Joseph Luca - Al-Terra

Edmonton
Team member since 2019

Department
Transportation (Rural)

What project are you most proud of and why?
The Edmonton Yellowhead Trail Freeway Conversion – From 97 Street to St. Albert Trail. This major project aims to improve traffic flow, reduce the overall operational carbon footprint, and promote active transportation through a network of trails and shared-use paths. The project is complex, involving traffic management and to accommodate high traffic volume. Its geotechnical aspects present an interesting challenge, offering an opportunity to explore the complex interactions between soils and structures.

What is your favourite thing about working at Al-Terra?
One of my favorite things about working for Al-Terra is the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of people, each bringing their own unique perspectives and skills. It is exciting to see how everyone’s contributions come together to achieve shared goals and solve problem on simple to complex projects

What inspired you to become an engineer?
My elementary school was about 2.5 km from our farm, and I often took the shortest route to get there. However, during heavy rain, the creek crossings would flood, making the shortcut difficult to navigate. This challenge sparked my interest in pursuing a career focused on improving roads and building bridges. It is this passion that led me to become a civil engineer today.

I am a Senior Transportation Engineer based in Edmonton, with over 20 years of experience specializing in highway and urban road design, pavement engineering, and construction. My expertise includes geometric design for highways, urban roads, interchanges, roundabouts, and complex intersections. I also focus on pavement design and rehabilitation, especially strategies for improving existing infrastructure by recycling materials to promote sustainability.

In addition, I have extensive experience developing tender documents, specifications, and project cost estimates—skills I have enhanced throughout my career. I have worked on a variety of projects for transportation departments across Alberta, New Brunswick, and Saskatchewan, as well as cities like Edmonton, Red Deer, and Medicine Hat, and municipalities such as Strathcona, Camrose, Kneehill, Cypress, Leduc, Sturgeon, Greenview, and Flagstaff.

My passion lies in developing engineering solutions that improve transportation infrastructure while ensuring sustainability and the safety of the traveling public. I hold a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a Master of Science in civil engineering. I am registered with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) and I am a member of the Canadian Technical Asphalt Association (CTAA).

Outside of work, I enjoy cycling, walking, and hiking in Alberta’s parks and green spaces. I also love international travel, which allows me to explore different cultures and broaden my horizons.