Celebrating Engineers Week 2026

Engineers at ADOT play a vital role in building and maintaining Arizona’s roads. During National Engineers Week, Feb. 22-28, we’re celebrating engineers and the work they do to keep Arizona moving.

Joel Porras, a Senior Resident Engineer for the Central District, is a perfect example of that “bettering his community” mindset. He started his engineering career in Texas before joining ADOT. The Loop 101 (Agua Fria) widening project in the Phoenix area is one of the projects he’s working on. We chatted with him about the project and what it’s like to be an engineer.

Can you describe the Loop 101 (Agua Fria) widening project?

We’re adding one general lane in both directions. Then, we’re widening three different bridges: 51st, 35th and 31st avenues. Also, we’re adding a third left-turn lane on 75th Avenue for traffic jumping onto eastbound Loop 101.

What’s the best part of your job?

We are building civil structures that are going to be used by the traveling public and that’s highly fulfilling. Seeing something that your family is going to use, and you could point to it and say, “Hey, I was part of that.” We see that everyday and that’s the part that I love.

What’s one thing you’d like people to know about the work engineers do?

I think sometimes the traveling public doesn’t understand why we are impeding their roadway or why it takes so long. On the engineering side, we are getting things done. When they see a nice new bridge or a new roadway, then it clicks.

Any advice for younger people thinking about becoming engineers?

We need more engineers! Come on over and help us. It’s very interesting and really highly fulfilling work. I enjoy this work.

If you’re interested in learning more about engineering and transportation, check out our Engineer in Training program. The program recruits twice a year and graduates with bachelor's degrees in civil engineering, technology or construction management are encouraged to apply. Recruits spend two years rotating through various teams at ADOT, learning about different engineering disciplines and ADOT.

And for the younger generation, learn all about engineering and transportation at the ADOTKids website. There are lots of fun activities and games that highlight the engineering careers at ADOT.