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Track Rehabilitation Project

Project Manager/Resident Engineer
Design and Construction

(2014-2017)

The Track Rehabilitation Project consisted of several short duration projects on the existing MAX system involving the replacement of existing special trackwork and rail, upgraded systems, and drainage improvements as part of TriMet's State of Good Repair program.  The projects were completed during operational shutdowns in coordination with local agencies and jurisdictional stakeholders. 

Role:

As Project Manager and Resident Engineer for the Track Rehabilitation Project, Sarah played a pivotal role in spearheading the construction efforts within the agency, the contractor, and local jurisdictions. She coordinated across multiple departments within TriMet to schedule the shutdowns, communicate the construction progress, and addressed issues as they arose.  As a result, TriMet was able to replace trackwork and upgrade systems in various areas throughout the MAX Blue Line originally constructed in 1986. 

 

Sarah's operational experience and impeccable communication proved invaluable as she navigated the complexities of delivering projects on schedule on an existing operational alignment. 
 

Project Description

The Track Rehabilitation Project identified several problematic areas on the existing MAX Blue Line that required track replacements, signal system upgrades, and drainage improvements. Sarah served as Project Manager and Resident Engineer, focusing on management of the design and construction execution in several areas within downtown Portland and Gateway Transit Center.  Key objectives for the program included improving long-term system reliability while maintaining a tight construction schedule on an active alignment.  The project ultimately enhancing on-time performance across the MAX network while minimizing disruptions to riders during implementation. 

 

Focus areas within the the Track Rehabilitation Program and shutdown durations:

  • Lloyd Center Switch Replacements (2014): 1 week

  • Gateway Transit Center Crossing Panel Replacements (2015): 3 days 

  • Rose Quarter Transit Center Track Replacement (2016): 2 weeks

  • 1st Ave Switch Replacements and 1st Ave Curved Rail (2016): 2 weeks

  • Yamhill/Morrison Switch Replacements (2017): 3 weeks for MAX; 1 week for Portland Streetcar

Key Project Features:

  • Construction on an Operational Alignment: Added a level of complexity when communicating with riders and providing bus-bridging during the light rail shutdowns

  • Schedule Management: Led efforts to keep the project on schedule to ensure riders could continue utilizing the transit system during the outage

  • Boosting System Reliability: Focused on the problematic areas causing MAX delays increased long-term reliability

  • Concurrent Project Collaboration: Worked closely with TriMet staff, jurisdictional stakeholders and local agencies to construct projects within the vicinity concurrently to eliminate additional outages within the MAX ROW. 

Results/Impact:

  • Increased Reliability: The project improved on-time performance across the MAX system, reduced overall delays and eliminated recurring maintenance

  • Maintaining ridership: Frequent communication with the public, strict adherence to the construction schedule, and impeccable bus bridging coordination minimized disruptions and upheld confidence in the agency's efforts among MAX riders 

  • Elimination of future MAX shutdowns: Sarah's ability to communicate across agencies and execute planning efforts within the larger Metro area eliminated future MAX impacts. Extensive planning during the preconstruction phase provided a window for other agencies to replace antiquated infrastructure such as sewer and stormline replacements during the shutdown, further minimizing future impacts to MAX riders. 

 Additional Highlights:

  • Sarah's frequent communication within the agency as well as local stakeholders led to unprecedented efficiencies, paving the way for future shutdowns.

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