What civil engineers are reading this week

• New bridge in eastern Rwanda brings transformative benefits to residents on each side

  A permanent suspension bridge will provide access to schools, hospitals, markets, and transportation routes. The engineers on the project share their firsthand recollections about the work with ASCE.

• To win AI race, the US needs expanded pumped storage hydropower, report says

  Faster permitting and project development will expand pumped storage hydropower and meet growing electricity demand related to artificial intelligence, a report says. Why is the technology ideal for AI data centers?

• Team uses fiber-reinforced polymer to repair concrete-filled steel piles at Port of New Orleans

  The Nashville Wharf was restored while remaining operational, avoiding the significant costs and disruption associated with large-scale pile replacement.

• Banned from owning power plants, NY utilities now want to build solar and wind farms

  The state forced utilities to sell off power plants in the 1990s to encourage competition. Now, the companies want to generate wind and solar power to help meet state climate goals and shore up the grid.

• Get ready to explore future materials and construction methods at ASCE2027

  Doing things as they were done in the past is no way to build the future. With ASCE2027 registration set to open, here are articles on the kinds of future materials and methods to be covered at the event.

• Midwest states’ DOT projects win national competition honors

  Twelve state transportation department projects in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin took home top honors in the 2026 America’s Transportation Awards competition.