People Spotlight: Meet Jarrod Pettigrew
Our People Spotlight series gives you an inside look at our technical experts around the world. This week, we are highlighting a client account director from our Transportation business in Australia and providing an insight into their inspiration and work.
Jarrod Pettigrew joined AECOM in 2021 and is based in South East Queensland, Australia. With over 21 years of experience, he provides strategic leadership and acts as the leading advocate for Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) within AECOM. In his role as client account director, he helps ensure quality, efficiency and consistency across AECOM’s portfolio of projects.
Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.
My inspiration to join the engineering industry stems from a deep-rooted passion for transportation and infrastructure. Growing up, I had an uncle in construction who encouraged me to pursue a career in engineering. Since starting in the industry, I have been fascinated by how well-designed transportation systems transform communities and enhance people’s lives. I wanted to be part of that transformation, contributing to city-shaping projects that not only address current needs but also anticipate future demands.
My experiences over the past 20 years have only strengthened this passion, and I’ve seen firsthand the significant impact that our engineering solutions can have on communities. By solving congestion and resolving road safety issues to transform corridors for multi-modal use, providing passenger transport and active transport options, and repairing road connections after flood events, our industry improves the quality of life and fosters sustainable development.
Since starting in the industry, I have been fascinated by how well-designed transportation systems transform communities and enhance people’s lives. My experiences over the past 20 years have only strengthened this passion, and I’ve seen firsthand the significant impact that our engineering solutions can have on communities.”
What is your favorite AECOM project that you’ve worked on and why?
I have been fortunate to work on several high-profile and interesting projects at AECOM. A particularly notable project experience has been working on Queensland’s Gold Coast Light Rail project, a vital passenger transport project that is enhancing accessibility and improving overall transportation options within the community. My involvement has included supporting the coordination of multi-disciplinary technical studies during the recent planning phases, focusing on confirming track configurations, station locations, road network modifications, and addressing environmental considerations. As a Gold Coast local, I am invested in seeing the area benefit from enhanced passenger transportation options, and the implemented sections have already significantly improved how people move around the city.
As we worked on the Gold Coast Light Rail, we collaborated with our talented multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions to complex challenges such as urban integration, traffic management, and infrastructure sustainability planning. Before AECOM, I was involved in an earlier phase of the project, where I contributed to the development of the concept design. This phase explored both light rail and bus rapid transit options. It’s certainly been rewarding to stay connected to the project over the past decade and witness its ongoing progress and impact.
A particularly notable project experience has been working on Queensland’s Gold Coast Light Rail project, a vital passenger transport project that is enhancing accessibility and improving overall transportation options within the community. As a Gold Coast local, I am invested in seeing the area benefit from enhanced passenger transportation options, and the implemented sections have already significantly improved how people move around the city.”
Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.
Many of my projects focus on planning, designing and implementing solutions that significantly enhance community connectivity, resolve safety issues and address the evolving needs of communities. One example is the Pacific Highway/Harrington Road Interchange project in New South Wales. As project manager for the concept design and business case phases, I oversaw the development of a grade-separated interchange solution that aims to improve safety and traffic flow between the Pacific Highway and local roads connecting Harrington and Coopernook.
This project is crucial in addressing ongoing safety concerns at the existing at-grade offset T-intersections. The recommended solution aims to reduce the risk of serious injuries and fatalities by eliminating a hazardous weaving manoeuvre across multiple high-speed lanes. A new grade-separated interchange will enhance road safety, improve travel times, and boost connectivity for the local communities. Witnessing the project’s progress through the planning phases and knowing I am contributing to a solution that will positively impact daily commutes and overall road safety has been incredibly rewarding, reinforcing my commitment to delivering projects that genuinely benefit communities.
The Pacific Highway/Harrington Road Interchange project in New South Wales is crucial in addressing ongoing safety concerns at the existing at-grade offset T-intersections. A new grade-separated interchange will enhance road safety, improve travel times, and boost connectivity for the local communities.”
Share a piece of career advice.
Continuous growth is paramount. Always strive to be self-aware, positive and open to feedback from those around you. This will help you continually improve and become the best version of yourself.
