SPC Construction's 2026 Summer Interns head to the field for a behind the scenes look at the work being done at the Long Slip Fill and Fail Enhancement Project and the Rebuild by Design Hudson River Coastal Defense Project.
This week, SPC welcomed its 2026 Summer Interns to the field for a firsthand look at the ongoing construction of the Long Slip Fill and Rail Enhancement Project and the Rebuild by Design Hudson River Coastal Defense Project, giving them valuable insight into the planning, teamwork, and execution required to successfully deliver complex infrastructure projects.
The day began in Jersey City, where interns were introduced to the Long Slip Fill and Rail Enhancement Project, a critical initiative that is transforming the site of a former canal into a new rail yard and passenger rail facility. Designed to reduce the risk of flooding and strengthen the region's transportation network, the project is a key component of ongoing resiliency initiatives in the area.
Project Manager Ben Bateman provided interns with a firsthand look at the project's progress and ongoing construction activities. Throughout the day, interns heard from various members of the project team and learned about the project’s goals, engineering challenges involved, the sequence of construction, and the vital role the project will play in enhancing the region's transportation infrastructure for years to come.
A few miles away, the group traveled to their next stop —the Rebuild by Design Hudson River (RBDH) Coastal Defense Project in Hoboken, New Jersey. This critical resiliency initiative is designed to protect the community from storm surge and coastal flooding through the construction of floodwalls, floodgates, and other flood protection measures.
During the tour, interns visited several active construction areas and observed the various flood protection systems being installed throughout the city. They were able to experience firsthand how resiliency infrastructure is being thoughtfully integrated with community amenities, including a playground, dog park, and amphitheater. RBDH demonstrates how innovative infrastructure can serve multiple purposes—enhancing public spaces while providing critical flood protection to help safeguard residents, homes, and businesses for generations to come.
RBDH Project Manager, Patrick Bailey, shared his insights on the project and interns had the opportunity to ask questions about project management, career development, and the intricacies of the RBDH Project.
"Coming from the Estimating department and spending a lot of time in the office, it was nice to get on site and witness what I see and work on in drawings come to life. The project managers were very knowledgeable and were able to clarify a lot of questions I had about the process of taking what’s on a drawing and executing it. Overall, it was a great experience and I’m grateful to the project managers for giving their time.”
- Dylan Ohnsorg, Estimating Intern
These site visits are part of SPC's broader summer intern program, which provides interns with opportunities to visit a variety of active projects throughout the summer beyond their assigned project site. Each visit includes a safety orientation, an overview of the project's scope and objectives, a guided jobsite tour, and interactive question-and-answer sessions with members of the project team. By experiencing different project types, construction methods, and project teams firsthand, interns gain a broader understanding of project delivery and the heavy civil construction industry. These immersive experiences help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application while providing valuable insight into the planning, collaboration, and execution required to successfully deliver complex infrastructure projects.
