Mill Plain BRT Transit Center and Corridor Construction

Location: Vancouver, Washington

Cost: $21.8 million

Completion: November 2023

Owner/Developer: C-Tran

Architect: HDR

Engineer: HDR

General Contractor: Tapani

Submitting Company: Tapani

Subcontractors: Able Fence, AKS Engineering, Anderson Erosion Control, Apply-A-Line, Commercial Cabinet Works, Elite Metal Roofing, Engle’s Painting, Great Floors, Harlens Drywall, Hatch Western, Hildebrand Concrete Construction, Hydro-Tech Fire Protection, Insulation Contractors, Integrity Tree Car, Lacey Glass, Lakeside Industries, M&C Exteriors, Northeast Electric, Pacific Cabinetry and Design, Pavement Maintenance, Piper Mechanical, Rixir Systems, Roof Toppers, Sawtooth Caulking, Schonert & Associates, Valley Shades, Value Garage Door, WH Cress

The Mill Plain Bus Rapid Transit center project emerged as a transformative force along Vancouver’s vital Mill Plain Boulevard, a bustling artery connecting the heart of the city to the residential communities in East Vancouver.

Spanning 10 miles and comprising 37 newly constructed Bus Rapid Transit station platforms, the project was not just about transportation it was about connectivity, accessibility and community enhancement.

Tapani and its subcontractors created boarding platforms with enhanced amenities and safety features. Each station, designed with pedestrian comfort in mind, features near-level boarding, enhanced amenities, improved access, off-board fare payment systems and upgraded safety and security measures.

Construction of each station included safely navigating roadway work to perform excavation, underground utility installation, concrete flatwork, steel shelter erection, windscreens, tile pavers, metal roofing and upgrades to the existing electrical systems.

Structural concrete scopes included the construction of cement roadway sections, concrete pads for the shelters and uniquely designed colored concrete sections for visual appeal. Tapani’s crews self-performed the erection of a 1,000-square-foot driver relief building and a bus shelter capable of housing nine buses.

Managing multiple construction sites along a high-traffic corridor demanded careful coordination. Each station platform presented its own set of challenges, requiring individualized attention and strategic planning. Tapani’s Traffic Control Specialists orchestrated traffic management to ensure both worker safety and public convenience.

With new and enhanced bus station platforms, residents now enjoy faster, more efficient and reliable transit service along the Mill Plain corridor. The improvement in public transportation accessibility enhances mobility, connectivity and quality of life. The introduction of a BRT system encourages a shift from private vehicles to public transportation, reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.

The project’s construction also generated employment opportunities for local residents, stimulating economic growth in the region. It also attracts investment, enhances property values and supports businesses along the Mill Plain corridor.

The project was completed two months ahead of schedule, minimizing disruptions and earning accolades from the public. It also resulted in significant cost savings, with the project coming in $2 million under budget. Despite the challenges of being federally funded, all requirements were met, demonstrating strong project management and execution.

Copyright © 2024 BridgeTower Media. All Rights Reserved.