* For example, POITRA created and maintained the public information websites for the Southeast Corridor MIS (TREX), the North Metro Major Investment Study (MIS) and the US36 Corridor MIS beginning in 1998. The North Metro Corridor Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is part of the Regional Transportation District's (RTD) new FasTracks Project, which is advancing several corridors to the design phase.

North Metro 104th Avenue Overpass Photosimulations RTD FasTracks, Thornton, Colorado The North Metro Corridor is one of several proposed transit corridors in the Denver Regional Transportation District's (RTD) FasTracks program that have been evaluated throughout the Metro area as Environmental Impact Statements (EIS). Most of the corridors originate in downtown Denver's Union Terminal (DUT) and radiate out to the suburbs. POITRA has provided several types of services on nearly all of these corridors at some point in their long histories.* The North Metro Corridor takes advantage of abandoned or little used frieght rail corridors that served Denver's northern suburbs. Because of the length of the line and possible interaction with commercial freight rail a heavy commuter rail concept was proposed. At this stage of the project only Electric Multiple Units (EMU) were being evaluated. The EIS called for a grade separated crossing at 104th Avenue in Thornton. 104th Avenue is lined with commercial and residential properties so view sheds and visual impact issues were very important.

POITRA artists created custom 3D models of the EMU commuter vehicle with RTD marking combinations. POITRA often creates custom transit vehicles at no cost to the project.

Photosimulations | Mouse-over images below to toggle: E 1 2 3 4		3. Photosimulation of Proposed Overpass: Steel through girder structure with MSE wall abutments on the west alignment with a consist of EMU vehicles.

A design visualization that could be used to evaluate bridge structure and retaining wall configurations was needed. A photosimulation was selected as the most medium most suited to the task. POITRA photographers made a photographic survey of the area with these goals in mind. The Engineer selected a view which would best describe the various bridge span configurations and their impacts on the view seen by the traveling public as the base photograph. Poitra Visual's illustrations of bridges, catenary systems, additional railroad track and sound walls reassured the public that this new transit service could be an attractive addition to their communities.” K.P., P.E. URS Corp North Metro Project Manager POITRA artists prepared the base photograph to recieve the new structure using traditional digital painting techniques. This included separating foreground trees and signage from background trees and buildings. The existing at grade crossing signals were removed. POITRA then created a 3D site model that included the main span steel through girder bridge structure set on two separate alignments with one alternative continuing on concrete viaduct. The model also contained the full EMU catenary system. The final model included an underpass alternative. Past bridge and wall design experience of POITRA principals made it possible to fill in the details lacking in the very conceptual bridge and MSE (Mechanically Stabilized Earth) wall plans. The site model was then aligned and lighted to match the photograph. Each different span and wall configuration and the underpass alternative was rendered and composited with the base photograph to create the visual simulations. A version of each alternative was created with a consist of the POITRA model EMU vehicles on the bridge so that the visual impacts could be studied with and without vehicles. POITRA graphic artists set the simulations into a display board layout to be printed for use in FasTracks public meetings. The finished simulations were also used on the project website, in newsletters and in the EIS document. « BACK

Mind the details! The highly developed skills of the Artists at POITRA Visual make your concept a reality. (click to magnify) Take a Closer Look! POITRA graphic artists can help any project by creating stunning professional settings for your project information. (click to magnify)