‘I love my career path’: Meet the woman behind IDOT’s cement testing across Central IL

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — In Central Illinois, summertime also means construction season. Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) workers know that all too well. One civil engineer in particular plays an important part in the process before concrete is poured at job sites.

Spending the day outside and on the side of the road isn’t everyone’s first pick of a career path. But, Mary Severson jumped at the idea.

“Engineering was a clear path for me,” she said.

Right now, she works with construction crews to re-pave part of Sixth Street in Springfield.

“We’re doing the sidewalks, driveways, drainage improvements, curb and gutter,” Severson explained.

Before the concrete even comes out of the truck and into the curb, she tests it to make sure it’s good to go. That includes tamping down the concrete in cylinders to make sure the strength is correct and they have the right air in the concrete.

Severson said checking all the numbers is an important step to make sure safety remains the top priority.

“When we are putting in this concrete for driveways for people to drive their cars on, you want to make sure you’re getting the right strength,” she explained.

It’s not always easy to hit the ground running in the summertime heat, especially as she expects a baby any day now.

“Honestly, sometimes I forget about it until I’m putting on my vest and I realize it’s a little tighter today than it was yesterday,” Severson joked.

Now more than ever, she is grateful to have a caring crew right along her side.

“I know someone has my back 24/7,” she said. “They’re always checking on me, making sure I’m aware of where I’m stepping.”

She is often the only woman on a job site, but that doesn’t bother her.

“It’s a lot of responsibility,” Severson said. “I’ve met so many women in this industry that really encourage me to continue on this career path that I love so much.”

She hopes that positive influence continues and inspires the next generation of women to follow in her footsteps.

“I love what I’m doing and I feel the impact in the community and that’s what’s important to me,” Severson said.

She has been on the job the last four years at sites across Central Illinois. It’s a career she has dreamed of ever since watching her grandfather work in aerospace and mechanical engineering. He worked on several space missions including Apollo, Gemini and Mercury.

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