Bridges to Prosperity: Gihinga Trailbridge, Rwanda

We're following your progress on this journey and are so very proud of what you're doing in Rwanda. Be safe, have fun and keep up the awesome work. Extra special shout out to my girl Rachel G!! I know you're crushing it and representing Florida phenomenally. Huge hugs to all!

Suspension Bridge Team - Very cool to see the process of building our 1st Suspension bridge as well as making samosa... My kids have decided that they will be our next kitchen experiment. Suspended Bridge Team - Setting sag, prefab, launching swings, and decking! Great progress! Arm and hand workout coming up wrapping rebar and stretching & tying fence. The kid and his custom handmade bike you shared will go down in legend! Savor every moment and keep taking and sharing your pics. Thanks for sharing the highlights and experiences and for all you are doing representing the best of us and helping out Rwanda!

Thank you for your amazing contribution to B2P. We are all watching and reading your daily updates. We hope you are enjoying every minute of this once in a lifetime experience.

Teams – The pictures of your work, and the progress to date, are incredible.Thanks to each of you for volunteering for this program, and for the sacrifices made, which required lengthy travel, and time away from family and friends.

Team – Love seeing the Instagram updates! Well done on getting the decking down and thank you to each of you for making such an impact! Very proud to be on your team! Shout out to my NW teammates :-)

Hi everyone - My name is Mark Prude, and I'm new in my role as HR Director for Civils. I wanted to say 'Thank You' to each of you, for sacrificing your time, to lend your talent, expertise, and love to the folks of Rwanda, in making a difference in their lives! Be Safe, and travel back home safely! What great role models you all are for the entire Balfour family!

All of you are AWESOME! Exactly a year ago my team and I were in Avispas, Bolivia building our bridge, as tough as it was at times, I have to say I miss it and I am a bit jealous of you all right now. I hope the travel to Rwanda was pleasant, I wish you all the best of luck and we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. I am exited check in on your progress each day.

Aaron Neeley

SEE OUR PREVIOUS BUILDS

2022 build

Mark Prude

Dan Peyovich

Ed Littleton

Scott Skidelsky

Tommy MacCabe

It was great today to get on the site and see the progress of both teams, the experiences you are having, and the individuals you are helping and working with! It's brought back great memories of Bolivia a year ago.

Mila Smith

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-1.986389°, 29.409167°

Kiruri Footbridge (Suspended Bridge Team)

Residents of communities to be served by the Kiruri Footbridge are mostly farming families who rely on consistent access to markets to sell crops and purchase basic necessities. The Kiruri River is dangerous to cross and can be impassable for weeks during the rainy season. This jeopardizes farmers reaching the markets, children attending school and families seeking medical care.

The Kiruri Footbridge will provide safe year-round passage over a river that has claimed 30 serious injuries in the last three years alone. The access will help save lives and empower over 3,000 members of surrounding communities.

Kirumbi Footbridge (Suspension Bridge Team)

-1.940958°, 29.514561°

The Satinsyi River has become synonymous with death and missed opportunity for the 3, 294 people who live nearby. The decision to stop crossing the river has saved lives but it has meant children no longer attend school and untreated illness has become a reality for many local residents.

The Kirumbi Suspension Bridge will provide safe, year-round access to life-changing resources that will significantly improve the health, education and quality of life of the local community.

THE IMPACT OF OUR TEAMS OVER THE FIVE TOTAL BRIDGE BUILDS

Our missions with Bridges to Prosperity have become a true passion project for our employees, and each year, the entire company has rallied behind us to make sure we are set up for success. Thank you to all our sponsors and supporters – it is on the strength of your backing that this team is ready to tackle the world – one bridge at a time.

The Community

For the residents who live near the future Gihinga trail bridge location, the Rusine River is synonymous with missed opportunity. During the rainy season, life can be cruel to the local communities who rely on crossing the river to reach an array of critical resources. During these times, the river becomes dangerous, and often deadly, to attempt crossing. The people in the communities have some of their businesses and work disrupted as they wait for the water levels to recede so that they can cross. Most people turn back during the rainy season and don't even attempt, or let their children attempt, to cross. As a result, children don't attend school, located on the other side of the river. Other resources the communities become cut off from include the health center and markets. The Gihinga Suspended Bridge will provide safe, year-round access for the surrounding communities, providing access to opportunity to empower the communities out of poverty.

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Cristiana Barkhouse

SVP, Assistant General Counsel

Generalist

14.5

years

(FL)

postcard if we dont get to it friday, its okay!

Cristiana Barkhouse

SVP, Assistant General Counsel

Evan Rossi

Senior Project Engineer

Christopher Diaz

VP of Loss Prevention

Janie Lundin-Ledgerwood

Senior Marketing Project Lead

Carrie Rowley

Assurance Manager

Michael Smith

Assistant Project Manager

John Uhl

Superintendent

Chad Morrill

IT Project Manager

Mark Jennings

EVP, Finance

Doug Baker

Project Manager

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? Giving to others is the ultimate win-win, since it not only helps the recipient but also provides so many benefits to the giver and the wider community. Still, sometimes it is hard to know if you are really making a difference. This is a chance for us to create a tangible improvement for these communities that will, literally overnight, greatly improve their access to resources and quality of life. It’s a truly amazing opportunity.

