Bill Hjelholt

“I am a life-long learner, afflicted or gifted with nearly endless curiosity. My work in the freight rail industry provides opportunities to pursue so many interesting and diverse lines of inquiry to help push professionals and the practice further.” 

Known for an enthusiastic promotion of rail and an unwavering determination to serve the client during his 40-year career, Bill brings insight to projects throughout our freight rail program. His goal is to bring value to our freight rail clients through the growth, expansion and diversification of our services and initiatives. 

Bill is focused on broadening our industry relationships in North America and globally. He is regarded as a respected communicator with a penchant for building strong, empowered teams and mentoring our young professionals. These skills were exemplified by his leadership roles on many large and complex North American and international projects. Bill served as project director for the Côte-Nord Mining Railway Company’s 341-mile (550 km) heavy-haul iron ore railway between Quebec and Labrador. He oversaw a similar heavy-haul project in Guinea, Africa, for the Simandou Railway, a 375-mile (600 km) iron ore line. The project mobilized more than 300 staff from North America, Australia and Spain to deliver 22 design-build and supply contract packages.

Within the industry, Bill exchanges and promotes ideas through his involvement with the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association, the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association, and the American Railway Development Association.