Parsons Corporation is currently engaged in a design/build joint venture (Southeast Corridor Constructors) with Kiewit Construction Company on reconstructing I-25 and I-225 in Denver. This project is known as the Transportation Expansion Project (T-REX). Parsons has a 20% equity stake. The project involves reconstruction of a multilane freeway in a heavily urbanized area for approximately 17 miles as well as extension of an existing LRT for about 19 miles. The construction schedule calls for a completion in just over five years followed by one year of maintenance. The bid cost was $1.161 billion. Notice to proceed was given in June 2001 and design work as well as implementation is well underway. T-REX staff represent the joint project owners -- Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Regional Transportation District (RTD) -- and consists of staff from both agencies as well as sub-consultants. Parsons is involved on two fronts: LRT and ITS. On the ITS side, which is the subject of this paper, Parsons is responsible for designing all field elements (CCTV, DMS, ramp metering systems, vehicle detection systems, arterial queue detection systems, and the communications system). Parsons is responsible also for the development, operation and maintenance of the central control system for these devices as well as development, operation and maintenance of a traveler information system. This paper covers the lessons learned/issues from previous design/build projects as well as those learned on the ITS design/implementation on T-REX and how they can be applied in the future.
Abstract