STV’s survey practice is reaching a new milestone in Texas. The firm was recently awarded a five-year statewide rural/urban contract with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), building on its earlier work in Texas’s El Paso District – a six-county region that spans desert corridors and major highways along the state’s western border, giving STV’s team valuable experience navigating diverse terrain and complex transportation needs. This new contract underscores STV’s ability to deliver accurate, innovative and safe survey solutions across Texas’s uniquely challenging landscapes.
That responsibility comes at a pivotal time. With 11,000 active TxDOT projects – from planning through construction – a 10-year, $148 billion transportation investment underway and Texas’s population surging to the tune of more than 1,500 people a day, demand for road and transit investments has never been higher. STV’s expanded role means the firm is helping TxDOT deliver the infrastructure needed to keep pace with the state’s rapid growth.
Against this backdrop of growth and unprecedented investment, we spoke with Sean Flaherty, senior vice president and lead of STV’s survey practice, about what this statewide win means for the firm – and the unique challenges that come with surveying in Texas.
1. What does this statewide TxDOT contract win represent for STV and the survey team?
It validates the trust we’ve built with TxDOT – not just in El Paso, but across the state. Surveying in Texas is anything but routine, and we’re proud that TxDOT recognizes our ability to handle a wide range of complex work, from highway planning and right-of-way acquisition to design surveys and construction staking.
What makes this win especially meaningful is that it reflects more than technical expertise. Our team highlighted our culture of safety, our use of innovative tools and our support of historically underutilized businesses – priorities that resonated strongly with TxDOT.
2. What are some of the biggest challenges in surveying for transportation projects in Texas?
Texas is massive and incredibly diverse in terms of terrain. In one week, our teams might be working in the mountains of West Texas, the forests of East Texas and urban centers like Austin, Dallas or Houston. Each environment presents different challenges, and we address them accordingly.
And because so much of Texas is experiencing rapid development, we’re often working on active or congested sites, where precision is crucial. Surveying for highways isn’t just about taking measurements – it’s about delivering those measurements quickly, accurately and in compliance with state regulations, so construction can move forward safely and efficiently.
3. How do you approach those challenges and maintain quality across such a varied landscape?
It starts with preparation. Before we put boots on the ground, we invest heavily in pre-planning and advanced technology. Our approach is informed by data, which helps us understand and adapt to each project’s unique conditions. We assess the best technologies for the job, and utilize a combination of GPS, digital levels, terrestrial scanners and unmanned aerial vehicles/drones.
But beyond technology, it’s about people. Our team understands what’s at stake – whether we’re working in a remote desert or an urban right-of-way, our surveyors know how to adapt. They understand TxDOT’s requirements, they communicate clearly and they put safety first. That’s how we build lasting partnerships.
4. What’s next for STV’s survey work in Texas?
We’re excited to continue growing. The expanded scope of this contract allows us to support TxDOT across the state, and we’re already seeing opportunities to partner with other districts. Our focus is on staying ahead – investing in talent, continuing to innovate and always finding ways to deliver better outcomes for our clients and the communities we serve.
