Precast spotlight: Adapting, innovating, and building smarter with Richard, General Manager

Adapting a Texas solution for New Mexico DOT

In a standout moment for cross-state innovation, the team recently adapted a Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) solution for a project in Albuquerque, New Mexico — a first for New Mexico DOT. When local contractor AUI encountered a design gap for a roadway structure, General Manager Richard proposed a solution that had been successful in Texas.

“We pitched it, sent over the calculations, designs, and backup data, and they approved it,” said Richard. “It’s the first time they’ve accepted something outside of their standard DOT specs.”

While the contractor originally credited a different project (Sundt), it was AUI who implemented the change on-site. This kind of collaboration not only showcases the team’s technical flexibility, but also their ability to think outside traditional boundaries to solve complex infrastructure problems.