Rapid Light Rail Construction in an Urban Downtown Core

In 2009, TriMet completed three years of construction of a complex, in-street light rail extension through central Portland. The project added a light rail alignment, carrying two lines, to the existing bus mall through the downtown retail core. One of the primary challenges in implementing this project was the management of disruptions to downtown businesses, residents, patrons, pedestrians and drivers. Through a comprehensive rapid construction plan, TriMet achieved considerable success in expeditiously building the 1.8-mile alignment on two downtown streets while keeping Portland’s vibrant downtown available and attractive throughout construction. Specific rapid construction management measures used on the project included completing private and public utility relocation work prior to the start of civil construction; dividing the work area into three segments, with construction occurring simultaneously in each segment; providing for double shifts each work day; concentrating the most disruptive work into short, intensive work periods; and extensive traffic and parking planning and control. TriMet has received many public compliments for its success in mitigating disruptions during construction. Many of the mitigation methods would have applicability to other owners and designers planning urban, in-street transit systems.

• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • Robbins, Leah
• Conference:
  • Transportation Research Board 90th Annual Meeting
  • Location: Washington DC, United States
  • Date: 2011-1-23 to 2011-1-27
• Date: 2011

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: DVD
• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: 15p
• Monograph Title: TRB 90th Annual Meeting Compendium of Papers DVD

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Central business districts; Construction management; Construction scheduling; Light rail transit; Traffic mitigation
• Identifier Terms: Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon
• Uncontrolled Terms: Rapid construction
• Geographic Terms: Portland (Oregon)
• Subject Areas: Construction; Public Transportation; I50: Construction and Supervision of Construction;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01334253
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 11-1047
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Mar 28 2011 7:45AM