PB tapped for planning and design of light rail transit system in VA

Real Estate Weekly, Feb 14, 2007

Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) has been named general engineering consultant (GEC) for the planning and design of a new light rail transit (LRT) system in Norfolk, Virginia.

The Norfolk LRT is the initial fixed-guideway rail project undertaken by Hampton Roads Transit and the City of Norfolk.

The double-track system will extend 7.4 miles with 10 at-grade stations and one elevated station. It will connect such destinations as Eastern Virginia Medical Center, Tidewater Community College, City Hall, Harbor Park Baseball Stadium and Norfolk State University.

The central business district of Norfolk will contain 2.8 miles of new embedded track with the remaining 4.6 miles open ballasted track along the former Norfolk Southern Railroad right-of-way.

The system will include several major structures, including two over waterways and two over active rail lines.

As the GEC on the project, PB is responsible for overall management of the entire planning, design, environmental and permitting process. PB will oversee the work of 16 sub-consultants.

Services will include design coordination during construction as well.

Construction on the project is scheduled to begin in summer of 2007, with revenue service on the LRT system starting in 2010.

Founded in 1885, PB (Parsons Brinckerhoff) provides strategic consulting, program management, planning, engineering and construction management services for transportation, power, buildings and environmental projects.

PB employs approximately 10,000 professionals and support staff in more than 150 offices worldwide.