The Pulse Bus Rapid Transit System

As part of the revitalization of Richmond, VA, a new bus rapid transit (BRT) system known as The Pulse was launched by the Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). The new, 7.6-mile service includes 26 platforms (14 stations); five median stations and nine curbside stations. The design-build team only had approximately 17 months from notice of award to substantial completion to execute a turnkey design of the new BRT system, as well as utility relocation, construction and systems integration. By using the design-build project delivery, the owner was able to meet the aggressive project delivery obligations identified in the TIGER grant agreement. The result was a new BRT system – a first-of-its-kind for Richmond – that met the operational needs of buses, motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians, while also accommodating the surrounding community.

Delivering Value to the Community

The Pulse allows residents and commuters within the corridor to seamlessly connect to businesses, schools, hospitals and commercial centers. The Pulse strives to be faster, more reliable, and more convenient than traditional bus routes. It operates much like rail service, on a dedicated transitway (for a portion of the project), providing users with more flexibility and lower cost than rail. The Pulse uses a state-of-the-art, headway-based transit signal priority (TSP) system that assigns priority to BRT buses using red light truncation, green light extension and queue-jump functionality through signal-controlled intersections. The design-build team maximized collaboration and used a “design to budget” mentality with the goal of delivering a high-quality innovative project within available budget and schedule.

Design-Build Team

Client/Owner:	Virginia Department of Transportation
Design-Build Firm:	Lane Construction Corporation
General Contractor:	Lane Construction Corporation
Architect:	STV
Engineer:	STV
Project Manager:	Lane Construction Corporation
Project Cost:	$47,295,500.00
Construction Duration:	22 Months