Tag Archive for: FEMA

Interview with CEO Dan Rogovin from U.S. Bridge on Puerto Rico Project

The following interview was with the CEO of U.S. Bridge, Mr. Dan Rogovin. The questions focus on, not only, the Puerto Rico Project, but also, the U.S. Bridge processes. CEO Dan Rogovin takes us on a journey of how U.S. Bridge became the leader in steel bridge manufacturing.

What is your background and how did you begin your role as CEO of of U.S. Bridge?

As a 3rd generation bridge builder, my career had long been established prior to my entrance into this world. My interest in building, paired with a long legacy of bridge builders in the family, led to my commitment to the bridge business at the age of 16. After a few summers stationed at various construction sites, I transferred over to the manufacturing side of the business. My time was spent gaining an understanding of materials and manufacturing means and methods. Shortly thereafter, in 1999, I joined U.S. Bridge full time and began focusing on growing the company’s footprint throughout the U.S.

What is the biggest determining factor you look at when assessing if you will take on a new project?

It is important to evaluate each opportunity carefully when determining an interest in each project. First, we consider if it fits within our capabilities. If so, then we evaluate the time frame in order to ensure that we meet the customer’s delivery requirements. Lastly, we determine whether this project would provide some meaningful benefit to the Company. If so, then the decision to participate in the project would be made.

How do you see the future of the construction industry domestically and internationally?

The infrastructure in our country is without question aging. Much of it was constructed decades ago and after years of abuse, and / or lack of maintenance, these bridge assets are subjected to the heaviest of loads under the most extreme conditions. Funding must be allocated towards the replacement of these structures. Doing so would ensure the safety of the traveling public while jointly creating thousands of jobs throughout our country.

Is U.S. Bridge positioned for international aid in catastrophes such as Hurricane Maria?

Hurricane Maria was a historic and tragic event. With thousands of lives lost and many still recovering from the massive destruction that the storm brought, it truly was a life changing event for many. U.S. Bridge is uniquely positioned to provide immediate aid and assistance for these types of events. Immediately after a storm of this magnitude, lines of communication must be restored. As such, when bridges are destroyed, it is imperative that they be replaced as quickly as possible so recovery efforts aren’t interrupted. With a complete line of bridges ready to deploy to these locations, U.S. Bridge has developed an emergency response program to help communities in need at a moment’s notice.

How did Puerto Rico find out about you and the work that you provide?

Over the past few decades, U.S. Bridge has worked diligently to establish a name for ourselves. I believe we have successfully developed a reputation for providing a quality product that meets or exceeds industry standards at a fair price, all while striving to exceed customer expectations. Shortly after Hurricane Maria made landfall and the magnitude of destruction was understood, we were contacted by contractors on the island who were in desperate need of assistance. It was clear to them that U.S. Bridge had the experience and expertise along with the passion and unrelenting energy to meet the accelerated demands required for their projects. Working closely with FHWA and FEMA, the U.S. Bridge team worked tirelessly through the December holiday season to enable the residents of Puerto Rico to reconnect and rebuild their lives.

What is a typical bridge build time?

Every bridge project is different. While some are larger than others, from the time U.S. Bridge receives notice to proceed, many bridges can be engineered, manufactured and delivered within 6-10 weeks.

How would countries and foreign governments benefit from being networked with you?

Over the past 80 years, we’ve engineered, manufactured, and constructed thousands of bridges. Based on that, we have obtained and retained an abundance of tribal knowledge that simply can’t be replicated. Each project is different and there is no boilerplate solution. Our adept team, the systems that we have refined, and our almost century of experience, undoubtedly allow us to hold the hand of any owner, and provide them with the individual support and assistance that each requires.

Where do you see U.S. Bridge’s success stemming from?

There is no question about it, our team. U.S. Bridge has a terrific team of intelligent, driven, passionate, and creative professionals that are always striving to reach new heights. Without them, U.S. Bridge wouldn’t be what it is today, an incredibly efficient, proficient and agile company that provides quality products that literally connect millions throughout the world.

What differentiates U.S. Bridge from other bridge companies? Both foreign and domestic?

U.S. Bridge is unique in that we possess the ability to engineer, manufacture and construct bridges. Many bridge fabricators have developed the skills to manufacture while leaving the engineering and construction to others. With the ability to provide turn-key services, the process is far more efficient for our clients.

