Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR)

Role:

​Sarah's role focused on overseeing the 30% design stage, which extends light rail service from the Expo Center in Portland, OR to Evergreen Boulevard in Vancouver, WA. Her leadership ensures that the project's transit components are seamlessly integrated, accounting for both light rail and bus service expansions. She collaborates with a diverse team, including engineers and architects, to deliver transit infrastructure that meets the demands of the growing region.

Project Description

The Interstate Bridge Replacement Program is a joint Oregon-Washington initiative to improve the I-5 bridge over the Columbia River. As Transit Design Lead from August 2023 to June 2024, Sarah is overseeing the 30% design stage for transit improvements. The project includes extending light rail from Portland's Expo Center to Vancouver's Evergreen Boulevard, expanding operations and maintenance facilities, and developing new light rail stations. Sarah leads a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and architects to integrate light rail and bus service expansions, enhance multi-modal connectivity, and address regional congestion. The project aims to provide additional transit options, increase capacity, and enhance connectivity between Oregon and Washington, providing long-term solutions for the growing region's transportation needs.

Key Project Features:

• Light Rail Extension: Extending light rail from Expo Station in Portland, OR to Evergreen Boulevard in Vancouver, WA.

• Expansion of Operations and Maintenance Facilities (OMFs): Two OMF expansions are planned to accommodate additional light rail vehicles and buses, supporting new and existing services in Washington State.

• New/Reconstructed Light Rail Stations: Development of new stations along the extended route and reconstruction of the existing Expo station.

• Multi-Modal Connectivity: Enhancing connectivity to light rail through buses, pedestrian pathways, cycling infrastructure, and automobile access.

• Multi-Disciplinary Team Leadership: Sarah led a team consisting of track, civil, and systems engineers, as well as architects, to ensure the successful design and implementation of these improvements while being mindful of existing traffic and transit operations

Results/Impact:

• Regional Connectivity: The project enhances the transportation network between Oregon and Washington, providing more efficient transit options for commuters.

• Increased Capacity: Expanding OMFs and stations ensures that both light rail and bus services can accommodate future growth and demand in the region.

• Multi-Modal Integration: The design aims to provide seamless connections between light rail, bus, pedestrian, cycling, and automobile transportation modes.

 Additional Highlights: