MINNEAPOLIS, MN HDR promotes Bernie Arseneau, PE, PTOE, to Highways & Roads Director. In his new role, Arseneau will guide the firm's strategies for growing this core market, which includes traffic engineering, bridge design, program and asset management and transportation technology.

Arseneau joined HDR in 2013 as Traffic Management Systems Director following three decades of service at the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Since then, he has helped HDR's clients efficiently prepare infrastructure for future needs being shaped by technology and emerging trends. He has co-authored papers on autonomous and connected vehicles and modular lanes as the next generation of managed lanes. He has also helped develop practical guides that support the efficient and effective integration of emerging transportation technologies.

During Arseneau's tenure at MnDOT, his commitment to highway safety and innovative planning shaped a sea change in their transportation program. Ideas he pioneered there have been implemented on a wide scale. Among them is the "Toward Zero Deaths" program now embraced by numerous state DOTs, the Federal Highway Administration, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and the American Traffic Safety Services Association.

While with MnDOT, Arseneau served on AASHTO committees for chief engineers and traffic safety, and chaired its traffic engineering subcommittee. He remains active with the Institute of Transportation Engineers and ITS America and served on the Professional Transportation Certification Board from 2010 to 2016.

HDR's Transport Market Sector Director Rick Pilgrim underscored the agency experience Arseneau brings to his new role. "Bernie's "˜first career' at MnDOT brings firsthand knowledge and the perspective of our clients, which he combines with a wide-ranging understanding of the market," Pilgrim said. "He provides the right mix of skills to help HDR leverage its comprehensive services in this critically important and transforming market."

Arseneau is known in the industry for his passionate advocacy of technology applications and innovative solutions to create safer, more efficient and resilient infrastructure. "Dramatic changes in transportation are certain to occur during the next decade, not only from emerging technologies like autonomous and connected vehicles but also from holistic planning that includes full, life-cycle analyses," he said. "Innovations are also being driven by collaboration, partnerships and alternative delivery. I feel fortunate to take on this role in a firm with the depth of talent and vision to help our clients navigate the coming changes."