Denver Launches First Autonomous Vehicle Shuttle

Denver’s Regional Transportation District has deployed the first on-road autonomous vehicle shuttle in both the city and the state. The 100% electric, autonomous EasyMile shuttle made its debut Jan. 29 and will continue operating for the next four to six months.

The self-driving shuttle connects passengers from the 61st and Peña commuter rail station near Denver International Airport to the Panasonic and EasyMile offices and then to the 61st and Peña Park-n-Ride lot via four stops. The EasyMile shuttle is programmed to make designated stops along predetermined routes. It runs at an average speed of 12 to 15 miles per hour and can carry up to 12 passengers.

Data collected on usage and operability will be shared among the project partners to improve future deployments and bring autonomous service into wider usage.

Big-D Acquires Boise-Based Contractor

Big-D Construction, Salt Lake City, has acquired McAlvain Cos., Boise, where the company will maintain its headquarters, keep the same name and its local management, including CEO Torry McAlvain (whose father started the business in 1980) and Chuck Graves as president.

This transaction allows McAlvain to better serve its customers by taking on larger, more complex projects in Idaho and neighboring states, the company says.

EUA Denver Office Completes Transition

As of Jan. 1, BurkettEUA, the Denver office of Eppstein Uhen Architects (EUA), has changed it name and will be known simply as EUA. In 2017, EUA acquired Denver-based architecture and interior design firm Burkettdesign, changing its name to BurkettEUA. Since combining the two firms, EUA has completed several notable projects in Colorado, including those for Charter Communications, Sierra Nevada Corp., Air Methods, Bartlit Beck, Epsilon, AAA Colorado, Denver Public Schools and CSG International.

Anthem Structural Engineers Opens Steamboat Springs Office

Entering its ninth year of growth, Boulder-based engineering firm Anthem Structural Engineers has opened a second office in Steamboat Springs. The new office allows the firm, operating in both the commercial and residential sectors, to better serve its mountain-based clients and expand opportunities, the firm says. Structural engineer and project manager Charlie Roos has been hired to manage the new office.