Westerfield named MDOT hydraulics division director
August 14, 2014
JACKSON, MISS.—The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) has announced the appointment of Rachel Westerfield to the position of director of the newly created Hydraulics Division, according to MDOT Executive Director Melinda McGrath.
In her new position, Rachel will be responsible for performing project management and administration duties to ensure the successful completion of hydraulic design for every drop of water that comes in contact with MDOT roadways and bridges in accordance with state and federal regulations.
Previously, Roadway Design Division was responsible for drainage design of pipes and small box culverts. Bridge Division handled drainage design for large box culverts and bridges. The creation of the Hydraulics Division allows MDOT hydraulic design engineers to cross train and design any type of drainage structure. This increases the flexibility of the staff, potentially reducing the amount of work outsourced to consultants. It also provides hydraulic designers with a career path which would help attract highly qualified engineers.
Rachel joined MDOT in 2003 as a hydraulic engineer in the Bridge Division. She was the State Hydraulics Engineer for MDOT’s Bridge Division prior to her appointment as the Hydraulics Division Director. She is a member of AASHTO’s Subcommittee on Design Technical Committee for Hydrology and Hydraulics as well as the Mississippi Engineering Society.
Rachel attended Madison Central High School, and is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Engineering. She holds her professional engineering license in Civil Engineering. She resides in Brandon with her husband, Scott, and daughter, Katherine.
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