FEATURE ARTICLE

FEATURE

Leading the Future of Mobility

Mobility involves moving people between where we live, work, and play, along with transporting the goods and services that support or enhance our lives. As cities grow more congested and are plagued by aging transportation infrastructure, mobility planning becomes an urgent objective for urban environments.

TYLin recently introduced our Mobility Systems practice and our global team of experts in the design and delivery of innovative, real-world mobility solutions across physical and digital networks. According to Megan Huff, PfMP, TYLin’s Mobility Systems Leader, the timing couldn’t be better for cities across the United States.

“Nearly half of all U.S. bridges are over 50 years old, and more than 40% of public roadways are overcrowded and outdated,” says Huff. “And even if more people decided to start using public transportation, 45% of Americans don’t have any access to it.”

Modernizing transportation infrastructure is a massive undertaking on a physical scale. For example, roadways need modernization, transit systems need extensions to connect outlying areas, and communities increasingly demand active transportation options.

However, while we have the technology to upgrade transportation systems, there is another issue facing the U.S. transportation sector. Creating smart cities involves large-scale technology integration, and urban areas have enormous volumes of data trapped in silos.

“Mobility planning breaks down those silos and creates vital data connections between transportation agencies,” adds Huff. “This not only improves the customer journey and operational efficiency, but it will also help realize the vision of a smarter, more integrated system in this country.”

TYLin’s Mobility practice comprises the combined vision and expertise of TYLin, GPO Group, A TYLin Company, Sam Schwartz, A TYLin Company, Ross & Baruzzini, and Integral Group. Prioritizing sustainability, innovation, and equity, we help develop smarter cities with more connected solutions. Here are some examples.

Urban Mobility: We combine the different transportation modes to create a seamless user experience and ensure that cities can accommodate and benefit from the changing mobility landscape. Solutions range from Complete Streets to Shared Mobility and Seamless Payment Models.

The South Bay Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project in Chula Vista, California, is a system that emulates rail service and increases user safety and convenience. TYLin completed the final design of Segment 2, consisting of close to 1.5 miles of dedicated BRT guideway, two stations, and a two-frame bridge.

Connected /Autonomous Vehicles: We help prepare cities for emerging technologies such as electric mobility and mobilityon-demand while continuing to work across all modes and prioritizing safety.

TYLin designed structural components and associated infrastructure for part of the Automated People Mover (APM) system at Orlando International Airport in Florida. The system increases capacity and expedites traveler movement.

Customer Experience: To build ridership and system use, we help agencies and the public understand the value of a safe, efficient, enjoyable customer experience. Solutions include Station-Area Master Planning, Architecture, and Interior Design.

Sam Schwartz, A TYLin Company, led the transportation elements of an award-winning master plan to transform Uptown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, into a model “ecoinnovation district.”

Congestion Management: From Integrated Traveler Information to Traffic Management and Tolling, we blend industry-transforming concepts with data-driven analysis and implement them to manage congestion in critical areas.

For the Riverfront Square Traffic Impact Study + Parking Consulting project, Sam Schwartz, a TYLin Company, performed a traffic impact study and recommended improvements for the proposed Riverfront Square development in Newark, New Jersey.

Digital Transformation: Technology is continually evolving. We leverage big data sets to help clients better analyze system operations and effectiveness, including Turning Data into Solutions, Digital Enablement, and Automation.

Amtrak engaged Ross & Baruzzini, a TYLin affiliate, to conduct a comprehensive study of the traffic control systems and control center facilities for its most heavily used passenger rail corridor in the United States. As a result, ways were uncovered to improve operations and security and reduce maintenance costs.

Energy Transitions: Our mobility team assists with the planning and implementation of fleet transition strategies that pair with alternative fuel options to reduce emissions.

TYLin is working with the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada to develop its first Zero Emission Transition Plan and Facility Modernization Strategy. This will include operations and maintenance facilities for battery electric bus, hydrogen fuel cell electric bus, and zero emission paratransit vehicles.

Resiliency: We offer expertise in a wide range of resilience frameworks and targeted studies to enable better operations today while preparing for tomorrow’s shocks and stresses.

The 207th Street Yard in New York, New York, is a major New York City Transit (NYCT) facility that was severely damaged during Superstorm Sandy. TYLin is working closely with NYCT to rehabilitate the yard and protect it from future storm events.

Safety: Our safety specialists have an impressive record of reducing crashes and creating safe travel for everyone. We design urban improvements, pedestrian amenities, and Complete Streets that support Vision Zero ideals.

After the City of Chicago, Illinois, launched its Vision Zero Action Plan to eliminate deaths and serious injuries from traffic crashes by 2026, Sam Schwartz, A TYLin Company, was tasked to support the Action Plan over five years.

Learn more about how TYLin is advancing mobility.

THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES’ “RIBBON OF LIGHTS” SIXTH STREET VIADUCT

Sixth Street Viaduct Opens to Public

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, USA

In 2015, the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works awarded TYLin the task order to provide construction management services for the Sixth Street Viaduct Replacement project. The City’s new “ribbon of light” bridge opened to great fanfare on July 10, 2022.

The original landmark structure, constructed in 1932, used reinforced concrete with a distinctive steel arch spanning the Los Angeles River. Over the years, the concrete deteriorated due to alkali-silica reaction (ASR). As a result, the structure became unable to withstand a moderate earthquake structurally and required a retrofit or replacement. The new Sixth Street Viaduct is the largest bridge project in the history of Los Angeles and utilized the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) method of contract delivery. The USD 570 million bridge is 3,060 feet long and connects the downtown Los Angeles Arts District with the Boyle Heights neighborhood.

Spanning the Los Angeles River, multiple railroad tracks, and State Route 101, the post-tensioned cast-inplace concrete bridge features 10 pairs of arches and enhancements along local intersections to improve traffic flow. The project also includes the development of a much-needed recreational park for Los Angeles and Boyle Heights residents.

Photos © by Gary Leonard

THE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROVIDES SAFER BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN MOBILITY

IMPROVEMENTS ALONG THE SIXTH STREET VIADUCT IMPROVE VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FLOW

Throughout the 7-year on-call contract, TYLin provided construction management during bridge demolition, pile installation, and superstructure construction; independent checking of the contractor’s extensive falsework design; post-tensioning installation quality assurance; materials inspection and quality assurance; geometric control and hanger installation monitoring; schedule and change order management; and coordination with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and other agencies.

Site challenges included minimizing impacts on downtown traffic, working within the Los Angeles River and near active rail lines operated by five agencies, and managing right-of-way challenges and utility conflicts.

TYLIN TEAM

Joseph Smith, PE, CCM, Project Manager Karen Cormier, PE, Resident Engineer Wade Durant, PE, and Karim Varshochi, PE, Field Structures Representatives Nader Naderi, PE, Assistant Resident Engineer Dan Fitzwilliam, PE, Network Cable Arch Specialist Stacey Bracco, Project Accountant