Capitol Expressway at Sussex Drive Photosimulations VTA, San Jose, California The Capitol Expressway Light Rail Transit (LRT) line is an extension of the Santa Clara County Valley Transit Authority (VTA) rail transit network. The design called for a median running double tracked mainline that included two long viaducts, an elevated station, several grade level stations, a bus transfer station and a redesigned major arterial. POITRA was asked to prepare a series of visual simulations to address anticipated visual impact and design concerns of public and local governmental stakeholders. Photo-simulation was the obvious medium for accurate and convincing presentations. The Capitol Expressway project included a public art program which was responsible for pier, wall and abutment treatment. These tretments were limited to custom textured concrete. The viaduct touchdown near Sussex Drive offered an opportunity to show the chosen treatments on mechanically Stabilized Wall (MSE) panels and an abutment.

POITRA artists created a custom 3D model of the Kinkisaryo LRTvehicle with VTA colors and markings. POITRA often creates custom transit vehicles at no cost to the project.

1. Photosimulation of Proposed LRT Transit Abutment: Transit viaduct abutment showing the special art program treatments to the abutment face and MSE wall as well as project landscaping.

Photosimulations 1 E Mouse-over images above to toggle between the existing photo and the photosimulation.

The Engineer provided a photograph that would make both the abutment wall and the MSE wall visible. Capitol Expressway needed minor shifts in the laneage from the existing configuration to make room in the median for the LRT corridor and match the design plans. POITRA artists performed this work using traditional digital painting techniques. We worked directly with the selected community artist to make sure the the simulation truly reflected his intentions” M.P., POITRA Visual Visual Simulations Project Manager POITRA modelers then constructed an accurate 3D viaduct, abutment and wall model to a very high level of detail that included all of these elements. POITRA was able to draw upon its principal's previous career experience in bridge and highway design to complete the technical elements of the project. The model was then camera matched, lighted, rendered and composited with the base photograph. The photo simulation was topped off with POITRA VTA LRT vehicle models and the proposed project landscaping. The finished simulations were used in meetings with VTA Capitol Expressway Light Rail Project stakeholders. « BACK

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