Session Description:
Transportation investments impact far more than the modal improvement or asset being installed. The socioeconomic impacts include the accommodation of multiple modes, fostering healthier communities, developing multipurpose components, extending the reach of taxpayer’s dollars, and creating development opportunity.
This session presents a case study of the Valley Metro Gilbert Road Extension project and how a transportation infrastructure investment was leveraged to improve a community. You will hear from a panel representing the agency, designer, and builder perspectives. This project encompassed
- Streamlining delivery to avoid bond costs
- Leveraging Federal Highway Administration as well as Federal Transit Administration funding
- Transforming the streetscape to improve vehicle, bike, and pedestrian facilities
- Reducing the project scope to avoid commercial right of way impacts
- The creation of a retention basin that serves as a park and public open space
- The installation of over 400 trees
- Expanding the downtown Mesa aesthetic to Gilbert Road
- Drawing transit oriented development (construction of which began prior to project completion)
- Introducing the first U.S. Turbo Roundabout drawing national recognition for innovation
Moderator:
Melissa Boyles, Vice President of Development & Diversity, Stacy and Witbeck, Inc.
Panelists:
Andrew Haines, Sr. Project Manager, Jacobs
Erik Yingling, Vice President, Area Manager, Stacy and Witbeck, Inc.
Jodi Sorrell, Transit Services Director, City of Mesa
Andrew Haines is a Professional Engineer who has lived in Arizona for the past fifteen years. He currently serves as the Project Manager for Valley Metro’s Northwest Phase II light rail transit extension and previously as the Project Manager for the Gilbert Road extension. In his role at Jacobs he is an Executive Project Manager/Manager of Projects wherein he mentors and guides project managers throughout the southwest. Andrew is engaged in leadership roles throughout the Arizona transportation industry and serves on the Friends of Transit Board, as the Immediate Past Chair of ACEC, and on the 19 North non-profit board serving North Central Phoenix communities. Andrew was recently recognized by WTS Metropolitan Phoenix as their Ray LaHood (Man of the Year) Honoree for his efforts in advancing the careers of women in the transportation industry.
Erik Yingling is a Vice President and Area Manager for Stacy and Witbeck, Inc. Erik moved to the Valley over fifteen years ago to support Stacy and Witbeck’s work on the started line of the Valley’s light rail system; Central Phoenix / East Valley Light Rail Program. Erik began his career with Stacy and Witbeck in Portland, Oregon, immediately after graduating from college. He’s been with the firm his entire career, helping start their San Diego office, as well as deliver such signature projects in the Valley as the award winning Gilbert Road light rail extension. Erik currently oversees the Tempe Street Car project and engages in growth strategies throughout the southwest. One of his great passions is career development of young people in the construction industry.
Jodi Sorrell has worked in the transportation and transit industries for over 20 years. During her career, she has worked at the Orange County Transportation Authority in Southern California, the Arizona Department of Transportation and the City of Mesa. Some noteworthy projects include the Central Mesa Light Rail Extension and the Gilbert Road Light Rail Extension. Currently, she is Transit Services Director for the City of Mesa where she supervises the planning, development, and operation of the City’s transit system.