What is the preferred method for organizations to get in touch with you about their next project?

I always prefer speaking with someone directly over other forms of communication. I find it far more more personable and efficient. That being said, U.S Bridge is available to provide support by dialing 888-852-0094. In the event that a client’s preferred method of communication is electronic, support can be provided by simply emailing info@usbridge.com or by visiting our website, usbridge.com, and beginning a chat session with one of our bridge experts.

Thanks Dan Rogovin for spending sometime with us on what makes U.S. Bridge a fantastic company!

Hurricane Maria Statistics In Puerto Rico

Immediately following the Puerto Rico hurricane, 100 percent of the island was without power. Additionally, parts of the island had become completely isolated due to the loss of bridges and roadways. Many of these structures were either swept away by the storm or deemed unsafe to travel in its aftermath. U.S. Bridge is proud to be part of the rebuilding effort in Puerto Rico. Take a look below to understand the full scope of the damage to Puerto Rico.

 

A Once-In-A-Lifetime Storm

Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico for almost three weeks. The Category 5 hurricane had wind gusts of up to 175 MPH and is responsible for more than 1,000 deaths. With such an intense storm assaulting the island, its infrastructure was ill-prepared to handle the amount of flooding; as a result, downed trees and power lines made many roadways impassable. Plus, the lack of power leftmost Island residents without access to refrigerated food and medicine, and with only limited access to news and information regarding the storm.

Rebuilding Roadways

U.S. Bridge built five Liberty bridges in Puerto Rico. The effort required 800 metric tons of steel, all made in the USA, as well as three contractors. Altogether, these bridges accounted for 950 feet of roadway with a design life of 75 years.

USB PR Stats Update May20 2018

Reconnecting Communities

The five bridges are in areas hardest hit by the Puerto Rico hurricane. These areas are:

Each of these bridges passed rigorous requirements as set forth by FEMA, AASHTO and the Federal Highway Administration (FHA). The work in Puerto Rico required the use of three freight companies, two galvanizing companies, and two ship lines.

USB-PR-stats-communities-update-May20-2018

Delivering Relief

U.S. Bridge estimated that the building of the bridges took six weeks. In under two months, U.S. Bridge provided Puerto Ricans with just some of the relief needed to rebuild their lives.

As a leader in bridge design and manufacturing, U.S. Bridge is proud to serve as part of the rebuilding effort. The Puerto Rico hurricane was an unprecedented weather event, and our team of engineers is eager to bring their knowledge and expertise to the task at hand. For more information about U.S. Bridge, please contact us today. For more details regarding U.S. Bridge’s work in Puerto Rico, please see our infographic below. Also, download the high resolution version for printing here.

USB PR Stats Update May20 2018 01

 

Puerto Rico Hurricane Damage Coverage - U.S. Bridge To Build 4 Bridges

Since Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, its residents have been waiting for life to return to normal. However, with its infrastructure severely damaged by the storm, a normal way of life is all but impossible. That’s where U.S. Bridge comes in. They are working on the ground to combat Puerto Rico hurricane damage by rebuilding bridges in four affected areas.

Reestablishing Connection

Hurricane Maria caused massive mudslides, trapping some people in their homes for days and weeks following the storm. These mudslides also led to bridges collapsing. This made it impossible for people to access basic necessities like food and water. Roadways that were once traversed daily were now impassable. U.S. Bridge, started at the end of 2017, and is in the process of finishing in March of 2018. Some of the first rebuilding efforts are focused on affected areas like Utuado.

Reconnecting Remote Areas

Puerto Rico hurricane damage greatly impacted remote areas of the island in these regions, such as Juana Diaz, Utuado, Moca, and San Lorenzo, Morovis. In total, more than 100 of the bridges in Puerto Rico were damaged, and 18 have closed. Without these bridges, residents in remote areas are stranded. Residents are only able to get food and water through pure ingenuity. For example, residents in Rio Abajo, who are now completely cut off from supplies, have rigged a pulley system to get supplies across the river. Due to U.S. Bridge’s quick turn around time, they immediately engineered, manufactured and shipped their Liberty Series bridges to these communities. They are being built as this article is being written! Tactically, U.S. Bridge is connecting one part of the island to another.This will bring hope back to  the area and hasten the flow of supplies that residents so desperately need.

