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Zarate rides away after 32 years with ITD

Luis Zarate rode away from ITD on Wednesday (Oct. 7) after 32 years with the department, although he will continue on the books until the end of the year officially. He spent all of his career with the Headquarters Bridge section.

“It has been a privilege working with Luis,” said Shanon Murgotio, who has been his supervisor in HQ Bridge for the last few years. “He is leaving a legacy of great bridge designs throughout Idaho.”

Zarate’s daughter, Janet, is a Materials Engineer in D2 Design & Construction in Lewiston, continuing the family legacy with the agency. She has been with ITD for seven years so far.

“As I reflect on my career, I’m proud of the many bridge design projects on which I participated or personally produced."

Zarate is unflinchingly proud of his heritage as well.

"I sincerely hope that I have helped change hearts and minds that might stereotype foreign-born citizens and Hispanics as less capable,” Luis said.

“It has been a rewarding career and I have met some wonderful people who helped me grow and shared with me the successes and mishaps of the bridge design world,” he said. “We have always prided ourselves of producing good plans and specifications and throughout my career most of the work put out by our section has been of quality and excellence.”

Zarate’s career highlights included unique bridge designs such the 1,120 feet, 13 span, continuous pre-stressed concrete bridge at a 30-degree skew over the Snake River, utilizing High Performance Steel on the Sunnyside Interchange bridge, and also reviewing and approving the launching method for portions of the Lawyer’s Canyon Bridge.

Zarate also served as a technical member on several professional committees, creating and advancing the safety and serviceability of bridges and other structures, such as the committee that developed scour evaluation methods that were at the forefront in the nation.

State Bridge Engineer Matt Farrar also praised Zarate.

“I have worked with Luis for over 30 years in the Bridge Section," said Farrar. "He has been a true pleasure to work with — always available for a quick question or consultation regarding various bridge issues. I hold him in the highest regard.”