From Disaster to Recovery: Improving Infrastructure Resilience & Enhancing Disaster Response

As severe weather events become more frequent and destructive, the urgency to build stronger, more resilient infrastructure has never been clearer. This year, the U.S. has experienced multiple extreme weather events, each causing widespread damage to communities and critical infrastructure. With forecasts indicating increased volatility in weather patterns in the coming years, Bowman remains focused on helping communities recover, harden infrastructure and identify areas vulnerable to future risks.

Infrastructure Resilience Through Underground Power Line Relocation

Bowman is actively providing services to harden our country’s infrastructure—including civil, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) engineering, as well as transportation engineering, surveying and mapping—to support clients ranging from utilities and developers to public entities. In addition to this, we manage all facets of FEMA coordination, which enables local governments to focus on the well-being of their communities.

A key focus is relocating power lines underground, a measure that protects electrical systems from the high winds and flying debris associated with hurricanes. Each year, Bowman relocates hundreds of miles of electrical lines, benefiting thousands of properties and reducing the risk of prolonged outages after major storms.

3D Technology for Storm Damage Assessment and Repair

Since Hurricane Harvey in 2017, Bowman has consistently employed both aerial and ground-based technology to assess damage to transmission and distribution lines after major storms. Crews use manned helicopters outfitted with GPS-embedded video cameras to survey large areas, while drones equipped with thermal cameras are deployed in more vegetated regions to inspect distribution lines. Utility experts accompany each team, and damage reports are communicated via satellite to quickly dispatch repair crews.

To manage the extensive data and logistical challenges of these projects, Bowman continues to enhance its processes for greater efficiency and precision. One key improvement has been the development of a cloud-based, real-time project tracking system that incorporates geographic information system (GIS) technology, enhancing project coordination and reporting.

Rapid Response Mapping & Engineering Services for Disaster Recovery

One of the hallmarks of Bowman’s disaster response capabilities is our rapid response mapping and engineering services. When a natural disaster hits, time is of the essence, and Bowman’s fleet of 10 aircraft, equipped with large-format digital imagery and lidar sensors, allows our team to mobilize quickly and capture data in the immediate aftermath.

This enables our team to provide emergency responders with high-quality, actionable data for decision-making during recovery efforts.

As an approved vendor under the General Services Administration (GSA) Disaster Purchasing Program, Bowman’s disaster mapping services—such as digital orthoimagery, lidar GIS data—are easily accessible to government agencies and emergency responders. Bowman has also long been a trusted partner to FEMA and state first responders, working alongside these agencies to fast-track disaster recovery.

Portions of this information were first published in an article by Spencer Francis in Civil+Structural Engineer titled Engineering Experts Help Communities Prepare for Wicked Weather.