Arbutus to UBC SkyTrain Project (UBCx)
Overview
South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (TransLink)
Arbutus to UBC (UBCX)
Long List Assessment Phase complete
Short List Options Phase complete
For more information on the Arbutus to UBC SkyTrain Project visit:
The Project
TransLink and the Province of BC are developing plans for the extension of the Millennium Line SkyTrain from Arbutus to UBC. This extension will better connect commuters, students and residents to UBC from other parts of Metro Vancouver with a frequent and high speed SkyTrain service. They are working closely with key stakeholders including UBC, the City of Vancouver, the Musqueam Indian Band, Squamish Nation and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, Metro Vancouver and the University Endowment Lands (UEL).
During the first half of 2020, the Project Team undertook technical planning work and engagement with stakeholders, the public, and Indigenous groups in order to confirm the objectives of a SkyTrain extension, evaluate options for the guideway and station locations, and update key information, such as ridership, cost, and benefits.
Charter’s Role
As part of a planning team, led by Arup, CHARTER was contracted to TransLink to provide constructability reviews, design optimization/value engineering, strategic advice regarding contracting/procurement strategies, scheduling, risk assessment/quantification and cost estimating for a significant number of options. This work will be used to support decision making to narrow the options list down to three. At this point CHARTER will lead the production of more detailed cost estimates to support a business case submission.
Challenges / Lessons Learned / Relevant Best Practices:
Due to the early stages of project development, the information available to support the costing of the options analysis is very high level. Therefore, CHARTER was required to use its in-depth knowledge of the SkyTrain infrastructure and systems to ensure the rates used properly represent the project being priced and the environment in which it is to be constructed. This is the only way the project team can have confidence that the proposed budget will remain robust throughout the project life cycle.
Proposed Personnel Involved:
Ed Green
Lead Cost Estimator – responsible for overseeing the production of cost estimates for the current option analysis stage
Nic Johnson
Cost Estimator – producing the cost estimates required to support the current options analysis stage
Competencies Involved:
Cost Estimation (Capital, Operating and Maintenance)
Project Evaluation & Business Case Development
Alternatives analysis and decision support
Transportation Planning/Engineering
Civil Engineering
Environmental Planning/Engineering
Geotechnical Engineering
Traffic Impact Analysis