“Martir truly represents and lives by Traylor’s core values. He is adamant about safety, respectful to others, and brings intellectual concepts to the table.”
Martir Ortez, a member of our National Heavy Civil Division, is Area 1 Structures Engineer on the Purple Line Project in Maryland. Martir has a Civil Engineering degree from UCLA, is a registered Professional Engineer, and has 13 years of experience in the industry, all with Traylor. His impressive many projects include: the Northeast Interceptor Sewer; the Campbell Shipyard Sediment Remediation; the I-10 Main Span Bridges over Lake Ponchartrain; the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway West Closure Complex; and the Tappan Zee Bridge.
Martir received multiple nominations from his peers for various reasons, but the most notable is that he is currently the sole Traylor representative in Area 1 of the project—not always an easy role. However, he is representing himself, and the company, excellently, bringing his unique experience, extraordinary structural engineering skills, and positive attitude to the team.
Martir’s many good qualities embody our unique Traylor Driven culture. His peers say it best:
He is “innovative, knowledgeable, accountable, committed, passionate, team-oriented, [and] exhibits self-awareness.”
“Martir shows great leadership and understanding of what his peers need to be successful within their field.”
“He’s thorough and resourceful in his planning and comes up with ideas and ways to optimize that are outside the normal sales pitch from vendors.”
What Drives Martir?
TBI: Tell us about your role on the project you’re currently working on and what specifically you’re enjoying about your role.
Martir Ortez (MO): At the Purple Line project I’m planning the construction of all structures for the first 6 miles of the total 16.2 miles. There are various single and multi-span bridges for light rail, pedestrian, and vehicle traffic. There are multiple underpasses, several miles of MSE walls, soldier pile walls, and sound walls. Even though the structural work is rather simple, logistically it is very challenging. Access is very limited, there are numerous utility conflicts, and working over existing railroad is never easy. I’m really enjoying all aspects of the project from estimating various design options to exploring different means and methods. What I enjoy the most is working with the younger engineers of our team, providing them with guidance, and observing their growth.
TBI: Tell us about one of your most memorable moments at Traylor.
Martir Ortez (MO): When I think about memorable moments, so many run through my mind and I think that’s the reason why I love working for Traylor the most. My absolute most memorable moment at Traylor was setting the largest sector gates in North America at the GIWW West Closure project. Scott Armstrong and Robert DeLouche approached me at the beginning of the project to help lead the planning for setting the gates. At the time, the task seemed overwhelming and there were numerous moments where I doubted the plan and my abilities. With the help of the Traylor team, the engineers at Huval and Associates, Bisso Marine, Versabar, King Fabrication, and Berard Transportation, we were able to perform a two-crane pick of over 750 tons, set the gates within a horizontal clearance as little as 9 inches, and lower it down approximately 8 inches from top of footing onto its final location. It was definitely a moment I’ll always remember.
TBI: Where is your favorite place you’ve lived, and why?
Martir Ortez (MO): Having been born in El Salvador, raised in Southern California, and worked in Louisiana, I never had to deal with cold weather until moving to New York for the Tappan Zee Bridge project. It would seem obvious that New York would not be at the top of my list, especially when considering the strenuous work schedule of the project, but I have to say New York has been my favorite place so far. I’ve really enjoyed the seasons, the scenery in the Hudson Valley, and making friends from the area. What I’ve enjoyed the most is being on the same project as my brother Julio and spending time with my nieces and my sister-in-law.
TBI: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
Martir Ortez (MO): When not working, I enjoy seeing new places. Being new to Maryland, I’ve been exploring parts of Washington, DC and I’ve recently traveled to neighboring Philadelphia. There is so much history in the Northeast and it’s always great to see the local color.
TBI: You’ve been nominated by your peers for our Employee Spotlight because you motivate others. What drives you?
Martir Ortez (MO): This is an easy question to answer and I think it’s the same reason for most of us in this industry. What drives me is being able to see a finished product that is a direct result of our planning and hard work that helps various communities. In Louisiana we helped build a bridge over Lake Pontchartrain that was damaged as a direct result of Hurricane Katrina. We also provided 100 year flood protection at the West Closure Complex by installing sector gates and the largest pump station in the world. Being a team member on projects of such magnitude is what drives me.
At Traylor Bros., we respect all people on a personal and professional level. We express this respect by providing a safe work environment, encouraging work/life balance, offering competitive compensation, and fostering the entrepreneurial spirit of every team member.
We have pride in our company and the work we do. We pursue the most exciting work, tackle every challenge as a team, and celebrate both company and individual success.
Traylor is Driven by Respect and Pride.