps public agencies and event organizers deliver their vision with confidence. Our global PM/CM teams work alongside clients at every stage to make sure infrastructure is not only built, but built right.

From transit to venues to the roads in between, we bring the expertise and systems that drive execution at the highest levels.

Ready For The Next Global Moment

Whether planning for the Olympics, the World Cup, or the next world-shaping event, we stand ready to help cities deliver with certainty. When everything is on the line, we make sure your infrastructure is ready to perform.

The post Integrated Delivery For Global Events: How We’re Ensuring Infrastructure Readiness At Every Stage appeared first on Parsons Corporation.