JACKSON, MS — Neel-Schaffer, Inc., announces that Richard Withers, PE, has joined the firm and will serve as a Senior Bridge Inspection and Load Rating Engineer based in the firm’s Jackson, Mississippi, office.

Withers recently retired from the Mississippi Department of Transportation after 24 years of service, the last 11 as MDOT’s Bridge Inspection Program Manager. Withers has extensive experience in all facets of bridge load rating and inspection. Prior to serving as MDOT’s Bridge Inspection Program Manager, he worked 10 years as a Bridge Load Rating Engineer. He also has experience in bridge design.

As MDOT’s Bridge Inspection Program Manager, Withers oversaw the bridge safety inspection program and was responsible for all inspection policies and procedures, including ensuring compliance of inspection data with the National Bridge Inspection Standards and the policies and procedures of MDOT and the Federal Highway Administration.

“We are really excited that Richard will be joining our team,” said Cindy Rich, PE, Manager of Neel-Schaffer’s Mississippi Structures department. “While bridge design continues to be a major component of what we do in our department, over the last decade we have considerably expanded the bridge inspection and load rating services we provide to our clients."

Withers is a Registered Professional Engineer in Mississippi and holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Mississippi State University. In 2018, Withers was recognized by the Mississippi Engineering Society as the Mississippi Government Engineer of the Year.