February 1, 2007

TriMet hires director for Portland Mall construction

Gresham resident Rob Barnard has joined TriMet as the Portland Mall construction director. In this position, he will oversee light rail construction on the Mall. Barnard will also lead the multi-agency partners working on the Mall project.

Barnard has a strong background in delivering complex urban projects. He has worked as a project manager at the Portland Department of Transportation for the last 15 years. During his tenure with PDOT he managed transportation improvements in the Lloyd District and northern section of the Eastbank Esplanade. Most recently, Barnard took over as manager of the Tram project six months into construction, when it was more than four months behind schedule and over budget. He negotiated a realistic budget and brought the Tram to successful completion on time.

Prior to working for the city, Barnard was an architect for Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Partnership, Portland’s largest architectural firm. His work there included design, development, administration and on-site construction management support services for large, complex, high-dollar transportation facilities and buildings, including: The Holladay Street Improvements and Oregon Convention Center.

Barnard graduated Cum Laude from Washington State University with bachelor of science degrees in construction management and architectural studies, plus a bachelor of architecture.

About the project

The 8.3-mile I-205/Portland Mall MAX light rail project is TriMet’s fifth rail extension. It will add light rail to 5th and 6th avenues between Union Station and Portland State University, and between Gateway Transit Center and Clackamas Town Center. When it opens in September 2009, it will be the first light rail extension into Clackamas County, serve the heart of downtown to PSU and poise the region for future MAX extensions.