--- title: Rail & Transit | HVJ Associates description: We provide cost-effective solutions for achieving and extending trackbed, bridge, retaining wall, and other structure design life. --- [![HVJ Logo](https://www.hvj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HVJ%20logo_141x71.png?width=110&height=71&name=HVJ%20logo_141x71.png "HVJ Logo")](https://www.hvj.com/?hsLang=en) ** [ Let's talk ](https://www.hvj.com/contact-us?hsLang=en) ** ** Geotechnical Engineering Soil, rock, and groundwater conditions at every site are different. We assess the specific site conditions and design earth structures (slopes, channels, and dikes), foundations (retaining walls, bridges, buildings, tanks), and subsurface structures (clarifiers, lift stations, buried utilities, tunnels) to economically achieve the specific project objectives. Learn More → Construction Materials Engineering & Testing Construction material performance is key to the function and durability of any project. We engineer and test materials such as soil, concrete, and asphalt so you get what you pay for and the project performs as expected.     Learn More → Civil/Pavement Engineering A successful project starts with clear understanding of the project’s specific needs. We prepared street rehabilitation PS&E, traffic control designs, pavement designs, and asset management systems based on careful understanding of design requirements.   Learn More → Environmental Geology & Engineering Impact from hazardous waste, wetlands, faulting, and/or NEPA processes are serious concerns for project development. We identify such concerns early in project development, and provide strategies to mitigate impacts and provide the proper regulatory approval so the project can proceed on time and achieve the project goals. Learn More → Roads & Bridges Congestion and failing road surfaces cause delays, vehicle damage, and even driver safety issues. Solving these problems requires our specialized knowledge of pavement and roadway structures. Learn More → Water, Wastewater & Flood Control Drinking water, flushing toilets, and dry streets for granted – until they are gone. We specialize in keeping these systems running effectively. Learn More → Airports, Ports & Dredging Expanding and maintaining ports and airports is crucial to our economic development. HVJ’s specialized pavement, wharf, and navigation channel experience makes it happen. Learn More → Rail & Transit Rail and public transit facilities enable efficient transportation of people and goods. Our detailed knowledge of AREMA requirements keeps projects on track. Learn More → Buildings & Parks Schools, universities, courts, parks, solid waste facilities are all critical to our society. HVJ has specialized knowledge and experience with a multitude of public projects. Learn More → [About Us](https://go.hvj.com/about-us?hsLang=en) [News & Resources](https://www.hvj.com/blog?hsLang=en) [Locations](https://www.hvj.com/all-locations?hsLang=en) [Partners](https://www.hvj.com/partners?hsLang=en) HVJ Difference Our engineers provide a unique blend of capabilities and experience because of the support they receive. Employees do not simply exist here. They thrive. Learn More → Culture We are committed learners, empowered to interact based on making strong commitments. We take ownership of our actions and results. Learn More → Benefits We believe in taking care of our employees. We offer a rewarding work experience, opportunities for advancement and competitive benefits. Learn More → Employee Stories Check out what our employees say and learn about the HVJ experience! Great people and even greater teams are behind every project. Learn More → Current Openings We're always looking for talented individuals who fit our culture and can bring new perspectives and experiences to our growing teams. Learn More → The Opportunity Own a successful engineering business by adding our proven systems to your engineering talent and network. Learn More → How It Works Help us branchise – you help us build a branch office and then convert it into your own franchise. Learn More → Who's A Fit? Are you energetic and confident? See if this might be an opportunity that fits you. Learn More → FAQs What do you want to know?  Find the answers to common questions. Learn More → Success Stories Hear about the outstanding results our current franchisees have produced using our proven systems. Learn More → [![HVJ Logo](https://www.hvj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HVJ%20logo_141x71.png?width=110&height=71&name=HVJ%20logo_141x71.png "HVJ Logo")](https://www.hvj.com/?hsLang=en) ** [ Let's talk ](https://www.hvj.com/contact-us?hsLang=en) ** ** Geotechnical Engineering Soil, rock, and groundwater conditions at every site are different. We assess the specific site conditions and design earth structures (slopes, channels, and dikes), foundations (retaining walls, bridges, buildings, tanks), and subsurface structures (clarifiers, lift stations, buried utilities, tunnels) to economically achieve the specific project objectives. Learn More → Construction Materials Engineering & Testing Construction material performance is key to the function and durability of any project. We engineer and test materials such as soil, concrete, and asphalt so you get what you pay for and the project performs as expected.     