As cities grow and expand, their transit systems must keep up with increasing demand. The construction of new light-rail lines is one way to improve public transportation, but it often comes at an environmental cost. Fortunately, a Sound Transit contractor is leading the way in sustainable construction practices, striving to reduce the impact of light-rail construction on the environment.
Building Light Rail with an Environmental Focus
The contractor, Stacy and Witbeck, has been working on Sound Transit’s East Link light-rail extension in the Seattle area, a project that will provide an essential transit link to the growing region. But while the project will undoubtedly improve mobility, it also presents challenges to the surrounding environment, including the potential for noise pollution, soil erosion, and other environmental impacts.
To address these challenges, Stacy and Witbeck has implemented a range of sustainable construction practices that prioritize environmental protection. The company’s efforts include:
- Reduced Emissions: Stacy and Witbeck has adopted a fleet of clean energy construction vehicles, including electric excavators, to reduce harmful emissions during construction.
- Recycling and Reusing Materials: The contractor has made efforts to recycle and reuse materials from the construction site, such as concrete, asphalt, and metal, reducing waste and minimizing the need for new materials.
- Minimizing Disruption: Stacy and Witbeck has also made efforts to minimize the disruption caused by construction activities. For example, the contractor has used a “quiet piling” method that reduces noise pollution during foundation work, and has taken steps to ensure that construction activities do not negatively impact local wildlife.
Benefits of Sustainable Light-Rail Construction
The efforts of Stacy and Witbeck and other companies to prioritize sustainability during light-rail construction have numerous benefits. First, reducing emissions and minimizing waste can help mitigate the negative impact of construction on the environment. Additionally, sustainable construction practices can help reduce the project’s overall cost by minimizing the need for new materials and equipment.
Beyond these benefits, sustainable construction practices can also help build support for light-rail projects among the general public. By prioritizing the environment during construction, transit agencies and contractors can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and build trust with local communities.
Conclusion
The expansion of light-rail systems is critical for improving public transportation in growing cities, but it must be done in a way that prioritizes the environment. The efforts of Stacy and Witbeck and other contractors to implement sustainable construction practices during light-rail construction are a positive step forward, demonstrating that mobility and environmental protection can coexist. As more transit agencies and contractors embrace sustainability, the future of light-rail construction looks brighter than ever.