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? Having never been to Africa, I am extremely excited to experience all aspects of the Rwandan culture! I hope we are able to get to know some of the community members and return home humbled and grateful that we have such easy access to the resources that we need.

#3: Who is your hero, and why? I can’t pick just one individual as “my hero.” I find it more inspirational to appreciate acts of heroism as they happen around us, from the mundane to the life changing. They encourage me to do better.

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Evan rossi

Senior Project Engineer

#3: Who is your hero, and why? I have had many heroes and people who have influenced my life and couldn’t limit it to just one if I wanted to. The majority of these people are my family, who all have played a unique role in shaping who I am today.

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? I hope to gain a sense of personal growth, a new perspective/appreciation/outlook on life, and truly be humbled by this experience. I do already feel so grateful in my life for the relationships and things I have, but I know through this experience, I can continue to foster an even deeper understanding of myself and appreciate life even more. I also will learn in a more professional sense, about building in rural areas.

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? Every aspect of this opportunity is intriguing to me. From pushing myself outside my comfort zone by immersing myself into a culture & lifestyle completely different than my own, to volunteering and being able to add tangible value to a deserving community’s daily lives, all while doing two things I truly enjoy: an adventure and helping others.

Fundraising

2.5

years

(GA)

Donate to Chris

Christopher Diaz

VP of Loss Prevention

#3: Who is your hero, and why? Never thought about having a Hero.

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? What I will learn - I have built a solid foundation of professions that can manage the business while I am away. I will also learn who the strongest team members are and those that need additional mentoring.

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? Over the 20+ years I have been leading safety, I have learned to teach individuals how to think safe and work safe. There is never a language barrier when the heart speaks. When individuals realize you are genuine and offering education or different ways to perform a task, they generally listen and they become intrigued and try. This opportunity stretches me beyond my comfort zone and that invigorates me.

Safety

years

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Janie Lundin-Ledgerwood

Senior Marketing Project Lead

#3: Who is your hero and why? My grandparents: Ruth and Lloyd Lundin. They provided a stable foundation for my upbringing and modeled healthy relationships. Their compassionate care for others was truly remarkable. Volunteering and giving back to the community were often topics at the dinner table. I think of them daily and want to pass on the same lessons to my children.

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? This is a wonderful opportunity to expand my volunteerism, challenge myself in endurance, and (my favorite part) get to know the Rwandan people we will be helping.

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? For some time, I’ve been inspired by others across the company that have done B2P. I love seeing the difference this work is making in their lives and across the globe. Now that my children are older and more independent, my husband and I have more flexibility to volunteer. It’s important that my children see that volunteering and giving back to others is an important and fulfilling part of life.

Communications

years

(OR)

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Carrie Rowley

Assurance Manager

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? I hope to broaden my perspective and contribute in a real and tangible way to a community in need. I will get to know a culture and people who are new to me. I would like to inspire others to give back in meaningful ways. I am also pretty excited to be involved with a project that has such a direct benefit to the community it serves.

#3: Who is your hero, and why? I have two heroes: my mom and dad. My dad is a retired Navy Senior Chief and I have a strong sense of giving back from his career service to our country. My mom was home and had to lead the ship on her own. She valued being involved in the community and giving back and has volunteered in many capacities.

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? I have not worked for another company that offers the opportunity to volunteer and make such a significant contribution to a community in need in such a real way as Balfour Beatty does. I love working for a company with a commitment to doing the right thing and I’ve wanted to go on this trip since I first heard of it in 2019.

Logistics

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John Uhl

Superintendent

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? I’m hoping to learn the depths of our teams ingenuity. We have a complicated build and we will only have the tools we bring and teamwork to make it happen. There will be no Home Depot runs.

#3: Who is your hero, and why? My hero is John Muir. His writings about his love and respect for nature were largely responsible for Teddy Roosevelt creating our National Park system. It is a great reminder that something as simple as love and respect can have such a far reaching impact for generations to come.

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? I love construction because of the tangible benefit we can bring to the world. This benefit it typically the fruition of a major endeavor or goal for our clients and the communities they serve. This project is different. For the first time in my career, the tangible benefit we bring will be unhindered access to education, healthcare, and food. This will be the first project I build that will satisfy a ‘need’ instead of a ‘want’.

Superintendent

9.5

years

(TX)

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Chad Morrill

IT Project Manager

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? Personally, I’m hoping to learn what it’s like working in the field as part of a team. In IT, you don’t really get to build any of the things we at Balfour Beatty build. This project will certainly give me a new appreciation for each of our stateside project teams and the challenges they face while allowing me to put my mark on something tangible.

