METRO Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

Project Overview

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The METRO Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a 10-mile primarily dedicated bus lane between Saint Paul and Woodbury, going through the cities of Maplewood, Landfall, and Oakdale and following the I-94 corridor.

Our Work

Isthmus provided engineering services, including examining alternatives, creating exhibits to present to stakeholders, and operating as a representative of the engineering consultant team to the client, MnDOT, and city advisory groups. 

Our team served as the civil design lead for the middle third of the project, stretching from west of White Bear Ave. in Saint Paul to east of Century Ave. in Oakdale. Our work included geometric alignment and profile design for roadways, trails, and the BRT guideway. In addition, we created complex corridor models, finished ground surfaces, and detailed cross sections for the project to finalize design. We delivered signed plan sheets to the client in September 2021 as the Engineer of Record for this portion of the project.

While leading the early visualization efforts, our team developed 3D models, visualizations, and simulations for several alternatives — including their surrounding areas. These visualizations were used not only in visual design and environmental impact assessments, but for presentation to the public and stakeholders. They provided a “real world” view of the potential impacts from all perspectives and opened discussions between all parties involved. We also provided the internal design team and the construction contractor formal and over-the-shoulder Civil 3D training throughout the project.