PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING

When clients are contemplating a new infrastructure project, they typically have more questions than answers. HLR offers complete preliminary engineering services to take your improvement project from a concept to a practical solution.

Preliminary engineering is more than just a set of concept plans – it forms the foundation of a successful project. We understand the importance of taking all aspects of infrastructure planning into account while also keeping the community involved every step of the way.


Our team regularly works on all types of new and existing roadway projects including studies for intersection improvements, two- to four-lane widening projects, pedestrian enhancements, and new roadways on new alignments. We strive to produce preliminary engineering designs that can be easily transitioned to final engineering without the need for significant revisions.


Our team has extensive experience assisting both state and local agencies during the visioning process and early stages of a project. We utilize existing relationships to identify potential permitting, land acquisition, and infrastructure conflict issues. HLR also has a thorough understanding of funding sources, grant writing, and financial assistance programs to help our clients get their projects implemented.

  • PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

    In today’s fast-paced world, reaching people whose homes and/or businesses will be impacted by proposed improvements is crucial and involving these individuals, along with other community members, during the preliminary engineering process is our top priority. HLR regularly conducts meetings with elected public officials and stakeholders, identifies project issues, answers questions, facilitates public outreach meetings, schedules open houses and public hearings, and provides information through online and print media such as project websites, email, social media, flyers, mailings, and much more. With HLR on your team, you can count on us to build trust, credibility, and consensus while expanding awareness and understanding of the project.

  • LOCAL AGENCY AND UTILITY COORDINATION

    Identifying potential conflicts with adjacent agencies, projects, or utilities is a vital aspect of the preliminary engineering process that helps save time, limiting the burden on neighboring residents and businesses in addition to preventing costly design changes.  Our staff has extensive experience working with local agencies and are experts at proactive communication and coordination between involved parties.  We utilize existing relationships to expedite this process and include as much information in the concept plans as possible so that the detailed design process can build off our work and won’t have to be replicated.

  • FEASIBILITY STUDIES

    HLR performs the necessary studies to help our clients assess and determine the feasibility of a new project, whether it’s for a roadway improvement or a new river crossing. We examine the concepts and existing conditions in order to identify impacts that significantly affect cost and schedule. The study objectively outlines the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed improvements and evaluates the project’s potential for success. This provides our clients with the information needed to decide the correct course of action.

  • INTERSECTION DESIGN STUDIES (IDS)

    Detailed intersection design is critical to safety and flow of traffic. Intersections can take many forms, such as a four-way stop, signalized intersection, roundabout intersection, or alternative intersection designs like single-point urban interchanges or diverging diamonds. HLR has experience with these types of improvements, and our team routinely completes Intersection Design Studies (IDS) as part of the preliminary design phase. Each IDS report prepared by HLR shows lane configurations, preliminary right-of-way necessary to construct the project, turn-lane lengths, corner radii, taper lengths and rates, curb/gutter type, and/or shoulder widths. Traffic data, including existing and proposed peak-hour traffic volumes, are also included along with truck-volume percentages. A capacity analysis for the peak hours, general intersection information, including the roadway classification, anticipated year of construction, traffic control, design vehicles, design and posted speed limits, and average daily traffic volumes are all compiled and shown as part of the study. If approach grades are greater than one percent, a profile will be included in the document. Oftentimes, turning-movement diagrams are also included to show that the design vehicle can make all the necessary turns without encroaching into opposing lanes.

  • GRANT APPLICATIONS AND ASSISTANCE

    Lack of funding for infrastructure improvements is a major issue facing many of our clients. Our team regularly tracks funding sources including, but not limited to, the:

    • Surface Transportation Program (STP)
    • Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ)
    • Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP)
    • Safe Routes to School (SRTS)
    • Transportation Enhancements and Truck Access Route Program (TARP)
    • Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-Term Achievement of National Efficiencies (FASTLANE)
    • Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER)
    • Community Project Funding (CPF)

    This allows our clients to utilize state and federal grant programs and continuously improve our communities. We have extensive expertise and existing relationships that can help you achieve your funding goals.