Post by CDM Smith

Transportation planner Gina Murphy played a key role in advancing MoDOT’s I‑70 NEPA Re‑evaluation Project—helping enhance freight movement and regional mobility. As NEPA lead, Gina directed re-evaluations across four sections of the I‑70 corridor. Working within an accelerated 12-month schedule, she prioritized timely delivery and compliance with environmental requirements. With limited fieldwork time, she mobilized teams to coordinate wetland studies, address bat habitat needs, support historic resources compliance and obtain private property access. The team used innovative tools such as Sky Wave™ at CDM Smith remote sensing, advanced 3D modeling and a project management dashboard to enhance transparency and keep the project moving forward. Sky Wave was initially piloted on one section of I-70, but its success led to expanded use on an additional section, where drone imagery supported wetland data collection. This approach improved access to challenging areas and reduced reliance on seasonal fieldwork, providing a more efficient solution. Reflecting on her experience, Gina shared, “In my 20 years at CDM Smith, about 18 have involved working on I‑70 in some way. It’s been meaningful to help improve what I see as the main street of Missouri, right where I live.”