Last semester, students in Advanced Civil Engineering studied a section focused on urban planning, redevelopment, bridge design and interchange design.

Instead of lecturing on the topic each day, the teacher found an opportunity that allowed  students to gain firsthand experience with the work that goes into projects like these.

Students took a field trip to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), immersing themselves in the behind-the-scenes responsibilities of the department.

The students put on their orange safety vests and visited a work site off Blue Ridge Road, where a major rail-road separation project is underway. The project provided a firsthand look at the complexities of roadway and railroad construction, construction sequencing and safety improvements. Located across the street from the N.C. State Fairgrounds, the project includes two roadway bridges, two railroad bridges, rerouted road networks and critical pedestrian infrastructure.

There was more to the trip than the site visit. Students also met at NCDOT's downtown Raleigh headquarters, where they reviewed utility relocation plans and spoke directly with chief engineers. They learned that projects like this involve much more than construction. They require coordination among NCDOT, private stakeholders, local communities and businesses, all with a focus on public safety.

“Speaking with members of the engineering community was unbelievably insightful,” Xaden Wilson ’26 said. “Being able to ask questions about a project relevant to my own community and get a real answer from someone in the field uniquely showed us what engineering careers involve.”

Reading about engineering concepts in a textbook is one thing. Hearing directly from professionals and seeing those concepts in action is another.

The engineers came away impressed with the students’ professionalism and engagement.

“They asked thoughtful questions about the engineering challenges of separating railroads from roadways and explored the complexity of North Carolina’s rail network,” said Troy Creasy, branch manager of design and construction for the NCDOT Rail Division. “What stood out most was the level of preparation and enthusiasm the students brought to the experience. I especially appreciate Ravenscroft’s commitment to providing students with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.”

The students left the trip with more than memories of what they had seen.

Creasy also offered internship opportunities within the Rail Division to select students. Wilson, who will begin studying engineering in college this fall, looks forward to opportunities with NCDOT as well as continuing his work with Ravenscroft’s IDE team.

“I’ve long been passionate about public transit, engineering and problem-solving, so this experience blended my interests in a fantastic way,” Wilson said. “The insight into the reality of engineering as a career was extremely valuable as I consider what I want my future to look like.”