PROJECT OVERVIEW
As part of a large initiative to expand affordable public transit options for local residents, the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority (Sound Transit) collaborated with the City of Tacoma, WA and the Federal Transit Administration on the Hilltop Tacoma Link Extension project. Jacobs Engineering Group, a full service, fully integrated firm was selected to oversee and support the construction of 2.4 miles of new track and six additional stations.
The project will not only double the length of the Tacoma Link’s route, but also double its ability to accommodate riders—increasing the route’s capacity from 2,000 to 4,000 individuals per day.
Construction is poised to complete in 2022 and service is scheduled to open in 2023. The extension will include stops at popular destinations such as the Stadium district, Wright Park, and major medical facilities.
TACOMA, WA
LOCATION
6 YEARS
DURATION
$217,000,000
PROJECT VALUE
DESIGN-BID-BUILD
PROJECT DELIVERY METHOD
19
NUMBER OF INSPECTORS
Goals
Backed by years of careful thought and planning between agencies, Sound Transit wanted to embark on the $217 million project with the proper resources to streamline decision-making and reduce risk—including the most effective inspection and verification technology available.
Jacobs was seeking technology that would:
- Provide a higher level of oversight by allowing resident engineers and construction managers real-time access to jobsite data
- Supply project inspectors with the tools to reduce administrative burden and allow them to spend an additional 1-1.5 hours in the field each day
- Eliminate data omissions and errors caused by paper-based processes
- Reduce RE/PE administrative time spent reviewing and approving reports
- Allow for collaboration with agency partners on project verification processes
Solutions
Fieldbook
HEADLIGHT PRODUCTS
19
HEADLIGHT USERS
By deploying HeadLight’s visual-based inspection and verification technology, Fieldbook, Jacobs’ teams have been able to capture, share, and act on visual evidence and field data from the jobsite. Having access to rich, field-based data has helped project stakeholders rapidly uncover data-driven insights and stay informed, in real-time, on project progress.
The ability to access this visual source of truth has also streamlined decision-making and reduced risk.
With a 360 degree view connecting the field to the office, all stakeholders, construction managers, and inspectors have a virtual view of the jobsite and can collaborate in real-time. Individuals working in the field can instantly access and review up-to-date information and check on project status at any time.
“I couldn’t get all I need to get done on this project without HeadLight”
– Project Inspector, Tacoma Link Project
Outcomes
IMPROVED COLLABORATION
MAXIMIZED EFFICIENCY
COLLECTION AND ARCHIVING OF DATA TO INFORM FUTURE PROJECTS
HeadLight’s Fieldbook provides inspectors with the ability to improve the quantity and quality of their observations while allowing increased time in the field due to reduced administrative burden. The technology also equips engineers and construction managers with an improved level of oversight by providing real-time access to rich jobsite data.
For example, Fieldbook eliminates the need to upload images to a file sharing site and complete handwritten daily reports. Instead, project data can be instantly captured and shared and incorporated into multiple forms and reports-freeing up precious time and reducing errors.
Fieldbook also provides crucial functionality to track material quantities and develop pay estimates in the field. This feature is especially useful for design-build projects where contractor’s pay requests are based on unit quantities instead of a lump sum.
While Fieldbook brings instant value to projects by providing real-time data during construction, Jacobs and Sound Transit will also benefit for years to come by having access to archived, well-organized data and reports covering each phase of the project. This information will provide data on and insights into cost estimating, construction phasing, and delivery, ultimately, serving as a critical resource in optimizing projects for years to come.
The Hilltop Tacoma Link Extension will not only provide affordable, efficient transportation to thousands of daily riders, it will also reduce traffic, help individuals in the area avoid expensive parking bills, and bring $250 million in economic development to the region.
