TR Circular E-C058_9th LRT Conference_2003.pdf - Florida ...

568 Transportation Research Circular E-C058: Ninth National Light Rail Transit Conference
acquired land south of the existing site for the expansion. Existing run-around tracks must be
relocated, yet daily operations cannot be adversely impacted.
Critical Factors for Success
Sequencing or staging of the construction work and coordination with operations are critical.
Construction impacts or disruptions to existing LRV daily revenue service operations must be
kept to an absolute minimum.
Evaluation of Options
Table 2 reflects TriMet’s evaluation of options for the Ruby Junction expansion. TriMet must
develop a construction staging approach that is compatible with service operations. Construction
contractor input during design is a key in developing a realistic, cost effective, and executable
construction staging plan. TriMet operations will demand that the contractor focus on the
expansion work and get it done quickly, safely, and in accordance with TriMet track access
procedures.
Also, the civil and systems improvements must be technically compatible with existing
yard and facility systems at Ruby Junction. Design must accommodate the critical need to
minimize revenue service disruptions.
Neither low bid nor RFP involve the construction contractor during design. Not having
construction contractor input during design will increase the risk that the construction staging
plan will not be realistic or cost effective. Additionally, TriMet desires that the contractor fully
understand TriMet’s operational needs so adverse service impacts are avoided.
DB shortens process time for planning and design. In this instance, TriMet must
deliberate over and approve the final plan for construction. Shorter process time is not
advantageous to TriMet. Design choices are limited in that compatibility with existing systems is
critical. TriMet will require that the design does not compromise its operational requirements.
TriMet should retain control over the final design and the contract documents that specify
the construction staging. Construction contractor input during design and document review will
help TriMet develop contract requirements that meet the needs of both TriMet operations and
efficient construction. The CM/GC method will put TriMet in the best position to succeed with
this work.
The preferred contracting method is CM/GC.
Rose Quarter to North Argyle, In-Street Civil and Utilities Construction
Work Description
Interstate MAX will interconnect with the existing Banfield–Westside system near the Rose
Quarter, then head north on Interstate Avenue for 4.4 mi. The interconnection includes special
track work, signalization, and switching to accommodate merging vehicles. The Rose Quarter
work will likely be done while maintaining existing east-west light rail service, or during preapproved
service disruption periods.
The 4.4 mi of civil construction includes relocation of utilities, followed by roadway and
sidewalk demolition and reconstruction, then new curb and trackway work. One lane for
vehicular traffic in each direction must be maintained at all times.