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? This bridge and this project is important to me because of the impact it will have. You think about these 4000 community members who are just trying to get to work, or the kids trying to get to school, or families going to market or retrieving water and just how dangerous it can be for them to cross this river, specifically during the rainy season. This bridge will be life changing for many of them. That’s something I can get behind!

#3: Who is your hero, and why? It’s super cheesy, but my wife is my hero. She’s a 6th grade English teacher at a private Christian school, and she is the kindest and most patient person I know. Her heart for others is unmatched, and hopefully through this journey I’ll get to feel a small fraction of what that’s like for her each and every day.

Generalist

Years

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Mark Jennings

EVP, Finance

#3: Who is your hero, and why? My wife is my hero. Aside from being the love of my life, she is the kindest person I have ever met and is always thinking about others. She sets an example that makes me a better person.

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? I am always keen to learn from my colleagues about what goes into various construction projects – this will just be a little more practical. However what I am really looking forward to learning about is the culture of Rwanda, a Country I have never travelled to. I am very keen to experience the cuisine of Rwanda (hoping I can try Isombe).

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? My career has always been about providing projects that enhance social welfare (schools, hospitals etc). I cannot think of a project that enhances social welfare more than the construction of a bridge that facilitates safe connectivity for communities, whether it is children going to school, patients going to healthcare or people going to the shops.

Generalist/ Executive

years

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Doug Baker

Project Manager

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? I’m hoping to learn more about myself and how I can impact communities on a global scale. I have many opportunities here locally, but the chance to impact a community that I wouldn’t otherwise know about without B2P is exciting! This experience will give me a different view of how an organization can go beyond our immediate cities and communities.

#3: Who is your hero, and why? My dad, also Doug Baker, is my hero. Beyond being a great person, father and husband, he has put my sister and I through college, as well as helping many of our cousins and friends’ kids who might not have had the opportunity. He will always lend a helping hand and sees the good that can come just from being there for someone.

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? This project is important to me because my greatest satisfaction with my job/projects is gained by giving back to the communities that we live and work in, beyond just the shiny new spaces and buildings. This project gives me the opportunity to impact a large community on the other side of the world and allows me to show my daughters positive ways to impact our global community.

Alternate

years

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Michael Smith

Assistant Project Manager

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? There will be many learning experiences from this trip, but the main takeaway I am looking forward to is growing as a team member. I work in our Special Projects Group where we typically do not have large teams working on projects together. I hope to grow as a team member and leader on this trip and hope to bring those experiences back with me and implement on my own projects at work, as well as in my personal life.

#3: Who is your hero, and why? My hero has always been my grandmom. She might have not had as much as others, but she sacrificed for her whole family and made sure her younger siblings received what she couldn't.

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? This build is important to me because it is an opportunity to give back in a way I never have before. I will never fully comprehend the difference we will be making in the lives of the people in the community, but I will get a small first hand experience while there. All the things I take for granted each and every day, I am excited to give some other people some sense of security in having these.

Generalist

years

(NC)

Week 1

Week 2

Oct 23-Nov 3

After approximately 55 hours of travel, the team landed in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, on the evening of Saturday, October 21. As they rode through the capital alongside thousands of motorbikes, the team marveled at the still-bustling city as they breathed in the cool, jasmine-scented air of the evening. After checking in at Heaven’s Boutique Hotel, the team enjoyed a traditional Rwandan dinner and banana-infused drinks before a much-needed night’s rest.

During their 20-minute drive to the build site on day two, the team marveled at the beautiful landscape while greeting the local community along the way. After the morning briefing and stretch and flex the team picked right up where they left off, setting the remaining cables and staging the decking.

After discussing their plan, the crew began the difficult process of setting all six of the cables. The team successfully set two handrails, surveyed the sag and staged three additional cables for the next day’s work.

Laying the Foundation: Bridges to Prosperity Team Officially Starts Construction

Our Bridges to Prosperity (B2P) team has kicked off construction on the Gihinga trail bridge! During their first morning on-site, the team introduced themselves to the local B2P project engineer as well as more than 35 members of the local community who are contributing to construction, including 10 bridge committee members who will maintain the bridge in the future. Together they participated in a morning safety briefing as well as a stretch and flex that included festive singing and dancing to prepare for the day of hard work ahead.

UPDATE Two

On Saturday, the group split up to go on separate adventures. One group visited Akagera National Parks for an all-day safari, during which they spotted elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes and rhinos. The other half of the team trekked a mile and a half through Volcanoes National Park to visit the Kwitonda family of gorillas.

After a long week of progress, our Bridges to Prosperity (B2P) team enjoyed a weekend of adventure exploring the local community and greater Rwanda. After a couple days of rest and relaxation, the team was eager to get back to work and continue making strides toward completion.

Update three

Tuesday was a jam-packed day on the build site! The team finalized decking details, set the left abutment of the bridge, painted handrails and installed fencing. The fencing ensures fall protection for pedestrians crossing the bridge and must be installed manually by wrapping the fencing around the bridge cables.

