Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Civil Engineering Services in Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Since 1918, Pickering Corts & Summerson has maintained a distinguished legacy of excellence in civil engineering, surveying, and inspection services. Our firm specializes in delivering comprehensive technical solutions to private property owners, land developers, and governmental agencies across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York. With over a century of experience, we combine deep industry expertise with a commitment to innovation, ensuring every project meets rigorous standards for safety, durability, and functionality. Our team of licensed Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors leverages advanced methodologies to address complex challenges in structural engineering, highway design, site development, and underwater inspections. We prioritize client collaboration, tailoring our services to meet specific project requirements while maintaining cost-effectiveness and timely execution.As stewards of infrastructure integrity, we conduct critical bridge inspections, load ratings, and emergency repairs, adhering to National Bridge Inspection Standards. Our corporate culture emphasizes employee growth and technical excellence, fostering a work environment where professionals expand their skills and contribute to our companys enduring reputation. This dedication to quality has earned us recognition, including the ASHE East Penn 2024 Project of the Year award. We remain committed to advancing engineering practices while upholding the values of reliability and client-centric service that have defined our firm for generations.
Services
Bridge Inspection
Underwater Inspection
Structural Engineering
Highway Engineering
Site Development
Land Surveying
Details
- Year established: 1918
Highlights and features
- We offer over 100 years of specialized expertise in civil engineering and infrastructure inspection.
- Our team includes licensed Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors with regional expertise.
- We provide tailored solutions for private, municipal, and federal clients across multiple states.
- Our quality control processes meet National Bridge Inspection Standards and NBIS requirements.
- We maintain a proven track record of award-winning projects and emergency response capabilities.
Associations and certifications
- PennDOT Certified Bridge Safety Inspector
- National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS)
Services
Bridge Inspection
Our bridge inspection services ensure infrastructure safety through comprehensive evaluations following National Bridge Inspection Standards. Certified engineers perform routine, in-depth, and emergency inspections for state DOTs and federal agencies. We deliver detailed reports with load ratings and repair recommendations to maintain structural integrity and regulatory compliance.
Underwater Inspection
Specialized underwater inspections assess bridge foundations and submerged structures using advanced diving techniques and sonar technology. Our certified divers conduct condition assessments in compliance with PennDOT and federal requirements. This service identifies erosion damage, scour effects, and structural weaknesses to prevent infrastructure failures.
Structural Engineering
We provide structural design and rehabilitation services for bridges, buildings, and infrastructure projects. Our engineers develop solutions for replacement, reinforcement, and retrofitting while meeting safety codes. Services include load calculations, material selection, and construction documentation for both public and private sector clients.
Highway Engineering
Our highway engineering division specializes in roadway design, traffic analysis, and pavement evaluation. We deliver solutions for new construction, resurfacing, and safety improvements that comply with state and federal standards. Projects include corridor studies, geometric design, and drainage planning for municipal and state transportation networks.
Land Surveying
Professional land surveying services support engineering projects with precise boundary determination, topographic mapping, and construction staking. We utilize modern GPS and LiDAR technology to create accurate site plans for development projects, legal documentation, and infrastructure planning across multiple states.
People
James S. White, Jr.
President
With over 34 years at PCS, James White oversees operations and serves as PennDOT Certified Bridge Safety Inspector. He administers all NBIS inspection agreements while guiding company strategy.
John C. Wilhelm
Executive Vice President
John Wilhelm manages quality control with 38 years of bridge engineering experience. A registered PE in six states, he leads structural design and inspection projects while maintaining ASCE/ASHE memberships.
Aaron S. Detwiler
Executive Vice President
Aaron Detwiler oversees bridge inspections for major agencies, managing 2,000+ structures. He directs Pennsylvania and New Jersey operations with expertise in emergency repairs and load ratings.
Paul Klemunes
Vice President
Paul Klemunes leads structural projects with specialized knowledge in bridge preservation. Licensed in six states, he manages design and inspection initiatives while maintaining regional infrastructure standards.
John P. Ziemblicki
Vice President
John Ziemblicki directs structural design projects with extensive NBIS inspection experience. A licensed engineer in three states, he manages Pennsylvania and New Jersey bridge engineering operations.
Questions
What geographic areas does PCS serve?
We operate primarily in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York, with multiple regional offices supporting statewide infrastructure projects.
What engineering disciplines does PCS specialize in?
Our core specialties include bridge engineering, structural design, highway engineering, land surveying, underwater inspections, and site development projects.
Does PCS handle emergency infrastructure inspections?
Yes, we provide emergency bridge inspections following incidents like collisions or natural disasters, with rapid response teams available 24/7.
What certifications does PCS hold?
We maintain PennDOT Bridge Safety Inspector certification and comply with National Bridge Inspection Standards for all inspection services.
How does PCS ensure project quality?
Our quality control processes include peer reviews, licensed engineer oversight, and adherence to state/federal standards across all engineering disciplines.
Can PCS handle large-scale infrastructure projects?
Yes, we've completed major projects like the ASHE East Penn 2024 Project of the Year, demonstrating our capability for complex, multi-million dollar assignments.
