February 5, 2021

Engineer of the Year

Semyon Treyger
HNTB

Treyger

Semyon Treyger, selected as this year’s Engineer of the Year, is a registered professional engineer and structural engineer with 41 years of experience. He is a nationally recognized bridge structure design expert with a history of bringing iconic solutions to complex challenges, particularly with foundations in seismic conditions.

A 34-year veteran with HNTB, Treyger currently serves as director of bridges and tunnels for HNTB’s West Division and has been the leader for design and delivery for more than 40 bridges in Seismic Zone 4.

Through his leadership during his extraordinary career, Treyger has demonstrated unparalleled expertise in suspension and cable-stayed structures, steel and concrete arches, concrete segmental bridges, and tunnels. He infuses detailed planning, intricate design, and steadfast construction discipline and support for bridge projects in dense urban areas, often where seismic conditions might otherwise deter project success.

Treyger regularly advances leading technologies to inform his expert analysis of seismic vulnerabilities to complex bridge types. His team recently engineered a new structure for the Port of Long Beach’s Gerald Desmond Bridge replacement. Although the iconic bridge sits above an active 12.5-mile-long fault line, it can absorb shock from a major 1,000-year earthquake event.

His natural talent to balance functionality with beauty makes Treyger a national leader in delivering signature spans. His process places a huge value on listening, which has been pivotal to his ability to meet his clients’ goals and the goals of the larger surrounding community.

“Semyon is a great mentor and continually demonstrates by example. After working with him, I have led the planning and design of some major long-span bridges currently under study. I am doing my best to carry on his high standards through my work and by providing mentorship to young engineers,” said Yan Jiang, HNTB principal engineer.

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