Depth and Commitment
Hamed Babaizadeh has built his career around a simple principle: bridges should be designed not only to stand, but to last. With more than 17 years of experience in structural engineering, he has developed a reputation for combining rigorous technical analysis with practical decision-making that improves long-term performance and reduces maintenance demands.
For these achievements, Babaizadeh was a clear choice for the Top 25 under 40.
Babaizadeh earned his Ph.D. in structural engineering from Louisiana State University in 2025, complementing earlier master’s and bachelor’s degrees from LSU and Amirkabir University of Technology in Tehran, Iran. He is a licensed professional engineer and a LEED Accredited professional, credentials that reflect technical mastery and a commitment to sustainable design.
Along with having an extensive academic background, he has impacted the public infrastructure projects he manages across Louisiana.
Since joining the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development in 2017, Babaizadeh has progressed from technical roles to bridge project management specialist, overseeing high-impact projects with total construction budgets exceeding $277 million. He also serves as bridge design task manager for future efforts valued at more than $5.8 billion, helping guide design strategy and delivery for some of the state’s most critical bridge programs.
“Early in my career, my focus was primarily technical,” he told Roads & Bridges. “As I took on larger responsibilities, I began to understand that effective project delivery requires balancing structural needs with funding limitations, traffic impacts, environmental constraints, and community expectations.”
That broader perspective has become central to his leadership style. He emphasizes early coordination, open communication and collaboration across disciplines, viewing consultants and internal teams as partners rather than silos. Colleagues describe him as steady, thoughtful and proactive, particularly when navigating complex projects with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
One project that best captures Babaizadeh’s approach is the LA 47 Intracoastal Waterway Gulf Outlet Bridge Rehabilitation in St. Bernard Parish. Built in 1967, the bridge required extensive structural repairs while remaining a vital transportation link north of Chalmette. As project manager, he coordinated multiple consultants and stakeholders through inspection reviews, load ratings, environmental compliance, plan development, and construction-phase support.
“One of the most challenging aspects was coordinating across multiple stakeholders while meeting state and federal deadlines,” he said. “We also had to balance extensive structural repairs with preserving the bridge’s historic identity and minimizing traffic disruption.”
To address those challenges, Babaizadeh prioritized early engagement and consistent communication. Bridge washing and inspections were initiated early to improve defect documentation, even as the project faced unforeseen disruptions, including Hurricane Ida. Public input also played a meaningful role, ultimately influencing the decision to restore the bridge’s original green color, a feature with strong community significance.
His leadership helped keep the $40 million rehabilitation on track, delivering structural improvements with minimal disruption while honoring the bridge’s historic and community value. The project received the 2025 Louisiana Transportation Excellence Award and is widely viewed as a model for successful bridge rehabilitation.
Beyond individual projects, Babaizadeh is known for advancing innovation within LADOTD. His doctoral research focused on link slabs in jointless deck bridges, offering an alternative to traditional expansion joints that are prone to long-term deterioration. He applies life-cycle cost analysis and performance-based detailing to evaluate where these strategies can deliver the greatest value.
“One major area of impact has been the use of link slabs as an alternative to traditional expansion joints,” he said. “They can significantly reduce maintenance needs and improve long-term durability.”
Those research-driven approaches have already influenced bridge designs in Louisiana, including the LA 360 Bridge Replacement, and continue to inform ongoing studies with the Louisiana Transportation Research Center.
Babaizadeh’s commitment to the profession extends beyond design and delivery. He teaches FE exam preparation courses at Southern University and mentors junior engineers within LADOTD, helping guide early-career professionals toward licensure and long-term success. He is also active with the U.S. Green Building Council Louisiana Chapter and regularly supports academic competitions and engineering symposia.
Dana Feng, assistant bridge design administrator at LADOTD, praised his impact. “Hamed exemplifies the rare combination of technical depth, leadership, and commitment to public service that is essential to the future of bridge engineering,” she said. “His work consistently improves long-term durability while delivering meaningful value to the public.”
Reflecting on this recognition, Babaizadeh says he feels both thankful and mindful of the responsibility that comes with it. “This recognition is deeply meaningful and humbling,” he said. “It reflects the trust and support I’ve received from my colleagues and mentors. It also motivates me to continue mentoring the next generation of engineers and delivering infrastructure that serves communities for decades to come.”