* For example, POITRA created and maintained the public information websites for the Southeast Corridor MIS (TREX), the North Metro Major Investment Study (MIS) and the US36 Corridor MIS beginning in 1998. The North Metro Corridor Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is part of the Regional Transportation District's (RTD) new FasTracks Project, which is advancing several corridors to the design phase.

North Metro Corridor at I-270 Photosimulations RTD FasTracks, Denver, Colorado The North Metro Corridor is one of several proposed transit corridors in the Denver Regional Transportation District's (RTD) FasTracks program that have been evaluated throughout the Metro area as Environmental Impact Statements (EIS). Most of the corridors originate in downtown Denver's Union Terminal (DUT) and radiate out to the suburbs. POITRA has provided several types of services on nearly all of these corridors at some point in their long histories.* The North Metro Corridor takes advantage of abandoned or little used frieght rail corridors that served Denver's northern suburbs. Because of the length of the line and possible interaction with commercial freight rail a heavy commuter rail concept was proposed. Electric Multiple Units (EMU) were already determined to be the vehicle of choice at this late stage of the EIS study. POITRA was asked to complete an additional series of visual simulations to address anticipated visual impact and design concerns of certain public local governmental stakeholders. This simulation addressed physical design issues such as frontage road access to industrial properties near the I-270 crossing rather than visual impacts.

POITRA artists created custom 3D models of the EMU commuter vehicle with RTD marking combinations. POITRA often creates custom transit vehicles at no cost to the project.

Photosimulations | Mouse-over images below to toggle: E 1 2		2. Photosimulation of Proposed Commuter Line: Concrete Viaduct featuring and overhead catenary system and Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) Vehicles.

POITRA provided the base photographs for this view at the entrance to the facility. This allowed POITRA photographers to determine and optimal sun angle for the simulation and to wait for a wonderfully clear Colorado day. We also took care to capture a truck on I-270 in the perfect location to help in viewer understanding of the highway's orientation to the rail viaduct. The POITRA field trip helped in our own understanding of precisely where the structural elements would sit in relation to existing trees and buildings Poitra provided expertly-done photo simulations, and sometimes under tight time constraints, which were instrumental in conveying project concepts to our audiences.” M.T., RTD North Metro Planning Project Manager POITRA artists prepared the base photograph for placement of the 3D model by removing trees affected by the project and restoring any newly exposed background using traditional digital painting techniques. POITRA modelers then created an accurate 3D site model that included the pre-cast concrete viaduct superstructure and piers, the POITRA EMU Commuter Vehicles, and the EMU catenary system. The I-270 embankment and other landmarks were modeled to aid in the alignment of the model to the photographic view. The past bridge design experience of POITRA principals was essential to properly representing finished viaduct that appear in the visualization. The site model was camera matched, lighted, rendered and composited with the base photograph. The finished simulations were used in meetings with Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), area industries, and other Fastracks stakeholders. « BACK

Take a closer look! The highly developed skills of the Artists at POITRA Visual make your concept a reality. (click to magnify)