Two Leaders Modernizing Transit Infrastructure

4.5 minute read

October 28, 2024

As California's population grows and environmental concerns escalate, modernizing transit infrastructure has never been more crucial. Caltrain, a vital commuter rail service along the San Francisco Peninsula, is taking major strides toward a sustainable future with its electrification initiative. Constructed in 1863, the original commuter railroad was originally operated under the authority of the San Francisco and San Jose Railroad. Across its 160+ year history, Caltrain endured numerous changes, but remained reliant on legacy diesel-electric locomotives. However, as transit demands evolve, Caltrain is now poised for a transformative shift to electrification.

In 2023, Caltrain's Board of Directors deliberated and understood electrification improvements were imperative to develop a future-proof California High Speed Rail service. The Caltrain's Board of Directors advocated for and previewed the Caltrain electrified service plan, and soon unveiled Caltrain’s Electrified Service Vision for 2024. Harris & Associates became selected as the leading partner to fulfill Caltrain’s push for sustainability and modernization through its electrification, laying the groundwork for a more efficient, environmentally friendly, and technologically advanced future.

The Caltrain Modernization Program became a model of progress for the community, as two premier leaders—one in rail and one across California’s AEC space—became focused on electrifying the Caltrain system, which currently serves a ridership count of approximately 500,000 trips per month.

Where The Rubber Meets the Road

Harris & Associates was a crucial partner in the Caltrain Modernization Program, providing construction management and engineering services to ensure the successful execution of this large-scale project. Our Harris & Associates team understood we had to modernize infrastructure and enhancing service for thousands of daily commuters by moving away from diesel locomotives to electric trains to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving the system's capacity and speed to offer a faster train, less wait time at stations, and a simplified schedule. 

“High-speed rail linked to an electrified Caltrain will not just get Californians where they’re going faster, it’s connecting communities and driving economic growth. The completed Caltrain project is an integral part of high-speed rail and the story California is telling about clean transportation,” said Governor Gavin Newsom in a recent press conference in San Francisco.

This project highlighted Harris & Associates’ expertise in managing complex transportation challenges and coordinating with multiple stakeholders to deliver projects on time and within budget. This project exemplifies the best of our work and our commitment to sustainably grow and strengthen our transportation expertise.

When the rubber meets the road, our team steps up as a leader in executing complex projects, including highways, bridges, rail systems, and more. Our Harris & Associates team takes pride in our reputation as a trusted partner in delivering innovative transportation solutions that modernize transit infrastructure and improve community connectivity. Through our collaborative and client-centric approach, we continue to earn the trust of public agencies and stakeholders across the country.  We offer a comprehensive suite of transportation services that cater to the needs of public agencies, regional transit authorities, and local municipalities. Our expertise spans multiple areas, ensuring that every project benefits from our team's deep knowledge and experience. Here are some of the key services we provide:

• Construction Management: With decades of experience managing large transportation projects, Harris excels at overseeing the construction of critical infrastructure, including roads, highways, bridges, and transit systems. We ensure projects adhere to timelines, budgets, and the highest standards of quality and safety. From pre-construction planning to project completion, our construction management team is involved at every stage, guaranteeing seamless delivery.
• High-Speed Rail and Transit Projects: Harris is a proven leader in the rail sector, with projects such as the Caltrain Modernization showcasing our ability to deliver forward-thinking solutions. Whether it's rail electrification, grade separations, or station upgrades, we understand the complexities of working with multiple stakeholders, including rail authorities, city agencies, and community groups.
• Highway and Roadway Improvements: Our experience includes major highway expansion projects, such as the State Route 57 Northbound Improvement Project, which aims to ease congestion and improve traffic flow in Southern California. Working with the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and Caltrans, we ensure that roadway infrastructure meets the growing demands of local communities while enhancing safety and accessibility.
• Bridges and Interchanges: Harris has extensive experience designing and managing the construction of bridges and interchanges. Our involvement in projects like the Indian Canyon Drive Interchange demonstrates our ability to execute high-impact infrastructure that improves mobility and reduces bottlenecks in critical areas.

Shaping the Future of Transportation

What sets Harris apart is our commitment to collaboration and stakeholder engagement. Our team works closely with clients, contractors, and the public to ensure a shared vision for each project. Whether it’s managing complex rail electrification efforts like the Caltrain Modernization or improving local highways, we prioritize our community members first and foremost, along with open communication, transparency, and responsiveness.

Harris & Associates is dedicated to modernizing transportation networks across the state of California. Our work in projects like the Caltrain Modernization Program exemplifies our expertise, commitment to sustainability, and ability to manage large-scale infrastructure projects. As cities and regions continue to grow, we stand ready to lead and provide the innovative solutions that will shape the future of mobility for generations to come.