Inside the Mind of a Bridge Construction Engineer

by Brian Witte, P.E. 

Vice President, Construction Engineering at Parsons Corporation 

October 28th, 2026  |  4:00 PM ET  |  BOWN 1003 

Registration Site: Steel Bridge Engineering Seminar Series

Seminar Overview:  Many engineering disciplines are involved in the design of a bridge project, but construction engineering is often overlooked. While the final structure is the primary focus of design, the bridge must also be built safely, efficiently, and in a sequence that accounts for site constraints, temporary conditions, changing load paths, and field operations. This presentation will explore how bridge construction engineers approach a project, from evaluating constructability and erection methods to anticipating stability concerns and solving challenges in the field. The session will include case studies that illustrate the critical role construction engineering plays in planning, risk reduction, and successful project execution. Attendees will gain insight into the construction engineering mindset and a better understanding of how early consideration of construction means and methods can improve project outcomes.

Presenter Bio:  Brian Witte is Vice President of Construction Engineering at Parsons, where he leads the construction engineering and estimating departments and supports the delivery of complex infrastructure projects across North America. He brings extensive experience in bridge construction engineering, with expertise in erection analysis, demolition, temporary works, heavy lift planning, marine construction, and post-tensioned and precast concrete systems. His work spans a wide range of bridge types, erection methods, and demolition strategies, supporting both traditional and alternative delivery projects. With an early career foundation as a field engineer, Brian is known for developing practical, field-ready solutions to complex construction challenges. He has supported all phases of bridge construction, from foundations and substructures to superstructure erection, bridge replacement, and construction sequencing. His experience also includes formwork and falsework design and troubleshooting difficult field conditions. In addition to his project leadership, Brian is active in advancing industry practice. He serves as Chair of the AASHTO/NSBA Collaboration Task Group 10 for Steel Bridge Erection and is a member of the PCI Girder Stability Subcommittee.