On July 18, 2012 the Iowa D.O.T. was recognized for their I-680 project near Crescent, Iowa. Snyder & Associates, Inc. played a vital role in the reconstruction of I-680 within a record 34 days. The prime contractor(s) trusted our firm to perform the design and construction staking on this vital link between Nebraska and Iowa as they were challenged to rebuilt the flood ravaged interstate highway in less than three months. With nothing more than LiDAR surfacing and 35 year old record drawings, Snyder & Associates staff recreated the horizontal and vertical control, generated 3D stakeless grading files for each “phase” of construction, and staked the entire corridor for drainage and paving in a little more than three weeks time. The outstanding performance of Snyder & Associates’ staff contributed to the project being completely reconstructed within 34 days.

I-680 After The 2011 Flooding	I-680 Reconstructed in 34 Days.

Read more about the Project...

Have you ever wanted the same quality water from your tap that’s found in brand-named bottled water? That’s what the citizens of Atkins, Iowa now have with the completion of their award winning water treatment plant. 

The American Council of Engineering Companies of Iowa (ACEC) has presented a 2012 Engineering Excellence Award to Snyder & Associates’ Cedar Rapids office and the City of Atkins for a project demonstrating engineering excellence applied to a complex water quality issue.

The City of Atkins experienced persistent, unsafe nitrite levels in their drinking water.  High nitrite levels in drinking water interfere with the ability of blood to carry oxygen throughout the body.  Young children under six months of age are most susceptible to the affects of these high levels. In order to control the problem, construction of a new reverse osmosis water treatment plant was necessary since the existing plant was not capable of removing nitrite.

Reverse osmosis technology has been utilized for years, and recently has become more affordable and practical for municipalities to install.  An advantage of reverse osmosis is its ability to consistently remove 85-90% of numerous contaminants from the water including hardness, radium, and heavy metals. For Atkins, their water is further stabilized by applying specific blends of chemical treatment. This solution provides safer public drinking water and enables the City of Atkins to more easily meet future regulations without major improvements or cost to the community.

This project is a great example of how Snyder & Associates pursues client solutions with a passion for improving the quality of life in the communities we serve.