* 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 Mainline at Globeville Park 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. Both Electric Multiple Units (EMU) and Diesel Multiple Units (DMU) were evaluated. The mainline passes a popular Denver Park as it parallels the freight rail corridor North of DUT. Because of grade differences and the proximity of the South Platte River crossing the line introduced a new bridge structure and retaining walls to the park environment.

POITRA artists created custom 3D models of the DMU and EMU commuter vehicles. Potential RTD colors and marking combinations were developed uniquely for both by POITRA.

Photosimulations | Mouse-over images below to toggle: E 1 2		2. Photosimulation of Proposed Commuter Line: Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) Vehicle with a double track pre-cast concrete box girder bridge with a ballasted deck, intergral pier caps and single column piers.

Photo-simulations proved to be the best medium for accurate evaluation and for confident presentation to public. This view encompassing the South Platte River bordering the park was selected from a POITRA photographic survey as representing the greatest visual impact. Poitra Visual's illustrations of bridges, catenary systems, additional railroad track and sound walls reassured the public that this new transit service could be an attractive addition to their communities.” K.P., P.E. URS Corp North Metro Project Manager POITRA created each photo-simulation using combined 3D rendering and traditional digital painting techniques. An accurate 3D site model including the proposed structures and the POITRA model RTD commuter rail vehicles were built. The past bridge design experience of POITRA principals was essential to properly representing finished bridge and walls that appear in the visualization. The new fill was modeled using the Engineer's contours to determine the extent of the fill slopes in the photograph. The models were then matched to the view perspective, appropriately lighted, rendered and composited with the photograph to create a photo-realistic simulation of the proposed conditions at this location. The finished simulations were used in meetings with Fastracks public stakeholders, Denver City and County, and Parks and Recreation and also on the project website, in newsletters and in the EIS document. « BACK

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