Project manager embraces bridge construction's 'high stakes'

This article is one in a series of conversations with women leaders in the construction industry. Click here for past discussions.

2022 marks Abby Redditt’s fifth year in construction. The civil engineer worked for the Tennessee Department of Transportation for two years before joining BELL Construction as a project manager three years ago.

The Brentwood, Tennessee-based company provides general contracting, design-build and construction management services across multiple sectors, including bridges and transportation.

Here, Redditt talks with Construction Dive about what attracted her to a career in construction and the impact of one of her favorite projects.

CONSTRUCTION DIVE: What do you do in your current job?

ABBY REDDITT: As project manager, I have a role in each stage of a project’s life. At the start, I write subcontracts and purchase orders, establish a construction schedule and participate in pre-construction meetings.

Throughout the duration of the project, I coordinate with subcontractors and BELL superintendents to make sure the project goes as planned.

What led you to choose construction for your career?

After graduating with a degree in civil engineering, I didn’t feel called to pursue a career in design. I explored different career options available to a civil engineer and began applying for positions within the construction industry.

After I began my first job, I quickly learned that I enjoyed working in the construction industry due to the nature of the work and the people I had the pleasure of working with. I enjoy being on site, working outside and brainstorming the best means and methods to accomplish a project.

What are a few of the projects you’ve most enjoyed working on and why?

My favorite project so far has been the I-24 Accelerated Bridge Replacement in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I’ve completed a few accelerated bridge replacement projects. I like to think of those projects as high-stakes Legos, which is always fun.

For the I-24 project, I was the on-site construction manager. The project had one conventional bridge replacement and one accelerated bridge replacement with various substructure components such as micropiles, temporary shoring walls and extremely tight working conditions.

We spent the first year of the project replacing the conventional bridge over the interstate while also rebuilding the substructure of the bridge while under live traffic. During this time, we also prepared for two 56-hour weekend shutdowns. In the weekend closure, we detoured interstate traffic, tore down a bridge, built it back and opened it back up to traffic 10 hours early.

We spent months preparing and planning for these weekend closures so it was a joy to see our hard work pay off and come together the way we planned.

What advice would you give to young women considering construction as a career? 

I encourage young women interested in STEM disciplines to consider a career in construction. I advise young women beginning their careers in the industry to not be afraid to ask questions. Starting a new job or role provides a lot of learning opportunities, and it’s important not to let them pass because you’re scared to look unknowledgeable by asking questions.

Every new person, female or male, has skill gaps that can only be filled by asking questions and learning from those with experience.

I’d also like to share that despite being in a male-dominated industry, I have had an overall wonderful experience as a woman. I’m fortunate to continue to have positive experiences as a woman in the construction industry because of BELL Construction’s culture. As I’ve continued to advance, I’ve never experienced pushback from male leaders or coworkers.