Working Together for Everyone

U.S. Bridge is proud to be one of the many companies working diligently to combat Puerto Rico hurricane damage. Crowley is another great company that is helping transport major components of the Liberty Series bridges across the region. Federal organizations like FEMA and FHWA (Federal Highway Administration) have also backed and supported the recovery effort in Puerto Rico. 47 containers are being transported. These containers weigh in at around 800 metric tons of steel. In total, more than 880 feet of bridge will be built. U.S. Bridge is confident that citizens will regain a semblance of normalcy. These four bridges are being constructed in some of the hardest hit areas of this beautiful island. The work in Puerto Rico has just begun. Collaborative efforts like this are a perfect way to push the rebuilding movement forward.

These amazing contractors should be applauded for their work on these projects:

Liberty for Puerto Ricans

Local news in Puerto Rico is starting to see the benefit of what U.S. Bridge and their partners are doing. Below is a story from Wapa.tv on the Utuado bridge and local residents’ reaction.

 

An Engineering Leader Helping Puerto Rico Hurricane Damage

For over 80 years, U.S. Bridge has been a leader in bridge design and manufacturing throughout the world. Our team of engineers works with local and state governments, businesses, and other organizations to reinforce and stabilize bridges across the country. The CEO of U.S. Bridge, Dan Rogovin and COO, Rajat Shah, have been in Puerto Rico, assessing progress and lending their support.

Todd Carpenter, Bridge Superintendent at U.S. Bridge, has been in the country overseeing the work, and said, “the collaborative effort from, the contractors, the U.S. Government, and the people of Puerto Rico, has made this an extremely fulfilling project. Knowing that our bridges are being used for connecting communities that were shattered, is something I’ll never forget. And these communities will use these bridges for generations to come.”

For more details regarding the work U.S. Bridge is doing in Puerto Rico, please click here. Also, make sure to follow U.S. Bridge’s social channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube, and Linkedin) for the ongoing work in Puerto Rico. For more information about U.S. Bridge, we encourage you to contact us today.

Hurricane News: Damage Coverage For Puerto Rico

Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in mid-September 2017. The island’s infrastructure relied on bridges, roads and waterways to maintain trade. Unfortunately, most of these bridges and roads have been destroyed and are no longer passable, according to hurricane news reports. These modes of transportation also provided Puerto Ricans with access to food, water, gasoline, and cities. Hence, rebuilding efforts are the key to getting the island back on its feet.

U.S. Bridge has followed the hurricane news very closely and is eager to help the people of Puerto Rico. Lacking resources and any way to transport them to people who need them most, U.S. Bridge is determined to help Puerto Rico by rebuilding bridges to facilitate free movement of food, water, and gasoline. Parts of Puerto Rico won’t have power before late May, 8 months after hurricane Maria. About 95 percent of the island will see energy restoration by the end of March. Things are slowly getting better, however, there is still much to be done.

Unable to Navigate the Mountains

The mountains near San Juan were particularly hit hard. For example, the neighborhood of San Lorenzo has been cut off from the city due to the destruction of a bridge that allowed free passage for its residents. Residents in the area have stressed how important it is for them to be able to move freely between their homes and the city. Elderly people and the sick, for instance, no longer have access to the care they need. The only option is to ford the river in what is often waist-deep, murky water. On the other hand, they may take a path around the mountain that can add three hours to their trip; but with limited access to gasoline, this is not a viable option. Some residents have actually rigged a cable above the water to get supplies across.

Built to Last

U.S. Bridge is eager to provide relief to the people of Puerto Rico. U.S. Bridge will be using the Liberty Bridge design for four bridge projects that are contracted to construct in Puerto Rico. This bridge type is made up of prefabricated modules that are easy to transport and assemble.  Based on the hurricane news, the Liberty Bridge will offer the type of permanent and quick relief that the people of Puerto Rico need.

U.S. Bridge is providing bridge-building expertise to the people of Puerto Rico who are still suffering the effects of Hurricane Maria more than four months after it made landfall. For more information about U.S. Bridge and our team of dedicated engineers, please feel free to contact us for more information.