Our Bridges to Prosperity (B2P) team is in the final stretch of construction on the Gihinga trail bridge! Throughout the build, the group has challenged themselves, grown their skillsets and formed rewarding relationships with their teammates and local community members that will last a lifetime.

UPDATE Five

Despite the weather, the team continued to make progress on the third day of construction. They divided and conquered tasks, with some members of the team traveling back to Kigali to pick up additional supplies and others remaining on-site to transport rocks for the bridge head and continuing surveying work.

Our Bridges to Prosperity (B2P) team is making significant progress on the Gihinga trail bridge! Amidst the continuing construction, the team was excited to welcome some special guests to the build site. Their third day of construction brought rain, which the team learned is viewed as a blessing to the community. The group took the rain as an opportunity to rest, admire the beautiful scenery and reflect on the progress they’ve made thus far.

UPDATE Four

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Day Seven

After putting on the finishing touches and passing the final bridge inspection, the team took a moment away from the build site to visit the EP CYINZUZI school nearby. They delivered much-needed school supplies as well as a few soccer balls, which was a wonderful and exciting surprise for the children.

Completing the Project of a Lifetime

Over the last two weeks, our Bridges to Prosperity (B2P) team has worked diligently to deliver a critical trail bridge that serves communities along the Rusine River in Rwanda. The new pedestrian passage provides more than 2,000 people safe access to lifechanging healthcare, education and other vital resources over dangerous and often impassable rivers.

UPDATE Six

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Mila Smith

Tommy MacCabe

Thank you for your amazing contribution to B2P. We are all watching and reading your daily updates. We hope you are enjoying every minute of this once in a lifetime experience.

Scott Skidelsky

Ed Littleton

Dan Peyovich

Mark Prude

Aaron Neeley

postcard if we dont get to it friday, its okay!

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tier 1

the build: day-by-day

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Resni Cruz

Project Generalist

Jeff Tate

Logistics Lead

Chris Grahmann

Project Generalist

Daryl Woody

Project Generalist

Drew Rosenfelt

Safety Lead

Kate Humphries

project generalist

Robert Gresl

Construction Manager

Amanda Patton

Communications Lead

Jessica Johnston

Project Manager

Sam Brown

Fundraising Lead

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Resni Cruz

Project Generalist

#3: Who is your hero, and why? My father is my number one hero, the principles and moral values he has instilled in me since I was a kid make me the person I am today. He has worked extremely hard to make me and my family happy.

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? I hope to bring an open mind and collaborate with my team to further develop my critical thinking skills and achieve our goal. Providing a space for the team to bring their best ideas forward will allow us to utilize the best approaches throughout.

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? Giving back and volunteering are significant to my personal values. My desire to make a positive impact in the world we live in was, without a doubt, the primary reason why this project is important to me.

Senior Project Engineer

3.5

years

Donate to JEFF

Jeff Tate

Logistics Lead

#3: Who is your hero, and why? There are several people in my life that I would consider my heroes. Specifically, I would consider my late grandmother one of the more significant heroes I’ve had. She was one of the strongest women I have ever met and even in her absence, I still look to her for guidance.

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? I am excited to listen and learn from the people of Rwanda that we will be working alongside for this build. I hope to learn more about their culture and history, and I am excited to help give back to the community.

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? Giving back and volunteering is a significant part of my personal values. My burning desire to positively make an impact in the world we live in was without a doubt the primary reason why this project is important for me.

Director of Project Integration

years

(GA)

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Chris Grahmann

Project Generalist

#3: Who is your hero, and why? It’s impossible to pick just one of these two people, so my heroes are my parents. They have taught me the importance of hard work, faith and service to others by example.

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? I want to play a part in helping to improve the lives of others. Helping to build a footbridge that will continue to help others for many years to come will, no doubt, lead to a sense of accomplishment and joy.

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? I have consistently challenged myself throughout my life, but this experience will elevate that by placing me outside my comfort zone. It will also allow me to see places I never imagined visiting.

Senior Estimator

years

(TX)

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Daryl Woody

Project Generalist

#3: Who is your hero and why? My hero is my grandmother. She raised both me and my siblings from a very young age. She taught me how to cook, clean and overall, taught me to be independent and responsible for myself. Without her, I wouldn't have achieved what I have or be who I am today.

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? By helping to establish a safe and reliable means of travel for such a large community, I hope to gain the understanding of what it means for them and know the impact it will have on their daily lives.

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? This build highlights the importance and continuous need for service by others. This project will allow me to help provide aid and sustainability for a community in need.

Maintenance Technician

years

(WY)

Donate to Drew

Drew Rosenfelt

Safety Lead

#3: Who is your hero, and why? My hero is Captain Kirk. He always explored new places, solved different problems and had exciting adventures. He always fascinated me when I was a kid.

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? I’m intrigued to meet new people and learn new customs in an area of the world that I am unfamiliar with. I believe learning how to build a bridge in a remote setting will be a new and exciting challenge for myself and the team.

