Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Civil Engineering Solutions
Since 1918, our firm has upheld a legacy of excellence in civil engineering, surveying, and inspection services. With over a century of experience, we specialize in bridge inspection, structural engineering, highway engineering, site development, and land surveying across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York. Our mission is to surpass client expectations by combining technical expertise with a collaborative approach, ensuring projects meet the highest standards of quality and safety. Our team of seasoned professionals, including licensed engineers and surveyors, brings unparalleled experience to every project. We prioritize innovation, client partnerships, and employee growth, maintaining a culture rooted in integrity and excellence.Our underwater inspection division, operational since 1987, offers unique in-house diving capabilities for efficient bridge assessments. We hold long-standing partnerships with state agencies like PennDOT and NJDOT, delivering complex projects such as the ASHE East Penn 2024 Project of the Year. Our commitment to continuous improvement is reflected in awards like the 39th Annual Road/Bridge Safety Improvement Award. With six regional offices, we provide tailored solutions for private developers, municipalities, and federal agencies. This heritage of trust and technical mastery positions us as a leader in civil infrastructure solutions.
Services
Bridge Inspection
Underwater Inspection
Structural Engineering
Highway Engineering
Site Development
Land Surveying
Details
- Year established: 1918
Highlights and features
- We offer 100+ years of specialized civil engineering experience
- Our in-house underwater inspection team provides unique operational efficiency
- Certified Bridge Safety Inspectors with NBIS compliance expertise
- Multi-state licensed engineers with 2,000+ bridge inspection projects completed
- Award-winning structural engineering solutions for complex infrastructure
Services
Bridge Inspection
Our certified inspectors perform comprehensive evaluations of bridge structures, including routine and in-depth inspections. We utilize advanced technologies like high-resolution sonar imaging for underwater assessments and wireless communication systems for real-time data transmission. Our team has completed over 2,000 bridge inspections for PennDOT and NJDOT, including complex structures on major highways like I-95.
Underwater Inspection
Since 1987, we've provided specialized underwater bridge inspections using trained NBIS-certified divers. Our services include foundation stability assessments, scour protection evaluations, and debris accumulation analysis. We employ surface-supplied diving systems and commercial SCUBA equipment, complemented by sonar imaging for zero-visibility conditions during flood events.
Structural Engineering
We deliver full-cycle structural engineering services for transportation infrastructure, including rehabilitation assessments and load rating analyses. Our projects involve historic bridge preservation, such as the 1929 Kernsville Road bridge rehabilitation, and modern replacements using advanced materials like polyester polymer concrete overlays to extend structural lifespan.
Highway Engineering
Our highway engineering division specializes in design-build projects for major transportation corridors. We handle pavement reconstruction, drainage systems, and safety improvements, as demonstrated in the I-80/I-380 interchange project. Our services include NPDES permitting and erosion control planning for compliance with environmental regulations.
Land Surveying
We provide precise land surveying for infrastructure and development projects, including topographic mapping and boundary determinations. Our survey teams support complex site developments like the Mill Street Wharf project, integrating zoning variances and stormwater management into comprehensive land development plans.
People
James S. White, Jr.
President
With 34 years at PCS, he oversees daily operations and serves as NBIS Inspection Agreement administrator. A PennDOT Certified Bridge Safety Inspector, he leads strategic direction while maintaining hands-on involvement in major projects.
John C. Wilhelm
Executive Vice President
Bringing 38 years of structural engineering expertise, he manages quality control for all projects. A Drexel University graduate, he's licensed in six states and active in ASCE and ASHE professional organizations.
Aaron S. Detwiler
Executive Vice President
With 17 years at PCS, he oversees bridge inspection projects across multiple states. He manages the Phillipsburg office and specializes in load ratings for complex structures, combining field experience with project management expertise.
Paul Klemunes
Vice President
As a structural engineering leader, he directs design and inspection projects with focus on bridge preservation. Licensed in six states, he applies extensive experience in rehabilitation solutions for aging infrastructure.
John P. Ziemblicki
Vice President
Specializing in structural design, he manages bridge replacement projects across the region. His expertise includes NBIS inspections and rehabilitation of historic structures, supported by dual engineering and architectural credentials.
Questions
What engineering services does PCS specialize in?
We specialize in bridge inspection, structural engineering, highway engineering, site development, and land surveying services across the Mid-Atlantic region.
How long has PCS been in business?
We've provided engineering services since 1918, with over a century of experience in civil infrastructure projects.
Do you offer underwater bridge inspections?
Yes, we've provided in-house underwater bridge inspections since 1987 using certified divers and advanced sonar imaging technology.
Which states do you operate in?
We operate primarily in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York, with licensed engineers across multiple states.
What makes PCS different from other engineering firms?
Our century-long heritage combines with specialized capabilities like in-house underwater inspection teams and extensive NBIS-certified staff.
Can you handle emergency bridge inspections?
Yes, we provide emergency inspection services with rapid response teams available for urgent infrastructure assessments.
