WDM USA Welcomes Andy Mergenmeier as New Director of Pavement and Safety Engineering

WDM USA Welcomes Andy Mergenmeier

In a significant move for road safety and pavement engineering, WDM USA has officially welcomed Andy Mergenmeier as the new Director of Pavement and Safety Engineering. With over 35 years of experience in the transportation sector, Mergenmeier brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, which is poised to enhance the company's efforts in promoting safer road conditions across the United States.

WDM USA, recognized globally for its leadership in road safety and pavement management, aims to integrate Mergenmeier’s insights into their existing projects. His profound understanding of pavement surface condition measurement and analysis will be invaluable as the company seeks to develop effective pavement friction management programs (PFMPs).

A Background in Excellence

Mergenmeier’s extensive experience includes key positions at the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). As VDOT’s State Materials Engineer, he played a crucial role in directing pavement design and materials testing, ensuring compliance with national standards. Notably, he also chaired the AASHTO Committee on Materials and Pavements’ Technical Section 5a, where he helped define vital pavement performance indicators such as friction, rutting, and cracking.

Under his supervision, crucial advancements were made in the adoption of Continuous Pavement Friction Measurement (CPFM) technology, leading to improved safety measures. This innovation was instrumental in demonstrating the link between better pavement management and decreased fatality rates in road accidents. The FHWA even recognized his contributions when the CPFM initiative was acknowledged as a Proven Safety Countermeasure in 2022.

A Vision for the Future of Pavement Safety

Expressing his enthusiasm about joining WDM USA, Mergenmeier stated, "I'm excited to join WDM USA at a pivotal moment for pavement friction management in the US. WDM USA's commitment to quality, innovation, and integrity means we are true partners to agencies facing complex questions on balancing materials, pavements, and safety." He emphasized the importance of his past experiences with SCRIM® technology in aiding agencies to devise better strategies for both pavement performance and safety outcomes.

WDM USA's Vice President, Ryland Potter, praised Mergenmeier's foresight regarding pavement friction's importance: "Few possess Andy's breadth of applied pavement design and materials knowledge, or his powerful capability to drive change. Combining safety with pavement engineering is a cornerstone of our success, and we are eager to see the impact of his leadership."

WDM USA's Commitment to Innovation

As a leader in continuous pavement friction measurement and data analytics, WDM USA’s mission is to support transportation agencies in making data-driven decisions that enhance road safety, optimize maintenance investments, and increase the lifespan of road assets. The appointment of Mergenmeier aligns perfectly with this vision, ensuring that the company continues to lead the charge in advancing road safety measures.

Not only does he bring a strong technical background to the position, but Mergenmeier's commitment to fostering safer road environments could mark a transformative period for the organization's future projects. His ability to unite the fields of safety and pavement will undoubtedly strengthen WDM USA's initiatives moving forward.

As WDM USA embarks on this new chapter with Andy Mergenmeier at the helm of pavement and safety engineering, the future of road safety in the U.S. looks promising. The company remains steadfast in its mission to engineer better road conditions that prioritize and enhance community safety across various landscapes.