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? I have always enjoyed being a part of something bigger. This bridge is very important to the local community in ways that we usually take for granted. When working in construction you always leave a part of yourself behind and that is fantastic when you can say "I was a part of that".

Senior Safety Manager

2.5

years

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Kate Humphries

Project Generalist

#3: Who is your hero, and why? I have had many heroes and people who have influenced my life and wouldn’t want to limit it to one. Most importantly, my parents have solidified my values and work ethic, as well as life passions and commitments.

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? I hope to transfer my teamwork skills and work collaboratively with my team in a new situation and place. I’m excited to learn more about the community and the attributes of the people in Rwanda.

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? The build and project are significant due to the unique opportunity to give back to a community that I otherwise might not be aware of. It will bring a global awareness to myself (and my family) that we can look back on and can carry forward.

Sr. Project Manager

years

(TX)

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Robert Gresl

Construction Manager

#3: Who is your hero, and why? Our Armed Forces are my heroes because they defend our freedoms every day.

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? I'm excited to learn about the Rwandan culture and experience the camaraderie of working with a diverse team on a worthwhile goal.

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? I see this as a once in a lifetime experience to help a needy community and really make an impact to improve the quality of life for them. This program has had my attention for years, and I feel so fortunate to be a part of this 2022 B2P Build team!

Preconstruction Manager

years

(CA)

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Amanda Patton

Communications Lead

#3: Who is your hero, and why? My heroes are my daughter, one who is always quick to care for others in need and my son, who is determined to share his laughter and bring a smile to anyone’s face. These two and countless others inspire me to be a better person every day.

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? I hope to better understand the experiences of others across the world and hopefully go forward with more gratitude, humility and grace.

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? It's important the members of this community have safe and easy access to resources we take for granted every day. This build will provide them with the opportunities to enhance their quality of life and connect with others.

Integrated Projects Manager

years

(VA)

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Jessica Johnston

Project Manager

#3: Who is your hero, and why? My parents are my heroes. They fled from El Salvador during the Salvadorian Civil War with the hopes of finding aid and new opportunities in a country unknown. As first-generation immigrants, trying to establish stability in our lives was not easy. However, they always managed to keep a smile on their faces.

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? I'm excited to live life alongside the members of the community and learn more about who they are and what they care about. Building a bridge will be great, but I'm really excited to meet the people who will be using it.

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? I am considering doing something like this for the rest of my life! I chose civil engineering and construction as a career path to work as an engineer in developing countries, so I'm looking forward to working and learning first-hand.

Construction Engineer

2.5

years

(TX)

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Sam Brown

Fundraising Lead

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? I hope to learn more about the community we are helping and see first-hand how this bridge will impact the community. I hope that at the end of this build, we will learn something more valuable from this community than what we are providing them with.

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? I believe it is essential to help as others did for me. I was fortunate to have people that helped me change my life for the better and help me get to where I am now. Volunteering my services and helping to improve someone’s quality of life brings me the ultimate gratitude.

Division Controller

4.5

years

(PA)

Explore the map

GO BACK

COMBINED LENGTH OF ALL BRIDGES BUILT

2017: 101 METERS 2018: 130 METERS

COMBINED NUMBER OF MILES TRAVELLED BY ALL TIMES

2017: 3,793 MILES 2018: 3,793

TOTAL NUMBER AFFECTED THROUGHOUT ALL 5 COMMUNITIES

2017: 875 PEOPLE 2018: 1,400 PEOPLE

COMBINED LENGTH OF ALL BRIDGES BUILT

2017: 101 METERS 2018: 130 METERS

COMBINED NUMBER OF MILES TRAVELLED BY ALL TIMES

2017: 3,793 MILES 2018: 3,793

TOTAL NUMBER AFFECTED THROUGHOUT ALL 5 COMMUNITIES

2017: 875 PEOPLE 2018: 1,400 PEOPLE

COMBINED LENGTH OF ALL BRIDGES BUILT

2017: 101 METERS 2018: 130 METERS

COMBINED NUMBER OF MILES TRAVELLED BY ALL TIMES

2017: 3,793 MILES 2018: 3,793

TOTAL NUMBER AFFECTED THROUGHOUT ALL 5 COMMUNITIES

2017: 875 PEOPLE 2018: 1,400 PEOPLE

LENGTH OF BRIDGES BUILT

2017: 101 METERS 2018: 130 METERS

number of miles traveled by previous teams

2017: 3,793 MILES 2018: 3,793 MILES

number of people affected by year

2017: 875 PEOPLE 2018: 1,400 PEOPLE

THE IMPACT OF OUR TEAMS OVER THE FIVE TOTAL BRIDGE BUILDS

Our missions with Bridges to Prosperity have become a true passion project for our employees, and each year, the entire company has rallied behind us to make sure we are set up for success. Thank you to all our sponsors and supports – it is on the strength of your backing that this team of 10 is ready to tackle the world – one bridge at a time.