Learn More → Civil/Pavement Engineering A successful project starts with clear understanding of the project’s specific needs. We prepared street rehabilitation PS&E, traffic control designs, pavement designs, and asset management systems based on careful understanding of design requirements.   Learn More → Environmental Geology & Engineering Impact from hazardous waste, wetlands, faulting, and/or NEPA processes are serious concerns for project development. We identify such concerns early in project development, and provide strategies to mitigate impacts and provide the proper regulatory approval so the project can proceed on time and achieve the project goals. Learn More → Roads & Bridges Congestion and failing road surfaces cause delays, vehicle damage, and even driver safety issues. Solving these problems requires our specialized knowledge of pavement and roadway structures. Learn More → Water, Wastewater & Flood Control Drinking water, flushing toilets, and dry streets for granted – until they are gone. We specialize in keeping these systems running effectively. Learn More → Airports, Ports & Dredging Expanding and maintaining ports and airports is crucial to our economic development. HVJ’s specialized pavement, wharf, and navigation channel experience makes it happen. Learn More → Rail & Transit Rail and public transit facilities enable efficient transportation of people and goods. Our detailed knowledge of AREMA requirements keeps projects on track. Learn More → Buildings & Parks Schools, universities, courts, parks, solid waste facilities are all critical to our society. HVJ has specialized knowledge and experience with a multitude of public projects. Learn More → [About Us](https://go.hvj.com/about-us?hsLang=en) [News & Resources](https://www.hvj.com/blog?hsLang=en) [Locations](https://www.hvj.com/all-locations?hsLang=en) [Partners](https://www.hvj.com/partners?hsLang=en) HVJ Difference Our engineers provide a unique blend of capabilities and experience because of the support they receive. Employees do not simply exist here. They thrive. Learn More → Culture We are committed learners, empowered to interact based on making strong commitments. We take ownership of our actions and results. Learn More → Benefits We believe in taking care of our employees. We offer a rewarding work experience, opportunities for advancement and competitive benefits. Learn More → Employee Stories Check out what our employees say and learn about the HVJ experience! Great people and even greater teams are behind every project. Learn More → Current Openings We're always looking for talented individuals who fit our culture and can bring new perspectives and experiences to our growing teams. Learn More → Agencies HVJ has been proud to support hundreds of public agencies meet and exceed service expectations from their constituents.  Learn More → Consultant Clients We’ve developed ongoing teaming relationships with many consulting firms based on delivering outstanding client satisfaction. Learn More → Providers Our success strongly depends on our business associates that provide the products and services we need. Learn More → HVJ Difference Our engineers provide a unique blend of capabilities and experience because of the support they receive. Employees do not simply exist here. They thrive. Learn More → Culture We are committed learners, empowered to interact based on making strong commitments. We take ownership of our actions and results. Learn More → Benefits We believe in taking care of our employees. We offer a rewarding work experience, opportunities for advancement and competitive benefits. Learn More → Employee Stories Check out what our employees say and learn about the HVJ experience! Great people and even greater teams are behind every project. Learn More → Current Openings We're always looking for talented individuals who fit our culture and can bring new perspectives and experiences to our growing teams. Learn More → The Opportunity Own a successful engineering business by adding our proven systems to your engineering talent and network. Learn More → How It Works Help us branchise – you help us build a branch office and then convert it into your own franchise. Learn More → Who's A Fit? Are you energetic and confident? See if this might be an opportunity that fits you. Learn More → FAQs What do you want to know?  Find the answers to common questions. Learn More → Success Stories Hear about the outstanding results our current franchisees have produced using our proven systems. Learn More → Search **Menu** ** ** [![Let's Talk](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/5496911/6233d0db-c76c-4678-9152-08331c17b6f1.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/5496911/6233d0db-c76c-4678-9152-08331c17b6f1) ![metrorail6](https://www.hvj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/metrorail6.jpg?width=1200&name=metrorail6.jpg "metrorail6") # Rail & Transit We provide cost-effective solutions for achieving and extending trackbed, bridge, retaining wall, and other structure design life. [![Get In Touch](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/5496911/6464a63b-2c0a-4cc3-80b5-f6fbe75e3f14.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/5496911/6464a63b-2c0a-4cc3-80b5-f6fbe75e3f14) ## Rail & Transit Services We are committed to our client’s success by delivering superior engineering through our focus on rail projects.  