"Funding will always be priority number one, and more likely to be addressed in Texas," says O'Grady. "In Louisiana, prioritization will be key, perhaps with an expansion of toll facilities."

A changing landscape may well entail expanding efforts to bring the broadest possible range of perspectives to bear on projects. That's HNTB's forte, says Barton. He recalls how the firm drew heavily on community input for the Dallas Horseshoe that ultimately made a good solution better.

"They like to be on the cutting edge of things," Barton says. "They're not just looking to build a better mousetrap but find solutions that will be as good 25 years from now as they are today."