The Community

For the residents of the Kagarama, Matyazo, Twimbogo, Majuri and Ruyenzi communities, there is no dry season. The residents living near the trail bridge must make the difficult decision daily whether they should attempt to cross, or let their children attempt to cross, to reach critical resources. While the Musogoro River is always flowing, it typically becomes even more dangerous to cross while it's flooded, and the current crossing point is submerged under water. During this time, children effectively become cut off from school, and other services the communities are unable to reach during these times include markets and the hospital. The Matyaco Suspended Bridge will provide safe, year-round access to its 3,800+ residents and greater opportunities for trade and welfare which empowers the communities to grow and thrive.

General

The Team

Day-by-Day

Sponsors

Postcard

LENGTH OF BRIDGES BUILT

2017: 101 METERS 2018: 130 METERS 2019: 50 & 56 METERS* 2022: 90 METERS

number of miles traveled by previous teams

2017: 3,793 MILES 2018: 3,793 MILES 2019: 3,793 MILES 2020: 3,793 MILES

number of people affected by year

2017: 875 PEOPLE 2018: 1,400 PEOPLE 2019: 6,584 PEOPLE* 2022: 3,816 PEOPLE

LENGTH OF BRIDGES BUILT

2017: 101 METERS 2018: 130 METERS

number of miles traveled by previous teams

2017: 3,793 MILES 2018: 3,793 MILES

number of people affected by year

2017: 875 PEOPLE 2018: 1,400 PEOPLE

LENGTH OF BRIDGES BUILT

2017: 101 METERS 2018: 130 METERS

number of miles traveled by previous teams

2017: 3,793 MILES 2018: 3,793 MILES

number of people affected by year

2017: 875 PEOPLE 2018: 1,400 PEOPLE

LENGTH OF BRIDGES BUILT

2017: 101 METERS 2018: 130 METERS

number of miles traveled by previous teams

2017: 3,793 MILES 2018: 3,793 MILES

number of people affected by year

2017: 875 PEOPLE 2018: 1,400 PEOPLE

length of bridges built

2017: 101 METERS 2018: 130 METERS

number of miles traveled by previous teams

2017: 3,793 MILES 2018: 3,793 MILES

number of people affected by year

2017: 875 PEOPLE 2018: 1,400 PEOPLE

NEXT DAY

The team settled into their accommodations, which was at one time a bar complete with a disco ball in the dining room. They then drove to the bridge site to meet the local construction team and begin to coordinate logistics. Understanding the challenges ahead and with the terrain fresh in their minds, the team headed back to the house for a safety briefing and a traditional dinner. They turned in for the night, excited to begin work early Monday morning. Be sure to check back for updates throughout the team’s bridge construction!

Previous Day

On Sunday, the team rose early and met the local B2P team, who would be their guides to the build site. The group loaded their 40+ bags into three trucks and began the journey to their home away from home for the next two weeks. After making a stop at the local marketplace to collect supplies, the team drove an hour and a half on bumpy, red clay roads to their lodgings. This rough journey is commonly referenced as the “African Massage.” Excitement continued to build amongst the team as they passed through local communities, with people of all ages excitedly greeting them with waves, smiles and shouts of hello in Kinyarwanda.

Our team is committed to expanding their skillsets throughout this bridge-building process, so each member has set a goal to perform a task they’ve never done before. Everyone is learning more about the process of setting cables, winching, torquing, painting, surveying and setting decking.

The team accomplished more than expected—a testament to their dedication and efficiency. The local B2P team even remarked that this was the first time all six cables had been set in two days (this is usually a three to four-day process). After a successful and exhausting day, the crew celebrated with a dance party led by Chris Diaz on the bridge ramp.

KINYARWANDA LESSONS The time our team has spent with members of the local community has been extremely impactful. They’ve even begun to pick up a few key words and phrases in the native language of Kinyarwanda! Mwaramutse: good morning Muraho: hello Murabeho: goodbye Kunywa amazi: drink water

NEXT DAY

The team began by checking all necessary dimensions and calculating the sag. In an all-hands-on-deck task, the team started to set the cables in place on the high side of the river with temporary clamps. After completing the strenuous task and taking time for a quick re-fuel, the team turned and set the cables on the low side of the river. This process included removing the cables from the temporary bridge where they had been staged and then placing the center portion in the river for alignment.

The team clamped four cables at 130 meters each, totaling 520 meters of cable. So far, the team has set two cables to proper sag and has two more to set. So far, they have pulled out 50 meters of slack using the cable winch. The team has 90 cross beams with 12 bolt holes each to check, totaling 1080 bolt holes.

On Sunday, the team visited the town of Kirambo where they met with Charles, the community leader, as well as several other members of the community. The group was honored to meet many of the families whose lives will be positively impacted by the bridge. One boy even built a replica of the Gihinga trail bridge complete with accurate construction details like suspenders! After meeting the community, the team hiked to the village of Gihinga using the footbridge that the local children use to get to school each day.

On Monday, the team was eager to get back to work. They began the day with community leader, Charles, sharing the importance of the bridge and how positive the construction experience has been.

