A bridge, a problem, and a nine-year-old’s bright idea—this is how a complex highway project turned into a blueprint for kinder infrastructure. We sit down with NCDOT Resident Engineer Kenny McCord to trace the story of an I-40 bridge in the Pigeon River Gorge where a required bat habitat became a breakthrough: instead of bolting on a bulky bat box that complicates emergency repairs, the team sculpted hidden roosts directly into a retaining wall. The spark came from Kenny’s daughter, Harper, whose simple question—why not put the bats in the wall—opened a path for biologists, builders, and designers to collaborate on something elegant and practical.

Kenny takes us inside the CMGC approach that brought the contractor to the table early, cutting red tape and surfacing constructability insights before mistakes got expensive. We talk gantry cranes for high-span beam setting, the art and science of Boulderscape to create natural-looking walls, and how recycled bridge materials became part of a safe, durable bat habitat tailored to real drop distances and microclimates. Along the way, we connect the dots to a larger wildlife strategy in the gorge: fencing that guides elk, deer, and hogs to underpasses, reducing collisions and protecting drivers.

This conversation blends engineering with empathy—roads that move people efficiently while leaving space for animals to live. It’s a case study in how public works can be smarter, safer, and more humane when we invite diverse voices to the table and treat constraints as creative fuel. If you’re curious about wildlife-friendly design, infrastructure innovation, or the power of a child’s perspective to unlock better choices, you’ll come away with ideas worth sharing.

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