Chief Engineer, Transit & Rail Sean Kullen and Senior Project Manager Stephen Jahnes recently presented at the American Publication Transportation Association (APTA) Rail Conference in San Francisco, CA, where they shared insights on overcoming logistical, engineering, and regulatory hurdles in urban rail projects.
The conference brought together rail and paratransit employees, planners, board members, manufacturers, and consultants to discuss the latest advancements in rail technology, operations, and maintenance.
Sean and Stephen presented on the panel session “Modernizing Urban Rail Infrastructure: Lessons from Chicago and Boston,” which explored how to balance infrastructure upgrades with operational needs, manage environmental and historical constraints, and coordinate interdisciplinary efforts under tight schedules.
Their session highlighted the Lechmere Viaduct Rehabilitation in Boston, a project that aimed to increase train speeds and eliminate a major operational bottleneck while preserving the historic 1912 structure. VHB’s project team navigated an extensive permitting process, coordinated with multiple stakeholders, and executed a complex strengthening strategy, all within an 11-month shutdown window.
Sean and Stephen shared lessons learned in developing innovative solutions to complex engineering, operational, and historical challenges facing today’s urban rail systems.
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