Though the day was physically exhausting, the team pushed through to complete a significant amount of work. Prior to installation, the entire team signed the final piece of bridge decking to commemorate their progress and leave a lasting moniker of their personal contributions to this lifechanging mission. The team also continued torquing the cross beams, bending suspenders and installing fencing. In these final days of construction, the group is maintaining momentum by relying on one another and remembering their inspirational motto – “One team, one goal.”

After reaching their destination, the team enjoyed a buffet-style dinner that featured various local and international foods. The team enjoyed a good night's sleep in a nice hotel and the Wi-Fi connection and hot showers that came along with it.

After everyone rose early for a full breakfast, the team began their morning start to a safari tour. Throughout the day, the team enjoyed the sights of many animals, a packed lunch on the road and learned just how fine the red dust coming from the road could be. Although the dust covered everyone, the experience was truly once in a lifetime that every member of the team will cherish long after the mission.

The following day much of the team enjoyed a boat ride around Lake Ihema. There they saw families of hippos, an island full of diverse species of birds, several crocodiles and water buffalos.

The team also welcomed some special Balfour Beatty guests to the build site, SVP and Chief Information Officer Kasey Bevans and EVP and CFO of Buildings Denise Hubley. Both were amazed by the connections our B2P team has made with the local team and how much joy this project brings to all involved.

The sky cleared for days four and five, allowing the team to make great strides on construction. They completed the last of the suspenders, launched 35 meters of decking and poured concrete for the fixed bridge abutment. The team took the opportunity to teach the local team how to install the decking—knowledge they will use for maintenance purposes in the years to come.

For our B2P team, the most impactful aspect of this project so far has been the relationships they’ve built with members of the local community. Though they face language barriers, the team has quickly learned to communicate without words, anticipating one another’s needs as they continue to build a strong rapport.

Specifically, VP of Loss Protection Chris Diaz has become one of the most beloved members of our team. The local builders nicknamed him “Boom-Boom Pow” for bringing music to the build site and initiating dance parties to celebrate their shared milestones. Thanks to Chris’s safety leadership, the local team has also readily adopted our Zero Harm culture. In the spirit of “See Something, Say Something,” one of the local team members identified a safety issue on a suspended rebar clamp. When he spoke up, the team promptly replaced the clamp.

As the teams continued laying the decking in earnest, they transported many pieces of heavy decking across the river and up the steep hill toward the high side of the river's abutment. After a short break, the team quickly returned to the labor-intensive activities. During this time, the masons also arrived to lay the walls on the low abutment left out for access. By the local workers mixing the grout on-site, the team could continue backfilling and prepping the work necessary for the concrete that has yet to be poured.

Throughout the day, the team experienced several challenges such as lifting the heavy decking planks onto the bridge, pushing out large numbers of swings that were spaced too closely and pulling back swings that were spaced too far apart to reach with any standard tools.

The following day, the team focused on one central goal –training two of the local community members to place and secure the decking to continue maintenance of the bridge after the first year. After their morning huddle and stretch and flex, the team split up to their respective sides of the river and continued placing the decking. Members of the local community also contributed to this important task. Displaying even more ingenuity, the team utilized ropes to space some of the swings further apart, creating a more efficient workflow.

On Wednesday, the team winched the bridge cables to the correct elevation, installed the fixation cable at the base of the bridge and backfilled the left abutment to prepare for concrete. Though the team is exhausted at the end of build days, their spirits are brightened by the crowd of smiling children and families who gather as they leave the site each day.

On the final build day, the team finalized the fencing work including painting and checks for quality control. A two-hour storm swept through the valley, interrupting their work. As water levels of the Rusine River rose, the team could see just how vital this project is for the community.

After the rain subsided, the team finalized their work and celebrated construction completion with the local team. They held a celebratory barbecue complete with local produce and grilled meats. The team was honored to learn that these delicacies are reserved only for special events.

As they have done following the achievement of milestones throughout the build, our B2P team and the local team danced together to celebrate their job well done. While ecstatic that the project is near complete, the ending of the build is bittersweet as the team says goodbye to the friends they’ve made in the community.

One theme has rung true throughout the build: the power of teaching. Whether it has been teammates mentoring each other or community members, Bridges to Prosperity engineers sharing their processes or community members teaching the local language, Kinyarwanda, the entire team has utilized the bridge build to help others expand their skills as well as their own.

Since the last update, substantial progress towards bridge completion has been made. The team picked right back up on the bridge build after their safari outing. They began the day with teammates painting stanchions, placing decking and bending the final pieces of rebar around the handrail.

Once the decking reached the point in the center of the bridge, the team took the measurements for the final infill pieces, and pieces were cut to the needed length using grinders. While several team members prepped the decking panels, others positioned bundles of smaller cables to be fed through the swings and become the fixation cable where the bottom of the chain-link sides will terminate.

