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

570 Transportation Research Circular E-C058: Ninth National Light Rail Transit Conference
Nearly all private and public utilities along Interstate Avenue must be relocated. The final
roadway configuration requires that existing PGE power poles be moved. Other private utilities to
be relocated include Qwest, Pacific Power, ELI, ODOT, Paragon, TCI, NW Natural Gas, and
AT&T. Also, all city sewer and water mains and laterals along the alignment must be relocated.
Critical Factors for Success
Impacts to vehicular traffic on Interstate Avenue and to light rail traffic at the Rose Quarter should
be minimized, as should impacts to large public events at the Rose Quarter and Coliseum. Access
for residents and businesses should be maintained at all times. The project should be done quickly
and safely, and utility relocations should be completed on time to avoid overall critical delays to
the project.
Evaluation of Options
The construction will significantly impact the public on a daily basis. The construction work plan
must be both realistic and cost effective. TriMet, working with the city of Portland and the
community, must develop the plan. Contractor input during design will facilitate the development
of realistic construction options in terms of schedule, cost, traffic flow, noise, and safety
considerations. Table 3 shows the criteria for work on the Rose Quarter to North Argyle project.
CM/GC is the option that puts TriMet in the best position to accomplish the critical factors
for success. TriMet must retain control of the planning and design in order to properly balance all
of the considerations involved in the performance of construction on city streets and adjacent to the
Rose Quarter and Coliseum. Public process must be adequate to properly assess options and to
develop an acceptable approach. TriMet and city of Portland review and approval are critical.
DB reduces owner control over design and shortens process time. The nature of this work
requires thorough planning, design, and coordination with the city and community. Shortening
process time is likely to backfire; therefore, DB is not the preferred option.
Neither RFP nor low bid allows for construction contractor input during planning and
design. Because efficient construction is critical, these options are not preferred. The preferred
contracting method is CM/GC.
North Argyle to Expo, Structures, Tie and Ballast Civil Construction
Work Description
This portion of the alignment is 1.4 mi in length, inclusive of a 3,850-ft, light rail only structure.
The structure crosses the Columbia Slough, Schmeer Road, and Victory Boulevard. The alignment runs
through an environmentally sensitive zone and requires mitigation to wetland impacts. The existing
roadway viaduct links businesses and communities on both sides of the Columbia Slough.
Tie and ballast track extends to the northern terminus at Expo Center. Coordination of work
with major events at Expo and Portland International Raceway will be critical. Expo Road will be
rebuilt. Park-and-ride facilities will be constructed at Expo and Portland International Raceway.