Moreover, we are dedicated to delivering peace of mind through listening, taking ownership, keeping commitments, and staying in touch. ** #### Trackbed Rail loads are spread to the soil through ballast and subballast.  HVJ can design trackbed to extend tracklife and reduce maintenance costs and slow orders in soft, saturated, and shrink-swell soil conditions. ** #### Light Rail Light rail often is designed with a combination of ballast track and slab track, HVJ is able to design ballast track section, slab track sections, and transitions to avoid maintenance and passenger comfort problems.  HVJ also is able to provide cost effective solutions for station platform design. ** #### Bridges & Retaining Walls Structures along rail lines such as bridges and retaining wall need to support the high wheel loads such as Cooper E80 engines.  HVJ is able to design foundations and retaining structures to support these high loads and gather design information complying with special field requirements such as flagman and special insurance. ## Rail & Transit Projects [See All Projects→](https://www.hvj.com/projects?hsLang=en) ![Trinity River-Project](https://www.hvj.com/hubfs/Trinity%20River-Project.jpg) ** #### Trinity Railway Express crossing Trinity River Fort Worth: HVJ provided 3D models based on testing and location of several undocumented structures that enabled foundation construction within complicated right of way limits [View Project →](https://www.hvj.com/trinity-railway-express-crossing-trinity-river?hsLang=en) rail-transit ![Boulevard-Project](https://www.hvj.com/hubfs/Boulevard-Project.jpg) ** #### The Boulevard Project Houston: Innovative Mat foundation and soil preparation design reduced construction time, costs, and traffic congestion [View Project →](https://www.hvj.com/the-boulevard-project?hsLang=en) roads,rail-transit ![DART downtowngarlandtraintower-278](https://www.hvj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DART%20downtowngarlandtraintower-278.webp?width=277&quality=high) ** #### DART Red and Blue Line Platform Extensions Dallas: Careful planning and time management were needed to perform the work safely as service along these busy lines could not be interrupted. [View Project →](https://www.hvj.com/bayport-phase-2-container-yard?hsLang=en) ![hvj_project_thumb_for_content_tile4](https://www.hvj.com/hubfs/hvj_project_thumb_for_content_tile.jpg) ** #### Project Title 4 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut sollicitudin tortor leo, id ultricies felis vehicula at. [View Project →](https://www.hvj.com/rail-transit#) ![hvj_project_thumb_for_content_tile5](https://www.hvj.com/hubfs/hvj_project_thumb_for_content_tile2.jpg) ** #### Project Title 5 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Pellentesque at massa at tortor condimentum varius sit amet sit. [View Project →](https://www.hvj.com/rail-transit#) ![hvj_project_thumb_for_content_tile6](https://www.hvj.com/hubfs/hvj_project_thumb_for_content_tile3.jpg) ** #### Project Title 6 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Pellentesque in ipsum et massa efficitur imperdiet. [View Project →](https://www.hvj.com/rail-transit#) ### Get in touch with one of HVJ's industry experts [![Get In Touch](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/5496911/6464a63b-2c0a-4cc3-80b5-f6fbe75e3f14.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/5496911/6464a63b-2c0a-4cc3-80b5-f6fbe75e3f14) ## Meet the Team ![Profile_Mike Hasen](https://www.hvj.com/hubfs/Profile_Mike%20Hasen.jpg) #### Mike Hasen #### Technical Leader/ Geotechnical and OVTI Subject Matter Expert Mr. Hasen is the organization’s technical leader with special expertise in dredging and Owner Verification Testing and Inspection. [View LinkedIn Profile→](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mhasen/) ![HVJNTx photo_S Ahmed, square](https://www.hvj.com/hubfs/HVJNTx%20photo_S%20Ahmed%2c%20square.jpg) #### Saheem Ahmed #### Vice President Mr. Ahmed is responsible for geotechnical operations and is the geotechnical engineering subject matter expert for North Texas. [View LinkedIn Profile→](https://www.linkedin.com/in/fadi-faraj-8a845b28/) ![Jason Schwarz](https://www.hvj.com/hubfs/Jason%20Schwarz%20Resized.jpg) #### Jason Schwarz #### Vice President - Operations Mr. Schwarz provides operations and technical leadership and is the geotechnical and CoMET subject matter expert in South Central Texas. [View LinkedIn Profile→](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-schwarz-5049181/) ![Profile_Frank Carmichael-263](https://www.hvj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Profile_Frank%20Carmichael-263.webp?width=262&quality=high) #### Frank Carmichael #### Branch Manager/Pavement Practice Leader Mr. Carmichael manages statewide services and has developed award-winning designs on paving projects. [View LinkedIn Profile→](https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-carmichael-1a8a064/) ## Get in touch with a geotechnical expert We promise we won't spam your inbox with unnecessary emails. [Privacy Policy](https://www.hvj.com/rail-transit#) #### HVJ Associates, Inc. 6120 S. Dairy Ashford Houston, Texas 77072 Voice: [(281) 933-7388](tel:%201-281-933-7388) [ Let's Talk ](https://www.hvj.com/contact-us?hsLang=en) #### Practices #### Sectors #### Company Copyright © 2022 HVJ Associates, Inc. All Rights Reserved.