After the team adjusted the sag, they worked to torque down all of the clamps on all four cables. They also heated the tar to prepare for application to all cables and clamps that hang beneath the backfill and concrete. Once these tasks were completed at a distance far enough from the low abutment, the first pieces of the chain-link fencing were ready to be set into place, pulled tight and tied into place with wire.

Work also continued at the high abutment, including painting the stanchions, creating formwork and placing hand-mixed concrete from the bridge edge to the already poured concrete platform. However, once the team heard thunder in the distance, they quickly began implementing their best practice protocols for storm preparedness by securing all materials, storing all tools and personal protective equipment and moving to a safe shelter.

After their school visit, the team returned to the bridge to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony along. Community leaders, the local B2P team and our Balfour Beatty teammates shared how much the project has meant to them and thanked everyone who played a role in delivering the vital Gihinga trail bridge.

After cutting the ribbon, the group sang and danced their way across the bridge, celebrating the completion of the project and the many lives that will be changed by this safe passageway.

Over 15 days, our Bridges to Prosperity (B2P) team has worked diligently to deliver a critical footbridge for the communities of Kagarama, Matyazo, Twimbogo, Majuro and Ruyenzi in Rwanda. This new pedestrian passage provides approximately 3,800 people safe access to lifechanging healthcare, education and other vital resources over once impassable rivers.

After putting the finishing touches on the 90-meter bridge, the team proudly announced its completion and approval from the local inspectors. The following day, the team packed their bags and loaded up their trusted vehicles, affectionately nicknamed Herbie and McQueen, for their final drive to the jobsite and the inauguration of the bridge. The team waved bittersweet goodbyes to the many people they saw daily on their route to the bridge.

BACK TO BBUS.com

Postcard

Anvesh Motadoo

Project Manager

Chris Nelson

Project Manager

years

Donate to Anvesh

Anvesh Motadoo

Project Manager

#3: Who is your hero, and why? My father is my hero, who instilled the moral values and the confidence to believe in myself. I got influenced by his selflessness to helping people without having any expectations.

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? I want to learn more about bringing people together on a mission (like B2P) to make this world a better place. I am looking forward to connecting and building relationships with people who are ready to go above and beyond to be part of this mission.

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? I believe in bringing a positive impact in the world by the projects we build. This bridge will bring year around access to 4,230 people to basic necessities like healthcare, education and employment. Together we can make this world a better place.

Project Manager

6.5

years

(WA)

Donate to Chris

Chris Nelson

Project Manager

#3: Who is your hero, and why? Dr. Rita Colwell. Her groundbreaking research in waterborne diseases and innovative approaches to water purification have saved countless lives and contributed to enhancing water safety worldwide. #WaterQualityChampion

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? Hoping to learn valuable lessons in teamwork, cultural exchange, and sustainable development while making a meaningful difference. #GrowThroughExperience

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? Building a bridge in Gihinga, Rwanda, is crucial to empower school children and enhance community access to vital resources. #ImpactfulProject me.

Generalist

6.5

years

2019 build

(PA)

(CA)

(FL)

(CT)

(CA)

(TX)

2.5

(PA)

(VA)

Amanda Patton

Communications Lead

Jessica Johnston

Project Manager

(PA)

(CA)

(FL)

(CA)

(TX)

(PA)

Donate to Mark

Mark Jennings

EVP, Finance

Generalist/ Executive

years

(PA)

Donate to Doug

Doug Baker

Project Manager

Alternate

2.5

years

(WA)

* two bridges built in 2019

LENGTH OF BRIDGES BUILT

2017: 101 METERS 2018: 130 METERS 2019: 50 & 56 METERS* 2022: 90 METERS

number of miles traveled by previous teams

2017: 3,793 MILES 2018: 3,793 MILES 2019: 3,793 MILES 2020: 3,793 MILES

number of people affected by year

2017: 875 PEOPLE 2018: 1,400 PEOPLE 2019: 6,584 PEOPLE* 2022: 3,816 PEOPLE

LENGTH OF BRIDGES BUILT

2017: 101 METERS 2018: 130 METERS 2019: 50 & 56 METERS* 2022: 90 METERS

number of miles traveled by previous teams

2017: 3,793 MILES 2018: 3,793 MILES 2019: 3,793 MILES 2020: 3,793 MILES

number of people affected by year

2017: 875 PEOPLE 2018: 1,400 PEOPLE 2019: 6,584 PEOPLE* 2022: 3,816 PEOPLE

Web Sponsor

T-Shirt Sponsor

BUILD JOURNAL

ARRIVING IN RWANDA

KICK OFF OF THE GIHINGA TRAILBRIDGE BUILD

Our teammates were honored to contribute to this mission and will carry the memories and relationships formed throughout their lifetimes. Their strength, passion and determination inspired their Balfour Beatty teammates in the U.S. and beyond, and they truly embodied what we call “Balfour Beatty Spirit!” to deliver this transformational project.

Inasmuch as this bridge will impact these Rwandan communities, it will also leave an indelible mark on those who made this project possible. Congratulations to the B2P team and partners on completing the Gihinga trail bridge!