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County repairs landslide damage while protecting driver safety on California road

Summary

  • After heavy rains inundated Northern California in the winter of 2022-23, San Mateo County needed urgent help to repair five landslides affecting Higgins Canyon Road in Half Moon Bay, California. 
  • We arrived at Higgins Canyon Road just a few hours after receiving the county’s initial call. Our in-house unmanned aerial systems (drone) survey team collected aerial photographs and LiDAR data immediately after the landslide movement began, saving precious time and keeping workers out of physical danger. 
  • We recommended road closures that would keep the public safe, characterized geologic conditions, and advised on repair designs. As work progressed and the rainy season continued, we monitored conditions and adjusted the approach as needed.  
  • By using drone surveys and consulting our nationwide, in-house geotechnical experts on design, we saved San Mateo County time and money on repairs. We also helped the county apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding for the project.