Buzz Berger to lead HDR’s railway design technical services

HDR has selected Buzz Berger, P.E., as its next railway design leader, a role that functions as the senior technical advisor for the company’s freight rail services.

In this role, Berger will lead quality assurance, resource availability and development, as well as project delivery for HDR’s freight rail work. He will play a major role in hiring and coordinating with technical leaders to provide exceptional service to HDR freight rail clients. Berger has been with HDR for nearly a decade and will continue his work on major projects for clients as a senior project manager, working out of the firm's office in Walnut Creek, California.

“After 10 years with HDR, I’m still amazed not only at the depth and breadth of our talent, but also our team’s dedication to helping our clients achieve their goals,” Berger said. “This role is fundamentally about enabling the entire HDR network to bring our collective knowledge, practical railroad experience, and skillsets that extend far beyond the railway industry to create lasting value for our clients.”

Berger has nearly 30 years of experience, including field and management positions with Class I railways. He brings expertise in a wide range of rail engineering disciplines, including project development and planning, track, signal, freight and passenger facilities, grade crossings, and third-party projects. He also understands the fundamental economic and competitive considerations that shape the rail industry.

“Buzz draws on his practical experience to think strategically, solve complex engineering and stakeholder challenges, and lead projects through all phases of the delivery process,” said Bill Hjelholt, HDR’s freight rail director. “Many of our clients already know him, trust him and appreciate his ability to find win-win solutions. He will be a great asset to our technical teams and clients globally in making freight rail projects come to life.”