Sabre Springs & Peñasquitos Transit Station Parking Structure and Expanded Bus Transfer Platform – Design/Build

The new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service from the Sabre Springs/Peñasquitos site would simplify the commute on the busy I-15 corridor that runs through San Diego. But the forecasted demand, site constraints and right-of-way limitations meant that a typical lot would not suffice.

Harris & Associates served as construction manager for a state-of-the-art, multi-level parking structure/bus transfer platform that is at once high-tech, low-carbon and passenger-friendly solution.

As part of an on-call contract with PGH Wong and the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), Harris & Associates provided:

• Owner's representative services as contract manager during the design-build document phase
• Construction management during the building phase
• Partnership with numerous stakeholders
• Community outreach

The project maximizes open space, minimizes heat-island effect, incorporates water-efficient landscaping, optimizes energy performance, increases ventilation in the garage and maintains open views to enhance passive security. The project also maximized the sun’s energy, with solar panels generating approximately 95% of its total required power.

The project took place through an entire rainy season, threatening its timeline, but comprehensive rain-event planning, inspections, reporting and Best Management Practices work ensured progress: The parking structure/bus transfer platform was completed 30 days early.

Core Elements

This four-story, $12.2 million project included:

• Surface and multi-level parking for 630 vehicles
• An enhanced bus transfer area
• I-15 Corridor BRT branded shelters
• Next bus-arrival signs
• New landscaping
• A photovoltaic system
• 10 Electric vehicle charging stations
• Fuel-efficient and smart-vehicle spaces
• Stormwater protection bioswales
• Security cameras
• A secure bicycle parking facility with 20 lockable bike racks
• Equipment for web-based assignable space reservations

Beyond the Blueprints

The entire community wanted updates on the exciting project, and Harris delivered. Public outreach efforts included briefings with elected officials and community planning groups, e-blasts, an open house, in-person outreach at the station and an extensive media push with ads, press releases, advisories and social media posts. Visitors to the project website could access an interactive project map and track progress through the webcam.

Harris & Associates' approach to project safety was equally comprehensive. New workers distinguished themselves on site with red hardhats and were paired with safety mentors. At weekly "all hands" safety meetings, workers received important reminders. Each month, they had chances to win prizes from raffles. The efforts paid off: Even with over 75,000 man-hours, the project finished with zero recordable injuries and zero lost-time incidents.

And at Harris’ request, some of the project's critical design features were tested in advance at the nearby Qualcomm Stadium parking lot. During testing, a critical issue was identified—and resolved—before a single drop of concrete was poured, saving the client dollars and delays